Olympus announced the launch of a major firmware update of its flagship camera, the OM-D E-M1 at Photokina 2014. This firmware upgrade includes, USB tethered shooting capabilities, ideal integration in the workflow for studio photographers, utilizing Olympus’ new Olympus Capture studio tethering application where the E-M1 connects to a computer via a USB cable, and the free Olympus Capture software mirrors the camera’s Live View on the computer monitor, enabling easier, stress-free collaboration and sharing with other parties involved in a photo shoot. Other inclusions of the firmware also include in-camera Digital Shift, or Keystone Compensation which allows the user to correct the converging lines of trapezoidal distortion in Live View, without the need for a shift lens or post-processing and Live Composite Mode is a tool that offers previews of long exposures in Live View. Along with the firmware upgrade 2.0, Olympus also announced the firmwares’ availability on a silver version of the previously only-available-in-black E-M1.
Olympus also announced the M.Zuiko ED 40-150mm F2.8 Pro lens (equivalent to 80-300mm). The lens is the first telephoto in the M.ZUIKO PRO series that features a dust, splash and freezeproof construction, durable enough to withstand the rigors of professional shooting. It uses a dual-linear motor to power focusing of two high-grade lens elements, and provides an internal zoom construction to maintain the same overall length as it’s zoomed. The M.ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 40-150mm f2.8 PRO Lens will be available in November, 2014.
Olympus also showcased its previously announced PEN E-PL7 which offers a 16MP CMOS sensor, 3-axis image stabilization system borrowed from the OM-D E-M10, 8 fps continuous shooting and built-in Wi-Fi. The E-PL7 provides an articulated 3″ touch LCD, capable of flipping downward by 180°, apt for selfies. Along with the E-PL7, Olympus has also announced an update to its OI.Share app as well as a black version of its M.Zuiko 12mm F2.0 prime.
