Olympus OM-D E-M1 – Firmware 4 (Focus Stacking, Focus Bracketing and more)
Mirrorlessons published a review of the new E-M1 firmware update 4.0. They write:
By updating the OM-D E-M1 with all the latest specifications, not only are they prolonging the life of their flagship camera but they are also instilling brand loyalty by taking care of their existing user base.
What’s more, with the introduction of Focus Bracketing/Focus Stacking, the camera has also become one of the most interesting products for macro photographers. It can easily become one of those features that you can’t live without if you like this genre of photography.
With all the amazing technology we’ve been seeing from Olympus over the past few years, I am very eager to see just what the second generation E-M1 will bring to the world of photography.
16 Responses
Still very disappointed for lack of upgrade for EM5.
Understandable, but on the other hand: You purchase a camera not based on what features it “might get” in the future. Right?
You bought it because you liked it and thought it’s the right camera for you.
So, unless you changed your style a lot, it STILL is the right camera for you.
I absolutely think cameras these days should have slower release cycles but more firmware updates. maybe even payed ones.
That way our limited resources on this planet would be safed and updates would be mainly done by software. Maybe even paid ones. Would make much more sense in my eyes rather than releasing new bodies every 1,5 – 2 years. That’s just nuts.
Or maybe even modular cameras where you for example can replace the sensor yourself and the rest stays the same.
There are lot’s of ways to keep cameras up to date without releasing a new body very year.
But those companies give a s*** about the environment or a more sustainable chain.
I buy the best (for me) camera that is available at the time. It doesn’t mean it’s the perfect camera. All camera choices are compromises. If my camera could be upgraded with a fw, why shouldn’t it? I know it wont happen with the E-M5 but of course it still frustrates me. I do focus stacking manually but it’s a pain and I would love to have the new feature. I wanted it before it was even mentioned as a fw and yes, I’m frustrated because I can’t afford a new camera every 2nd year.
The one thing he didn’t tell us about stacking is where do you start your initial focus point. In the Near, Far or Middle of your desired depth of field?
You start at the shortest distance because it will only work one way by increasing the distance.
Thanks. That’s good to know. I’m sure I would have figured it out, but usually the manual updates that come with these new features, are not always very clearly written.
Mirrorlessons.com has some very good content. Just the fact they’d write so in depth about a firmware update and make it interesting shows how good they are.
Dear Olympus: it’s November now, in case you lost track…
I was told by an Olympus service tech at a recent Olympus event that it’s coming out on November 25th. That jives with their previously stated release window of “late November”.
They told me late November as well.
Dear Mr The Real Stig.
November doesn’t end for another three & a half weeks!
I’m just as keen too, but they have their timing set for when they intend to release it. I would like them to tell me that date now. 🙂
Did they say if this worked only with m4/3 lenses and not 4/3 lenses?
I am not sure about 4/3 lenses (I’ll ask) but focus bracketing works with other m4/3 lenses.
Focus bracketing does work with all MFT lenses, but NOT with FT lenses. The reason for that is the different type of lens control from the camera side.
Update: 4/3 lenses won’t be compatible with focus bracketing.
Mm, bad time to lose a cable -_- I heard can install from SD card, hopefully will be able to find instructions. Damn you Olympus for using 12pin cable..