Multiple Olympus Announcements: M.Zuiko 40-150mm F2.8 PRO Lens, OM-D E-M1 Silver and Firmware Upgrade 2.0

72 Comments
It is that exciting time of the year again, with Photokina happening, and all camera manufacturers pushing out new products and making huge announcements. Today, Olympus has officially announced 3 important updates to their Micro Four Thirds system range:

1) The highly anticipated M.Zuiko 40-150mm F2.8 PRO Lens
2) OM-D E-M1 Firmware 2.0 (available for both current E-M1 Black and the new Silver version)
3) OM-D E-M1 Silver


This is perhaps the only image that I have with ALL 3 new items combined: E-M1 Silver (already comes with Version 2.0 Firmware) and the M.Zuiko 40-150mm F2.8 Pro lens


Olympus OM-D cameras have been highly successful, and well received by many professional photographers and photo-enthusiasts (much like myself) alike. Even DPReview.com awarded E-M1 the "Product of the Year 2013", and E-M1 has garnered praises from prominent photography bloggers such as Steve Huff and Michael Johnston (TOP). Since the introduction of the OM-D, Olympus has been targeting more serious photographers, mainly professional photographers and serious hobbyists who shoot in demanding and challenging situations, requiring a reliable camera system that will deliver the results. In this continuous effort, Olympus has placed their focus in developing the PRO range of M.Zuiko lenses, with the release of the M.Zuiko 12-40mm F2.8 lens and now, the newly launched M.Zuiko 40-150mm F2.8 PRO lens, a professionally built telephoto zoom lens to match the earlier standard wide zoom lens. In addition to that, the E-M1 has a major firmware upgrade, adding plenty of useful features, adding value to E-M1 users. 


OLYMPUS M.ZUIKO 40-150mm F2.8 PRO

I think one of the most popular questions I have received from many Olympus users I have met both through my blog and in real life, was "when is the 40-150mm Pro lens coming?"

It is officially launched now, and finally, the Olympus M.Zuiko lens has a professional long zoom lens! Whether you like to use a telephoto zoom lens or not, you cannot deny the fact that the lenses in this category from all manufacturers are highly popular amongst the users, you will surely notice plenty of wedding photographers, photo-journalists and even portrait photographers using the lenses such as Canon and Nikon 70-200mm F2.8. Why is the lens in this range so important? Three reasons: 1) that long reach (300mm in 35mm format, which is quite respectable and versatile in many shooting conditions), allowing you to go near, 2) Constant wide aperture of F2.8, both capable of shooting in less than ideal lighting condition as well as ability to render shallow depth of field, amplified by the telephoto range (the longer the focal length the shallower the depth of field) and 3) telephoto tight compression effect, giving great flexibility to isolate subjects and minimize background clutter in composition (great for portraits). 

Here are some key specifications of the M.Zuiko 40-150mm F2.8 PRO lens:

1) Smallest and Lightest Pro Telephoto-zoom lens
The Olympus 40-150mm Pro lens weighs about half of the equivalent F2.8 lenses from other manufacturers, which is quite a significant difference (Canon and Nikon 70-200mm F2.8 lenses weigh about 1.5Kg, and Olympus Size and weight do matter, and many photographers these days treasure the option of not having to break their shoulder and back while shooting. 

1) Fully Weather Sealed
Splashproof, Dustproof and Freezeproof, to complement the E-M1's weather sealing. 

2) Designed with advanced, sophisticated optics to deliver impressive image quality
The 40-150mm has 5 ED (Extra Low Dispersion) elements, one super ED lens, one EDA (extra low dispersion aspherical) lens and one HR (high refractive index and dispersion) lens. I have not had the chance to test the lens yet, but I am expecting the image quality to amaze me. Quick comparison on the MTF charts, it clearly indicated that the new M.Zuiko 40-150mm F2.8 PRO lens has sharpness surpassing even the legendary Four Thirds Zuiko 150mm F2 (little Tuna) lens!

3) World's first Dual Voice Coil Motor (VCM) Focusing Mechanism, for super fast AutoFocus
Focusing is extremely crucial especially for longer lenses, and the use of Dual VCM ensures smooth and quick focusing, maintaining Olympus' claim of world's fastest AF even with this new lens. 

