We got more info about the mysterious 4K firmware upgrade. As you know it’s yet not 100% sure if that 4K fw upgrade is coming on Monday or maybe with a later fw update. But we got the image of the E-m1 4K menu on top that consolidates our hopes! And here are some more info that make will make you jump off the chair:
FW 2.0 new features:
Higher Bitrate (similar to the GH4, also for the 1080p too)
4K + the usual FullHD, HD recording mode
Slow motion mode at 240fps and 120fps
New codec (Panasonic patent, AVC-I-U)
Framerate control (24p,25p,30p,50p,60p, including the slow motion one)
Updated ColourCreator
FullHD 4:2:2 in MJPEG mode too
Uncompressed HDMI with 4K support
More manual control during recording mode
Better mic control
UHS-2 support (improvement of the UHS support)
Improvement of the Wifi control (including a live control)
A lot of picture improvement and art filter update (composite, etc…)
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171 Responses
That sounds like the specs of a new product, not a firmware update! That would be great if it’s true. But more importantly, GH4 owners are surely getting that codec update.
Yep, I told my wife I’m getting a new camera next week. She wasn’t impressed…..until I said it was for free…
Can’t wait…..for the totally new art filers! 🙂
I know you are being facetious; but you know, I am actually looking forward to the selective colour filter as I think I could have some fun with that.
Not much that hasn’t already been said about this one. Let’s just wait & see what Monday brings us. I was thinking about trading my EM 1 for something different a few weeks ago, as it seemed to have a bad pixel that was annoying me, then I found out about re-maping the sensor, which fixed that problem, and then this firmware rumor came around, so I changed my plans. Hope it is for real, then I will invest in the system.
What we really want to know is if useable video codecs will work 5-axis IS.
Any word on an em-10 update as well?
Oly and pana have finally exchanged their tech. Ibis for pana and movie codec for oly. Maybe they’ve realized that the competition is getting fiercer and they need to work closer together. Are we finally getting our dream cams?
The fw 2.0 sounds very promising. But let’s see what the 15th September will bring us.
I imagine what would happen if this rumor will turn out as false…
but if its true, it should impact the GH4 price as well since there is no reason to buy the GH4 if this FW rumor is true.
“I imagine what would happen if this rumor will turn out as false…”
Yes. There will be a heck of a lot of dummy spitting!
It won’t come officially on Monday, but someone has a beta-version and will release it in the wild. Just like it happened with the Sony F5 hack. http://shared.info/25e
this would certainly be a boon for the early adopters who paid $1400 for the body last year. We’ll find out for sure soon enough. Did they sell so many E-M1’s that they can afford to give this functionality away?
It has been 1 year, people should know that, it happens with every piece of tech, there is not much to complain about.
?? who’s complaining?
Nice update for EM1 if true. It’s a shame that Pana does not care about its products after a product release, unless there is a serious bug or compatibility problem. Oly is much more active in making its products better if it is possible.
For example?
E-M5:
Fixing the IBIS idle noise issue when it was first released.
Adding the ability to use IBIS with all lenses in movie mode.
Upgrading the movie codec (my supposition)
Adding a smaller focus area.
Adding Low ISO.
E-M1:
Electronic shutter to counter shutter-shock
“Shooting images when using the remote control function of the smart
phone application “OLYMPUS Image Share” now supports Art Filter, custom
self timer, zoom operation when using the electric zoom, Digital
Tele-converter, and Release mode.”
Improvements to the focus tracking using 4/3 lenses
Live-Bulb Noise reduction improved.
And now probably tethering, some art filters, composite stacking
I will talk specifically about my GX7. I would love to see a minor improvements like:
– More available functions for LCD Fn button, e.g. it’s not possible to select Electronic shutter for LCD Fn button.
– Add vertical focus peaking, now is horizontal only, so horizontal lines in a picture are not marked by focus peaking.
– Add Auto ISO in Manual mode
– Add support for ISO for front/rear wheels (In A/S modes both are assigned to same function)
– Impossible to connect via NFC to my Nexus tablet.
– PC Connection via WiFi freezes my camera (I have to reinsert battery)
etc… Is it enough for you?
The e-m1 will become one of the best run and gun camera. 4K and Ibis are an absolute dream for post stabilization. I’m glad i waited to upgrade my gh3, if this is true this is a GH4 killer for a lower price. I expect Oly to sell tons of those before then end of the year.
