Olympus Firmware Upgrades for OM-D E-M1 Mark II, OM-D E-M5 Mark II, and PEN-F Cameras

Olympus has released firmware updates for three of its digital cameras. The OM-D E-M1 Mark II gets version 2.0 while the OM-D E-M5 Mark II receives version 4.0. Meanwhile, the PEN-F camera is updated with version 3.0.


Common Features of the 3 Firmware Updates

Olympus Firmware Upgrade March 2018


All firmware updates include the Bleach Bypass Art Filter option. Originally added when the OM-D E-M10 Mark III was released in September 2017, this option recreates the said effect which is used to develop film. With two types available, this is a perfect choice to give a hard impression on cityscapes as well as injecting that smooth metallic finish onto car or aircraft surfaces.

Also, it gives the three featured cameras improved compatibility with the Panasonic LEICA DG ELMARIT 200mm f/2.8 POWER O.I.S lens especially in autofocus.


OM-D E-M1 Mark II Firmware Upgrade Version 2.0 Details

Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark II Compact System Camera (Body Only)This firmware contains the most number of upgrade features, starting off with an improved functionality of the camera's Pro Capture mode. As the recording begins from the first release, the maximum number of frames that can be recorded on the second release has increased from 14 to 35. Also, an icon display now indicates the status of image capture on first release. This update also ensures that all attachable lenses are now compatible with this mode.

Focus stacking for M.Zuiko Digital ED 12-100mm f/4.0 IS PRO is now supported. It is the eighth Olympus lens supported by the camera in this option. To address popular sentiments, firmware 2.0 has also been added Small AF Target in the 1-point AF area. This provides an increased precision when selecting a target using autofocus.

Thanks to this firmware update, the OM-D E-M1 Mark II can now perform In-Body Fisheye Correction when it is used with the M.Zuiko Digital ED 8mm f/1.8 Fisheye PRO Lens. The correction effects can be viewed on the Live View monitor before shooting. This feature also allows the said lens to double as a wide-angle lens without the fisheye effect.

Another addition is the ability to set the initial magnification ratio during playback. Browing images quickly has also been made possible through the pixel size display in the magnification options. Meanwhile, the Flicker Scan function makes it possible to check how much a scene is flickering on the Live View monitor to avoid image flickering. As this is used, the shutter speed is adjusted accordingly to capture the best image possible.

Other features of the OM-D E-M1 Mark II Firmware Upgrade 2.0 include a refined remaining battery icon, an improved responsiveness in tethered shooting, better image stabilization performance while shooting videos, more efficient Continuous AF performance, and more impressive AF response via the AEL/AFL button.


OM-D E-M5 Mark II Firmware Version 4.0 Details

Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark II Camera Front View

Finally, this firmware upgrade gives Focus Stacking to this camera. The focus shifts to capture eight total images which are then composited to form a single image with superb over-all focus. Eight lenses are supported by Focus Stacking in the OM-D E-M5 Mark II.


PEN-F Firmware Version 3.0 Details

Olympus Pen-F Mirrorless Micro Four Thirds Compact System Camera

With this upgrade for the PEN-F, it is now possible to save Monochrome Profile and Colour Profile settings to the camera via a computer using the Olympus Digital Updater Version 2.1. Just select the image whose profile you want to use and save it on camera. For better photographic artistry, shading effects have been added to Colour Profile Control and Colour Creator as well.

"Flat" LUT File Release

Finally, a LUT file is 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 Pty. Ltd. for colour grading.