4) Great Close-Up Shooting Capability, almost pseudo macro
The minimum focusing distance of this lens is about 50cm from the front end of the lens to the subject, which is actually quite impressive, considering most 70-200mm lenses only can focus to about 1.2 to 1.5m closest. Olympus 40-150mm Pro lens has maximum magnification of 0.42x, which is almost half of a true macro lens. 

5) Quick Retractable Hood Mechanism
The Lens Hood (which comes together with the lens, you do not have to buy it separately, and I am hearing a few Haleluias already) has a special mechanism, where you do not have to remove it from the retracted position and then reattach it. You can instead immediately push it out to the extended position. This may not be something revolutionary or life-changing, but hey, that one quick smooth step of readying the lens for action will save you a few seconds of precious shooting time, giving you a headstart to grab that fast happening moments. Every second lost equals to missed moments. 

6) New Teleconverter MC-14, 1.4x extension
There is a new teleconverter built specifically for 40-150mm F2.8 pro lens, allowing extra 1.4x extension, to the maximum of 420mm (in 35mm format) at longest telephoto range. You will lose one stop of exposure, and the maximum 420mm will be at F4 the widest. Based on the MTF charts, the image quality from the use of the lens in combination with this new teleconveter is sharp, with minimal image quality loss. 



 

 FIRMWARE 2.0 for OLYMPUS OM-D E-M1

Olympus officially releases the new Firmware 2.0 for the Olympus OM-D E-M1 camera. Olympus is probably the only camera manufacturer to introduce such a major upgrade to the camera firmware, not just fixing bugs or having minor improvements, but adding a handful of useful features, adding function-ability to the already amazing E-M1. This refresh of firmware will surely breathe new life to the E-M1!

So what is new in the Firmware 2.0?

1) Electronic Viewfinder has improved display lag time of 0.016sec
Previously, the E-M1's electronic viewfinder has display lag time of 0.029sec, which was already excellent in most shooting conditions, and I did not detect even the slightest hint of lag in all my shooting sessions. It was indeed a great news to know that it has been improved further. 

2) Olympus Capture, new tethered shooting capability added
One of the feedback that I have received when I was doing the E-M1 review (from my blog readwrs of course) was the absence of tethred shooting capability in the E-M1. With the firmware 2.0 upgrade, tethred shooting is now possible. You will need to install Olympus Capture software, downloadable from Olympus site, and compatible with both Mac and PC. The E-M1 will be connected to the computer via USB 2.0 cable, and then you can control the camera remotely from the connected computer, via the Olympus Capture software. You can control almost everything, the main shooting parameters (shutter speed, aperture, ISO), focusing area, or even an option to do manual focus, Furthermore, if you are using Olympus Wireless Flash system, you can control the flash units through the Olympus Capture too, providing quite a complete studio tethered shooting setup. You can transfer both RAW or/and JPEG files from the camera to the computer, which was rather speedy (thankfully Olympus images files are not that huge). I am no expert in studio photography, and I have not done tethered shooting before this, so I will refrain from adding my own comments for now. 



3) Keystone Compensation
Perspective distortion is a common flaw in wide angle photography especially shooting from ground level, looking up to tall buildings, and the resulting image would be the building looking as if it was falling back away from you. Lines were slanted and not as straight as they should be. Honestly, I have very little issues with perspective distortion, I quite like the impression of the exaggerated lines and distorted image, somehow. I acknowledge that this is not a norm of preference by most photographers, especially landscape and architectural shooters, and there are a few solutions to counter this problem, usually using a tilt-shift lens, or applying digital perspective correction in post-processing, digitally. Now in the new Firmware upgrade 2.0 for E-M1, perspective distortion can be corrected in camera, being done LIVE while shooting, and you can see your correction adjustments as you shoot. This new feature is called Keystone Compensation, which should benefit many wide angle shooters.  Due to the correction being done digitally, being processed in camera, the image will only be saved as JPEG, and the image resolution remains at 16MP (loss pixels are then being extra-polated). 

Olympus in camera Keystone Compensation


4) New Art Filters: Vintage and Partial Color
The new art filters which were being introduced in Olympus PEN E-PL7 recently are also included in E-M1's Firmware 2.0 upgrade. Since I have blogged about the two new Art Filters, kindly visit my review for E-PL7 to find out more about these two new art filters, Vintage and Partial Color. I foresee Vintage (three different types) will be a favourite among many photographers. 

