Olympus will release firmware upgrade Version 2.0 for the OM-D E-M1X camera on 3 December, 2020, adding Bird detection to its Intelligent Subject Detection AF functions.


The Olympus OM-D E-M1X camera, shown with the new M.Zuiko Digital ED 150-400mm f/4.5 TC1.25x IS PRO lens, which will be supported via the latest firmware upgrade. (Source: Olympus.)

With this new function, the camera will automatically prioritise detection of a bird’s eye for focusing and tracking, so the photographer can concentrate on composing and capturing images. The update will enable the camera to recognise a variety of birds of all sizes. When shooting, the camera will prioritise focusing on the bird’s eye but switch to detect and track the head or body, if the bird’s eye is not detected. This feature functions well enough to support successful shooting in birds’ natural habitats, where trees, plants and other obstructions are expected between the photographer and subject. It is compatible with Pro Capture, a feature that provides time-lag-free shooting and also supports focus stacking with the M.Zuiko Digital ED 150-400mm f/4.5 TC1.25x IS PRO lens.

The new firmware also includes various functional improvements, including RAW video data output to support professional video production. 4K 30P/25P/24P and Cinema 4K 24P video recorded on the OM-D E-M1X and OM-D E-M1 Mark III (Firmware Version 1.2) can be output as 12-bit RAW data and recorded in ProRes RAW format on the Atomos Ninja V HDR monitor recorder. The recorder must be using the latest Ninja V firmware.

The new firmware will be available to download here from 3 December 2020. 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 at the same time and available from the cameras’ support pages.

The table above shows the functions improved by the new firmware for each camera.

See all latest firmware updates