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Olympus Releases Firmware Updates For M1 Mark II, M1x Share This on LinkedIn   Tweet This   Forward This

19 June 2019

Olympus has released firmware updates for its Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark II and Version 1.1 for the Olympus OM-D E-M1x. At the same time, the company announced an update of its Olympus Workspace software to version 1.1.

One of the more intriguing new features is USB processing of Raw image in camera. In a briefing Eric Gensel said Workspace 1.1 and the camera firmware updates will allow you to connect the camera to a computer via USB to take advantage of the camera's CPU for image processing of Raw files in the camera. The computer just manages the controls while the camera processes the data. "It's much faster than editing on the computer," he said.

In a separate announcement, Olympus introduced its 2x MC-20 teleconverter.

FIRMWARE UPDATES

Following is a chart comparing functions enabled in both firmware updates.

FUNCTION SUPPORT CHART E-M1X 1.1 M1 MK II 3.0
AF Group Target 25-point Already Available
Custom AF Target Already Available -
C-AF Center Priority Already Available
C-AF Center Start Already Available
C-AF+MF Already Available
Intelligent Subject Detection AF Already Available -
Anti-flicker shooting Already Available
OM-Log 400 Already Available
ISO L100 (ISO 100 equivalent) Already Available
Frame Rate Priority on Live View Boost/On2 Already Available
Focus Stacking: Select from 3 to 15 images Already Available
Focus Stacking: Guide line display Already Available
Art Filter: Instant Film Already Available
Low ISO Processing (Detail Priority) Already Available
Setting changes and playback display while writing to card Already Available
Quick image selection Already Available
USB Raw Data Edit
Live ND shooting Already Available -
Handheld High Res Shot Already Available -
High-speed shooting: 120 fps (1920x1080/ MOV) Already Available -
Bluetooth connection Already Available -
UHS-II compatible dual card slots Already Available -
GPS/Field Sensor System Already Available -
USB power supply/battery charging Already Available -
Multi Selector Already Available -

✓ reflects the functions that have been upgraded with the firmware.

M1 MARKII FIRMWARE 3.0

OM-D E-M1 Mark II firmware Version 3.0 adds high-precision autofocus performance and the high image quality currently available on Olympus' newest OM-D, the E-M1x.

Highlights of the new firmware include:

Advanced AF Performance: This upgrade utilizes the OM-D E-M1x algorithm, which was developed based on the shooting needs of the professional photographer. With the goal of achieving performance that responds to demanding shooting conditions, such as fast movement in sports, etc., C-AF Center Priority delivers high-precision tracking of moving subjects and sudden subject movement. AF precision for still subjects when using S-AF is improved for various subjects compared to OM-D E-M1 Mark II firmware Version 2.3. Active use of information from the On-chip Phase Detection AF sensor also improves AF performance while shooting video.

Newest AutoFocus Features: Group 25-point has been added to AF Target and is effective for photographing birds and other small subjects. C-AF Center Priority is now available and repeatedly autofocuses with priority on the center point in Group 5-point, Group 9-point and Group 25-point. If AF is not possible in the center point, the peripheral points in the group area assists, which is effective for subjects that move around quickly. In addition, C-AF+MF1 is included which allows users to instantly switch to MF by turning the focus ring while in C-AF for fine-tuning the focus.

Low Light Limit Update: The AF low light limit when an f1.2 lens is attached is -6.0 EV (ISO 100 equivalent for S-AF), enabling high precision focusing in both dark scenes and for low-contrast subjects.

Improved Image Quality: Low ISO Processing (Detail Priority) has been added for higher resolution when shooting at low ISO sensitivity, making it possible to reduce noise while shooting with low ISO settings. Compared with OM-D E-M1 Mark II firmware Version 2.3, noise that occurs when shooting at high ISO sensitivity is improved approximately 1/3 of a step.

Support for New Functions in Olympus Workspace: USB Raw Data Edit is now supported for much faster Raw processing in Olympus Workspace by connecting the camera to a computer to use the power of the OM-D E-M1 Mark II TruePic VIII image processor.

