Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark II, OM-D E-M5 Mark II & PEN-F gets Greater Performance with New Firmware

Olympus is pleased to announce the latest firmware upgrades for Olympus’ range of Compact System Cameras, Ver. 1.2 for the Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark II, Ver. 3.0 for the Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark II, Ver. 2.0 for the Olympus PEN-F and lens firmware upgrades.

This firmware upgrade enables compatibility with the new Profoto Air Remote TTL-O*1, allowing users to seamlessly integrate Profoto AirTTL flashes with these cameras. It also enables the latest functions on the E-M5 Mark II and PEN-F, such as “Save Setting/Mysets” first introduced with the E-M1 Mark II.

The E-M1 Mark II is the latest flagship model designed to withstand the rigors of professional use and the E-M5 Mark II is a high-performance Compact System Camera that features 5-axis image stabilisation. The PEN-F with its Monochrome and Colour Profile Control functions is a high-performance PEN series model perfect for creative photography.

Upgrading to firmware Ver. 1.2 for the E-M1 Mark II, Ver. 3.0 for the E-M5 Mark II and Ver. 2.0 for the PEN-F enables true compatibility with the Profoto Air Remote TTL-O, making TTL and HSS available for Olympus photographers. This upgrade also makes the latest functions introduced with the E-M1 Mark II, such as “Save Setting/Mysets”, available on the E-M5 Mark II and PEN-F. By releasing such firmware upgrades, Olympus is committed to continual improvements in product functionality and performance, whilst also delivering cameras that users can enjoy for a long time.

New features available via firmware upgrade 
1. Compatibility with Profoto Air Remote TTL-O

New feature for E-M1 Mark II, E-M5 Mark II and PEN-F

Profoto Air Remote TTL-O wirelessly integrates the Profoto AirTTL Flash with these selected cameras. Simply attach it to the hot shoe for quick remote control of all functions. This firmware upgrade delivers compatibility between the Profoto Air Remote TTL-O and the E-M1 Mark II, E-M5 Mark II, and PEN-F models. For more information, please see the Profoto website on which functions can be used.

2. “Save Setting/Mysets” for saving camera settings on a computer

New feature for E-M5 Mark II and PEN-F

The “Save Setting/Mysets” function has been added for saving customised settings on computer and restoring them on the camera when required. This feature is useful for applying the same settings to multiple cameras and saving detailed settings when upgrading firmware.

3. Midtone adjustment function added to Highlight & Shadow Control

New feature for E-M5 Mark II

A midtone adjustment function has been added to the Highlight & Shadow Control, a feature that provides tonal control over bright and dark sections of the image. This new function provides a more fine-tuned control, enabling better expression of subject details that are not always possible by adjusting exposure compensation alone.

4. “AF target spot metering” provides spot metering at the focus point

New feature for E-M5 Mark II

“AF target spot metering” has been added. This links the AF Target position and spot metering area, making spot metering available at the focus point.

5. Touch to select Art Filters while viewing sample images

New feature for PEN-F

Sample images that demonstrate the effects of the highlighted Art Filter are shown at the bottom of the screen as an intuitive way to view the effects of each Art Filter for better real time visualisation. Simply touch the sample Art Filter image on the screen to instantly activate the option.

6. Set the shutter speed to begin raising the ISO sensitivity in ISO AUTO

New feature for PEN-F

It is now possible to set the “Lowest shutter speed setting” that automatically begins raising the ISO sensitivity when using ISO AUTO. Once the specified lowest shutter speed is reached, the camera will start raising its ISO speed to ensure optimal exposure output.

7. Improved AF Targeting pad on the rear LCD monitor

New feature for PEN-F

The AF Targeting Pad provides the freedom to move the AF point on the rear LCD monitor by using touch operations while keeping your eye on the viewfinder. The firmware upgrade makes it possible to use touch pad operations even if your nose touches the rear LCD monitor while looking through the viewfinder.

