OM System in 2026: Tony Northrup expects incremental updates, wildlife-first strategy, and no major MFT sensor leap
What Tony Northrup expects from OM Digital in 2026
Tony Northrup doesn’t foresee anything radically new from OM Digital in 2026. In his view, OM will mostly repurpose current technology—more reshuffling than reinvention.
- Sensor status quo: He predicts OM System will stick with the familiar 20MP Micro Four Thirds sensor family. No major readout gains or new architecture on the level of stacked or global shutter that would reset the conversation.
- Wildlife focus continues: OM’s identity remains wildlife-first. However, he argues the historic Micro Four Thirds advantage is eroding as full‑frame kits—especially from Canon—get lighter and more affordable for wildlife work.
- Marketing vs. real‑world kits: Expect the “smaller, lighter, cheaper” message to keep circulating, even as more buyers find full‑frame kits competitive in size, weight, and price.
Analysis: Where OM System could still surprise
The recent 50–200mm PRO lens launch showed encouraging ambition from OM Digital, and renewed interest in PEN bodies suggests room for a hit if the right cameras land.
There are Micro Four Thirds sensors from Sony that could meaningfully change the narrative:
- High‑resolution 47MP MFT sensor option that could enable a true next‑gen body.
- Global shutter sensor in a similar MFT size that would deliver zero rolling shutter and new capture possibilities.
A bold OM‑1 II successor built on one of these sensors would make waves. Likewise, a PEN‑9 or PEN‑F revival using a modern 25MP sensor (like the Lumix G9 II) could be a crowd‑pleaser.
a bit of everything…
A New Budget Portrait Lens for Micro Four Thirds! Yongnuo YN 42.5mm F1.7
Today deals at Amazon, BHphoto, Adorama, Amazon DE, Amazon UK, Amazon FR, Amazon IT, FotoErhardt DE, FotoKoch DE.
I Took the Same Photo 3 Times… Only the Angle Changed (Chris Baitson).
Favorite camera you’ve ever owned ? Here’s mine – Olympus Infinity Mini (Reddit).
Lightroom Like a Pro: Part 1 (Explora)
Editor’s Picks for November 2025 (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.
CP+2026 Floor Plan Is Live: Om Booth and Lumix Booth about the same size
The official CP+ 2026 venue map is live. Explore it on the CP+ venue map page. Here’s how the largest booths stack up by footprint, using Sony as the 100% baseline.
Booth size comparison (relative to Sony = 100%)
Booth size doesn’t equal quality, but larger footprints typically allow more hands‑on areas, stage talks, demo zones, and smoother traffic flow—useful for brands planning busy schedules or broad product lines.
| Brand | Relative size |
|---|---|
| Sony | 100% |
| Canon | ~80% |
| Fujifilm | ~78% |
| Nikon | ~75% |
| Sigma | ~55% |
| OM Digital Solutions | ~50% |
| Panasonic (LUMIX) | ~48% |
| Tamron | ~45% |
| Kenko Tokina | ~42% |
| Hasselblad | ~40% |
Note: Percentages are approximate and based on visible booth footprints from the official map.
What to expect
We’re hoping for fresh cameras and lenses—especially from LUMIX and Sigma—right before the show kicks off.
Via: DC.life
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a bit of everything…
My First Snow of the Year In the Lake District OM-1 MKII
Today deals at Amazon, BHphoto, Adorama, Amazon DE, Amazon UK, Amazon FR, Amazon IT, FotoErhardt DE, FotoKoch DE.
🤩 MOST USED Micro Four Thirds Lenses of 2025 – Landscape, Portrait, Travel Photography (Gary W)
My journey into the world of macro photography (Olympus Passion)
Best Monitors for Video Editing (Explora)
How I Get Out Of Creative Blocks In 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.
PetaPixel’s Bold Camera Predictions for 2026: New Tough, new PEN and new GF/GM cameras
Here is Petapixel’s 2026 BOLD camera prediction list. With BOLD they mean a bit over the top and unlikely to happen. When it comes to OM Digital and Panasonic this is what they had to say:
Jordan: think there will be a new OM Tough camera. And I do think OM is definitely working on a successor but the camera isn’t extremely old yet (announced in 2023). I am not sure there will be a new model in 2026…2027 seems more likely.
Richard Butler: He want OM/Lumix to make a small MFT camera (New PEN or GF/GX or GM). Panasonic could save some money and reuse the Lumix S9 body to save costs. But don’t think that’s a good idea, I like the smaller size of the GM series!
My take that a new PEN and GM are unlikely to happen. Why? Because I saw no hint that makes me think the management understood what’s going on on the market. And this while the PEN-7is selling hot, used Lumix MFT compact cameras price is increasing and CIPA reports the compact camera market is booming.
Sorry if I sound pessimistic, I really hope to be proven wrong!