Enhanced Operability: Anti-flicker shooting added to prevent unstable exposure, particularly when sequential shooting indoors.

Additional highlights include:

  • OM-Log400 movie-exclusive picture mode added, allowing the user to shoot movies without loss of details in shadows or highlight blowouts, delivery greater freedom over video creativity through color grading.
  • Frame Rate Priority added to Live View Boost/On2 display, displaying images at a comfortable brightness, even in especially dark locations, such as under a starlit sky without lowering the frame rate.
  • From 3 to 15 shots can be selected in Focus Stacking and guide lines have been added to the shooting area
  • Quick image selection added
  • Setting changes and playback display while writing to card now possible, facilitating quick operation.
  • Instant Film added to Art Filter
  • ISO L100 (ISO 100 equivalent) added

M1X FIRMWARE 1.1

Firmware 1.1 for the M1x includes:

Support for New Functions in Olympus Workspace: USB Raw Data Edit is now supported for much faster Raw processing in Olympus Workspace by connecting the camera to a computer to use the power of the OM-D E-M1x TruePic VIII image processor.

WORKSPACE 1.1

Workspace 1.1 enhancements include:

Focus Stacking added for compositing images shot in Focus Bracketing: Previously, when using Focus Stacking on a computer, it was necessary to use commercially available third party software to composite images. Now, you can composite up to 999 images in Olympus Workspace.

Lighten Composite added: Lighten Composite is now supported by Olympus Workspace, making it possible to create images similar to Live Composite on the camera. Darken Composite has also been added.

Support for New Functions in Olympus Workspace: USB Raw Data Edit has been added for much faster Raw processing in Olympus Workspace by connecting the camera to a computer, using the power of the OM-D E-M1 Mark II and OM-D E-M1x TruePic VIII image processor.

PRICE, AVAILABILITY

Firmware Version 3.0 for the Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark II, Firmware Version 1.1 for the Olympus OM-D E-M1x and Firmware Version 1.1 for Olympus Workspace are available at no charge directly from Olympus.

For more information see the news release below.

Olympus Announces Firmware Upgrades Enhancing Autofocus Performance and Image Quality

Version 3.0 for the OM-D E-M1 Mark II, Version 1.1 for the OM-D E-M1x and Version 1.1 for Olympus Workspace

CENTER VALLEY, Pa. -- Olympus is pleased to announce availability of the latest firmware upgrade for two interchangeable lens cameras, Version 3.0 for the Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark II and Version 1.1 for the Olympus OM-D E-M1x. Additionally, Firmware Version 1.1 is now available for Olympus Workspace. OM-D E-M1 Mark II firmware Version 3.0 adds high-precision autofocus performance and the high image quality currently available on Olympus' newest OM-D, the E-M1x. Specifically designed for the professional models in the OM-D series, the OM-D E-M1 Mark II and OM-D E-M1x, this new firmware provides feature enhancements for photographers who require portability and smooth operation of the camera when shooting.

M1 MARKII FIRMWARE 3.0

Advanced AF Performance

This upgrade utilizes the OM-D E-M1x algorithm, which was developed based on the shooting needs of the professional photographer. With the goal of achieving performance that responds to demanding shooting conditions, such as fast movement in sports, etc., C-AF Center Priority delivers high-precision tracking of moving subjects and sudden subject movement. AF precision for still subjects when using S-AF is improved for various subjects compared to OM-D E-M1 Mark II firmware Version 2.3. Active use of information from the On-chip Phase Detection AF sensor also improves AF performance while shooting video.

Newest AutoFocus Features

Group 25-point has been added to AF Target and is effective for photographing birds and other small subjects. C-AF Center Priority is now available and repeatedly autofocuses with priority on the center point in Group 5-point, Group 9-point and Group 25-point. If AF is not possible in the center point, the peripheral points in the group area assists, which is effective for subjects that move around quickly. In addition, C-AF+MF1 is included which allows users to instantly switch to MF by turning the focus ring while in C-AF for fine-tuning the focus.

