Olympus OMD E-M1 Firmware Update 2.0 - How to shoot Tethered with Olympus Capture Software

Screen grab from DP Review

Not too long after one of the biggest photography expos, Photokina, Olympus released a new firmware update for all Olympus OMD E-M1's, which is already included with the newly announced Silver OMD pictured above. While I have always been a fan of the black & silver two tone look, I don't think I will be do doing a purely aesthetic upgrade. Firmware 2.0 for the OMD E-M1 is a move in the right direction for the flagship camera that will undoubtedly make aspiring professionals and professionals alike extremely happy. 

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA UPDATER  

The following information has been greatly summarized by my internet buddy, Mike Hendren, on his blog Thru Mikes Viewfinder and I will summarize it below.

8 New Functions:

• Tethered Shooting via the new Olympus Capture Software 
• Live Composite mode
• Keystone Compensation (digital shift) to correct vertical distortion.
• 2 New Art Filters: Vintage and Partial Color.
• Aperture Lock function has been added to Aperture Preview.
• Panning Shot shooting mode has been added to SCN mode.
• Old Film effect has been added to movie effect.
• New Photo Story mode features: Zoom In/Out and Layout framing options. Save (complete partway through), Temporary Save, and Resume functions.

16 Operability Improvements:

•  EVF image display time lag reduced to 16 milliseconds (when frame rate setting is set to high speed)
• Multiple simultaneous settings now available in Live Guide.
• Exposure compensation (±3 EV) is now available in HDR 1/HDR2 shooting.
• A function has been added to cancel Color Creator and return to the original Picture Mode by pressing the MENU button when using Color Creator function.
• Movie Tele-converter can now be used simultaneously when Art Filter is set to Picture Mode.
• AF function for each frame was added to Custom Self Timer. In Drive Mode's Custom Self Timer settings, you can now press the INFO button to change settings.
• MF Assist is now supported in magnified frame position.
• 3x has been added to high resolution magnified Live View.
• The Peaking display frame rate has been improved.
• Electronic zoom speed setting function was added. An icon appears on the LCD monitor when using an Olympus electronic zoom lens.
• When the arrow pad is set to Direct function, the Underwater/Underwater macro functions can be used with the left and down button on the arrow pad.
•  Double tap is now supported in touch operations on the Super Control Panel.
• The level gauge and histogram can now be displayed during magnified frame display. The Touch Off icon was added to magnified frame display.
• A function was added so that shooting information recorded in HDR1/HDR2 can be viewed in the playback screen.
• Information on composited number of shots for images recorded with Live Composite was added (Can be checked in Olympus Viewer3).
• When the BKT button is held down, the BKT menu now appears.

DOWNLOAD FIRMWARE 2.0 HERE 

Among the many features I will be using in my home studio, I believe the new tethered mode takes the cake. The new Olympus Capture Software is pretty much everything I wanted since I started doing studio photography with the OMD and I wanted to run you through the initial stages and how I personally set up the software. I would also take the time to watch the video in the link provided below and consider purchasing a new cord to extend the distance you can operate being physically tethered to you computer. I purchased this longer CORD and this USB ADAPTER for the extra reach and can attest they work perfectly well. 

DOWNLOAD OLYMPUS CAPTURE SOFTWARE HERE

I know this typically goes without saying, but make sure you have a full charged battery when connecting to the computer. Unlike the Sony A7, this will not charge you battery nor will it run on your PC power. Once connected you want turn the camera on and select the the third item down that shows the the icon of a camera wired to a computer.

I am incredibly impressed that I now have the option to actuate the shutter and take control from either the camera or from the computer. It covers pretty much all the bases I need and more. You can select your focus point, change white balance, ISO, shutter speed and aperture. I haven't found anything the computer can't do that the camera can, but I will admit I have had very limited exposure to the new software. I will update as I spend more time with the software.   

