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The state of mirrorless systems is ripe for the picking! Who has the right stuff?

Canon could seize the opportunity, and deliver a flagship level mirrorless system, but this is not likely to happen. Instead, they will likely move according to their market share–and as long as no erosion is taking place, no need to act. Canon has the means, but not the desire. Oh well.

The m4/3 camp is finally coming around to the market that they should have targeted at the beginning. The E-M5 should go a long way for Olympus and the format. But let’s not forget m4/3 is a smaller sensor format–that means there are some consequences that can’t be ignored. But ultimately, the format will continue to be relevant. I know there’s room in my bag for this format.

Sony has the means-and-desire, to reach out and grab it, but they lack a plan that could  seize this new frontier of imaging systems. They seem to be taking the shot-gun approach. Let’s flood the market with variants on the variations. One of them is bound to stick.

Samsung is what I call the dark horse; they too have the means-and-desire, but lack the plan to make it happen. They have been slow out of the gate, but I suspect they could be there at some point.

Nikon, well where shall I begin? They conceived the ultimate plan of minimal disruption—they wanted to demonstrate to the world that they’ve been listening to the market, but they didn’t want to risk a negative affect on their existing market share.

Pentax, their latest efforts indicate they are lost—they believed that hiring an avant-garde designer will propel them to financial bliss.

FujiFilm, although I don’t believe in all of their plan, can deliver a one-two-punch. Their next product release in the X-Pro format could send some shock waves into the mirrorless market—especially the high end (advanced amateurs and professionals).

If we segment the market according to sensor size, then today, the top end is vacant—except for Leica with their M9. I can’t believe that today’s technology cannot produce a mirrorless full-frame. From where I’m standing, this is the promised land. And yet, none of today’s players want to step foot in this fertile place. If you can get the flagship into the hands of the pro, then you have a better chance that you can sell the entry levels into the hands of the novice and enthusiast.