This thread was inspired by Sergey’s comment, "Enjoy it while it lasts." In regards to Olympus’ DSLR future seen here.

http://forums.dpreview.com/forums/read.asp?forum=1022&message=25035443

Nothing last forever, but Olympus (and 4/3s) won’t be folding anytime soon. Their new releases (410/510) are selling briskly and the E-3 is due out soon. As you well know, Olympus has taken their sweet time finishing the E-3 to the frustration of many. But Olympus isn’t in the habit of rushing new models to market before they are truly satisfied (E-2). There is NO WAY IN THE WORLD the E-3 is going to bomb when they finally release it!

The E-3 should do quite well. Many here will buy one or two. Some Canon/Nikon owners with ruptured lumbar disks with jump ship and buy it. Nervous Pentax owners may switch. New DSLR buyers who prefer the smaller size / lighter weight and don’t want to spend the BIG BUCKS will gravitate towards Olympus.

Olympus is committed to expanding their system (albeit slowly) with new innovative bodies, new lenses (due out soon) and improving the old ones (14-42, 50-200), teleconverter, waterproof case, etc.

Even if the pro market goes full frame, they have found their niche manufacturing smaller, lighter, versatile high quality DSLRs, with outstanding lenses and image quality. They convinced you to buy into their system didn't they?

If they want to jump into full frame later, they can start a new line if they want to (doubt it) but they won't be abandoning 4/3s anytime soon. They have too much, invested and others along for the ride. Besides, there are many of us who feel that the resolution (10 - 12 mp) is in-and-around where is should be to satisfy our common print sizes. (If you need a bill board, buy a large format.)

Konica, Yashica/Contax and even Minolta didn't keep up with distinguishing themselves and lost their market share. Olympus has many excellent engineers designing their equipment and innovations that others are coping - their candle is burning brightly.

I think Pentax/Hoya have more to worry about than Olympus. Sony has done well with digicam sales, but it remains to be seen whether they will develop a sizable DSLR market share that rivals Canon/Nikon. They do have the bucks to hang in there a long time.

Besides, Olympus is invested in many other products other than cameras, so they can weather the storm (what storm?) for some time to come.

No, Olympus DSLR owners have nothing to worry about, many of us will be pushing up daisies before their DSLRs disappear off the map.
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Stay Well,
Pete K.