5) Other Features/Additions
Live Composite (introduced in E-M10), New Photo-Story templates, New Panning Scene Mode, New "Old Film Effect" for video recording and improved Olympus O.I Share (WiFi connectivity) functions. 


OLYMPUS OM-D E-M1, NOW IN SILVER




Why was Silver Version of the Olympus OM-D E-M1 being introduced? The answer was simple, all the silver models of Olympus cameras, from PEN and OM-D series were doing well, and received quite a huge demand. In fact, I have also been asked why was there no Silver version for E-M1 from time to time. 


FUTURE REVIEWS?

We do not have a working review unit for M.Zuiko 40-150mm F2.8 PRO lens yet at this moment in Malaysia, so I have not have the chance to try it, and obviously my review for his highly anticipated lens will come a bit later. As for the Olympus Capture (tethered shooting), I might not be the best person to write about it considering my limited studio experience and having never used tethered shooting before. However, if you do have any questions, please do ask and I shall answer the best I can within my capacity. 

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72 comments:

  1. I like keystone feature ...in general I dont know how to make good photo when there are both horizontal and vertical lines on the frame ...this looks to me helpfull

    of course there is some program which do it in pc ...must do research ....but this looks to me handy

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    1. I guess the main advantage with this update is that you can do the keystone compensation live, while shooting, and framing your scene! That beats the correction in post processing, manly because framing will be different after the digital shifting compensation.

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    2. DxO Viewpoint is one of the main programs out there for distortion correction after the fact. DxO Optics Pro also does this. I was interested to see how this was going to be done. There was a great deal of speculation that it was going to be done via some sort of sensor shifting. So the fact that it is just being done in software is a little bit of a letdown.

      I don't do studio shooting either but this whole Olympus Capture setup looks very cool. And I appreciate that Oly is working on this sort of stuff and pushing it out as a firmware update. Those of us who spent a lot of money on the E-M1 as early adopters are getting some interesting added features for free.

      I guess that whole 4K video rumor was maybe a little too ambitious.

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    3. Exactly, Glenn, I do think the 4k video upgrade is a stretch too far to ask for.

      The implementation of the keystone is quite simple and straightforward. I have not had the chance to test it out in the field, and scrutinize the results yet.

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  2. Just a minor comment. You don't get 420mm with the 1.4x converter, you get 210mm. You'll get 420mm with the upcoming 300mm f/4. I suppose you meant that full frame equivalent, but you don't actually say that.

    And feel free to delete my comment after fixing. :)

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  3. Awesome news on the firmware update Robin, also on the OI Viewer App for smartphones. Have just finished a 2 month backpacking trip across Europe with the kids. Obviously space was at a premium, and I just used the OI Share app to load images to Facebook from my E-M1. SHot in RAW + medium jpg, as thats enough resolution for FB, and I have the RAW files to work with if I feel I need it. It was great not taking along a laptop.
    The keystoning feature will also be great, I've a few images in RAW to reprocess once I get the firmware updated.

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  4. Hi Tom, glad to hear from you again, and I believe you must have taken so many beautiful photographs! Yes, I believe the keystone compensation is very useful too!

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  5. Thanks for your infos on the new FW-update, Robin! Since "Olympus-Master" times, when I could shoot tethered with my E-520, I have been longing for this feature through all the following camera generations. Now the E-M1 gets it, but NOT the E-M5. As an early adopter and owner of two OMD E-M5 I feel let down. A bitter pill ...


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    1. I don't think it was a simple upgrade over any camera. E-M1 has very powerful processing capability, thus I believe it was easier to do it.

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  6. Typo in firmware section 2) You use the word NOT when I think you mean NOW. "With the firmware 2.0 upgrade, tethred shooting is not possible"

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  7. Hi Robin - are you aware if the new Capture Software allows focus stacking? Thanks in advance!

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    1. No, I do not think focus stacking is one of the features available, but who knows, in future updates!

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    2. would be a great feature though - together with the magnificent 60 2.8 macro ... let's hope and see!

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    3. In camera focus stacking is already possible in Olympus TG-3. I am sure it is a matter of time before it is included in Micro Four Thirds, and then the Olympus Capture.

