Analog throwback: Olympus XA Review

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Analog Insights tested an Olympus mirrorless camera of another kind :)

In this video, we review the Olympus XA which is one of the smallest 35mm cameras with all the features a serious photographer could wish for. It comes with an excellent 35mm f/2.8 Zuiko lens, built-in lightmeter and aperture priority mode, and true rangefinder focusing. The camera is also the last masterpiece of the legendary Olympus camera designer Yoshihisa Maitani – and bears quite some resemblance to his first creation, the Olympus Pen. Take a closer look at our review to learn more.

You can buy the Olympus XA on Amazon and eBay.

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Olympus Interview at IR: “we can expect an increased pace of new-product development and announcements”

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Imaging Resource had a chat with Olympus manager Masanori Sako and he once more confirmed Olympus camera division is not for sale:

“We can clearly say that we have no plans to sell our business, despite the rumors…The consumer business really leads in developing new technologies for us, that are then sometimes used in other divisions, like medical and life science products. Our role besides our own [imaging] business, is really to lead technology and innovation for the entire company. So yes, we will continue this business.“

Here are some key takeaways written by Imaging Resource:
  • The coronavirus pandemic is having modest impact on Olympus’ production ability, but demand has been down as well; the two more or less balance out (bottom line: continued good availability of Olympus products at retail)
  • Olympus’ move of production from China to their factory in Vietnam is now complete; we can expect an increased pace of new-product development and announcements as a result
  • The E-M1 Mark II will remain in the market alongside the new E-M1 Mark III (but strategy will vary, depending on national and regional markets). This is good news, as the E-M1 II is a very capable, rugged and compact camera; a lower price point will offer great value, even while the E-M1 III provides much-improved AF in some areas
  • The E-M1 III’s eye-detect and face-detect AF is significantly improved over the E-M1 II’s (by a factor of 5, in the case of eye-detect sensitivity)
  • I learned how the E-M1 III’s Starry Sky AF mode works; it’s a completely different approach than any I’ve seen to date, and appears to work very well at the normally-difficult task of focusing on stars
  • The sophisticated AI AF (Intelligent Subject Identification Autofocus) modes of the E-M1X still require two processor chips to execute. This means we won’t be seeing them in lower-end products than the E-M1X any time soon
  • That said, Olympus continues to advance their processor technology: The LiveND feature required both processors in the E-M1X, but the more advanced TruePic IX chip in the E-M1 Mark III can handle it on its own
  • Development of the 150-400mm lens is progressing very well; we can expect to see it later this year
  • The new 12-45mm f/4 PRO lens marks a new direction for Olympus’ lens development; we can expect to see more compact, smaller-maximum-aperture PRO lenses in the future
  • We’ll generally be seeing a trend towards lower prices, particularly for older products for which Olympus has recovered their engineering costs. It’s clear that Olympus isn’t focused on competing on price, but they want to make it easier for photographers to get into their system
  • Olympus is going to focus their messaging this year on the unique value proposition of the system as a whole, rather than features of individual products. Their combination of compact size, class-leading IS, excellent optics and superior weather sealing is unique in the industry. They’re going to concentrate on photographers who can particularly benefit from these advantages
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Wirecutter says the Olympus E-M10III is the best mirrorless camera to buy

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TheWireCutter reviewed the latest mirrorless models and concluded the Olympus E-M10III is actually your best choice:

The Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark III doesn’t represent the absolute pinnacle when it comes to image quality, but it does capture great-looking images, and it excels in other areas that matter more when you want to get the perfect shot. It’s compatible with more than 100 Micro Four Thirds lenses that all work with its effective built-in image stabilization, which minimizes the effects of shaky hands for clearer images. And its small size means you’re more likely to bring this camera with you than a bulky DSLR or even a larger mirrorless camera. The camera’s autofocus (AF) system locks on to subjects quickly and accurately and remains accurate even in dimly lit situations that cause any AF system, including this one, to slow down.

Although the auto modes are reliably great, the E-M10 III also has manual control knobs and buttons and a tilting touchscreen, which make this model one of the better-handling cameras in its class. Its built-in Wi-Fi lets you transfer images to your phone to share with your family, friends, and Instagram followers. You can also use the Wi-Fi to trigger the shutter and change most of the settings from across the room using your smartphone. And despite its great performance and advanced features, it typically costs a couple hundred bucks less than its closest competitors.

E-M10III kits at GetOlympus, BHphoto, Adorama and Amazon.

Thanks David!

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