To support the new M.Zuiko Digital ED 150-400mm F4.5 TC1.25x IS PRO lens, Olympus has released the OM-D E-M1X Firmware Version 2.0 with Bird Detection Autofocus, RAW Video Data Output compatibility with the Atomos Ninja V HDR Monitor Recorder, Focus Stacking Support for the M.Zuiko Digital ED 150-400mm F4.5 TC1.25x IS PRO Lens, improved Video Image Stabilization Performance and support for the Focus Indicator Display.
This is estremely good news for wildlife photographers who have been waiting for the M.Zuiko Digital ED 150-400mm F4.5 TC1.25x IS PRO lens since the new Bird Detection Autofocus now increases the likelihood of obtaining eye-focus sharpness when shooting birds in their natural habitat.
Kudos to Olympus (engineers and management) for working so hard even at this late stage and releasing the M.Zuiko Digital ED 150-400mm F4.5 TC1.25x IS PRO lens and the OM-D E-M1X Firmware Version 2.0. This shows the high level of professionalism, commitment, ownership and pride they take in their cameras and lenses. This super telephoto lens might have positively changed the course of their imaging business were all the stars aligned just right, especially if they could have gotten this lens and the E-M1X into the hands of pro photographers shooting the Olympics. But alas, COVID-19. The E-M1X and ED 150-400mm F4.5 TC1.25x IS PRO lens combo is an ideal system for all those photographers shooting wildlife and nature who want a much more compact and lighter system.
PRESS RELEASE
FIRMWARE VERSION 2.0FOR THE OLYMPUS OM-D®E-M1X
Introducing Bird Detection for Intelligent Subject Detection Autofocus
Center Valley, PA, November 17, 2020 – Olympus is pleased to announce the latest firmware upgrade for the Olympus OM-D E-M1X mirrorless camera, Version 2.0. Scheduled for release on December 2, 2020, this new version of firmware adds Bird Detection to Intelligent Subject Detection Autofocus, an AI-based deep learning technology. 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. Additional firmware upgrades are available for the OM-D E-M1 Mark III, E-M1 Mark II and E-M5 Mark III. All available updates can be accessed at: https://getolympus.com/firmware.
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 can be output as 12-bit RAW data and recorded in ProRes RAW format on the Atomos Ninja V HDR monitor recorder, enabling advanced professional video production post-processing tasks, such as adjusting exposure and color grading of recorded footage. The latest firmware for the Atomos Ninja V HDR Monitor Recorder will be required to enable this support. The firmware can be accessed here: https://www.atomos.com/firmware/ninja-v.
Focus Stacking Support for the M.Zuiko Digital ED 150-400mm F4.5 TC1.25x IS PROLens
With this firmware, the M.Zuiko Digital ED 150-400mm F4.5 TC1.25x IS PRO supports in-camera Focus Stacking, bringing the total to 11i compatible lenses.
Improved Video Image Stabilization Performance
The video image stabilization algorithm has been updated for natural recording with minimal shake, even when panning.
Supports Focus Indicator Display
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 Upgrades
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 2, 2020. Visit the following website for further details: https://getolympus.com/firmware.
Firmware Upgrade CompatibilityTable
| E-M1XFirmware Ver.2.0 | E-M1 Mark III Firmware Ver.1.2 | E-M1 Mark II Firmware Ver.3.4 | E-M5 Mark III Firmware Ver.1.3 | |
| 1.Bird detection | Yes | No | No | No |
| 2. RAW video data output | Yes | Yes | No | No |
| 3. Lens that supportsFocus Stacking added | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| 4. Improved video image stabilization | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| 5. Supports focus indicator display | Yes | Yes | No | No |