Olympus and Panasonic probably made a deal on this, maybe Olympus offered something in exchange – IBIS tech? IF the LX100 offers that, this could be it – or maybe Panasonic will have a % of the sales but sometimes, the answer is simpler, Olympus simply paid for the R&D, patent, etc. But as Olympus does have some finantial issues a deal makes sense, even more because it’s not so interesting for Panasonic to simply let Olympus take a bite of their video market.
There are some differences though. The E-M1 will not be a GH4, it’s not as realiable, it has time limitation for shooting video, it has heat issues and some other stuff, so those wanting reliability, maybe the broadcast crowd, those willing to put up all the rigs, etc. they will still go for the GH4.
On the other hand, 5-axis IBIS! Oh, that’s a game changer for a lot of people. If it gets near the GH4’s video quality, with 4K and IBIS, well, I’m really ok with the time limitation.
GH4 has same 29min 59s recorder limit as E-M1.
E-M1 doesn’t have heat issues, try camera in 60-70° temperature for one hour recording video with IBIS on, no problems.
Those who are ready to get all right stuff, don’t get GH4 or any m4/3 but gets bigger ones.
The time limit only aplies in some areas, in others there is no time limit, that’s a legislation issue. And I didn’t say about now, it was said that the 4K will come with time limitation due to heat issues, it’s not my words, it’s what it was said about the firmware.
One anonymous told it was 16min and CPU/Battery heated.
Another anonymous told it was 4k without any heating problems.
Third anonymous told there isn’t 4k.
Fourth said there is 4k….
And I have tested camera in temperatures as said without heating problems or visual change to quality.
EU regulation – 30 mins & over treated as video recorder and duty of 5 to 12% payable
I’m sure that Panasonic will sell their 4k technology to anyone who is willing to pay for it. Likewise Oly with their five axis IBIS.
These companies are losing money on every item they sell and any improvement in their revenue stream will be welcomed.
And the way to get around the loss of your own sales by giving technology to competitors is to licence it.
So every camera the opposition makes gives you a bit of revenue.
And that is pure profit which is better than increasing your own sales and thereby increasing your losses (at a diminishing rate).
What you say is like “Apple should sell their iPhone/iOS to others as they don’t make money with it fast enough.”
You don’t sell your company jewels as you do then Nokia-Microsoft kind deal. It is bye bye in few years.
And Panasonic doesn’t have much for 4k than their own codec. Most things in video is freely licensable technology or even open. Panasonic just happens to have tech in manufacturing.
And Olympus isn’t mainly camera company, it is medical company. The camera department has lost money almost always. It isn’t a panic for Olympus that it doesn’t do good.
And Olympus moved now the camera technology division under medical division when Sony bought 10% of Olympus camera division, so they can protect their IBIS and other tech.
60-70° ambient temperature is not hot.
The GH4 has unlimited recording time, I own it and don’t know where you heard otherwise.
In Europe you get the limit as camera recording 30min or over and s slapped with extra taxes so manufacturers limit it in firmware/hardware. So cameras sold outside of Europe has no limit.
But the GH4 is a global camera. Does it have the limitation when in PAL mode? I know I have recorded over an hour in C4K 24p.
Interesting point about the IBIS swap. The new baby Panasonic GM is supposed to have on-sensor stabilisation. I think Canon and Nikon did something years ago, with Canon getting Nikon’s flash tech and Nikon the ability to use USM in lenses, if I remember the rumour correctly.
I WANT IT.
it all sounds like a wet dream come true for many lol…you pervert Olympus you lol
I believe there is individual that just collects wild wishes and then send as rumors to admin.
Like 4:2:2 MJPEG in 1080p… One guy claims that 4:2:2 for MJPEG that is 720p but I haven’t checked that out yet. Someone could see the file metadata is it true.
Just like the UHS-II support. You can’t improve I/O if hardware is already limit.
E-M1 supports UHS-I it has 50MiB/s writing speed that is enough for even 300Mbit/s bitrates that is 37.5MiB/s
I believe there is live composite, few art filters and some fixes and stability corrections. Nothing else.
The hardware has been around for a while, they could’ve kept it firmware
disabled until the GH4 was out for a few months, because of contract reasons… kind of the same reason that the first iphone had that amazing touch screen no one had for at least a year before others…
Also Toshiyuki Terada said when interviewed that “4K video is also showing up as a potential demand, although Olympus will not move into this area until there is an agreed technology standard.”
http://www.photoreview.com.au/stories/general/olympus-designers-speak
I hope it includes support for panasonic’s new 15mm and 42.5mm lens aperture rings.
