Today, Olympus has announced new firmware updates for several of its most popular interchangeable lens cameras, including Version 2.0 for the flagship Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark II, Version 3.0 for the Olympus PEN-F and Version 4.0 for the Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark II.
“Olympus is dedicated to providing ongoing product functionality and performance improvements to deliver cameras that users can depend on long after initial purchase,” the company announced in a release. “The latest firmware updates are designed to bolster Olympus interchangeable lens cameras with the latest functionality, improved performance and expanded creative options. Many of the firmware updates were implemented in response to the requests of their users.”
OM-D E-M1 Mark II Firmware Version 2.0
As part of its Version 2.0 for the OM-D E-M1 Mark II, Olympus has improved its Pro Capture Mode functionality, which gives users lag-free shooting that’ll allow you to shoot high-quality full-resolution images without difficulty. Now, with the update, the maximum number of pre-shutter frames that can be recorded once the shutter button is fully pressed has been upped to 35 (from 14).
There is also the addition of a new display icon that shows you that Pro Capture Mode is selected and that the camera is buffering the frames.
Additionally, Focus Stacking now also supports the M.Zuiko Digital ED 12-100mm F4.0 IS PRO (as well as four other lenses: M.Zuiko Digital ED 8mm F1.8 Fisheye PRO, ED 30mm F3.5 Macro, ED 60mm F2.8 Macro, ED 300mm F4.0 IS PRO, ED 7-14mm F2.8 PRO, ED 12-40mm F2.8 PRO and ED 40-150mm F2.8 PRO).
The S-AF and C-AF also now feature small AF Target setting, that came as a result of user feedback, as photographers wanted greater precision when choosing a specific AF target. In-body Fisheye Correction is now available and the M.Zuiko Digital ED 8mm F1.8 Fisheye PRO can be used as a wide-angle lens without the fisheye effect.
The camera’s magnify setting also now includes an 100-percent enlargement ratio for use during image playback (and you can review images at a 1/1 pixel ratio).
The update also includes a new Flicker Scan function that removes flickering when using the electronic shutter, which can be common when using under fluorescent or LED light sources.
Additional improvements include:
- Continuous AF (C-AF) performance has been improved.
- AF response has been improved when using back button focus AF settings with the AEL/AFL button.
- IS performance has been improved when shooting video, enabling more natural camerawork (IS-equipped lenses require simultaneously released firmware update).
- Tethered shooting responsiveness and stability using Olympus Capture has been improved, providing easier shooting workflow.
- The remaining battery level icon has been fine-tuned.
PEN-F Firmware Version 3.0
As part of the Version 3.0 for PEN-F, Olympus has allowed for monochrome and color profile control settings to be saved onto the camera via the computer. All you have to do is select the image with the profile you want to use and the settings will save to the camera.
Additionally, the shading effects in the Monochrome Profile Control are available in the Color Profile Control and Color Creator that give you a wider range of photographic expression, Olympus says.
OM-D E-M5 Mark II Firmware Version 4.0
In Version 4.0, Olympus has added the Focus Stacking function for the OM-D E-M5 Mark II (which was previously available for the Tough TG-5 and OM-D E-M1 Mark II). The focus is shifted in half pixel increments while capturing eight images, the company notes, and are then formed into a single image that has a foreground and background in focus. The same lenses that are supported in the Version 2.0 update are also supported for the 4.0.
Common Features for OM-D E-M1 Mark II, PEN-F, and OM-D E-M5 Mark II
Altogether, a new Bleach Bypass Art Filter option is included in these firmware upgrades (it was previously released in September in the OM-D E-M10 Mark III).
Updates also include increased compatibility with the This firmware update improves the compatibility with the Panasonic LEICA DG ELMARIT 200mm/F2.8/POWER O.I.S.(H-ES200) interchangeable lens, and a movie-exclusive picture mode (a “Flat” LUT file) is released for movies recorded with the OM-D E-M1 Mark II and E-M5 Mark II. It will convert recorded videos to BT.709 in DaVinci Resolve from Blackmagic Design Pty. Ltd. for color grading.
For more details, head to getolympus.com/firmware.