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  8. Guess it's time to sell my em5 and upgrade to em1. Been longing for tether since I do lots of food photography. The new lens seems interesting as well *looking at my wallet*

    I'm glad I didn't regret to invest in olympus

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    1. Glad you find the tethering option upgrade useful!

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  9. I was expecting three features from this firmware.

    1) add 25fps so I could shoot video. Now it is impossible as all lights flicker, and it is 9 months a year dim/dark here. Now it is impossible unless sun is only light source.

    2) tethering via WiFi. So I could have my camera connected to tablet or computer and transfer JPEG photos automatically and in demand RAW too. Would be great in weddings etc.

    3) live composite from E-M10....

    At least I got 1/3 what I wanted. But yet I can't shoot video anywhere in Europe or other places than Japan/USA to get good video footage. Didn't know the 30fps problem with lights , only about "problem" in playback some idiots claims to have compared to 24fps (there is no difference). But lights flickering is serious problem and render whole video possibilities useless.

    WiFi is awesome but Olympus doesn't really use its potential fully. With 25fps the camera would be almost side to side with GH4. And with WiFi tethering many would get crazy with it. I use WiFi 30% of the time for remote control but would love to shoot and then take tablet and browse and mark photos on that, may by even draw something to highlight the crop preliminary.

    But now need to buy that 40-150 and wait coming 7-14.

    ReplyDelete
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    1. Have you tried the flickr reduction (menu d). For me it solved the problem, athough more video options would be great.

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    2. Hey Paristo,

      I don't think it was that simple to just include improvements in the video recording via firmware upgrade. If it was, I see no reason why it was not included, considering the trouble they did including extensive other features such as Olympus Capture and keystone compensation.

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    3. @Sikorski, yes I have tried it. Best results comes with still 1/50 shutter speed, but it depends from lights lifetime how badly does they flicker and from what designs they are. Still with cameras that has 25fps there is no problems.

      @Wong, I see it is more problematic to lock only to one frame rate. Sure 30fps isn't problem in post production at home usage or semi-pro when wanted to present on TV or web etc. But they would just make over half of the world happy when other Olympus cameras than just pocket cameras or compact cameras would get other than 30fps.
      It would as well shut up the whiners who believe they see difference between 24 and 25 frame rates etc.

      To me the h.264 codec with 24Mbits minum bitrate is more than enough as if I can't get content right with it, the higher wouldn't help me at all. And difference between 10-24-36-50-100-200Mbits with h.264 is very minimal as codec is designed to 2-3 Mbits in mind. For decade or two we have enjoyed movies that are sold us in blurays or streamed over web and we love the quality, while most often it is 17Mbits h.264. I have shown E-M1 footage that I have shot to different professionals (edited top awarded Hollywood movies, animations etc. They know about codecs and compression etc) asking can they point out the problems in codec. Some said there is color limitations but everyone agreed that codec is very good for such usage what can be expected from small camera. They are not nitpicking like many Olympus hater/disliker but focus to content, story etc that what matters.
      Sure they don't Luke idea about having only 30fps but they wouldn't die for it.

      For me it would be just a small feature to be added and I would be very happy for quality and it is the 25fps.

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    4. Dear Paristo,

      I understand your concerns and your need for such video options. However it is crucial to understand what E-M1 is. The E-M1 was never designed to be a video powerhouse, I believe it is not ready for such upgrade, hardware wise. Perhaps, the requests are more appropriately made to be included in their new camera models, such as E-M1 and E-M5 successors.

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  10. Looks and sounds great. I'm just curious now if there will be an announcement about a possible E-M10 firmware update as well :) I've just bought the 60mm Macro last week (fantastic lens) and the improved focus peaking, depth-of-field preview lock and 3x magnification would be very welcome :)

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    1. I have not heard of anything about E-M10, but then again that camera is still very new, about half year of age only, I do not think anything would come that soon.

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  11. Forgot to mention it. At least from the other articles I've read the minimum focusing distance seems to be 70cm instead of 50cm. Still very impressive how they managed to keep that minimum distance through the whole range ... even with the teleconverter.

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    Replies
    1. 50cm is measured from the front of lens to the subject. 70cm is the distance from the image sensor.

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    2. I recommend metering the distance always from the sensor, as that is the standard way and easy as there is a sensor distance mark in body for that reason (in E-M1 it exist in left side of hot shoe on EVF).

