New OM System Camera and Lenses Hit the Market, but Significant Improvements Are Needed to Regain Trust in the Declining Brand.

OM System has announced that it will launch a new camera model and several lenses in 2025, focusing on its specialization in outdoor activity equipment. The company’s CEO, Shigemi Sugimoto, shared a letter detailing the arrival of these new products, generating anticipation among brand enthusiasts.

Since OM System acquired Olympus four years ago, the evolution of its Micro Four Thirds camera catalog has been slow. While they have introduced new versions of existing models, the most notable changes have been simple rebranding rather than significant advances. For example, the OM-1 II modernized the OM-1, which was the last with the Olympus brand, but the updates were minimal.

Olympus cameras already had good performance, but to ensure their future relevance, OM System needs to implement real improvements in the equipment they will offer. The next release is expected to be a completely revamped model.

In the letter, Sugimoto mentions the intention to introduce a new camera and compact, weather-sealed prime lenses. A mid-range telephoto zoom lens is also expected to be launched by the end of the year. These developments are designed to tackle the challenges of adverse outdoor environments, allowing users to enjoy both landscape photography and everyday portraits.

It is speculated that among the new products could be an update to the OM-5 or the introduction of a new model, such as the OM-1X. The OM-5 needs an upgrade, as it currently uses a micro USB port, while most devices now feature USB-C. On the other hand, the OM-D E-M1X model could receive a new design that refines its focus on sports and wildlife, given that this model feels somewhat outdated after the launch of the OM-1.

The hope is that the new cameras will include innovative features that place OM System back at the forefront of the market. The possibility of a retro model, such as a successor to the Pen-F, or an affordable mirrorless camera for beginners also seems exciting for brand followers in 2025.