This is promising: OM Digital opened a new lens factory!

Share

Fantastic news! OM Digital has announced the opening of its first lens manufacturing facility in Japan. Hopefully, this will lead to more frequent lens launches each year — and more of those outstanding OM-designed optics like the recently announced 50–200mm PRO.

Here is the google translated press text:

OM Digital Solutions Opens Next-Generation Lens Manufacturing Facility in Okaya City, Nagano Prefecture
Passing on the value of manufacturing to the next generation and spreading Nagano’s optical technology to the world

OM Digital Solutions Co., Ltd. (President and CEO: Shigemi Sugimoto) opened Japan’s first optical lens manufacturing facility, the OM Digital Solutions Co., Ltd. OM Optical Precision Okaya Plant, in Okaya City, Nagano Prefecture, on November 4, 2025. The Okaya Plant not only has production capabilities that can flexibly handle small-lot, high-mix lens manufacturing, but also functions as a pilot plant for verifying next-generation lens manufacturing processes. Through this, OM Digital Solutions will promote the development of production technologies to achieve next-generation functions and performance, and work to strengthen optical technology overall.

Representative’s comment from Masakazu Katada, Head of OM Optical Precision Business Unit

We are extremely honored to have opened a new manufacturing base in Okaya City, Nagano Prefecture.

The imaging business of Olympus, the predecessor of our company, has a history of producing imaging products in Nagano for approximately 80 years, ever since the opening of the Olympus Suwa Factory. We will inherit the optical technology and manufacturing traditions cultivated there, and as a base rooted in the local community, we will contribute to the development of the next generation and the development of local industry, while establishing a lens production system of the world’s highest standards and delivering new value from Nagano to the world.

With the addition of the Okaya Plant, OM Digital Solutions will further expand the scope of its challenges and contribute to its mission of “realizing enriched lives for people around the world.”

Share

a bit of everything…

Share


First A.I. M43 Camera, the concept, the future with Camera Intelligence

Today deals at Amazon, BHphoto, Adorama, Amazon DE, Amazon UK, Amazon FR, Amazon IT, FotoErhardt DE, FotoKoch DE.
How to Build an Affordable Home Studio (Explora).
Why I’m Still Using Micro Four Thirds Cameras & Lenses – And You Should Too? (Gary W).
A must-have camera for beginners: PEN E-P7 (Mapcamera).
A Beginner’s Guide to Camera Lens Filters (42West).

Plenty of news on the facebook OMD group, Panasonic FF and the GH5 group.
I kindly invite you all to follow me on Youtube, Instagram, Threads for more broader camera talk.

Share

BHphoto now listed all Holiday Starter deals!

Share

All early holiday Deals are now live on this special BHphoto page (Click here).

MFT deals:

Storage and card deals:

Software:

Accessories:

Share

Omar Gonzalez: I hold a Micro Four Thirds camera for the first time.

Share

Omar, usually a full-frame and medium format shooter, tries Micro Four Thirds (OM-3) for the first time. He’s impressed by the small size, retro design, and lens compactness. Build feels good but lacks front grip. He appreciates the OM-3’s travel-friendly setup, though it’s not ideal for one-handed use. He’s intrigued by the system’s potential and excited to explore it more.

Share

a bit of everything…

Share


low light photography is HARD. Here’s how to make it easy…

Today deals at Amazon, BHphoto, Adorama, Amazon DE, Amazon UK, Amazon FR, Amazon IT, FotoErhardt DE, FotoKoch DE.
Panasonic Lumix G100D Photography Vlog – Micro Four Thirds BEST Everyday Camera? (Gary W).
Nature Photography Doesn’t Get Better Than This! OM-1 MKII and the 50-200 F2.8 (Guido Van De Water)
Which Flash Modifier Should I Choose? (Explora).
How to Use Lightroom’s Color Mixer Tool for Perfect Colors (42West).

Plenty of news on the facebook OMD group, Panasonic FF and the GH5 group.
I kindly invite you all to follow me on Youtube, Instagram, Threads for more broader camera talk.

Share

Zach Mayfield about the OM-3: “This Retro Style Camera Has Cinematic Tricks Up Its Sleeve”

Share

Zach Mayfield focus of the review is the OM System OM-3 as a filmmaking tool.

The camera’s standout feature is its adjustable in-body stabilization (IBIS), which can be tuned for strength. The default IS-2 mode already delivers gimbal-like steadiness. It includes a digital teleconverter (usable in photo and video), zebra warnings, tally lights, a red recording frame, and a 1/48 shutter option for natural motion blur. Rolling-shutter performance is excellent, avoiding “jello” effects.

Essential Setup Tip
Switch the codec from H.264 (8-bit) to H.265 (10-bit C4K up to 60 fps). The H.265 footage looks dramatically better—richer color, less banding, and full-sensor readout in long-GOP mode.

Color and Log Performance
OM-Log 400 isn’t as flat as Sony S-Log3 but is easy to grade. In DaVinci Resolve there’s no direct CST, so use the official OM Log 400 → Rec.709 LUT or build a grade manually. The reviewer praises its natural skin tones, smooth highlight roll-off, and surprisingly clean image even in low light for a Micro Four Thirds camera.

Downsides
Despite being MFT, the body is larger than expected and not pocketable even with a small prime. It’s also relatively expensive—at a similar price point you could consider a capable full-frame hybrid. Still, the overall build and feature balance justify the cost for many creators.

Verdict
The OM System OM-3 is an impressive everyday hybrid: strong 10-bit video, excellent IBIS, great colors, and refined design in a compact form. Not the cheapest or smallest, but easily one of the most satisfying all-around “Everyday Cinema Carry” cameras available today.

Share

a bit of everything…

Share


OM SYSTEM OM-3: Size Matters!

Today deals at Amazon, BHphoto, Adorama, Amazon DE, Amazon UK, Amazon FR, Amazon IT, FotoErhardt DE, FotoKoch DE.
My IMPERFECT Micro Four Thirds Cameras Are Actually PERFECT – Travel, Street, Portrait, Landscape (Gary W).
Ist das Olympus 300mm noch gut genug? (Naturfotografie Kruse)
Top Creator Accessories of 2025 (Explora).
What I Would Do Differently If I Were to Start Over with Macro Photography (42West).

Plenty of news on the facebook OMD group, Panasonic FF and the GH5 group.
I kindly invite you all to follow me on Youtube, Instagram, Threads for more broader camera talk.

Share