Olympus has released details of firmware updates version 4.0 for the flagship Olympus OM-D E-M1. Update will be available for download in November 2015.
Overview
Focus Stacking Mode, exclusive to Version 4.0 for OM-D E-M1, expands the expressive power of macro photography and brings out the true performance of M.ZUIKO PRO lenses. In Focus Stacking Mode, a single press of the shutter captures eight RAW or JPEG shots with varying focal positions and automatically composites them into a single JPEG file for a macro shot with incredible depth of field.
Users can also take their macro photography a step further with Focus Bracketing Mode, which captures up to 999 shots with varying focal positions. Third-party photo-editing software can be used to merge the files into one breathtaking image that reveals the details of any subject, from the small, like a bloom of a rose or an exotic insect, to a large depth of field in a telephoto landscape.
Enhanced Customization and Control
The firmware upgrade also give users more support and ease of use when capturing professional-quality images. The new simulated optical viewfinder (S-OVF) delivers a view similar to that of the naked eye, just like an optical viewfinder. Exposure compensation and white balance are purposely not shown so users who are more familiar with the optical viewfinder in their traditional DSLR cameras can use the OM-D in the exact same way until they become more comfortable with the benefits of an electronic viewfinder.
Advanced Focus Peaking adjusts settings and turns Focus Peaking on or off at a moment’s notice while shooting in Live View. And, just like the Advanced Focus Peaking already on the OM-D E-M5 Mark II, OM-D E-M1 users can now select the desired intensity level (low, standard or high) and color (black, white, red or yellow) for consistently sharp images during shooting.
Menu Cursor Position Memory further enhances customization by automatically returning to the last menu setting used , meaning less time navigating menus and more time is spent capturing moments. Anti-Shock Mode is now easier than ever and automatically switches to the mechanical shutter at speeds 1/320 and faster. And when users are shooting in quiet situations, Silent Mode eliminates all camera sounds for completely silent shooting, perfect for a piano recital or wedding ceremony with shutter speeds up to an amazing 1/16000th sec.
Innovative Movie Functions
Advanced movie capabilities include the ability to easily synchronize PCM audio and video recording when using the Olympus® LS-100. A Slate Tone can now be added to make it simple to perfectly synchronize audio and video during the editing process. Users can further optimize their 1080p Full HD Video with additional features, including Movie Image Stabilization with five-axis optical IS and digital IS, 24p/25p frame rate, movie record start with a release cable, support for time code setting and, finally, a movie info display that shows histogram, level gauge, audio level and time code.
Availability
The Olympus Version 4.0 for OM-D E-M1 and Olympus Capture Version 1.1 will be available in late November 2015.
Download Link
To find out more about the firmware updates, visit the Olympus website at www.getolympus.com/upgrade.