I wrote:
>>It would stand to reason that the cost of developing an AF line would be
>>prohibitive, and probably foolish, considering the stranglehold of (and
>>intense competition between) Canon & Nikon in this market.
>>
Marco replied:
>I don't agree for two reasons:
>
>1. Olympus owns an OM-AF mount already, there is no need of R&D for that.
>
>2. Olympus does use fast and realable AF slr machinery on IS series.
>
>Conclusion: Olympus might design an OM camera simply by modifying an IF
>body and mounting an AF-OM bayonet on it.
>
It depends on how they consider the AF SLR market. A glance at sales
figures may put Olympus off dipping a pricey toe in this sector, when other
areas are successful (compacts/bridge cameras) and the way forward
(digital). If, as someone else pointed out, that 800f pro's (and
countless amateurs) have already invested in EOS, then how can Olympus hope
to catch up and secure a significant portion of the market? Remember, Canon
have been the innovators in this field, which suggests that they are already
a step or two ahead of some of their competitors.
If they chose to use the mechanics of an IS camera, would its capabilities,
while acceptable in a 35-135 zoom or whatever, be sufficient for a pro-spec
SLR costing over £1000 and controlling superfast telephotos etc.?
Simon E.
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