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.
