Olympus has given details of a new firmware update designed for the OM-D E-M1X to add Bird Detection, with both detection for the bird, and the bird's eye(s). The firmware update is coming in December, and there will also be firmware updates available for the E-M1 Mark III, E-M1 Mark II and E-M5 Mark III, to add additional features, including improved video stabilisation, and focus stacking support. See below for full details.

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OM-D E-M1X firmware version 2.0 with Bird detection

Bird detection has been added to the Intelligent Subject Detection AF and can recognize a variety of birds of all sizes. When shooting, the camera focuses primarily on the bird's eye and switches to detecting and tracking the head or body if the bird’s eye is not detected. This feature functions sufficiently well even in birds' natural habitats where trees, plants and other obstructions can get between photographer and subject. This enables the photographer to concentrate on framing.

The feature can be used in conjunction with Pro Capture, which is also a popular feature for photographing birds. This shooting mode exploits the virtual elimination of shutter lag and reaction time by recording sequential frames before the shutter release is fully pressed, and ensure the camera never miss decisive moments, such 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, including super-telephoto lenses. This 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 or the E-M1 Mark III can be output as 12-bit RAW data and recorded in ProRes RAW format on the Atomos Ninja V HDR monitor recorder. This enables advanced professional video production post-processing tasks such as adjusting exposure and colour grading recorded footage. Please update to latest Ninja V firmware to enable this support, https://www.atomos.com/firmware/ninja-v

Improved video image stabilization performance

The video image stabilization algorism has been revised for natural recording with minimal shaking even when panning.

Focus indicator display added

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 update

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 3, 2020: