Olympus just released the new firmware update 1.3 for the Olympus E-M1! Like reported a while ago here on 43rumors Olympus this update mainly improves the audio quality of the camera. Here is the full improvement list:
- Dynamic range has been expanded when using the external mic. The sound level adjustment has been changed to adjust to 21 levels in accordance with this.
A function to turn the Volume Limiter on and off was added.- * When it is on, it automatically limits the mic input volume if sound input volume exceeds the designated level.
- A 0 second setting has been added to Anti-Shock mode.
- The camera operation when the Frame Rate of live view is [High] have been improved.
All info about the update can be found here: http://www.olympus.co.jp/en/support/imsg/digicamera/download/software/firm/e1/
75 Responses
Could this be the first step from olympus towards video?
I believe there is a chinese saying which goes like this:
“A thousand miles journey starts with a step.”
By the year 2030 Olympus will have made consistent baby steps towards 1080p60 @50Mbps…
Better be safe though, make that 2300!
Maybe Panasonic will get the simple matter of EVF optics right in the same timeframe?
…and you will get your medication right, as well.
I got the vaseline for you
R U talking 2 me?
LOL.
For a moment I though Olympus was going to improve on video!
Priorities, priorities…
My suspicion is that Olympus wants to sell 25/50p as a ‘new feature’,
not as a free firmware upgrade. So we’ll have to wait until Photokina,
when they’ll introduce the successor to the EM-1. And it will have all
those framerates and high bitrates we desire.
Is that Photokina 2030? 😉
Pro level cameras should last for two years before a successor comes out. Photokina is too early. I do hope the video people will get a free firmware upgrade.
Dipshit, this was already announced weeks ago as an audio only firmware update.
“A 0 second setting has been added to Anti-Shock mode” seems to be as useful as well.
Hope it ends shutter shock…
After the update it says in the mneu:
“when set to 0 the first shutter curtain is switched from mechanical to
electronic when shutter speed is 1/320 or below to avoid blur”
sounds like a great feature, I wonder if it is possible with the EM5 shutter? I’d love to see it as I use 1/8 anti-shock all the time and wish there was less delay
I hope it works with the burst mode.
Wow, 21 levels of volume control?
Yet, where is the higher bitrate option? Where are the variable framerates? 50p, 60p? Since 30p is already done, surely 24p and 25p is more than possible. In fact, with the E-M1’s processing chops, ALL of these options should be readily available. To make matters worse, Olympus is basically sitting on a gold mine with their 5-axis stabilizer, allowing steady video footage from ANY lens. Truly sad as this is a textbook example of wasted potential.
Why the improved audio when the camera isn’t made for video?
Because the camera still can make nice images. Audio, if clipping or over gained is a horrible thing. EM1 still has a decent level of video quality that can tell stories, geez it’s not like we lived through 5+ decades of standard definition tv? Just fuck off with your elitist fanboy bullshit and take it somewhere else? I guess you don’t like people getting improvements.in their cameras…. you’re such a facist wanker.you have to poo-poo everything?
To hear my awesomeness
You’re so right it hurts. This is a Fiat engine on a Ferrari chassis.
Time to go back to Panasonic sensors???
Isn’t the sensor of Em1 already made by Panasonic?
No, I believe they are still in bed with Sony.
And judging by the video IQ, I don’t believe the problem is solely on the codec. They need to stop subsampling the sensor and start binning like Panasonic if they want to provide reasonable IQ, otherwise they’ll keep ~2EV stops behind.
Actually it was discovered to be Panasonic sensors in the EM1 a month or so ago.
Cheers G!
Can you point to where you saw that?
I’ve just compared the GX7 to the EM1 on DxoMark and they have identical curves on PSNR and tonal Range, but their signature DR and Tonal Sensitivity are significantly different.
I couldn’t map the E-M1 to any of the sony sensors though so you might have a point, but what puzzles me is how did Panasonic managed to build a sensor with Phase Detection…
Sublicensing from Sony-Olympus???
This guy is way behind…. and I mean way way behind
http://www.43rumors.com/surprise-olympus-e-m1-uses-a-panasonic-sensor/
Thank you, I missed those news.
Came of as a surprise, really.