      It seems that new 40-150 is more like a old 70-300mm 4/3 that offered 1:2 magnification at 300mm end when manual focusing. It was amazing feature in that.

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    3. In contrast to your way of measuring distance, it is much easier to estimate the distance from the lens to the subject when shooting. Practical reasons.

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  12. I am a lifetime Olympus user. OM-10, E-500, E-510, E-3, E-5, E-PL1, E-PM2, EM-5. Strongly considering the EM-1. Why won't Olympus address the 4k beta firmware? Olympus would absolutely sell a ton more cameras with 4k.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I am in Olympus. There was never such a thing as 4K video upgrade. Do not believe the hype created by rumors.

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  13. I'm incredibly happy that the 40-150mm f/2.8 will be available soon. It looks as though it will be worth every penny I spend on it. I've been switching to the E-5 and 50-200mm f/2.8-3.5 (from 2004) but it would be great to have a convenient lens in a smaller size, especially with other sports around the corner for me.

    I wish that the Camera Updater could find the new firmware. I still haven't been able to update my E-5.

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    1. The firmware will only be available for download on 24 September though!

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    2. German Olympus site says tomorrow 16th but software for computer 24th September.

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    3. From my understanding it is 24 september. Surely it would be great if it comes earlier!

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    4. Thanks!

      Missed the date, somehow but I still have to update the E-5 and that never worked, so I wasn't surprised that I wasn't getting a positive response for the E-M1. :-D

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    5. Thanks! I got it about seven hours ago.

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  14. Hi Robin,
    It's sound great to hear the lens finally is coming. Just wondering whether the lens hood and the Zuiko Protection filter comes with the lens price? (you havent mentioned the zuiko protection filter, have you?). Thanks.

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    1. Only the hood comes with the lens. the filter will have to be purchased separately. This blog entry serves to highlight the key important points of the OIympus announcement. If I were to put out a complete writeout, it will look like a camera manual, which nobody reads.

      Delete
  15. Hi Robin:
    Thanks for the reliable info on the EM1 firmware -- there are some wild rumors floating around about it. This sounds like a very good update. But I wanted to share some (hopefully) realistic firmware wishes in the hopes you might pass them along. All seem within the realm of possibility and would be quite useful:

    * Optional hyperfocal distance scale display -- particularly useful for street photography, manual focus shooting (RicohGR and Fuji cameras both have this)
    * Sweep panorama
    * Option to have meter reading broad spot read tied to face detect auto focus to both focus and meter the subject's face
    * Intervalometer for timelapse
    * Golden mean grid overlay
    * Fully silent, electronic shutter (if possible in firmware, like Fuji XT1)
    THANKS for doing such a great site!

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    1. I think your requests are reasonable, but do understand that not many manufacturers would provide a long list of update to their firmware, certainly not the big players. The update would serve the most popular demands/requests.

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    2. Douglas,

      I believe the Intervalometer function is already implemented via the {MENU --> Camera 1 --> Time Lapse Settings} selection. I have not used it so I'm not sure how full-featured it is, but on the surface it looks quite flexible.

      Rick

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    3. Timelapse intervalometer is available for E-P5, E-M1, E-M10 and E-PL7

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  16. Thanks Robin. I know this is a photography blog, but the lack of additional video framerates and bit-rates is pretty disappointing. Olympus has consistently ignored opportunities to add killer video features to their cameras. I'm beginning to believe that they may not have the engineering chops to create advanced video features, or even simple ones like 24p, higher bit-rates, etc. Photography is a passion of mine, but the internet world is trending away from still and towards motion.

    Youtube has a 50 billion dollar evaluation because people are spending a huge amount of their time watching videos online. If you want to stay in business as a technology company for creative individuals you'll need to create flexible tools that solve their biggest problems. Sony is way ahead in this respect and that is why I've invested in an A7S and a ton of sony lenses. I would have loved to spend that money with olympus, but they haven't properly addressed the pro, or even prosumer video market.

    Perhaps they have been testing the waters with video pros behind closed doors. Given their competition and financial position I'd encourage them to move faster in this direction. They have the framework to build upon with the current E-M1 and it's 5 axis stabilization. Olympus its time to put the pedal to the metal.

