Business · Companies · 7 hrs ago
OM System considered full-frame cameras but chose to keep Micro Four Thirds
OM System says it considered switching to APS-C or full-frame sensors but decided to keep using Micro Four Thirds.
The choice was discussed after the company acquired Olympus’ camera division, according to executives Setsuya Kataoka and Eiji Shirota.
OM System has launched new Micro Four Thirds cameras, including the OM Pen in September.
The format offers smaller cameras, while full-frame cameras have advantages in image quality.
Shirota said the difference between formats matters less if Micro Four Thirds image quality meets users’ needs.
He believes Micro Four Thirds still has room to improve.
The company’s position is that neither format is best for everyone; the practical difference depends on each photographer.
OM System plans to continue with Micro Four Thirds, with no change to its sensor format announced.
OM System considered switching from Micro Four Thirds to APS-C or full-frame cameras but decided to keep its smaller sensor format.
The company’s CEO said he considered a switch shortly after it acquired Olympus’ camera division.
After discussions, he concluded that changing formats was not the right path for the company.
OM System says Micro Four Thirds still has potential and offers a more compact option than full-frame.
The company says full-frame has clear image-quality advantages, while the relevance of the difference depends on the photographer.
- Who
- OM System, including CEO Eiji Shirota and COO Setsuya Kataoka.
- What
- The company considered APS-C or full-frame cameras but decided to continue with Micro Four Thirds.
- When
- Shirota considered switching shortly after the company acquired Olympus’ camera division. The interview was published before the article on November 2, 2026.
- Where
- The comments appeared in an interview on OM Digital Solutions’ Japanese YouTube channel.
- Why
- Shirota concluded that switching formats was not the right path. The company says Micro Four Thirds remains capable and more compact.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
CEO Eiji Shirota considered switching to a different sensor format.
Shirota concluded that switching was not the right path.
OM System launched a new Micro Four Thirds camera, the OM Pen.
- Current format
- Micro Four Thirds
- Formats considered
- APS-C and full-frame
- CEO
- Eiji Shirota, head of the OM System Business Unit
- COO
- Setsuya Kataoka, OM Digital Solutions
- New camera
- OM Pen, launched in September
- Article publication
- November 2, 2026