The sensor in EM-1 was developed by Oly camera division, Oly medical division and the manufacturer of the sensor togheter. That’s the info Oly has given. They don’t tell who the manufacurer of the sensor is, but a good guess would be Panasonic.
Significantly different? And you are puzzled? Are you trying to be funny and make M43 shooters look dumb?
I don’t know where you are getting at here since I was sincerely stating the information I managed to gather and asking for extra info on the subject…
Yes I am going to help. That stuff has 1) no credibility and 2) matters less than zero anyway. Have I helped you? Or do you still think that stuff 1) is credible and 2) is important?
Now you are going to wonder “why should I trust Coconut?” and “who the hell is Coconut?” But the same can be said for your sources: “why should I trust DXOMark?” and “who the hell is DXOMark”?
Bruno, my friend, it is up to you to believe in elphs or only trust your own tests. Cannot manage your own tests? You won’t be better off trusting someone else’s you never met, anyway.
This. It was written here when talking about Em10: Em10 has a Sony sensor while Em1 not. That explains also the different noise look from Em5 and Em1.
Have a little patience crybaby. Instead, idiots flame Olympus for giving customers improved functionality.
It’s not really necessary to wait for Olympus to discover video . . . for those who need video there is the GH4.
The trade off is you must use the bulkiest, ugliest m43 body, no IBIS for prime lenses, you must deal with poor EVF optics, NO thanks. EOSHD already said the EM1 is decent for video and offers unique advantages. I don’t care what a bunch of butthurt panasonic fanboys say.
Would you mind steering us to your hands-on review of the GH4?? Hearing all of your statements above I’m sure you must’ve received an exclusive review unit to blog about. No?? Well, just be patient, I’m sure Olympus will release an E-M1 upgrade that includes all the the GH4’s video features… Good luck with that, friend! 🙂
Guess what, no firmware update will fix the shitty panasonic EVF optics. Gh3 + GX7 + Gh4 all the same problem.
“Gh3 + GX7 + Gh4 all the same problem”
Busted!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
GH4 has a new EVF. But of course you knew that cause you have a pre-production model and you didn’t realize that there is a diopter in the first instance, and that as stated, it’s a different EVF.
So get over it.
Moron, the problem of smeariness is still there. New evf of not, the optics are crap. It has been well mentioned in reviews. Let me also say I’ve picked one up and I’ve confirmed it myself. diopter or not the glass in the evf is crap.
That’s your second loss. Schoolyard taunts are an absolute sign of failure. And I would like to see those reviews you speak of, because aside from some mentions of smearing, every review I’ve read confirm its a great improvement. But you’re never going to get one so why are you spewing your venom all over the place. Can’t find the bathroom?
The reviews mention smearing because that’s what it is, crappy EVF optics leading to smearing. There’s no smearing in Oly EVF’s….. there should be no smearing in an EVF, not on a premium body, let alone Panasonic’s flagship model. The smearing cannot be fixed because the optics are sub-par.
That’s rich. The nastiest mouth on the forum wants to complain about an “ugly camera”. LOL
You brought up the GH4, not me. If you cannot handle comments about the GH4, don’t mention it in an article which has nothing to do with it? I’ve got the whammbulance on the other line for you btw., I’m sure they got plenty of vaseline for your butt-hurt
Un ugly mouth is FAR more of a turn off than an “ugly” camera. After all, we are NOT judged by our cameras. I can leave my “ugly”cameras at home, apparently you cannot leave that ugly mouth where it belongs.
Below are a few quotes from YOUR posts on this topic:
“post menstrual whining … Have a little patience crybaby. Instead, idiots flame Olympus … got plenty of vaseline for your butt-hurt … shitty panasonic … Moron, the problem of smeariness … Just fuck off with your elitist fanboy bullshit … Dipshit, this was already announced …”
You say you are a photographer? Do you think anyone here would hire you?
The internet is serious business
Admin as their priorities wrong with this update. The headline should be the fact that Olympus have added an electronic first curtain for shutter speeds from 1/320 and below. First time this type of feature has been added by a firmware update.
That should be ‘has’ not ‘as’.
