Olympus’ latest offering in their Micro Four-Thirds camera lineup takes it cues from the venerable OM line of SLRs instead of the more compact PEN series. The result is a small easily handheld camera that feel solid in the hand and is light enough to be used all day. Coupled with a brand new sensor, weather-sealing, an optional (but really necessary) battery grip, the OM-D E-M5 scores a home run for Olympus.

Today Olympus announces the release of new firmware for the OM-D E-M5 which offers the following improvements:
- Improved sleep recovery operation
- AF target indication when using C-AF+TR while shooting sequential images using Sequential L setting
- Added function to automatically move focus to the following zoom positions when underwater macro mode or underwater wide mode is selected. (Only when M. ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 12-50 mm F3.5-6.3 EZ is attached)
- Underwater wide mode: Wide setting
- Underwater macro mode: Telephoto setting
Additionally, there is an Olympus Viewer 2 application update for both Windows and Mac that delivers the following:
- Added the function to edit movies taken by the camera (mov, mp4)
- Added the function to upload images to “My Photos” on (ib on the net). ib on the net is available in Japan and the U.S.A — http://www.ibonthenet.com/ns/service/serviceOutline
Here are the updates:
Firmware Version 1.2 for the OM-D E-M5
Firmware Version 1.4 for Olympus Viewer 2 Software
There are two options for updating the firmware:
- Simply launch the included Olympus camera software and connect the camera via USB cable to an internet connected computer. Choose the Update function from the Camera menu in the software to apply available updates for camera bodies, lenses and accessories.
- Download the software updater from the following link: http://www.olympusamerica.com/cpg_section/cpg_downloads_updater.asp
and follow the installer instructions.
With each method, users can choose to display information related to what the update will apply, prior to performing the update.
The ability to update the firmware of Olympus digital camera components, bodies, lenses, accessories, and take advantage of some of the latest technologies is one of the key advantages of Olympus’ 100% digital design.
Panasonic is expected to announce a new camera and two new X-Series lenses on May 21. While the camera is interesting to me from a new product perspective, I am very interested in the new lenses.
I got an e-mail yesterday that my camera dealer has an Olympus OM-D E-M5 + Grip with my name on it! The camera will be winging its way to me very shortly and I will be able to start testing this little puppy. Based on a lot of shots and videos that I already have seen, this camera may well meet my rather stringent needs.


