In an interview at the PMA (Photo Marketing Association) show in Las Vegas, Olympus SLR boss Akira Watanabe confirmed what we have known for a long time: That more pixels doesn't mean better pictures. Speaking to ZDNet, Watanabe said that "Twelve megapixels is, I think, enough for covering most applications most customers need. We have no intention to compete in the megapixel wars for E-System."
This is fantastic news. It has been the unofficial line at camera manufacturers for a while now, but Watanabe is the first to say it out loud, and to actually base future tech policy on it. So what will Olympus be doing instead? Higher dynamic range, better color and higher ISOs for better low-light performance.
Watanabe also thinks that SLR focusing is set to change. Instead of having a separate focus module as is done today, he predicts that soon systems using the image sensor will take over. Right now, this method is used by compact cameras and SLRs in live view mode. As you may have noticed, it's slow. Watanabe thinks that it will soon be a lot faster.
We can only say "well done" to Olympus. The company has a history of innovation. Perhaps now the megapixel race is finally over, we'll get some fun new toys to play with.
LAS VEGAS--Olympus has declared an end to the megapixel race [ZDNet]