Low Light Limit Update

The AF low light limit when an f1.2 lens is attached is -6.0 EV (ISO 100 equivalent for S-AF), enabling high precision focusing in both dark scenes and for low-contrast subjects.

Improved Image Quality

Low ISO Processing (Detail Priority) has been added for higher resolution when shooting at low ISO sensitivity, making it possible to reduce noise while shooting with low ISO settings. Compared with OM-D E-M1 Mark II firmware Version 2.3, noise that occurs when shooting at high ISO sensitivity is improved approximately 1/3 of a step.

Support for New Functions in Olympus Workspace

USB Raw Data Edit is now supported for much faster Raw processing in Olympus Workspace by connecting the camera to a computer to use the power of the OM-D E-M1 Mark II TruePic VIII image processor.

Enhanced Operability

  • Anti-flicker shooting added to prevent unstable exposure, particularly when sequential shooting indoors.
  • OM-Log400 movie-exclusive picture mode added, allowing the user to shoot movies without loss of details in shadows or highlight blowouts, delivery greater freedom over video creativity through color grading.
  • Frame Rate Priority added to Live View Boost/On2 display, displaying images at a comfortable brightness, even in especially dark locations, such as under a starlit sky without lowering the frame rate.
  • From 3 to 15 shots can be selected in Focus Stacking and guide lines have been added to the shooting area
  • Quick image selection added
  • Setting changes and playback display while writing to card now possible, facilitating quick operation.
  • Instant Film added to Art Filter
  • ISO L100 (ISO 100 equivalent) added

M1x FIRMWARE 1.1

Support for New Functions in Olympus Workspace

USB Raw Data Edit is now supported for much faster Raw processing in Olympus Workspace by connecting the camera to a computer to use the power of the OM-D E-M1x TruePic VIII image processor.

WORKSPACE 1.1

Focus Stacking added for compositing images shot in Focus Bracketing

Previously, when using Focus Stacking on a computer, it was necessary to use commercially available third party software to composite images. Now, it is possible to composite up to 999 images in Olympus Workspace.

Lighten Composite added

Lighten Composite is now supported by Olympus Workspace, making it possible to create images similar to Live Composite on the camera. Darken Composite has also been added.

Support for New Functions in Olympus Workspace

USB Raw Data Edit has been added for much faster Raw processing in Olympus Workspace by connecting the camera to a computer, using the power of the OM-D E-M1 Mark II and OM-D E-M1x TruePic VIII image processor.

Function Support Chart

✓ reflects the functions that have been upgraded with the firmware.

E-M1X 1.1 M1 MARK II 3.0
AF Group Target 25-point Already Available
Custom AF Target Already Available -
C-AF Center Priority Already Available
C-AF Center Start Already Available
C-AF+MF Already Available
Intelligent Subject Detection AF Already Available -
Anti-flicker shooting Already Available
OM-Log 400 Already Available
ISO L100 (ISO 100 equivalent) Already Available
Frame Rate Priority on Live View Boost/On2 Already Available
Focus Stacking: Select from 3 to 15 images Already Available
Focus Stacking: Guide line display Already Available
Art Filter: Instant Film Already Available
Low ISO Processing (Detail Priority) Already Available
Setting changes and playback display while writing to card Already Available
Quick image selection Already Available
USB Raw Data Edit
Live ND shooting Already Available -
Handheld High Res Shot Already Available -
High-speed shooting: 120 fps (1920x1080/ MOV) Already Available -
Bluetooth connection Already Available -
UHS-II compatible dual card slots Already Available -
GPS/Field Sensor System Already Available -
USB power supply/battery charging Already Available -
Multi Selector Already Available -

Download the Olympus software and Digital Camera Updater.

PRICING AND AVAILABILITY

Firmware Version 3.0 for the Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark II, Firmware Version 1.1 for the Olympus OM-D E-M1x and Firmware Version 1.1 for Olympus Workspace are available at no charge as an ongoing value demonstrating Olympus' commitment to continuous product improvements.


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