Three quarters of the way through their hundredth year, Olympus has continued to prove their commitment to pro photographers, pushing the capabilities of the Micro Four Thirds system ever higher. Last month, they released a significant update for the OM-D E-M1 Mark II. If you haven’t downloaded it yet, do it! They’ve taken some of the technological developments debuted with the OM-D E-M1X and adapted them to work with its more compact (yet also quite capable) brother. Highlights include the latest and greatest high-precision AF algorithm, significant reduction of high-ISO noise (1/3 less than that delivered by OM-D E-M1 Mark II with firmware v. 2.3), OM-Log video support for maximum dynamic range, and operability tweaks derived from photographer feedback. Thanks for listening, guys! The complete list of updates is below.
OM-D E-M1 Mark II 3.0
• New AF algorithm from the OM-D E-M1X is included on the OM-D E-M1 Mark II.
• Single AF (S-AF) enables accurate on the subject even with mixed perspectives.
• C-AF Center Priority can be turned on/off for AF Target modes other than Single, Small, and 121-point.
• Group 25-point is now supported.
• C-AF + MF is now supported
• High-precision focusing even when shooting dark scenes and low-contrast subject.
• ISO L100 has been added.
• “Low ISO Processing (Detail Priority)” delivers higher resolution.
• High ISO noise is reduced by approximately 1/3 over the OM-D E-M1 Mark II v. 2.3
• Log shooting is supported for effective shooting where lighting conditions change easily.
• Focus Stacking allows selection of 3 to 15 shots to match the subject
• Flickerless function prevents unstable exposure particularly when shooting on sequential shooting mode indoors.
• Frame Rate Priority on LV Boost 2 is now supported.
• USB RAW data Edit is now supported.
• Setting changes and playback display while writing to the SD card.
OM-D E-M1 Mark II v. 3.1
• Stability of operation when shooting still images has been improved.
• Stability of EVF operation when the camera is turned on has been improved.
As usual, leave a comment or visit any Mike’s Camera if you need assistance getting your camera up to date. You can keep an eye out for updates on our handy chart here. (You can find the link at the top of the page, as well.)
Additionally, the new MC-20 M.Zuiko 2x teleconverter is now available! Compatible with the M.Zuiko Digital ED 40–150mm f/2.8 PRO, M.Zuiko Digital ED 300mm f/4 IS PRO, and the forthcoming M.Zuiko Digital ED 150–400mm f/4.5 C1.25x IS PRO, this tiny optical accomplice will make these long lenses 100% longer. Combined with the MC-20 and the built-in teleconverter on the 150–400mm, these lenses will give you fields of view equivalent to 160–600mm, 1200mm, and a whopping 600–1600mm on a full frame system, respectively. Skittish animals have never been easier to capture! Click on the dragonfly above to pixel peep a real-world sample, watch the video below for one photographer’s adventure with the MC-20 and E-M1X, then hurry over to get one for yourself.