During CP+ 2025, we were able to meet Kazuhiro Togashi, Vice President of Product Planning and Brand Strategy and Sandro Rymann, Sales Head of EMEA and Americas at OM Digital Solutions Corporation.
This was an opportunity for us to look back on the much commented launch of the OM System OM-3, as well as on the differences between OM System camera line-up. Now, on to the interview.
Can you give us an update of the financial situation of OM System?
Kazuhiro Togashi : We cannot publish the financial reports publicly. However, our financial results have been increased in consolidated revenue and profit for the past three years since OM Digital Solutions has started.
And, thanks to our users, we expect to continue this trend for this 2024 fiscal year. Although the size of our company has become smaller, however, we have been transforming into a structure that can generate profit on an ongoing basis.
I’m not sure that you already know or not, but the OM-3, this is the first camera for us After OM Digital Solutions was established. We start from zero. A lot of users, in the past, a lot of users were concerned to our R&D resources and on our investment capabilities. But, we already have a new product plan for the future, including lenses.
Sandro Rymann : The first year was challenging because as there was uncertainty about the future from consumers, dealers, and even staff. However, over the past four years we have seen a clear uptrend year after year, and we are confident this momentum will continue.
We are on track to grow, taking some market share from our competitors. We can see that trust is coming back to our brand because it has now been five years. People sometimes still say, “Yeah, but you’re a new company.” No, it’s already been five years. So I think gradually, we’re getting back to where we came from.
You recently released the OM-3 camera. Can you talk to us about its development and why you chose such form factor?
Kazuhiro Togashi : When we want to launch a new product, we have to focus on the concept, not the design. Once it is done, then, we will start to consider the exterior design. A form to embody our product concept. Therefore, as a result, the exterior design is decided like this. But, firstly, we didn’t aim to make a retro classic camera.
Our concept for the OM 3 was that a camera can have an authentic and creative focus. Then, we’ve decided to use the OM1’s hardware and software in the new camera.
We’ve had a lot of internal discussions about the grip, should we put one or not ? And we’ve decided not to, because the camera still comfortably work, and even with the 12‑100mm F4.0 IS PRO lens.
Sandro Rymann : We wanted to have a camera for creative photographers, then I think design came in. This is a very iconic design. And during the launch, one of the most used words when searching and talking about this camera was iconic, which makes us very proud.
Initially, OM System decided to focus on nature and outdoor photography. Now, you are also focusing on more urban and street photography. How do you plan to balance those different segments from now on?
Kazuhiro Togashi : OM1 series concept is designed as one-of-a-kind, a tool for photographers who venture deep into nature to capture decisive moments and create never-before-seen works of art.
On the other hand, OM series user want to show in their photo their own unique expression way. The dial on the front of the OM 3 is for them.
Concerning the OM 5, the camera is intended for the outdoor, but for the customers who require lightweight body. Because, in the mountain, for example, their first priority is safety.
With the OM-3, OM System is paying a tribute to the film generation. Is OM System, like Pentax, also thinking about developing a film camera?
Kazuhiro Togashi : Currently, we have no such plan at this moment.
On the OM-3, you chose to integrate all features from the OM-1 II. Isn’t there a risk that the OM-3 will overshadow the OM-1 Mark II? How to differentiate those two products?
Kazuhiro Togashi : We didn’t think there would be a conflict between OM models, because as you already know, the uses, as well as the lenses used, are totally different. The OM-1 is more for wildlife, bird, macro, the outdoor.
Sandro Rymann : For us, it’s a completely different customer. The one who is shooting with the OM-3 is not necessarily the same person who is shooting with the OM-1.
And with the OM-3, we try to reach a new kind of user who wants to start photography with a camera that is less intimidating. They can buy it for the look, but still benefit from almost all the features we can offer.
Will we ever see an OM System premium compact camera with a 4/3” sensor?
Kazuhiro Togashi : We have no such plans at this moment, but we will continue to study the business potential for such a product concept.
It seems that the OM-3 can do a lot, maybe too much for a street photography oriented camera. Don’t you fear that all those features kept this product from being more affordable?
Kazuhiro Togashi : With the OM-3, we envision not only street photography, but also capturing the natural scenery of a traveler’s destination.
Additionally, street photography enthusiasts seek to document their encounters and discoveries in a way that reflects their unique creative vision. That’s why we believe the OM-3’s Profile Control and CP functions align perfectly with their needs, offering premium features at a price that reflects their value.
We have been a bit disappointed by the 2.36M EVF of the OM-3, which is the same as the OM-5, instead of the 5.76M EVF from OM-1. Why this technical choice?
Kazuhiro Togashi : While it has fewer dots than the OM-1 Mark II, the OM-3 offers improved visibility in outdoor environments with significant brightness variations. We encourage customers to experience the OM-3 firsthand and look through the viewfinder themselves.
Some manufacturers, are reentering the entry-level segment with very compact bodies, sometimes without a viewfinder. Are you considering offering a successor to the Pen EP-7?
Kazuhiro Togashi : The PEN series key within the OM System lineup, and we are actively studying the possibility of a successor model.
OM System seems to be the more advanced camera manufacturer in terms of computational technology. Can you give us a sneak peek of new computational photography topics you are currently exploring?
Kazuhiro Togashi : While we cannot share specifics at this time, we are always committed to delivering new and unique experiences for our customers through ongoing research and development.
While the latest Panasonic cameras with 4/3” sensors offer 26 megapixels resolution, will we ever see OM System cameras with sensors exceeding 20 megapixels?
Kazuhiro Togashi : Our sensors feature high-speed readout, enabling computational photography and minimizing rolling distortion in electronic shutters. Considering the advantages of this high-speed readout, we believe our current sensor offers the best overall performance.
However, we continue to explore new sensor technologies, including those with higher pixel count.
Sandro Rymann : I talk to a lot of customers in Europe and in the US, and the amount of pixels on the sensor is becoming much less important than three or four years ago because people who are into photography now understand better that what matters most is which device is right for them and their genre of photography.
We will consider using a higher-resolution sensor when we can maintain the same advantages, the same quality as with our current sensors.
Thanks to OM Digital Solutions for this interview. We also thank OM System France for organizing this meeting.
