Three significant forces in the imaging and video sector have joined the Micro Four Thirds System standard group: Yongnuo, Mediaedge and Venus Optics – aka Anhui ChangGeng Optics Technology Co, aka the company behind Laowa.
The declaration of support from the three companies further bolsters the Micro Four Thirds group, originated by Olympus and Panasonic in 2008 (and built on the Four Thirds and Micro Four Thirds standards that were initiated by Olympus).
"Olympus Corporation and Panasonic Corporation jointly announced the Micro Four Thirds System standard in 2008 and have since been working together to promote the standard. We are pleased to announce that three more companies have recently declared their support for the Micro Four Thirds System standard and will be introducing products compliant with the standard," announced the group in an official statement.
• Read more: Best Micro Four Thirds lenses
"The following companies are joining the Micro Four Thirds System standard group: Yongnuo which develops, produces and sells digital camera switching lenses, performance lighting, video lighting, etc., Mediaedge Corporation, which has been an advocate of video streaming and display system concepts for over 17 years, aiming to produce products that inspire customers, and Venus Optics, the company behind the development and production of Laowa brand, which produces incredibly practical, cost-effective, and unique products. The possibilities unique to a joint standard are sure to push the enjoyment of imaging ever further."
So what does this mean, in practical terms? Well, not necessarily a great deal; after all, companies such as Kodak and Fujifilm have declared support in the past. However, recent declarations have carried much more weight, with Sharp joining the standard last year ahead of announcing the Sharp 8K Video Camera.
With Laowa and Yongnuo already producing Micro Four Thirds lenses, and Yongnuo and Mediaedge both producing Micro Four Thirds cameras (in the form of the Frankenstein-esque Yongnuo YN450 and the 4K global shutter Mediaedge QDCam) we don't see a great deal changing, other than a more formal commitment to the standard.
The real not-so-subtle takeaway from this news, though, is that Olympus – which originated the announcement – is still committed to Micro Four Thirds and won't be jumping to full-frame any time soon.
"As the company responsible for initiating both the Four Thirds System and the Micro Four Thirds System standards, Olympus will continue to develop and enhance the product line-up to meet the diverse needs of our customers."
Read more:
Yongnuo YN450: Android camera, Micro Four Thirds sensor, Canon EF mount
Laowa confirms f/0.95 Argus lens line – will Nikon be Noct off its pedestal?
Mediaedge QDCam: "next generation" pro 4K camera with global shutter, 240fps
