Olympus just released a series of firmware updates for several cameras including the original E-M5, E-M10 mark II, E-M10, E-P5, E-PL7, E-PL6, E-PL5 and E-PM2. Below is the description of this new update:
- Compatibility with Olympus lens with a built-in image stabilizing function.
- The camera body recognizes the IS built into the lens, allowing for optimal image stabilizing effects.
- Not compatible with 5 axis Sync IS.
- You can get the effects of rolling stabilization from the IS function of the body, along with the effects of image stabilization from the IS function of the lens.
- The camera body recognizes the IS built into the lens, allowing for optimal image stabilizing effects.
- Compatible with Windows 10.
Now the description above isn’t very clear about a few things so let us summarise for you. As of now, the only Olympus micro four thirds lens that features optical stabilization is the new 300mm Pro. Therefore these new firmware updates are obviously aiming to improve the compatibility of these cameras with the built-in IS of that lens.
The most difficult description is the following and I quote:
You can get the effects of rolling stabilization from the IS function of the body, along with the effects of image stabilization from the IS function of the lens.
This means that these cameras will be able to recognize the lens IS and use it in conjunction with the IBIS on the body. However only 3-axes will be used from the sensor shift. These updates don’t enable the Sync IS mode (5-axis sensor shift + lens IS) which is only compatible with the E-M5 mark II and E-M1.
Note also that for the E-PM2, E-PL5 and E-PL6, sensor IS + lens IS is not possible, so for these cameras you can only choose one or the other.
The firmware updates are available for download on the Olympus Japan support page.