Agree. And wish Olympus would add aperture rings to new lenses. It would be especially useful on smaller bodies which lack space for buttons and dials while providing a consistent and time proven, classic method of controlling aperture.
I think here on this site has been a rumor about m.zuiko cine lenses. Those lenses if realized, most likely have aperture rings.
Hopefully the rumored Olympus cinema lenses will have a switch to change from click less to clicked aperture stops, weather sealing, and very fast apertures.
Is there any possibility that the firmware could add functionality for PDAF? I have seen posts that this firmware will add many features and mostly the details have been on the improved video.
In theory they should be able enable its usage in different shooting ways or even improve the locking features etc.
What kind of functionality are you missing? PDAF works fine with 4/3 lenses. It can’t be used with m4/3 lenses, or CD with 4/3 lenses due to hardware issues.
“PDAF works fine with 4/3 lenses. It can’t be used with m4/3 lenses, or CD with 4/3 lenses due to hardware issues.”
Unfortunately it doesn’t work as well as it could for some situations. I would love to be able to use CD-AF with my (4/3’s) 14-54 II lens as it can perform so much better with that (on the E-M5) in low light, low contrast situations (e.g. hazy valley view). In other situations of normal light etc., PD-AF works very well.
Auto-focus while recording movies is what I am hoping can be added.
The heat issue is real.
Then put your camera in service as it is broken.
my camera isn’t broken. The problem is with shooting video with ibis. it cant get rid of the head as fast as the gh4
No problems from heat.
Then how can it make 30″+ exposures without overheating?
Those are still very brief exposures. The GH3/4 can shoot video all day long with very little extra noise creeping into the video.
Sounds too good. Let’s wait and see. Not to forget this is a rumor site. If true, man I’m buying a second em1 (in silver)
A silent electronic shutter would be a great addition. Possible? It seems to be coming to the XT-1.
Sweep panorama?
Hyperfocal distance scale?
4K would overshadow all of those, but they all seem feasible and would still be great additions.
I would love to see a fully silent shutter, if it is properly implemented (without significant restrictions). Not sure if anything about the IBIS might interfere with it, though.
Don’t think we’ll get it, though; we’d have heard by now.
Will there be a firmware update for the E-M5 too?
Would sure like the 24p on my OMD 🙂
I hope there will be a fix included for the long exposure noise problem.
You can’t fix what ain’t broken….
Have you tried to take a shot with 60 sec exposure with noise reduction enable. I useless….
Sorry, i meant noise reduction set off
Sure…. Nothing is broken and camera works perfectly normally.
My camera isn’t broken. It is a known issue for the em-1.
It isn’t a issue, it is know standard electronically behavior of sensors.
Yeah right, that’s why the em-5 doesn’t have long exposure issue’s and the em-1 does…
E-M5 has a Sony sensor that electronically does filter twice the long exposure noise by using noise database and sensor temperature sensor.
Nothing wrong or broken in Panasonic sensors, just not using same tech what Sony does. Even Intel has patented that database long exposure filtering decade ago.
Just learn to use your camera, either use a dark frame automatic extraction, or take yourself a own frame and then filter it afterwards on computer.
It is like no one knows about sensors and electronics in digital cameras and just runs around yelling “sensor heats up from 4k!!!!” or “there is somethinf wrong when we don’t have same sensor technology as the other has!!!!”.
You tell ’em mate! 😀
Unfortunately, at times it can be a case of “A poor tradesman blames his tools” & opinions about these cameras are not always based on being fully ‘au fait’ with the camera.
If all the rumors about this firmware update are true, Olympus will have figured out how to create a new camera with just software. Computer companies do it all the time with operating systems, so why not with a camera?
Apple once sold a laptop which had a 802.1N capable WiFi chip in it, but they advertised it’s spec as only being class G. Then they updated their airports to N and then the miserly ratbags charged $5 or so for the firmware to unlock the N capability in those laptops.
The hidden truth is all cameras can do the top features, there really is no difference between models and brands. it’s the company/manufactuter’s choose whether to offerand open as much or as little features they feel like… Lol. I really wish these updates are real… Seemingly do what a lot have dissed as impossible… Adding 4k being the main one… Adding UHS-2 support? Interesting, would think that would require more hardware upgrade to support a much faster card… But, some had said the same about 4k… Anyways, we’ll learn the real truth in just a couple of days!
E-M1 has sensor supporting 4k 30fps. But does rest of electronics and CPU really support it? That we don’t know.
What comes to UHS-II it is wonder. UHS-2 is not same thing as UHS-II. Those are different, UHS-2 being slower than UHS-I. E-M1 Supports UHS-I.
UHS-I goes at least 50MiB/s while max is 104MiB/s depending card and writer.
no big firmware update for the panasonic gh4?
so far its look like the GH4 consumers will get the bitter taste after all the dust will sink if the rumors are true. but as I’m a panasonic consumer I hope and believe that they got something on their sleeve for those who paid top dollar to buy the GH4. it will be shameful and will hurt the brand name in the camera world if they dont do something for those who bought the GH4. next time they will wait or not buy the panasonic brand at all.
I could tell you a depressing story about what scum Panasonic can be when it comes to firmware, but it would be a bit OT.
are you kidding or are you really serious abot what you are saying?
serious.
why do you think I’m kidding?
think on that as someone who purchase an expensive camera from a well known brand and after one month he discover that he could get the cheaper camera with the better 5 axis stabilization system and higher frame rate for slow motion, better stills performance + all the things he got in the more expensive camera. I guess that this someone will tell his friend not to buy that brand and it would be better if he will buy the other brand because of it care for his consumers over time.
camera gear (especially in lens changing systems) is an investment. and like all other investment it built on trust and judged over time.
You should buy your tools and electronics based what they are in store at that moment, not what some rumor site say they might get.
If you buy something you are not happy, it is your fault.
If you buy something and you are not happy it doesn’t get improved in future, it is your fault.
If new model or other product comes on that has your wanted features, sell the current one and buy as new one. Don’t get personal ties to stuff.
That is the great thing with standards that you can choose freely from alternative products and get them while using compatible addons.
Like now, keep objectives and get a Panasonic if you want video or olympus if stills. Or check what Kodak offers or what JVC has or even black magic.
nice slogan you wrote there…
but as a consumer of a brand which I invest money not only in the camera but in the lenses as well.
there will be a time to ask if that brand care after his consumers even after the money changed hands.
if I found out that the camera I bought for 1700$ I could buy a better one for 1200$ I will not do that mistake again.
if the rumor is right so you buy less camera when you buy the GH4 in all aspects. but then again, IF THE RUMOR IS RIGHT and I guess it false.
it just don’t make any sence.
If you find later you made wrong decision, you are to blame.
I could hope Olympus to do this because if it would start trens where manufacturer would be required to update firmware more quickly and bring new features then great to consumer.
it got no economic sense to it.
it is only a wishful thinking of consumers.
the world do not spin that way.
and about the blame I say you fool me once blame on you, you fool me twice blame on me.
it is in the interest of panasonic not to sink their flag ship camera.
Nothing in the future is guaranteed. The basis of decision making is dependent on the facts available in the present. You could have waited for an unlimited amount of possibilities to occur, but you instead made your purchase based on the best situation at the time. Everything, especially technology, progresses with time. There is no guarantee that Panasonic will forever rule the video landscape. Even if Olympus were to take it over, there is no assurance they will keep their newly-found advantage. Nothing is certain in life because anything could happen. That is simply the nature of the game. If you don’t like it, don’t play. Or at least wait it out until the point where you feel comfortable enough that the decision you ultimately make will not affect your disposition based on future events. Your current camera isn’t any less capable because of what the competition can do. Learn to accept this truth and you will find your own salvation.
you miss the point.
IF THE RUMOR IS CORRECT so it is an agreement by Panasonic and Olympus in advance..
it is meant to be ( unless, the hardware wouldn’t be in the Olympus camera in the 1st place when the camera was planned, this thing would not happen by a miracle).
so you can say it was premeditated.
a brand that do that to his consumers will never be trusted again.
it is not about the “basis of decision” it is about what you find afterwards.
it is not like that in the competition Olympus succeed to develop something. this will be a fair game.
but in this case, it was planned in advance to sell it to panasonic fans and then in cheap to those who bought and will buy the Olympus.
like I said it got no sence to do that.
there for the rumor is false.
What proof do you have this was planned through collusion? Companies develop all the time with technology to stay competitive. Even if this was a planned job, what does it matter if you are at peace with what you have? Focusing on your own situation would serve better than an obsession with conspiracy theories.
so I guess you wouldn’t mind if the camera you purchase drop to half a price the next month after you bought it.
it is the same thing.
and my proof is that if you understand technology you understand it can’t be done unless the hardware was planned to do so in the beginning.
