Thanks to our reader Nicolas work many people is now trying the focus peaking trip. And here is one of the new videos!
Another anonymous hacker contacted me to give us some update about the E-M5 hack possibility. It sounds like it will be a hard work to realize a project like this. Here is what he wrote:
“– A hack, or hacks, are by all means doable, but would require a similar, if not more, effort than VK’s Lumix hacks. The camera runs uITRON realtime OS
– I was able to download the BIN versions from the following URLs:
http://dl01.olympus-imaging.com/OLYMPUS_MASTER/FIRMWARES/0001/0970/OLY_E_097_[version]_0000_0000.BIN – [version] is 1300 for 1.3, 1500 for 1.5 etc.
This firmware can still be unpacked and analysed with tools found in this thread:
http://www.dvxuser.com/V6/showthread.php?215943-E-P1-E-P2-E-PL1-hack-research – it can also be successfully re-packed after modification. This shows that the firmware format hasn’t changed since it has been figured out first, which is 2010 or earlier. A child could download the firmware and analyse it.
– After unpacking the firmware I spent some time searching for clues in various strings found in language files and executable code. Plenty of traces of debug mode and debug command shell, but no trace of focus peaking or any other “hidden” features. Also no obvious signs of new Accessory Port gadgets. There are however references to AVCHD folder structure. The camera also uses open source libPNG for PNG file handling, and uses OpenGL runtime and/or a 3D chip from Digital Media Professionals, inc.”
I am sure many E-M5 owners would support the hacker group working officially on such a long project. Let us know if you need some kind of support!
—
E-M5 at Amazon, Adorama, B&H, Jessops, Amazon UK, Amazon Germany, Amazon France, Amazon Japan and Digitalrev.
—
E-M5 Case:
There is the official [shoplink 31898 ebay]CS-36FBC Olympus case[/shoplink]. A [shoplink 31899 ebay]leather half case from Hong Kong[/shoplink]. A full [shoplink 31900 ebay]leather case with strap from Cina[/shoplink]. Than we have half cases from two well known producers, [shoplink 31901 ebay]Zelenpol[/shoplink], [shoplink 31906 ebay]Kaza[/shoplink] and [shoplink 31902 ebay]Gariz[/shoplink].
E-M5 Batteries, and other things:
The [shoplink 31905 ebay]Olympus GS-4 strap[/shoplink] and the [shoplink 31903 ebay]DSTE E-M5 batteries[/shoplink] you have to use with an extra charger. There is an [shoplink 31903 ebay]E-M5 car charger[/shoplink] a [shoplink 31908 ebay]new E-M5 LCD screen[/shoplink] and a [shoplink 31909 ebay]Front Cover+ Top Panel[/shoplink].
22 Responses
Since the last theme about the OM-D hack I’m waiting for more information about it.
I would be really happy to see an improved video mode via hack on the OM-D. Actually I’m looking towards GH-2, because of my need for 50p/60p framerate.
If it would be possible to get 50p/60p Full HD out of the OM-D, that would be perfect for me!
Yeah I agree with that.
I don’t really need focus peaking or anything new and fancy for that matter.
Although, I am not a videographer… I’d really love to see higher video bitrates… and more options like
1080p@24p/50p/60p.
I fully agree, if would pass these implementations would not wait a second more the GH3
Olympus has used apparently same processor (at least they advertise same TruePic version) since E-P3 and it might simply lack data bandwidth and processing power required for 50/60p.
Unlike computers camera must do everything in real time instead of slowing down when handling bigger amounts of data being option.
Thx for this step by step guide, until now is was [strikeout]to lazy[/strikeout] to busy 😉 to find out how to set it .
Any PAL option would do me. 1080p 25fps, please, ideally in the next firmware update.
By the way: Anything new about the rumored E-M5 firmware update?
http://www.43rumors.com/ft2-olympus-e-m5-firmware-update-to-be-released-on-friday/
Nope. Working on that. Keep in mind, I got this from two anonymous sources. Hope they didn’t spread wrong info!
There’s always bound to be pranksters peddling disinformation. One can never be sure these days.
Say admin, any updates on the coming big announcement by Olympus, Panasonic, Nikon, Canon and just about everyone else on the 21st December 2012? I think there won’t be time for any announcements as the whole world goes Kaboom!!!
put here avances
http://www.personal-view.com/talks/discussion/2789/olympus-hacks/p1
Sound more like a hack to enable hidden features is out the door in the e-m5 shelf lifetime.
Not to mention adding new features.
Dear God on the Olympus mountain, please give us 25 FPS in the next firmware update.
+1. Its just stupid we can’t choose *ANY* PAL frame rate…
Ohhh I WOULD support hackers for a custom firmware! 🙂
Needed :
Focus peaking
Various 1080p and 720p speeds : 24,25,59,60,120 fps.
Last position in menu kept in memory
Direct button bracketing
Up to +5-5 bracketing in several increments
Better in low light white balance (so orangish yet)
Panorama on the fly
Hey Olympus, DO something about Panasonic 20mm 1.7 banding!
And make us m4/3 fast zoomd.
A fast wide angle zoom (like a 6-12mm f/2.8)would be welcome.
BTW, your 12-50mm 3.5-6.3 you sold be with the EM5 is CRAP. Its WAY TOO SLOW, and not very sharp. The motorised zoom is a nice feature though.
Considering the price and aperture, next time release a 2.8-4.0 12-120mm instead. That WOULD be a fine entry zoom.
That would be great!
also only up to 60p 🙂
Haha, a 12-120/2.8-4.0.
No really, in numbers that would be a very nice ‘walk around’ lens, but do you have any idea at all how insanely big such a lens would be?
And eh.. considering the price.. oh, $300 for the version in the kit. Show me any weather-sealed 12-120/2.8-4.0 for that price please (can be part of a kit) 🙂
Mind you all that the info posted here is in relation to the previous piece of news from a “hacker” who claimed he saw focus peeking already present but locked, and other stuff in the firmware and that the main problem was acquiring the firmware images. The information that Admin received was a response to that, saying that the previous source was most likely just boasting.
I vote for in-camera ETTR!!!
http://diglloyd.com/blog/2012/20121127_1-ETTR-should-be-built-in.html
Priorities (everything else, is just a luxury and can be worked around, but not these):
– 24p
– Higher Bitrate Video (unleash the OMD’s beautiful high DR sensor already and make it a GH3/5D2/3 killer! ;))
– More frame rate options than just 24-, for slo-mo- 60p, 120p, etc.
http://youtu.be/3ArqBplO8cQ
A way better version on how to get focus peaking.
People,
I want to be able to control BOTH the shutter button AND the video start button from my Android phone – does the E-M5 need hacking to do this or is it possible already somehow?
Thanks,
Phil.