Firmware updates for e-3, e-510 and 70-300 lens...

[Raist3d]

Guys, check your applications and connect your cameras. Olympus has released a firmware upgrade for these items. The e-510 and E-3 get one surprise- IS support for legacy OM lenses (and according to a poster at dpreview, it works with other brands too!) You set the focal length.

Hopefully this takes care of that whole moaning and world-end complaints on that end.

Also for the E-3:

Firmware Update for OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA
[ E-3 ]
-
Enabled use of the Image Stabilization function with non-Four Thirds System interchangeable lenses by inputting a specific focal length.
For details on operations, please click on the URL.
-
Matched the rotation of the dial on the rear of the Power Battery Holder HLD-4 and the movement direction of the AF target.
-
Increased the number of storable still pictures by improving the battery check when the Power Battery Holder HLD-4 is attached.
-
Focusing now stops immediately when the AF start button (AEL/AFL or Fn button) is released.
-
Corrected the phenomenon where the flash control caused an under exposure while using bounce flash at short distances with the FL-50R or FL-36R Electronic Flash.
-
Improved selection and prioritization of the central 5 ranging points when shooting in C-AF mode and Dynamic-single Target mode.

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At least one guy reported that now the AA batteries work fine with the HLD4 (alkalines, he was going to try rechargeables next).

The 70-300 got something too, I think improved exposure.

Connect your equipment, go to MASTER 2.xx or Studio 2.xx and go to camera update after connecting your camera and 70-300 if you have that lens!

- Raist

[kenwae]

Hey, thanks for this information. I just received my E510, with the two kit lenses, and purchased the 35mm 3.5 macro and just bought the 70-300. If more than one lens has an update, do I go through the update process again with each lens attached? If no lens has an update, do I do the update without any lens attached? It's all quite new and read that if the upgrade isn't done right, the camera has to go into the shop....any guidelines are appreciated; thanks. Ken

[Raist3d]

Basically yes, you can say attach your camera + first lens to upgrade. If you have more than one lens to upgrade you basically, when you are done with the camera and lens, you follow the on screen instructions on when to disconnect the camera and turn off, then you repeat the process but with the next lens / equipment to upgrade.

- Raist

[Raist3d]

Make sure you have a FRESH fully charged battery before doing this! Make sure the computer you use is connected to a power supply!

- Raist

[dannn]

Hey allright! Thanks for the info on the update!

[Raist3d]

Remember the camera will be set to factory defaults. I had to set the E-3 again to use superfine for jpegs instead of just fine... etc. My modes and reset modes are gone. Just remember to set it all again. I am sure the same applies for the e-510.

- Raist

[dannn]

Oh, OK will do.... Do you find any image clarity problems shooting in Large/Superfine? I tend to shoot in Large/Fine because I heard of some issues, but the source was not very clear as to what. Thanks.

[Raist3d]

I just tried a quick experiment on shooting one single raw, then developing into a normal, fine and superfine jpeg.

The difference between even normal and super fine is HARD to notice. I had to look real hard to see any differences, and they are not huge by any means. It made me consider even shooting normal, but I know the OCD guy in me looking at the file size will make me think "bigger has to be better." There's a difference of 1.8 megs vs 5.8 megs in one shot (normal vs super fine). That's a big difference.

But I was surprised that the differences are *so small*. Makes me think "fine" will probably be "fine enough" and maybe I should use that, increase my workflow speed.

- Raist

[Paul Shields]

Excellent stuff. I'm amazed and delighted that they've listened to the requests for IS support of legacy lenses. I also found that issue with AF moving on after the the AEL/Fn button was released so hopefully this means I can go back to that combination . Hopefully it also addresses the AF focusing issues some people seem to experience.

Nice one Olympus .

[dannn]

Ah yes, my 'ol friend the OCD guy in me 2. I played with fine and SF and I don't see the jam up that others were referring to. Best, Dan

[Olyirrisistity]

Originally Posted by Raist3d

The 70-300 got something too, I think improved exposure.

I think it should be "improved image stabilization".

(The original Japanese is "improved the stabilization of exposure precision ", but I'm not clear what it actually means. It's then officially translated into English as "stabilized exposure precision" , which's clearly become worse )

[bubba]

What is legacy lens? Are they the old OM manual focus lenses?

[Mr. Pickles]

Originally Posted by bubba

What is legacy lens? Are they the old OM manual focus lenses?

Yes.