I understand you really want to hold on on your wet dream but realistically it is not going to happen.
wish you the best.
Whether it happens or not, we will find out soon. If it does, it will be great for all users, current and future, to enjoy additional features. If it doesn’t, so be it. It doesn’t affect the capability of what the camera already does. Besides, firmware upgrades are done all the time. Your analysis is far from being worthy of real proof.
To answer your other question, no I don’t mind. When I buy something it is because it makes sense to me at the time of purchase. If it is more expensive than it is worth, I will either end up waiting for the price to fall, or simply not buy it at all.
Sorry, didn’t know Panasonic was doing E-M1 firmware. No wonder they lack in video at Olympus.
It’s NOT true. Wake up and stop drinking the Kool Aid, people!
Ya gotta realise that the GH4 isnt the only 4k camera now. Sony is on board with full force and even Pany have the little FZ1000 that does 4k. The GH4 is in teh eyes of the world’s videographers, the EM1 will only add to that. Nikon doesnt have 4k yet, Canon does but it costs your left arm and a toe. The Sony is much more expensive. Its actually in Pany’s favour if Oly does indeed release the 4k firmware update. There are bound to be strengths in Pany’s favour and some also in Oly’s favour but its for the good of the format.
Perhaps it may be worth waiting our and seeing what Pany have install for the next firmware update.
Awesome 2.0 feature so far…
How about for the E-M5? Please.
Out of the game. Wait for EM5 II…
Fingers cross for a E-M10 firmware upgrade too, somehow doubt it.
same here.
I predict that Oly has a new firmware implementation strategy: Adobe-like subscription plans from now on.
Just 5 $ – 8 £ – 12 € / Month for 4K no IBIS and 7$ -13£ -20 € Month for 4K+5 Axis IBIS.
I will leave Ado…ermm Oly and look for alternatives. Maybe Corel should start his own Camera department. 😉
not going to happen
never thought that someone could have take this seriously. So, 4K is still possible 🙂
+1
As someone has already pointed out… this looks like a photoshop hack job as the 4K green graphic is much bigger than the other white ones. Also, whats up with Mr. Blurrycam always taking these supposed leaked photos.
First of all, it is yellow and not green.
Secondly, the selected mode is enlarged exactly like that in camera, check it out yourself.
And it is interesting that these are blurry almost always, but not always. Why to have a smartphone with a camera when you anyways use a camera? And what would you use when you need to take photo from your camera?
Obviously it wasn’t such a ‘smart’ phone then! 😉
I would assume it was hurriedly taken from the phone too close for focus & that is all they got.
No, I’m sure it isn’t a photoshop job & the selected icon also is meant to be larger.
I’ve already added this previously & somebody else had done so earlier too, but here it is again.
http://i.imgur.com/jpUlqAB.jpg
Yeah, cause nobody’s ever Photoshopped anything more sophisticated than this before .
Gimmie a break. Anyone who thinks the E-M1 is gonna get a 4K firmware update, I gotta great deal for some real estate on the moon that I’m selling cheap.
The sensor is designed for it (I have posted links in other of my postings today), it is just if the rest is or not & according to that twitter it is quite capable as this photo indicates & has been beta (or alpha or whatever you want to call it) tested with what seems to be the video part of the firmware to be released while others were testing firmware where only the stills additions were present. We can hope or disbelieve all we want, but hopefully within a couple of days we will find out one way or another. It could be like Fuji where XT1 users have to wait till December for a promised FW update, but I hope not.
That would be awesome, but I seriously doubt it. Is this April Fools yet?
Why is that Olympus’ beta tester can’t focus?
I think it’s significantly enlarged and cropped. Many phones can be slow and inaccurate to focus in low light.
http://lightsnowdev.blogspot.com/2014/09/olympus-om-d-e-m1-firmware-20.html
Looks like someone already made this happen and there are no video updates…
There is No clue, which development version or branch he had stolen. Not a trustable resource and certainly not honest.
It was later found out that the firmware was 1.89 or something like that. Its not the complete v2 firmware.
We can’t even believe to that. As the firmware in Olympus servers did nothing else than couple art filters, live composite and the keystoning. Later firmware got pulled off from server, being just couple hours there.
Why it was there? Did Olympus own software see it from there? Who found it and why was searching it?
The 4k part sounds so ridiculous that I’m no longer sure whether I will keep checking this rumor site…
You WOULDN’T! The horror.