8. High Res Shot and Focus Stacking mode compatibility on non-Olympus flashes

New feature for E-M1 Mark II

Shooting with 50M High Res Shot and Focus Stacking modes are not only supported by Olympus flashes, but are also available for use with non-Olympus flashes.

9. Automatic switching to rear LCD monitor when shooting with the viewfinder

New feature for E-M1 Mark II

While shooting with the viewfinder and moving your eye away from the viewfinder during Rec View, the camera will automatically switch to the rear LCD monitor for image playback. (Same as E-M1).

10. AF HOME settings saved when camera is turned off

New feature for E-M1 Mark II

Previously, AF HOME settings were reset after the camera was turned off. However, this firmware upgrade saves AF HOME settings even after the camera has been turned off. (Same as E-M1).

Other changes
  • Improved viewfinder colour reproduction during shooting – New feature for E-M1 Mark II
  • Improved stability for battery level display – New feature for E-M1 Mark II
  • Improved stability in conjunction with lens firmware upgrade
  • New feature for E-M1 Mark II: Combination with Zuiko Digital ED 12-100mm f/4.0 IS PRO firmware Ver. 1.1 and M.Zuiko Digital ED 300mm f/4.0 IS PRO firmware Ver. 1.2 improves silent sequential shooting performance when image stabilisation is active.
  • New feature for E-M5 Mark II and E-M1: Combination with Zuiko Digital ED 12-100mm f/4.0 IS PRO firmware Ver. 1.1 improves 5-axis sync IS performance.

Firmware upgrade by model 

OM-D E-M1 Mark II 

1. Compatibility with Profoto Air Remote TTL-O
2. High Res Shot and Focus Stacking mode compatibility on non-Olympus flashes
3. Automatic switching to rear LCD monitor when shooting with the viewfinder
4. AF HOME settings saved when camera is turned off

OM-D E-M5 Mark II 

1. “Save Setting/Mysets” for saving camera settings on a computer
2. Midtone adjustment function added to Highlight & Shadow Control
3. “AF target spot metering” provides spot metering at the focus point

PEN-F 

1. “Save Setting/Mysets” for saving camera settings on a computer
2. Touch to select Art Filters while viewing sample images
3. Set the shutter speed to begin raising the ISO sensitivity in ISO AUTO
4. Improved AF targeting pad on the rear LCD monitor

Compatibility table for new functions and improvements ( indicates a new function)
E-M1 Mark II Ver.1.2 E-M5 Mark II Ver.3.0 PEN-F Ver.2.0
Compatibility with Profoto Air Remote TTL-O Yes Yes Yes
“Save Setting/Mysets” for saving camera settings on a computer Already available Yes
Midtone adjustment function added to Highlight & Shadow Control Already available Yes Already available
“AF target spot metering” provides spot metering at the focus point Already available Yes Already available
Touch to select Art Filters while viewing sample images Yes
Set the shutter speed to begin raising the ISO sensitivity in ISO AUTO Already available Yes
Improved AF targeting pad on the rear LCD monitor Already available Yes
High Res Shot and Focus Stacking mode are available on non-Olympus flashes Yes Already available Already available
Automatic playback on rear LCD when using Rec View in the viewfinder Yes Already available Already available
AF HOME settings saved when camera is turned off Yes Already available Already available
Improved viewfinder colour reproduction Yes
Improved stability for battery level display Yes
Compatibility table for new lens function improvements ( indicates a new function)
 

E-M1 Mark II

 

E-M5 Mark II

 

E-M1

Combination with M.Zuiko Digital ED 12-100mm f/4.0 IS PRO firmware Ver. 1.1 and M.Zuiko Digital ED 300mm f/4.0 IS PRO firmware Ver. 1.2 improves silent sequential shooting performance when image stabilization is active  

 

Yes*4

 

 

 

 

Combination with M.Zuiko Digital ED 12-100mm f/4.0 IS PRO firmware Ver. 1.1 improves 5-axis sync IS performance Already available  

Yes

 

Yes

*4 E-M1 Mark II must be upgraded to firmware Ver. 1.2.

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