Here are more details on the Electronic First Curtain option. I hope we’ll see this as an option in all future m43 bodies.
http://www.dpreview.com/news/2014/03/31/olympus-updates-om-d-e-m1-with-electronic-first-curtain-anti-shock?utm_campaign=internal-link&utm_source=news-list&utm_medium=text&ref=title_0_0
Olympus camera buffs are demanding improved video and Oly is lagging. Meanwhile Panasonic has been pushing development of video for years in their products. If Olympus camera buyers need better video capabilities than what Oly offers, why is it not reasonable to consider the GH4 or GX7 which can deliver modern HD & 4K video right now?
Such purchases could actually encourage Olympus to consider video in a more serious way. By behaving like a captive market, Oly fans are “settling” for whatever Olympus is peddling. What is Oly’s incentive to R&D such new products if you guys are already bagged up?
Olympus does not have the tradition of having video products, so get over it.
They do have a long tradition in cameras and audio recorders. That’s why the audio improvements roll out first. I have no doubt they will innovate in video in time. Olympus is a far more innovative company than you give them credit. Peddling the most advanced IS system? Peddling a superior EVF experience? Peddling superior sensor performance? Peddling innovations like live bulb and the colour creator wheel?(Their image processing engine is clearly in front of Panasonic)
Olympus R&D’s way more than Panasonic. They just don’t have the luxury of a wealth of experience with video products..
This firmware update is not about you, and your post menstrual whining.
Don’t forget, Oly’s vaunted E-M1 sensor is a Panasonic sensor! Panasonic R&D’d the superior sensor, not Olympus. (Just to state the FACTS.)
I don’t personally care if Olympus ever discovers video or even if Oly survives. My suggestions are not for fan-droids. Merely observations for open minded people.
Yes and Olympus gets better performance from that sensor than Panasonic does….go figure…. (shows you Olympus is great at it’s image processing engine).
If you don’t care and indeed didn’t care, then why even comment?
You do care, don’t conceit yourself.
and lets not pull any punches, Olympus has the lion’s market share for m43.
Is it ever about “art” with you? With some Olympus fanatics it seems like it’s all a kind of soccer match. Bully-boys with cameras, flaming and insulting anyone who isn’t wearing the “right colors” etc.
You REALLY need to take your meds. You are precisely the reason I don’t want to be seen with Olympus gear. You give Olympus a black eye.
BTW, you exhibit all the artistic sensibilities of a Hun.
Racism eh?, Well fits into your fascist mentality down to a T. Since you don’t care about Olympus, why don’t you finally just fuck off you elitist wanker?
One good reason to go full-frame: get out of this kindergarten. And, surprise: smaller prices and similar sizes – when shooting equivalent lenses, of course.
Atilla, the sensor was R&D’d by Olympus. They stated that very early on. All Olympus then did was go to another manufacturer to get it made.
What a condescending, misogynistic and rude reply. Please consider writing replies when a bit more level-headed.
Olympus does actually make video cameras and has done so for years, even if it is for the professional market and not for amateurs or enthusiasts, but that is really beside the point. The point is that the 5-axis IBIS is such a killer feature in a video camera that it is a massively wasted opportunity if Olympus isn’t pursuing both low compression video and 24/25 fps framerates.
Olympus makes a few high speed video cameras, no cameras specifically designed for film or cinema or camcorders for that matter. These are very different cameras with very different user expectations, As I said they don’t have the same experience as Panasonic, nor the resources to leverage. There was also talk about restrictions on the sensor suppliers in terms of codecs and bitrates. You missed the point. As for the politically correct garbage, I really don’t care because describing someone as post menstrual has nothing to do with misogyny but rather to describe something by using a relative concept. I really don’t care if you get butt hurt if I call anyone post menstrual
You can behave in any way that you think brings honor to yourself, your profession, your family and your beloved Olympus.
However, considering your tactics, Dune Dog will sell more Olympus cameras than you ever will.
Dune dog is no desert fox
Actually that is not totally correct. Olympus had/has been working on an ultra HD movie camera for the last few years with Hollywood. It has been tested by some of the big film studios but has never come to market. This all started way before Panasonic started on their 4K cameras. So Olympus do have the experience.
Who cares about the volume?
The E-M1 has an Electronic First Curtain option now!
