Six months after its launch the Olympus E-System on the right track

Introduction:
The award winning Olympus E-System is the first digital SLR system to be launched based on the FourThirds standard. Just six months after its launch, a comprehensive assortment of accessories, including various interchangeable lenses and flash systems, are now available.

All components of the system are perfectly tailored to one another; ensuring professional users can take full advantage of the enormous performance potential of the technology.

An interview with European Marketing Manager of Digital SLR-Systems, Ulrich G?tze:

The Olympus E-System has caused a sensation in the press during the past few months. What is the importance of the system for Olympus?
The development of this system represented one of the largest investments in the history of Olympus. It not only heralds our return to the digital SLR arena but also represents an important business field for the future. Enormous encouragement from retailers and consumers, in addition to the extremely positive product test results demonstrates that we are on the right track.

Is this mirrored in the sales figures?
Yes, our authorised dealers have taken to the Olympus E-System with great enthusiasm. Following some delivery complications initially, which were essentially caused by orders far exceeding even our very optimistic planning, sales are now running smoothly. And we are confident that they will remain that way. The reason for this positive outlook is the good feedback we have received from the photographers who are already using the system.

With the sales start of the Olympus E-System you introduced a global support programme for professional photographers. Can you give us some more details about the services offered?
With our Global Professional Support Programme we have established a leading service for the professional market. Since October of last year, professional photographers who have registered as Olympus E-Master members can take full advantage of a comprehensive service package almost anywhere in the world. We not only offer a fast repair service where members are given priority treatment, but also provide a replacement system*, free of charge, for the full time it takes to complete the repairs. The status of the repair order can be tracked at any time with a user ID number that is issued at the start of the process. Plus, we offer exclusive technical consultation from a knowledgeable service team. A camera inspection can also be carried out annually if requested.

Furthermore, registered pro photographers receive access to a dedicated Olympus Global Professional Support website, where they will find an online support area in addition to a database containing information about professional digital photography products from Olympus.

The pro photographer enjoys the full backing of our service and support team, no matter where he or she happens to be in the world. Further projects are also being planned.

You?ve just spoken about the professionals. What services are available for amateur photographers?
As well as the exclusive support programme for pros, there are two other membership categories.

Business users can register as Olympus E-Professionals, and will subsequently be offered a further 12 months of customer support after the regular guarantee expires, free of charge. Olympus E-Professional members also have access to a free replacement equipment* while repairs are being made. They can also take advantage of a camera inspection once a year and advanced technical support.
For amateurs, we have designed the Olympus E-Club, so that they too can profit from services tailored to their needs.

Above and beyond these benefits, what advantages do the membership programmes hold for members?
At the end of February 2004, all members will receive the first edition of the exclusive E-Magazine, which covers subjects from the world of photography and many other interesting topics. Four editions are planned per year.

Members can also subscribe to an e-newsletter, which keeps users up-to-date on all developments connected with the Olympus E-System. Further information on our membership programmes can be found on the website www.olympus-pro.com.

Members can also register all the components of their Olympus E-System with us. In doing so, they will not only receive a tailor-made service specifically designed for their needs but will also have a proof of ownership in the unlikely event of theft or similar.

What about the Firmware Update Service?
Olympus? Online Firmware Update Service places an emphasis on highly automated solutions. Within just a few minutes, the firmware is checked and ? if necessary ? replaced with an updated version. The busy professional photographer can then continue working immediately with an improved system. All that is required is the latest version (1.1) of Olympus Viewer or Olympus Studio software and an Internet connection.

Up to now, Olympus has been the only company to offer an SLR system based on the FourThirds standard. Will other companies join the standard in the future?
Yes, three large companies ? Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd. (better known under its brand name Panasonic), Sanyo Electric Co., Ltd. and Sigma Corporation ? have all announced that they will join the FourThirds consortium and offer products based on the FourThirds standard.

Upon introducing the Olympus E-1, you also announced that the system would be continually expanded. What new products have been made available?
We have kept our promise. At the end of last year, Olympus announced a high-performance wide angle zoom lens, the ZUIKO DIGITAL 11-22mm (f2.8-3.5) and a professional macro flash system, consisting of a ring flash, twin flash, adapter ring and flash controller. All these products are now available. At PMA, we are introducing a bright telephoto lens, the ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 150mm (f2.0). Further products will be released over the course of the year.

* Subject to availability