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    1. The LX100 certainly is added incentive (and a great model for what the Pen lineup should be, with integrated, left side EVF, 4K video, and great manual controls)

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    2. Dear Danny,
      I don't think the video framerate can be adjusted simply by changing the firmware. I think it is a lot more complicated than that, there are many other issues to consider. The fact is that the E-M1 was not designed to cater for such options, and if it can be upgraded via firmware, surely they would have done so, considering a huge demand. You have to understand it was NEVER in the camera and surely asking it to be added out of nowehere is a stretch to far. Perhaps, it is a more reasonable request to have the framerates options included in the FUTURE Olympus cameras, such as E-M5 and E-M1 successors.

      Delete
  17. Bob's comment (Cathy's husband) I've been shooting since 1960 Nikon F ...Hassy...4x5 view camera...canon 5D ...now OMD EM-1.
    SO.MANY FEATURES and now even more with new firmware. We need a training video. Well at least I could use one even after using EM1 and 4 micro 43 prime lens I haven't scratched the surface 9 mos after purchase.
    This is the most fun camera I've owned.
    Do you know of training material.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I do not think there is anything specific for E-M1, but I do not think it requires rocket science to figure out. Just shoot more, use it for a period of time and, surely you will discover more about the camera and get used to it in no time!

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  18. I think that 40-150 in combination with the new teleconverter could be the perfect dragonfly shooting rig. Imagine, 420mm equivalent with .6x magnification!

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  19. The inclusion of the really strange blurring effects and now the scratched film mode in video recording is very strange for a camera purported to be the professional, flagship model.

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    1. E-M1 is designed to be a professional CAMERA, not for video though. It was made very clear.

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    2. My point is why put in consumer-oriented gimmicks into a professional camera?

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    3. I don't think it is gimmick. That effect falls into Art Filter. Art Filters were included in their professional DSLR E-5, and was well received. I do not see why not in E-M1.

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    4. I think what Bill means is that in the Western markets, filters are pretty much the domain of hobbyist and cell phone users. Perhaps the markets are different in your region and don't seem as gimmicky.

      I've owned the E-M1 since it was introduced but the Art Filters will never be used by me.....that's what my cell phone and Instagram are for.

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    5. There are many features in the E-M1 that I do not use, such as Time Lapse, or Live Bulb. I would not call them gimmicks. I have friends who use them almost on daily basis.

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    6. Hi Robin,

      Love your blog, but I think it's a bit of a stretch to compare things like Time Lapse & Live Bulb to Art Filters. Time Lapse and Live Bulb are part of the process of taking the photos. If the camera doesn't offer it, you'll need either extra hardware (time lapse) or maybe no other options at all (live bulb). On the other hand, Art Filters are things that could easily be done on a computer/smartphone later.

      People bought the EM-1 knowing what it can and can't do (and I was amazed that some people felt 'entitled' to 4K) but, I do think if Olympus had instead spent development resources on offering different frame-rates (just 24p and 25p), and possibly a better codec, they would have done their customers a great service.

      In essence, a scratched film mode is unlikely to win new fans, but optional extra frame rates and a better codec could have given all EM-1 owners an extra option if interested in video, and possibly enticed new owners wanting video with the suburb 5-axis IBIS. Even if the Olympus was focused on stills to the point they don't want to add video features, an electronic distance scale when manually focusing seems conspicuously absent compared to all over CSC offerings from other companies and again offers an in camera feature that there is no other recourse for if it isn't in camera.

      I really dislike the Fuji ergonomics, but I have to respect the way they treat their customers by continuously adding features to the firmware on older cameras. Olympus have shown they can do it with things like in camera key stoning, so I really hoping future firmwares will include things like better video and distance scales.

      Thanks again for all your work on the blog.

      Delete
    7. It would be fantastic if camera manufacturers made their high end products "open". The end users could uninstall or configure features they actually want/need. Personally the video is fine for me. I do a fair bit of mixed media content for clients and it's never been an issue. having advanced options wouldn't hurt though.

