Center Valley, PA—Olympus introduced firmware updates for several of its latest interchangeable-lens models. The camera firmware upgrades include 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 OM-D E-M5 Mark II.
The company announced it “is dedicated to providing ongoing product functionality and performance improvements to deliver cameras that users can depend on long after their initial purchase.”
The firmware updates are designed to bolster the cameras with the latest functionality, improved performance and expanded creative options. Moreover, many of these firmware updates were implemented in response to users’ requests.
For example, version 3.0 for the PEN-F adds the ability to save the settings of the monochrome and color profile control from a user’s computer onto the camera. Version 4.0 for the OM-D E-M5 Mark II adds the focus-stacking function of the OM-D E-M1 and E-M1 Mark II. Videographers also will now have access to the Look Up Table (LUT) file for the OM-D E-M1 Mark II and the OM-D E-M5 Mark II. This will allow for advanced control as well as optimal color grading using DaVinci Resolve.
Other new features include improved pro capture mode functionality in the OM-D E-M1 Mark II’s firmware v2.0. And the PEN-F’s firmware v3.0 includes shading effects previously only available in monochrome profile control that are now also available in color profile control and color creator.
OM-D E-M1 Mark II Firmware v2.0
Pro capture mode provides lag-free shooting so users can capture full-resolution images at precise moments. It buffers a running series of JPEG and RAW images when users press the shutter release halfway. With v2.0, the maximum number of pre-shutter frames that can be recorded once the shutter button is fully pressed has increased from 14 to 35. In addition, a new display icon shows users they have initiated pro capture mode and the camera is buffering.
Moreover, all attachable lenses are now compatible with Pro Capture H (focus locks after first image is buffered).
In addition, firmware v2.0 allows the M.Zuiko Digital ED 12–100mm f/4.0 IS Pro lens to support in-camera focus stacking. It joins seven other lenses with this capability. They include the M.Zuiko Digital ED 8mm f/1.8 Fisheye Pro, ED 30mm f/3.5 Macro, ED 60mm f/2.8 Macro, ED 300mm f/4.0 IS PRO, ED 7–14mm f/2.8 PRO, ED 12–40mm f/2.8 PRO and ED 40–150mm f/2.8 PRO.
Furthermore, users also asked for a greater level of precision when choosing a specific AF target. As a result, small AF targets were added to the single target (1-point) AF area. And fisheye distortion correction is now available in-camera. This permits the M.Zuiko Digital ED 8mm f/1.8 Fisheye Pro to also be used as a wide-angle lens without the fisheye effect. Moreover, corrective effects can be viewed in real time on the monitor or EVF before shooting.
Other v2.1 improvements include: the magnify setting offers a 100% enlargement ratio during playback; a flicker scan function lets users preview the scene and choose the proper shutter speed to avoid flickering when using the electronic shutter under fluorescent or LED lights; plus continuous AF performance and AF response were improved. Also enhanced was IS performance for shooting video.
PEN-F Camera Firmware Version 3.0
With v3.0 it is now possible to save monochrome as well as color profile control settings in images recorded on the PEN-F to the camera via a computer. Due to popular demand, shading effects were also added to color profile control and color creator. The aim here was to provide a wider range of creativity.
OM-D E-M5 Mark II Firmware Version 4.0
V4.0 now makes the focus-stacking function of the Tough TG-5 and E-M1 Mark II available on the E-M5 Mark II. The focus is shifted in half-pixel increments while capturing eight images. They are then composited to form a single image that in focus from the foreground to the background.
Also, firmware updates make available common features for the OM-D E-M1 Mark II, PEN-F and E-M5 Mark II. For instance, the bleach bypass art filter included in the E-M10 Mark III is provided with these firmware updates. This option replicates the effect used to develop film to create images with a metallic sheen.
Moreover, an LUT file was released for movies recorded in the movie-exclusive picture mode “flat” with the OM-D E-M1 Mark II and E-M5 Mark II. This file converts recorded videos to BT.709 in DaVinci Resolve from Blackmagic Design for color grading. olympusamerica.com
