OM System, the globally recognized leader in imaging technology, formerly known as Olympus, has officially re-entered the dynamic Indian market. This comeback is marked by the introduction of two groundbreaking products tailored for the adventurous spirit of outdoor photographers: the OM-5 Mark II camera and the M. Zuiko Digital ED 50-200mm F2.8 IS PRO lens.
According to a top executive, this Japanese multinational anticipates significant growth in India, fueled by the booming interest in wildlife, travel, and content creation photography. The company plans to aggressively expand its product range and distribution network across India over the next 12 to 18 months, recognizing the nation as a crucial growth hub within the APAC region.
Vivek Handoo, Head of APAC & Managing Director India for OM System, expressed his ambitious vision: “By 2026, our goal is to establish OM System as the foremost brand for outdoor creators in India. The mirrorless camera segment is experiencing rapid expansion, and we foresee immense growth potential driven by dedicated communities passionate about wildlife, travel, and content creation.”
He elaborated on the company’s strategic milestones for the coming 12-18 months, which include diversifying the product portfolio, strengthening the dealer and partner ecosystem, and fostering direct community engagement through initiatives such as the APAC photography competition. “These concerted efforts will ensure OM System transcends being merely a product choice, becoming a trusted companion for India’s creators. By aligning our roadmap with local demands, we aim to solidify India’s position as a strategic growth engine within APAC,” Handoo added.
Addressing the ‘Make in India’ initiative, Handoo stated, “While we are diligently studying local manufacturing trends and remain open to future ‘Make in India’ possibilities, our immediate focus is to deliver the pinnacle of our global innovation to Indian creators and to cultivate a robust, sustainable market ecosystem.”
Reflecting on the company’s long-term vision, he affirmed, “India holds strategic priority for us within the Asia Pacific region. The country boasts a vibrant tapestry of photography communities—from enthusiastic wildlife and birding photographers to travel and urban storytellers—making it uniquely suited to our outdoor-centric vision.”
“Our enduring vision is to empower Indian photographers with world-class technology, ignite creativity through meaningful interactions, and forge a resilient dealer and partner network that guarantees reliability and accessibility,” he further emphasized. Handoo underscored the significance of the new launches, noting, “These products directly address the needs of Indian creators who frequently operate in challenging and unpredictable environments.”
To bolster its presence, OM System is actively reinforcing its dealer ecosystem in India by expanding both offline and online distribution channels, ensuring nationwide access to its latest offerings.
Commenting on the brand’s transition, Shigemi Sugimoto, CEO, OM Digital Solutions Corporation, remarked, “Globally, the company is robust and has demonstrated strong performance, proving that the transition was a move towards enhanced agility and innovation rather than disruption.” He concluded, “By sharpening our focus on outdoor creators, we have successfully developed compact, lightweight, and supremely reliable imaging systems that flawlessly meet real-world demands.”