      Delete
  20. Dear Andrew,
    I do not think Live Bulb and Time lapse comparison to Art FIlter was taken too far. All were program driven and do not require additional hardware. They were rarely used, unless you have specific need of them in your photography.
    Similarly goes to Art Fllter, I do not use them much at all, but I have known professional photographers who use them faithfully and their clients love the Art Filters. And he NEVER used the time lapse or live bulb.
    The main point here is not so much of why Olympus chose to include the scratchy old film effect over the requested framerate options. I fully understand why there is a need and huge demand for the video improvements. The way I see it, there are only TWO possibilities: 1) Olympus chose to ignore the requests and did not care about what their customers wanted, or 2) Olympus did listen, and tried their best to implement the video framerates in the firmware update, unfortunately it did not work out and the upgrade was simply not ready for whatever reasons. Most people would jump to the earlier assumption, but I chose the latter, because some things are not just that easy to do.
    So yes, why not add that new scratchy film Art Filter? It was easy, and it was doable, while many people may not use it, I do not see anything wrong with that.
    I think the requests for additional video features are more reasonably made for their future camera models, as I mentioned earlier.

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    1. Dear Robin,

      Thanks for your quick reply. I am hoping there is an option 3) they're working on it but isn't quite ready yet, and will be released in a future firmware update. Again, nothing about entitlement or expectation, but would generate huge goodwill with their customers who are more than still shooters. I'm sure there will be lots of other goodies in future cameras to get us to upgrade :)

      Kind regards,
      Andrew

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  21. I think it is important that Olympus realize that by having a camera that has amazing image stabilization that can be used in video mode has made the E-M5 and E-M1 video cameras (whether they say so or not). I personally would not use anything else. No more Steadicams, no more tripods. It is amazing. I understand that the current platform will not support 4K as I'm sure the internal buss-work just won't support the speed needed. I would think that other frame rates (especially slower ones, I.E. 24P and 25P) might could be added. I have been very pleased with the video quality on my E-M5 and feel that it is sharper than what I have seen from the GH4. That said, the one issue I have seen is that for very detailed scenes (like with leaves) you can have a lot of blocking due to the bit rate. I had hoped that the E-M1 with its 24Mbits would do better. In my early tests with my new E-M1 I have not seen the problem. However, I have seen a more concerning problem (that may answer why the blocking problem has gone away) and would like to know if anyone else has seen it. What I am seeing is the E-M1 video is substantially less sharp than that of my E-M5. I can't help but wonder if Olympus has done this to keep the data rate down so the camera can keep up. Has anyone else seen this or is it just my camera?
    My main issue that Olympus needs to address is that you need to be able to adjust the shutter speed and/or aperture while you are filming video. I use the camera to film weddings and during those long clips the lightly conditions can change. Now, you have to stop the camera, readjust and then restart. This is very troublesome.

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    1. Robin,

      Is Olympus going to address the inability to change the shutter speed and/or aperture while you are filming video? BTW, I have sent my EM-1 back for exchange and we will see if the new one will have the same issue with video sharpness.

      thanks,

      Glen

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  22. I'm wondering if Olympus will sell a longer USB cable for the E-M1 now that the Capture software is available. I can't seem to find a third party source for a 2 meter cable either.

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    1. You can use USB extension, meaning a male USB to female USB connectors cable. I am sure they sell longer variants of the cable.

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  23. Robin, I wonder if the tripod foot of the lens can be removed. For hand held shooting it can be cumbersome...
    On the other hand, is there any firmware upgrade on the way for the OM EM-5?

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    1. Yes the tripod collar is removeable. Same with any similar lens range from other manufacturers.
      I do not have any news for E-M5 but I do not think there is much left that can be done for E-M5. It has already been upgraded with smaller focusing point and ISO Low in recent updates.

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    2. Hi Robin, can you pass on the suggestion to the powers that be that a dress ring (plastic collar with no tripod foot) for this lens would be nice for when the tripod collar is removed? The silver screws are ugly and stick out like dogs balls. The tripod mount is a pain in the rear end to reach around if you are not using a tripod. They could at the very least make the screws black to blend in with the body...

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  24. Hi Robin,

    How do you think the 40-150mm 2.8 vs 150mm 2.0 (Little Tuna) compares on the EM-1.2?

    I mainly shoot Basketball Games indoors and do portraits of my family and have a hard time choosing which one to buy, as the images I see of the 150mm looks so damn stunning.

    I've heard that you lose some focus speed on the 150mm because of the adapter, but will it be an issue when shooting sports?

    Hope you can help me in my hunt for better glass for sports.

    And just quick, how to you think the Pro Primes would do?

    Today I'm shooting on the 12-42 3.5-5.6 kit lens, as money hasn't been for another lens before now.

    Kind Regards
    Martin

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