Olympus Master software gets refreshed

[Mr. Pickles]

This is on a few sites today, so I put it here.....

London, February 1, 2007 – A major update to the OLYMPUS Master software is set to make the management of digital files easier and more enjoyable than ever. Included with every new Olympus digital camera launched from 2007 onwards, the OLYMPUS Master 2.0 software lets users benefit from a range of new and improved features.

Ease of use combined with clever functions make OLYMPUS Master 2.0 the perfect choice for all types of users. Incorporating a special Quick Start Guide, the software even lets complete beginners get great results with a minimum of effort – right from the word go. Meanwhile, a new time line feature is included that arranges photos chronologically so that files can be located much faster. Skilled users are also sure to welcome the Histogram function and sophisticated Color Management adjustment facility. In addition, the software now also boasts the facility to receive Olympus RSS feeds. In this way, subscribed users can always be kept updated on the latest news from Olympus.

New add-ons are also a part of this software update: The handy “Muvee Pack” lets fun videos be created from images and clips, while the advanced “Studio Pack” is primarily aimed at supporting the special requirements of pro and semi-pro users. Both packs are included in the software bundle as 15-day free trials, while keys to unlock each application are available for purchase online – at for approximately £35 and £65 respectively.

Users with an Olympus xD-Picture Card and associated serial key can additionally download the “xD Pack” free of charge. This provides various extra functions to enhance the photo experience, including 3D and new Art effects.

The new OLYMPUS Master 2.0 software will ship with all Olympus digital cameras launch from 2007 onwards and is compatible with both Windows (up to Vista) and Mac (up to OS X Tiger) operating systems and is available in 29 languages.

[Paul Shields]

I've never quite understood the differences between Master and Studio (and Viewer for that matter). Does the 'Studio Pack' effectively replace the original Studio software or will that still be separately available? I guess I'll have to wait until I get a new cam to see improvements, but I hope they've tackled the speed issue.

[Mr. Pickles]

I don't know about this whole Viewer and Master and Studio thing. I think they just want 3 different software packages to go with the different "levels" of cameras they want to have.

Seems silly to me to have a Master and a Studio. What could the difference be? Studio has a nice "show the Customer" window or something? Sounds like Master will be faster than Studio. SO if you are in a Studio, you can be slower? But if your a Master, everything is fast...because you're a Master?

[Malakor]

Studio has a wider range of imaging adjustments than does Master, plus it has the 'tethered' control which isn't of much use unless you have laptop and can go places with both. I didn't like Master (to much bundled stuff) but much preferred Viewer which is far simpler.
Hopefully the new Studio will have some kind of highlight recovery feature to make it more competitive with the likes of ACR, etc., but I'm not holding my breath!