FIRMWARE VERSION 2.0 FOR THE OLYMPUS OM-D E-M1X
Olympus has announced the latest firmware upgrade for the Olympus OM-D E-M1X mirrorless camera, Version 2.0. Scheduled for release on December 2, 2020, this new version of firmware adds Bird Detection to Intelligent Subject Detection Autofocus, an AI-based deep learning technology. With this new function, the camera automatically prioritizes detection of a bird’s eye, for focusing and tracking, so the photographer can concentrate on composing images and capturing the moment. The new firmware also includes various functional improvements, such as RAW video data output to support professional video production. Additional firmware upgrades are available for the OM-D E-M1 Mark III,E-M1 Mark II and E-M5 Mark III. All available updates can be accessed at: https://getolympus.com/firmware.
OM-D E-M1X Firmware Version 2.0 with Bird Detection
Bird detection has been added to Intelligent Subject Detection Autofocus, and can recognize a variety of birds of all sizes. When using this version of firmware, the camera focuses primarily on the bird’s eye and switches to detect and track the bird’s head or body if its eye is not detected. Olympus says this feature performs well even in birds’ natural habitats, where trees, plants and other obstructions tend to come between photographer and subject, allowing the photographer to concentrate on framing. This functionality can be used in conjunction with Pro Capture, which is also a popular feature for photographing birds. Pro Capture mode virtually eliminates shutter lag and reaction time by recording sequential frames before the shutter release is pressed fully, and ensures the camera never misses decisive moments, as when a bird takes flight or captures its prey. Birds are detected across the entire AF coverage area when shooting with all M.Zuiko Digital lenses, inclusive of super telephoto zoom lenses. Olympus says the functionality works even at the periphery of the screen, offering a greater level of freedom for framing.
RAW Video Data Output to the Atomos Ninja V HDR Monitor Recorder
4K 30P/25P/24P and Cinema 4K 24P video recorded on the OM-D E-M1X can be output as 12-bit RAW data and recorded in ProRes RAW format on the Atomos Ninja V HDR monitor recorder, enabling advanced professional video production post-processing tasks, such as adjusting exposure and color grading of recorded footage.The latest firmware for the Atomos Ninja V HDR Monitor Recorder will be required to enable this support. The firmware can be accessed here: https://www.atomos.com/firmware/ninja-v.
Focus Stacking Support for the M.Zuiko Digital ED 150-400mm F4.5 TC1.25x IS PROLens
With this firmware, the M.Zuiko Digital ED 150-400mm F4.5 TC1.25x IS PRO supports in-camera Focus Stacking, bringing the total to 11 compatible lenses.
Improved Video Image Stabilization Performance
The video image stabilization algorithm has been updated for natural recording with minimal shake, even when panning.
Supports Focus Indicator Display
This feature makes it possible to quickly check the focusing direction and approximate focus position during manual focusing.
OM-D E-M1X, OM-D E-M1 Mark III, OM-D E-M1 Mark II, and OM-D E-M5 Mark III Firmware Upgrades
Firmware Version 1.2 for the OM-D E-M1 Mark III, Version 3.4 for the OM-D E-M1 Mark II, and Version 1.3 for the OM-D E-M5 Mark III will be released simultaneously with firmware Version 2.0 for the OM-D E-M1X on December 2, 2020. Visit the following website for further details: https://getolympus.com/firmware.
Improved Video Image Stabilization PerformanceThe video image stabilization algorithm has been updated for natural recording with minimal shake, even when panning.Supports Focus Indicator DisplayThis feature makes it possible to quickly check the focusingdirection and approximate focus position during manual focusing.OM-D E-M1X, OM-D E-M1 Mark III, OM-D E-M1 Mark II, and OM-D E-M5 Mark III Firmware UpgradesFirmware Version 1.2 for the OM-D E-M1 Mark III, Version 3.4 for the OM-D E-M1 Mark II, and Version 1.3 for the OM-D E-M5 Mark III will be released simultaneously with firmware Version 2.0 for the OM-D E-M1X on December 2, 2020. Visit the following website for further details: https://getolympus.com/firmware.Firmware Upgrade CompatibilityTableE-M1XFirmware Ver.2.0E-M1 Mark III Firmware Ver.1.2E-M1 Mark II Firmware Ver.3.4E-M5 Mark III Firmware Ver.1.31.Bird detectionYesNoNoNo2. RAW video data outputYesYesNoNo3. Lens that supportsFocus Stacking addedYesYesYesYes4. Improved video image stabilizationYesYesYesYes5. Supports focus indicator displayYesYesNoNoPricing, Configurations,Availability& SpecificationsOlympus Firmware Upgrade Version 2.0, along with the other firmware upgrade versions mentionedhere withinare available free of charge on the Olympus website beginning on December 2, 2020
5 Responses
It would be great if they could add the Bird Detection function to the M1 mkiii firmware. Any chance of that happening?
Hi. I am sorry but at the moment it looks like that is not possible. The X has TWO processing chips and one of them is devoted to AF and the MK III only has one chip so I don’t think it’s possible using the current technology. That doesn’t mean they won’t think of a way in the future to get around that problem but for now, I wouldn’t expect it to happen any time soon.
Do you have any thoughts/information on adding Starry Sky focus to E-M1X? Thank you!
I think this is a similar problem to adding bird detection to the MK III. The chipset is different and while I am. not certain, I seem to remember being told it wasn’t something that would be easy to do. Doesn’t mean that with time they cannot figure it out but so far I’ve not heard of any plans to do it.
Thanks, I’m sure you had something to do with their decision to add bird detection autofocus. Fyi, I’ll be getting the 150-400 lens.