Would you like me to post the links regarding the Panasonic sensor used in the E-M1 that shows it is capable of 4k video, listed as “4k2k movie mode (30fps)”?
Why don’t you just wait an entire day before the firmware is released and you find out what is real and what isn’t?
I will buy a hat and eat it if HALF of these video updates materialise on Monday. And while I’m choking on the hat I’ll order an EM-1.
99% certain you don’t need to do that hat or get that E-M1
And, whether it goes, i’ll be like this
What until you get the e-m1, then you can film yourself eating it in glorious 4k. : )
I can tell you with 80% that this rumor is mostly false.
no 4k like in the GH4 (or closer). all other update can be true.
Wasn’t the sensor in the E-M1 by Panasonic? If so, the capabilities were there all the time, but Oly agreed to hold them back for a time. Panasonic probably still has the processing edge, though.
Yes, same sensor as GH4. Supports 3820*2160@30fps.
But it isn’t up to sensor only. It is rest of the electronics that cause noise, heat, I/O, A/D and process the data digitally.
Not the same sensor – E-M1 has phase-detect areas on the sensor that no other camera has. It’s made by Panasonic, sure, but not the same sensor as GH4.
Here are the links for the actual sensor used in the E-M1.
http://www.imaging-resource.com/news/2014/02/10/olympus-om-d-em-1-sensor-is-made-by-panasonic-not-sony
http://www.semicon.panasonic.co.jp/ds8/c3/IS00006AE.pdf
The screen photo would have to be real, it’s just whether it was successful or not & if Olympus intend to give it to us in the (rumoured) FW 2.0 version next week or not, remains to be seen.
BTW, Fuji have announced their Silver (graphite) version of the XT1 & also new firmware, BUT….. the FW update won’t be coming till December.
We better hope we don’t have to wait that long for the FW update as well.
Not identical but same. Added with those PDAF.
As posted further up, Toshiyuki Terada said when interviewed that “4K video is also showing up as a potential demand, although Olympus will not move into this area until there is an agreed technology standard.”
http://www.photoreview.com.au/…
Olympus was holding back, but the real reasons we can keep speculating on!
Call me a skeptic but these specs are looking too good to be true. This upgrade would not only match but out perform the current GH4, a camera specifically known for its video output. Not to mention that Olympus will also allow their amazing and untouchable 5-axis IBIS to be used while recording, plus the addition of 4:2:2 as well? Sounds more like a dream feature set than what anyone could provide in reality. Don’t get me wrong, I would love this utility myself, but it is just a tough pill to swallow at this point given that Olympus has a history of completely ignoring any and all video pleas from its users. Now you are telling me they are willing to sell the farm? It really does sound closer to fantasy.
Think this way, what this would mean to Olympus sales and so on profit if they would do this? That is one reason why I hope Olympus would start updating firmware as new hardware is rarely really needed when good enough, that it is now.
We don’t need new cameras 1-3 years after release. More likely give when huge upgrade in electronics technology gives clear benefits. Otherwise software allows to improve existing products a lot.
But this list is like a sick joke. Someone sending rumors and then collecting them and rotating them. And then there is a another who does same, both raising the bar all the time.
I agree that firmware updates of this magnitude would be a ovely shift from the regular iteration of new, slightly improved, very expensive hardware…but how likely is Olympus to actually DO that?
Exactly my point. Sounds very unlikely.
Olympus needs a new strategy and business model to support that. That is problem with every company or government that once you sit there 8-12 years you are corrupted, slow and greedy for everything.
If there is sense, Olympus would start selling their current cameras simply polishing them.
There’s an old saying: “If it looks too good to be true…”
Three words: “Ain’t gonna happen.”
This is click bait, folks, nothing more.
Why? Isnt evident that it was well thought agreement between Panny and
Oly? Panny forbid Oly to unlock full potential of the sensor (dont
forget it is Pannys made sensor) until the GH4 got the status of the
best 4K camera on the market. You can yell, you can disagree with this
but I think it was very smart move from Oly to accept this approach.
Panny is really generous and not bad as it is sometimes claimed – espec.
here on 43rumours 🙂
now lets see, who is the benefits from spreading those rumors?
who enjoy the fruit of more traffic?
the more outrageous the more traffic…
What, for a week a most? If the rumors are poor traffic decreases in the end.
CAN this all even be done in a firmware update, and is there any precedent? Is the E-M1 even ready to handle it all (well)?
