Version 3.0 (June 19, 2019)

Coming two and a half years after the E-M1 Mk.II release, this is the biggest yet update, or upgrade, of that camera's firmware. Importantly, it introduces some, if not all, features added or improved in the company's elephant flagship (this is my term, not intended to be derogatory!), the E-M1X.

Most of the information available about the update come from three sources: the official Olympus press release), a full update list on the Olympus Imaging site, and the updated Instruction Manual.

Note: This is not really a Version 3 manual, but rather the original Version 1 with extra sections, describing features added or changed in Versions 2 and 3. Not quite the same. Still. I found the manual update sections more informative and more accurate than the other sources.

Here is a list of new or affected features with clarifications and comments which I could not resist adding.

• The autofocus system
  • Added a 5x5 grid AF target pattern.

    That's nice to have; more useful than it may seem. More than once I wished it were available in Mk/ II.

  • Added a new AF mode: Continuous+Manual (C-AF+M).

    Moving the focusing ring while this mode is active switches to Manual, like in S-AF+M (which I consider more useful, but your mileage may vary).

  • Added Center Start and Center Priority options to the C-AF Mode.

    These make the system start and/or restart AF using first the central spot.

  • Low-light S-AF works down to -6EV. (F/1.2, ISO 100).

    While this value defines AF light requirements, it does that in a convoluted way. (Don't blame Olympus; this is how the whole camera industry does it!)

    As the previous low-end value seems nowhere to be published, we cannot say how significant the improvement was. Still, -6EV is quite impressive. [Conversion!]

  • Selectable number of frames in Focus Stacking.

    Originally, with Focus Stacking enabled (the composite image generated in-camera), the number of frames shot and merged was hardwired to 8. Now it can be set between 3 and 15. That's better.

  • Stacking framing aid in the image preview.

    This is visible (monitor. viewfinder) when stacking is active. The rectangle, covering 93% (linear) of the regular frame, shows the field of view of the merged image. so that the effective focal length increases by 7%.

    The merged JPEG is upsampled to the original (20 MP) size.

  • Added support for focus stacking on the MZD 12-100/4.0 Pro lens.

    I would say this lens earned the right to have this feature.

  • A new, "highly advanced AF algorithm [like in] E-M1X".

    A nice example how to keep talking without saying anything: "This upgrade utilizes the OM-D E-M1X algorithm, which was developed based on the shooting needs of the professional photographer. With the goal of achieving performance that responds to demanding shooting conditions, such as fast movement [...]" The custom-subject C-AF modes from the E-M1X (airplanes, trains, wheelbarrows etc.) did not make it to this update

    On the other hand: "AF precision for still subjects when using S-AF is improved for various subjects hints at some progress in this area as well, but is not supported b any explanations or data, so it has to be accepted, again, with a grain of salt.

• Image processing
  • High-ISO noise levels reduced by 1/3 EV.

    This means that the 3.0 firmware shows at ISO, say, 51,200 shows noise levels comparable to Version 2.3 at ISO 40,600.

    Obviously, this is image conversion and/or processing, so I'm not sure if raw files are affected (I guess not, and Olympus says nothing). Secondly, what is, if any, the price for it in terms of image detail?

  • At Low ISO (64, 100) settings, there is a choice between Detail Priority and Frame Rate Priority processing modes.

    I can live without this, and so do you, I think. Using Low ISO does not improve the image, to the contrary (lower dynamic range, and not only). therefore settings below the 'native' ISO 200 will be useful only when we run out of high shutter speeds in bright sunlight, shooting in a fast serial drive mode, and with the lens wide open. Is your bokeh creamy enough today, sir?

  • A new Art Filter: Instant Film.

    This must have been requested by the same guy who asked for Soviet 'help' in Czechoslovakia back in 1968.

  • New: support for the USB RAW Data Edit on Olympus Workspace.

    The Workspace recently took over off-camera raw-to-RGB (and not only) processing for Olympus cameras.. It looks more polished than Olympus Master it replaced, but I'm not ready to comment on it, after having used it just twice so far.

    This feature allows the image processing in Workspace to use the camera's engine (processors and firmware). Olympus says this is much faster than using computer's own resources, but without any numbers to support this claim, I must remain skeptical, hoping to return to the subject one day.

• Other
  • Better multitasking.

    Image playback and camera settings remain accessible while buffered images are being written out. This is, among others, what multiple processors are about.

  • A new Frame Rate Priority finder option; it can be applied when Live View Boost is set to On2.

    How come? I thought both have rather opposite effects. There must be an explanation, but I would like to know at least some of it.

  • Anti-Flicker shooting is a new option in Version 3.

    It reduces the stroboscopic effect sometimes showing under fluorescent light, like the Anti-Flicker LV (still retained) does, but this time in actual shooting, not just in viewing. This feature may actually come quite handy — especially if you remember to use it.

Wow. Quite a bundle, I would say. Noting revolutionary, though; most of the additions or improvements seem to deal with oversights of the original implementation. Except, mind it, upgraded autofocus performance, but the manufacturer provides scant, if any, information on this subject, limited mostly to marketing blurb. Reports from early users also are of anecdotal, rather than factual, nature.

Myself, as much as I like the AF performance of Mark II with firmware 3.0 (and I do!), I don't see any striking changes in the camera's behavior. Perhaps this will change after I use it more. especially with Continuous AF.

Among E-M1X features which did not make to this update are some which clearly depend on hardware (Bluetooth, field sensors, USB charging and more), as well as some probably needing it. I guess Handheld High Res belongs to the latter category, despite some initial hopes to the contrary.

I wouldn't be disappointed, though: the next implementation is expected to use an imager with a global electronic shutter (simultaneous, as opposed to sequential, readout of all photosite rows), so it should be better in any aspect, except price. You will see, unless someone invents something better. (You can't trust'em eggheads to leave things alone.)

In the meantime, I've got one more related task to do: updating the E-M1.II Setup article to the new firmware. Ironically, I was almost done with the Version 2.3 update when 3.0 hit the fan...