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Olympus has released a major firmware update for its nearly three-year-old OM-D E-M1 Mark II. Many of the additions come straight from the company’s flagship E-M1X, so now you can have a camera that shares many of the same features but in a much smaller package.
The most significant features include:
- Autofocus
- Autofocus algorithms from the E-M1X improves performance tracking moving subjects and makes S-AF more accurate
- Group 25-point AF mode added; Center priority mode sticks to center focus point and will use surrounding points if subject moves ‘vigorously’
- ‘Active use’ of PDAF improves performance when shooting video
- Camera can now focus down to -6EV when using an F1.2 lens
- Image quality
- A new ‘Detail Priority’ mode reduces noise (at the expense of burst speed) at low ISOs in JPEGs
- High ISO performance has been improved by 1/3-stop, according to Olympus
- ISO 100 (Low) added
- Anti-flicker mode added
- Other
- OM-Log400 added for more flexibility for color grading in video
- Menus/playback mode can be entered while camera is writing to a memory card
- Focus Stacking now offers choice of 3-15 shots
- New Instant Film Art Filter
- Support for USB Raw Data Edit with Olympus Workspace (see below)
- Support for new MC-20 teleconverter
You can see the full list of changes in the press release further down this page.
The E-M1X has also received a firmware bump to v1.1, with the only new features being support for the MC-20 teleconverter and USB Raw Data Edit.
Finally, Olympus has updated its Workspace software to version 1.1. The big new feature is the ability to edit Raw images over USB, with the camera doing the processing. Other updates include Focus Stacking from images taken in Focus Bracketing mode and the ability to create Live Composite images.
Press Release
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., June 19, 2019 – 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 (AF) 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.
OM-D E-M1 Mark II Firmware Version 3.0: Main Features
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 f/1.2 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[1], 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[2] 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
OM-D E-M1X Firmware Version 1.1? Main Features
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.
Olympus Workspace Image Editing Software Version 1.1: Main Features
Focus Stacking added for compositing images shot in Focus Bracketing[3]
Previously, when using Focus Stacking on a computer, it was necessary to use commercially available third party software to composite images. Now, t 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.
| Feature |
E-M1X Ver. 1.1 |
E-M1 mark II Ver. 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 (1920×1080/ 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 |
– |
Please visit the following URL for access to Olympus software and Digital Camera Updater: https://www.getolympus.com/us/en/software
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.
[1] May affect the number of sequential shots in normal sequential shooting priority modes.
[2] This new function makes RAW processing much faster by using the TruePic VIII image processor on the camera via USB connection. Olympus Workspace and the supported camera must both be updated with required firmware. The available editing options from Olympus Workspace are limited to RAW editing options that can be handled internally in the camera. Compatible models are OM-D E-M1X and OM-D E-M1 Mark II, and images are saved in JPEG format.
[3] Images must be shot with a lens that supports Focus Stacking.
Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)