Olympus plans to cut 2,700 jobs over 5 years

<p>I knew that things were bad at Olympus what with recent scandals and having to pay off the former executive but I wonder how much of this new job cut figure is to do with restructuring to operate more profitably? I certainly like this idea of back to basics but wonder what that really means to us users.<br>

Here is the link to the BBC article http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-18364454</p>

 

<p>Your answer, as Olympus sees it is here: http://www.olympus-global.com/en/corc/ir/tes/pdf/nr120608.pdf</p>

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<p>In the Imaging Business, we will review our product lineup by allocating management resources with a focus on mirrorless interchangeable-lens cameras and high-end compact cameras while improving profitability.</p>

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<p>That sounds like they're sticking with Micro Four Thirds and P&S cameras, but ditching or at least not putting much ongoing effort into the Four Thirds system. This is confirmed by the PowerPoint slides (Appendix 2), in which "Digital SLR cameras" and "Low-end compact cameras" are shown to be market segments that Olympus will not be focusing on -- the SLRs because the market is dominated by Canon and Nikon, and low-end compacts because the return on investment isn't that great.</p>

<p>This seems like a sensible plan, honestly. Micro Four Thirds, with its small camera bodies, full-time live view, electronic viewfinders, and ability to easily adapt just about any lens mount in history (due to its short flange distance) is more distinctive than Four Thirds, which isn't really all that different from APS-C.</p>

<p>It will be interesting to see if Panasonic follows suit by dropping Four Thirds in favor of Micro Four Thirds.</p>

<p>I'm just glad to see that Olympus is hanging onto its camera business. I was afraid they were going to pull a Konica-Minolta and announce that they were dumping cameras to focus on their other businesses.</p>

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<p>That sounds like they're sticking with Micro Four Thirds and P&S cameras, but ditching or at least not putting much ongoing effort into the Four Thirds system.</p>

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<p>That should be no surprise - it was happening for years already:<br>

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<a href="http://www.wired.com/gadgetlab/2010/09/olympus-chief-no-more-four-thirds-lenses/">http://www.wired.com/gadgetlab/2010/09/olympus-chief-no-more-four-thirds-lenses/</a><br>

<a href="http://www.tested.com/news/news/1133-olympus-drops-entry-level-slrs-in-favor-of-micro-four-thirds/">http://www.tested.com/news/news/1133-olympus-drops-entry-level-slrs-in-favor-of-micro-four-thirds/</a></p>

<p> </p>

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<p>The Olympus 4/3 system is pretty well <em>complete</em>- company made about a dozen bodies and an array of fine optics, three different flashes,etc . It would be good to see at least one more semi pro model for those who bought some really HG lenses and want top of the line. I believe that will happen within the time scale of E-3 to E-5, or about 3 years, being an optimist in these matters of course. It would surprise me if they made a mid price 4/3 model again as that segment will be lured to the mirrorless variety.<br>

I see my Panasonic micro,which is very useful, as augmenting vs displacing my "big camera. " For the time being. </p>

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<p>@Gerry Siegel,<br /> HG lenses will not bring you to the top of the line. They are good, but not where you imply they could be, and even more so on the quarter of a sensor. The SHG lenses are very good, you could almost call them the top, but those who bought them are few and far in between. So what is the point of continuing with yet another body that brings almost nothing commercially. Think about it.</p>

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<p>Sergey, I will clarify. I meant those who bought HG lenses and want a <em>"top of the line" flagship camera</em> to mount them on. I realize the SHG lenses are top. And specialized in their features and not for the average buyer. And kind of heavy and expensive or I might have one or two myself. Olympus will do what is good for the company, of course. And I still expect another flagship model for the 4/3 shooters. We will see. gs</p>