New Firmware : Olympus E-M1X gets bird AF along with Raw video

Olympus published new details of a new firmware update designed for the OM-D E-M1X. Firmware version 2.0 adds Bird Detection, with both detection for the bird, and the bird’s eye(s).

With this new function, the camera automatically prioritizes detection of a bird’s eye, for focusing and tracking, so the photographer can concentrate on composing images and capturing the moment. The new firmware also includes various functional improvements, such as RAW video data output to support professional video production.

The firmware update is coming in December, and there will also be firmware updates available for the E-M1 Mark III, E-M1 Mark II and E-M5 Mark III, to add additional features, including improved video stabilisation, and focus stacking support.

The new Olympus 150-400mm PRO lens is now listed at B&HPhoto. See Best Micro Four Thirds Lenses

OM-D E-M1X Firmware Version 2.0 with Bird Detection

Bird detection has been added to Intelligent Subject Detection Autofocus, and can recognize a variety of birds of all sizes. When using this version of firmware, the camera focuses primarily on the bird’s eye and switches to detect and track the bird’s head or body if its eye is not detected. This feature performs well even in birds’ natural habitats, where trees, plants and other obstructions tend to come between photographer and subject, allowing the photographer to concentrate on framing. This functionality can be used in conjunction with Pro Capture, which is also a popular feature for photographing birds. Pro Capture mode virtually eliminates shutter lag and reaction time by recording sequential frames before the shutter release is pressed fully, and ensures the camera never misses decisive moments, as when a bird takes flight or captures its prey. Birds are detected across the entire AF coverage area when shooting with all M.Zuiko^® Digital lenses, inclusive of super telephoto zoom lenses. The functionality works even at the periphery of the screen, offering a greater level of freedom for framing.

RAW video data output to the Atomos Ninja V HDR monitor recorder

4K 30P/25P/24P and Cinema 4K 24P video recorded on the OM-D E-M1X or the E-M1 Mark III can be output as 12-bit RAW data and recorded in ProRes RAW format on the Atomos Ninja V HDR monitor recorder. This enables advanced professional video production post-processing tasks such as adjusting exposure and colour grading recorded footage. Please update to latest Ninja V firmware to enable this support, https://www.atomos.com/firmware/ninja-v

Improved video image stabilization performance

The video image stabilization algorism has been revised for natural recording with minimal shaking even when panning.

Focus indicator display added

This feature makes it possible to quickly check the focusing direction and approximate focus position during manual focusing.

OM-D E-M1X, OM-D E-M1 Mark III, OM-D E-M1 Mark II and OM-D E-M5 Mark III firmware update

Firmware version 1.2 for the OM-D E-M1 Mark III, version 3.4 for the OM-D E-M1 Mark II, and version 1.3 for the OM-D E-M5 Mark III will be released simultaneously with firmware version 2.0 for the OM-D E-M1X on December 3, 2020:

Stay tuned with us for mor information. Read more Olympus Rumors.

Also join the Olympus Camera Users Facebook Group to share your Olympus photography.