That’s the best feature ever added on a FW update. Thanks Olympus!
Yes, that’s a big deal. I can’t wait for reports on how it works. Not only it should eliminate the problem with shutter shock without introducing any shutter lag, also it should reduce noise and double the shutter lifespan (since it only does a close-open cycle with every shot, instead of a close-open-close-open).
True! I didn’t think about the shutter lifespan, but it’s a positive side effect 🙂
So…is Olympus going to offer the anti-shock firmware update for any of it other cameras …especially cameras where the phenomenon has been more widely documented???
Not sure if it is technically possible to implement it in older cameras via FW, because they have a diffrent sensor. But it would be very nice if they can!
I think it should have more to do with the shutter than the sensor…but I am no expert.
It has everything to do with the sensor. We are talking about a sensor that has built into it the capability to reset the sensels line by line at a rate that corresponds to the shutter speed. Not every sensor has that capability. Sony, who offers the feature on 2nd generation NEX and later offer it only on the A7, but cannot offer it on the more expensive A7r since the sensor won’t support it.
I am more interested in having the firmware upgrade on my E-PL6 and my E-P5….this is a MFT blog …BTW…LOL!
Shutter shock could be fixed with a firmware update, as well as not.
It seems the E-M10 and the Panasonic do not suffer from it. However, you can have better cameras for less money outside this absurd M43 system, so better think twice.
Geez, so many dumb Pana and Oly fanboys destroying the mood here. Ignorant fools!
BTT: I think that it is nice that they added the audio stuff and very very nice to see that electronic first curtain! Hope for other Oly users (or at least e-P5 and M10) that they get that as well and that Pana adds that as a third option next electronic shutter! This FW update made the Oly much stronger in my opinion!
If I had 2000$ for a camera and lens, ut would be really tough: GH4 with 14-140, E-M1 with 12-40. it would be IBIS, LiveModes and more compact body vs. 4k (or 8MP burst :P), swivel screen, better video in general and panorama mode.
“The camera operation when the Frame Rate of live view is [High] have been improved.”
improved in what way?
“A 0 second setting has been added to Anti-Shock mode.”
what are the disadvantages of this, or in other words, why is electronic fist curtain not the standart setting?
would be nice get some more detailed information
Excuse any potential ignorant comments or questions, but I suppose it’s better to ask to understand than not.
First, I thought Anti-Shock mode was so you can press the shutter button for long exposures and it will add a delay to when the shutter actually opens and exposure starts so you do not introduce unwanted vibration. What does this have to do with first curtain necessarily?
And if this is the case (delay in shutter release to reduce vibration introduction as I stated), I’m curious why 0 second setting added to Anti-Shock? Doesn’t that defeat the purpose of having a ZERO delay and will initiate shutter release exactly upon the press of the shutter button? Not sure why 0 second was added as this seems essentially the same as just pressing the shutter button without Anti-Shock on to activate shutter release for long exposure such as Live Time mode.
Second, “The camera operation when the Frame Rate of live view is [High] have been improved.”
I’m not complete familiar with what this means exactly. What mode or setting are they referring to? I’m glad any sort of frame rate improvement is made, but what or how does this apply to live view specifically?..didn’t realize there was even a setting to change live view frame rate to “High” or otherwise.
I don’t use video rec much on my E-M1, but never the less glad to know Olympus considered improving some of their video rec option and ability.. in the sound rec department specifically with this recent firmware update. Keep up the firmware updates, Oly! Can we get 24fps next?
Speaking of next or new firmware upgrades for the E-M1 (and other Oly cameras), wasn’t there suppose to be some surprise improvement for the EVF as well? Where’s that?
I think I can answer the 1st question. The way I understand it is that on a mirrorless camera with a normal mechanical shutter mechanism the shutter needs to close before it can do its work and take the picture. So, shutter close than first curtain followed by the second. It’s the closing of the shutter that causes the shock that blurs the image, and introducing a delay between the closing and the first curtain can fix this problem (Bit like mirror lockup on a DSLR). I guess that by not closing the shutter and using a electronic first curtain (sensor reset and readout?) this shock can be avoided. I imagine that the first curtain than somehow acts as a second curtain and the original second curtain is ignored. But this is guess work from my side 🙂