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Olympus pokes fun at DSLRs, wants people to avoid ‘DSL-Arm’

Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark II - DSL-ARM Documentary
Looks like Samsung isn’t the only mirrorless camera maker having a laugh at the DSLR’s expense. Olympus has found a lighthearted way to promote its O-MD E-M5 Mark II. A new advertising campaign includes a mockumentary series that highlights the syndrome of “DSL-Arm,” which affects people who carry heavy DSLR cameras.

The series includes two short films and a behind-the-scenes look at the actors and how they approached the challenge of DSL-Arm. The syndrome supposedly causes the right arm to lengthen due to the constant weight of carrying a DSLR.

The cure? Of course, a smaller, lighter camera. Specifically, the E-M5 Mark II Micro Four Thirds mirrorless camera, which is “nearly half the size of a traditional DSLR.”

Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark II - DSL-ARM

Olympus actually used the E-M5 Mark II to film the campaign. The camera, which earned our Editors’ Choice award, is capable of shooting high-quality stills and videos, thanks in part to a five-axis image stabilization system. It may be half the size of a DSLR, but it’s no weakling when it comes to performance.

We’re not sure if many pros will ditch their DSLRs because of “DSL-Arm,” but for new users looking to step up to an interchangeable lens camera, a smaller shooter like the E-M5 Mark II is appealing.

Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark II - DSL-ARM

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Enid Burns
Enid Burns is a freelance writer who has covered consumer electronics, online advertising, mobile, technology electronic…
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