What will be the future of M43 camera? In my opinion, the existing route must be corrected.

In March 2022, two flagship machine models of M43 camp appeared one after another. OM 1 of Olympus and GH6 of Panasonic both represent different directions. It seems that the comprehensive analysis of all kinds of information focuses on ecological photography, especially bird photography. Panasonic chose continuous power video, and gave a video volume close to the optimal solution, except for no phase focusing. So, will the actions of the two major manufacturers make M43 have a future? I see it this way.

Although OM 1 has a strong continuous shooting function, the tracking of key focus has not been greatly improved from the latest evaluation, which leads to competition with mainstream Quan Huafu and APS-C formats. The picture quality is even more so, which is almost the same as that of the previous generation models without super resolution, and the usability of high ISO is almost the same. However, the ecological field is dynamic, and the super-resolution has little effect. High ISO availability is more critical, which can ensure sufficient shutter speed for shooting. Of course, the idea of M43 "earning telephoto" has a long history, because the equivalent focal length can be *2. Whether it is correct or not will not be discussed. I use a more popular (less rigorous) comparison method, which may be possible under the same pixel CMOS, but now OM 1 pixel is still at 20 million, and Quan Huafu's 40 million is almost the mainstream, and there are many models with higher pixels. The high detail and high image quality brought by high pixels are once again. Therefore, it is hard to imagine how many ecological professionals would turn to M43 without this progress, and how many people would be attracted to choose M43 as their own ecological photographic equipment from the beginning.

There have been rumors that Panasonic will add phase focusing, but the latest GH6 still doesn't, although there is not much problem in using DFD when taking pictures. But it is still too weak in video autofocus tracking. Even if the subject moves slowly, the twitch between the background and the subject is a big problem. If the picture is not continuous, it needs to be edited later. However, we have to admit that GH6 is the best in the same price range when shooting press conferences, short films, splicing, etc. have low requirements for autofocus (or for people familiar with manual focusing). Moreover, Panasonic has invested in video development for so many years, and the nearby shooting is extremely sound, which is very attractive for small and medium-sized studios considering the production cost. This time, Panasonic's pricing strategy is very strong, and I believe this machine will become a popular video machine. However, even so, it is hard to say whether it will be so smooth in the future. Sony, Canon and other manufacturers are also winners in focusing while constantly developing video machines. Everyone has their own advantages in image quality and specifications. If other manufacturers also spread technology to low-end products, it will be difficult for Panasonic to maintain its market share without improving its focus. In addition, Panasonic's photography, high, medium and low products have not been updated for a long time, which is worrying. Will Quan Huafu gradually give up the M43 photography market to take care of photography and video, while M43 specializes in video?

If Aozhi and Panasonic still follow the current route, M43 will inevitably continue to shrink in the field of photography, and it may take a long time to update products like Pentax today until it is forgotten by the public. However, the M43 system may not all die out, and it may still exist in the field of aerial photography of unmanned aerial vehicles.

As a manufacturer who is good at taking photos, Aozhixin has inherited the excellent optical research and development and manufacturing of Olympus, and needs to go out of a mainstream route recognized by the public. Although M43 is not known for its image quality, its portability and high face value actually have a deep fan base, and it can fully exert its strength on it. At present, major manufacturers are tilting resources to the middle and high end, but it does not mean that there is no demand for low-end products. Although it is convenient to take photos with mobile phones, there is still a market for a beautiful camera for young people, especially women. It is a fashionable and unaffordable choice to put a small and portable camera in your bag for friends' parties and outings. The market here is huge! In addition, affordable cameras are attractive enough for young male users, and compact cameras are definitely a plus when traveling alone or with friends in the city. Of course, these people are more price-sensitive, and they are unlikely to buy expensive high-end products. At the same time, their demand for cameras did not meet the high requirements of professionals for image quality and continuous shooting. Therefore, developing a series of high-value low-end products, supplemented by effective promotion, can open the market and attract new people to join. In the development of cameras, Pen and EM5 are important directions, among which Pen develops two models, one for the entry-level women's market and the other for people who need face value and performance in the mid-range. EM5 series re-uses the metal body and focuses on the mid-range market. In lens research and development, we focus on low-end lenses, optimize existing lenses, complete and update F 1.8 series fixed-focus lenses, and make this system feel small, affordable, interesting and fun.

As a video manufacturer, Panasonic's video products have always had a strong market. You should fill in the short board of focus as soon as possible and give everyone the stage focus they have always wanted. On the camera, continue to update the GX series and develop it into a low-end product. G series cameras locate high-end cameras, enjoy the technology of gh series cameras, and continue to occupy the market with affordable prices and excellent quality.