Since I spend most of my time doing studio portraits, I prefer to spend as little time looking at the computer and most of my time interacting with my model(s). My intended use for tethering is to make sure that my lighting is spot on. I have learned not to trust what I see on the back of my LCD screen as I have experienced a handful of instances of over exposed portraits. When shooting RAW + JPEG, the software allows you to immediately transfer the JPEGs to a designated folder on your computer for immediate review. The transfer rate is quick especially when you are shooting SMALL JPEG. Below are steps to configure the software for the aforementioned set up (from a PC user perspective):

1. Create a folder dedicated to transfer anywhere on your PC
2. Access the Options menu in the upper right corner of the software
3. Select Transfer Settings on the LEFT column of the menu
4. Select "ON" - Transfer images automatically from camera
5. Under the Transfer Destination section find the folder you created in Step 1
6. Optional (my preferred setting) - Click the check box Create subfolder with shooting date automatically. 
7. I opted for the default selections under: File Name After Transfer and Rule When The Same File Name Exists
8. Under Download Settings, I opted to Omit Raw Files as to speed up the review process. Transfer Raw files will takes significantly more time especially with consecutive shooting. 
9. Select RAW + JPEG either on your camera or on the computer and you are ready to go. 

I would love to hear what the rest of you think of the new software. I have only done a quick 10 minute portrait with my fiance, but I already think this is a fantastic addition to my home studio. I hope this helps and I would love to hear about your experience. Happy tethered shooting.

So say we all,

Dino

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Field Report from San Diego Comic Con - The Mirrorless Movement is in Full Effect

The Killer Pumpkins booth before the madness

It has most definitely been a long week at the San Diego Comic Con (SDCC for short). For those who are not aware, I asked by the Killer Pumpkins mastermind, John Pelico, to come along and document the spectacle and post pictures for his website and facebook page. I of course jumped at the opportunity and packed my bags to join the team for this week long Nerdy goodness. 

If this doesn't give you anxiety, then you're ready for SDCC

I not only took this opportunity to meet interesting cosplayers, but wanted to try different photography techniques and talk to photographers about their cameras of choice. I have been going to Comic Con for the last 5 years and started out with my trusty Panasonic GF-1. Consider me an early adopter, but I did not see a single mirrorless camera during my first couple of years attending SDCC. Fast forward to 2014, they are everywhere. Surely I have nothing against DSLRs and Canikon still own the market, but it is great meeting other people proudly donning an EVIL (Electronic Viewfinder Interchangeable Lens) camera. It's like running into another member of your secret club, but more inclusive =).  In fact, many greeted me with a "Heyyyy, nice camera!"or "Aren't these the best?". Among the many brands I saw these were the most abundant (in order of most seen to least seen):

• Sony NEX (now Alpha) series: From the 3, 5 and 6 series
• Olympus: Surprisingly the E-M1 was the most popular followed by the EPL series
• Panasonic - GH3/4 and a handful of G5s
• Sony Alphas: from the A7(r) to the A77 & A58 specifically
• Nikon - V series. I had a difficult time identifying the models
• Fuji X100s
• Finally one Leica M Body - They count as mirrorless cameras

Our savior was into steam punk.

What I really love most about Comic Con is that people are so receptive and open to randomly talk to strangers. In fact, it's expected. I took this opportunity to interview people about why they decided to go with a mirrorless camera and the overwhelming response I got was that they felt they had a smaller camera that didn't sacrifice on image quality. Some even suggested it had brought new life to their photography because they had a lot more creative opportunities with the ability to adapt inexpensive, high-quality legacy lenses. With regards to the E-M1 (the camera I brought to SDCC), many have praised its touch screen particularly to choose a focus point and/or to capture a photo. I for one can attest to its utility and ease of use.

Selfie opportunity with Master Chief

Overall, I am glad that mirrorless cameras are becoming more and more relevant. This truly was a stark contrast to my first several years at SDCC. I wouldn't be surprised if more and more people decide to add an EVIL camera to their arsenal because who wants to walk around for 12 hours with something heavier.  To me seeing so many attendees using mirrorless cameras is a sign of where the industry is going and I, for one, am happy with the direction.

I personally love interpretations of characters rather than direct copies.
Kudos to this cosplayer

I posed these cosplayers and they simply nailed the look I was going for. 

I'll be posting more about my photographic experience while working at San Diego Comic Con. For now enjoy a couple more photos from my first couple of days at SDCC. Thanks for stopping. 

So say we all,
Dino

The detail in her hand-made bow was simply amazing. Loved this Lara Croft outfit

Nightcrawler bringing the smolder