It just seems VERY farfetch’d that Olympus is going to suddenly turn an ALREADY released camera into a GH4-level video device overnight, especially considering they’ve invested VERY little in video all this time. It’s not the first time Panasonic made waves in video, and yet Olympus didn’t make any moves to meet the GH2.
Why didn’t they have it set ANYTHING like that when it was first released, and why not just release another camera?
I’m skeptical enough about this to rate it an FT2. Your blog tho. :p
Possibly this was in the works for quite some time. While the hardware was ready and the EM1 designed internally for such an upgrade, the firmware wasn’t. So they released the camera without the improved video features planning to later issue a firmware update once the bugs were worked out. We’ll know soon enough. Important to remember that firmware and hardware work together. The hardware must be capable to begin with, then the firmware makes the magic.
That might also be whey there isnt’ the wished for EM5 firmware update. The older hardware technology may not be capable for some of what people want. Olympus knew they would have to add better video, but they didn’t have the firmware or it was not ready when the EM1 hardware was. So they released, with great success, the EM1 with what they had, while continuing their development of firmware that would improve video. There is a lot involved and it must all work together. So, did Olympus, with foresight, release the EM1 with hardware capabilities to build their market but with sufficient design depth to support an aggressive firmware update when the code was refined and ready? Or is this just a dream, a rumor with no substance.
And again, as posted further up, Toshiyuki Terada said when interviewed that “4K video is also showing up as a potential demand, although Olympus will not move into this area until there is an agreed technology standard.”
This interview occurred in February 2014
http://www.photoreview.com.au/…
Olympus was holding back, but the real reasons we can keep speculating on!
I do not think the hardware can handle the change. Probably a sales stunt to dump more cameras.
That would result massive returns on Monday and before that people would buy as it is rumor and after the release there would not be easily new customers as most would point out again what Olympus did.
So it is either dreamy list from couple jackass.
A competitor or fan of those joke to laugh.
Or there is a small hint of truth.
To good to be true.
Hope just 50% is true. Admin is doing a goo job . He’s just reporting this. This rumor is free foatin on tweeter and is not annonymus…
Maybe they will charge for this upgarde.
Its worth 200-300$ IMO
Pure profit for them without the hassl and investment risk of marketing a new product.
I doubt it the backlash after all this hype will do more harm than good.
it got no sence from the panasonic point of view to do this kind of step.
it means they sink their own flag ship camera.
it will be a suicide move by panasonic to pull something like that few months after the GH4 came out to the market.
Xmas present from Olympus?
This is so impossible because we are talking about a company that has stubbornly refused to provide a lens hood for its lenses for years. In terms of firmware, it is still ignoring it’s most successful and popular camera, the E-M5. It also makes no commercial sense to give a ton of new and fantastic features for free and not instead release the firmware in a slightly updated E-M2 hardware.
…apart from the Pro series lens include a lens hood and pouch – try to keep up to date with your trolling
It does much of sense in business strategy.
Be good to customers, serve them and take care of older products and old customers buy your next product and will recommend you to other new customers.
Firmware updates is easy way to improve products. That is currently the problem that camera manufacturers still behave like it is 1998 and having a update to camera requires a new hardware or new model name at least.
Cameras ROM for firmware update isn’t so limited as typically it is. It is easy (technically) to add new features like a timer counting on LCD when doing long exposure so you don’t need a clock. Or you could see a time how long until dark frame has been taken.
With touch screen we could do it so that it is visible when we touch screen so it doesn’t brighten scene or consume battery.
All kind small changes could be done without requiring a new camera. Adding those as optional non-default in settings would boost sales and build larger loyal customer base that can trust you as company don’t forget you.
Well, I really don’t care for all these video features. What I really want for my E-M1 is an AF field that doesen’t disappear in the bust mode after you’ve pressed the release button. And the E-M10’s live composite would be nice.
and if they do not give us the highlighted focus field (should be peanuts it doesn’t even move) they can stick 4k and new art filters where the sun don’t shine
Well said!
Actually, we did “know” that it would be in this upgrade, since that was the “rumor” that was the last one represented. I really dislike historical revisionism. What m43 should just say is that “We thought it was in this upgrade, but now we are not sure.”
Panasonic leaks news that the EM-1 will get 4k update. Hype builds to the point that expectations cannot be met. Firmware is a disappointing release and pushes on the fence Oly buyers into a 4k capable Panasonic. Ergo 4k firmware update is a reality. Just not the way we expected.
There’s a sale on tinfoil in case you need to make yourself another hat.
Having said that I don’t even dare to dream that this rumor is true. Just seems so unrealistically good.
Panasinic effectively sweats blood in order to make the GH4 hardware able to record on 4K and high bitrates – giving up IBIS, specially designed body to solve heat problems, powerful quad core engine etc. – and Olympus now ‘goes big’ and solves the problem by a trivial firmware upgrade.
Be serious, you cannot believe that.
Perhaps Olympus didn’t want to sweat and choose to arrive after Panasonic. 🙂 In a few days we’ll see. (I doubt it but who knows?)
Maybe they just got smart and hired Vitaliy Kiselev for the video upgrade. And dropped the worldwide warranty just in case it all goes down the tubes!
This guy is so adamant & sure they are! https://mobile.twitter.com/nabilfathi15
5-axis-stabilisation for the gh4 and 4k for the em-1 … 😉
Maybe panasonic will add electronic stabilization to GH4.
5-axis is electronic stabilization. You mean a digital one?
Olympus is doing it mechanically which works for photo and video.
So far Panasonic has been doing “5-axis” as a combination of OIS in lens (photo and video) and electronic/digital (only in video).
Olympus does it electronically, sensor base shifts and tilts by magnetic field controller doing adjustments. It is electronically stabilization and not a mechanical. Mechanical would be that sensor is moved by levelers or gears.
Panasonic OIS is as well electronically done.
Digital is just via software where no physical movement is used either on lens or sensor.
Admin, there are also rumors that even the sensor’s native resolution would have been incresased to 24 MP by this firmware update. Don’t forget to mention that.
I want to take a screenshot of every comment here that swears up and down that the 4k rumors is ridiculous and never happening.
It’s gonna be announced on Monday, released shortly after, and I want to call out every person here who claimed to know otherwise.
And what about if it is other way around? Can you step forward and call yourself to know otherwise?
I will reserve judgement on that in case it has to be delayed or otherwise.
I don’t need or hang out for 4k video, just the stills additions & improvements, but if this happens this week, then it has to be good for Olympus’s sales figures (hopefully).
Wouldn’t there be cries of complaint if Oly does what Fuji did (for XT1 FW) & promised the FW update to come in December.
Sounds too good to be true… but makes sense from a business perspective imo:
– camera sales are declining globally
– mirrorless sales are a bit more stable with growth in some continents but on a small scale
So, one thing manufacturers want to do is extend the lifecycle of their products:
Development of new hardware is more expensive than improvement of current firmware. If the latter helps to keep retail prices and sales stable, then it is a win-win for customers and manufacturer.
Still there’s one thing that makes me wonder:
The Panasonic sensor inside E-M1 can only do 4k2k/30fps according to specs. So, are the 60p only double-frames? If so, is it the same for GH4 or does it use a newer sensor?
30fps in 4k but higher then with lower resolution like 1080/720p.
i realised that if olympus is sustaining this rumour and will not deliver it will be a bad test left for the consumer so maybe it’s a possibility there to have it afterall.
That would be rather dumb, wouldn’t it? Why would Olympus sustain any rumour & especially if it can’t be fulfilled. I can understand them wanting to do a pre-release press comment if there were particularly damaging rumours out there, but to comment on this (officially) would not be in their professional interest. As far as this is concerned there are leaks of tests (as rumoured, if you like) & it is peoples keen expectations that continue to drive it & if for some reason these expected features don’t come, then it isn’t the fault of Olympus but the those that can’t be trusted to keep confidential details confidential as they should. However, from our point of view (that are keen to know all, right now), where would the fun be in that? 😉
Whatever happens & eventuates, we will find out soon.
and we did find out, thx oly. keep on keeping on…shame:(
Will the e-pl7 get it as well ? the internals look similar to the E-M1
This is the only Only camera to have the Panasonic sensor and I don’t think the Sony sensor used in the em5, em10 and other newer Pens (incl epl7) supports 4k (at least that we know) so it would seem that 4k will stay only with the em1. That being said it would be good to update at least the other omd’s with the new codecs and frame rates, if indeed we get them.
last rumor saying in FT4 that the FW 2.0 new features will include the E-M1 ability to make coffee while taking long exposed photos.
This firmwae is clearly an update to the existing flagship body in preparation for the new em5 mark 2 which will have many of them. Thus keeping the flagship competitive and in its place in the product lineup.
Nothing mysterious, nothing sinister, just keeping the top if the line body in line.