Drone Maker DJI Joins Micro Four Thirds Alliance

One of the industry leading drone maker from China, DJI, joins Olympus and Panasonic, and became a member of Micro Four Thirds interchangeable-lens alliance.

Just a few years ago, the future of Micro Four Thirds system wasn't very clear due to shrinking consumer market flooded with advanced smartphone and compact cameras. But MFT cameras has always been in its own league with perfect balance

DJI is a maker of the popular Phantom series of camera-mounted drones.  The company also produced much larger industrial grade drones that can carry heavier camera equipment.

In the case of Phantom drones, DJI developed their own cameras to be fitted into the camera mount which can also carry other lightweight models like a GoPro,

It seems the company is making a great strategic move to tap into other markets by utilizing a large array of high quality compact lenses bearing MFT mount.

DJI could develop a tiny camera body with MFT mount in their future drone models, letting photographers and videographers attach the lenses of their choosing.

Camera mounted drones have so much potential and commercial applications, but it is currently prohibited in most of industrialized countries including United States.  The Federal Aviation Administration may release draft regulations with more relaxed control over commercial usage.

I do see the argument on the side of strict regulation, too.  Besides privacy issues and safety issues regarding aircraft, there are safety concerns for people in the public as well.  You don't want one of those big drone dropping out of the sky with no warning.

Olympus commented in a statement, "With the addition of exciting new products from these companies, the Micro Four Thirds lineup will become much more diverse, further increasing the potential of this advanced digital imaging system,"

On a side note, two other Chinese optical equipment companies, JCD Optical and Flovel, also joined the alliance this year.