How to Update Olympus EM1X Bird Detection Firmware | Settings | Field Test

[@EspenHelland]

Have you updated yet? What are your thoughts on it?

[@evans66ph]

Great initial review Espen and I look forward to going out and testing this weekend. One tip I use is to setup the camera as you describe with CAF+TR and then assign settings to one of the custom modes. Once setup, flick the FN lever from 1 to 2 or vice/versa and you can then create a totally different setup such as CAF/SF only and change the AF area pattern to 5x5 grid for example. When out it the field you just need to select the custom mode you assigned and flick the FN switch to easily switch between 2 different AF custom settings. One of the best things I've used on the Olympus system.

[@evans66ph]

Explained perfectly here:- kzbin.info/www/bejne/rHO0nKaZicxgbpY

[@xuanloy]

I've tried the bird AF on multiple occasion, but it just doesn't seems to work on small/big bird within branches, always forward focusing on the branches/leaves. I gave up and just used single point AF, works as always. 1) Sunbird almost stationary within leaves (this little guy is ~20% in frame, 420mm f5.6, ISO2000, 1/250s) 2) Buffy Fish-owl stationary within branches (at least 50% in frame with big bright yellow eye, 420mm f6.3, ISO2000, 1/50s) 3) Common Buzzard stationary within thick branches (~30% in frame, 420mm f6.3, ISO400, 1/250s) 4) Only occasion it focus and track well is on waterhen walking across pond with no foliage blocking. This is kind of disappointing... I've the RAW uploaded to google drive: drive.google.com/drive/folders/1_D-FcjH_XIIISD2a18x_Z9f3s9h2hnu4?usp=sharing Any advice?

[@davidblack2632]

Great intial impressions of the new FW update. I did the update this morning and spent the afternoon at several local parks photographing birds. I was impressed with it. I love your photos.

[@jesperh.andersen2063]

Yup, that firmware update just added another 500 dollars of valeue. Amasing stuff. Super video as allwayes, Cheers Jesper, Sunny Denmark

[@konstantinaksenov4850]

hello. today I just tried out the new firmware with 150-400/4.5. the focus on birds really works.

[@a.d.c.1056]

Excellent Video Espen. 👍

[@ridealongwithrandy]

So excited for this update on my "X", however, been without power to my apartment due to high winds for 3 days now in southern California. DOH!

[@Planedude60]

Perfect addition to my birding adventures! I have two M1X's now I don't want to sell even one. Wow! Well, I think the used M1X camera market will go up a few hundred dollars more!

[@ridealongwithrandy]

So excited for this update on my "X", however, been without power to my apartment due to high winds for 3 days now in southern California. DOH! Have 2 Xs also, love em

[@michaelhall2709]

I updated early this morning. Haven’t had a chance to test it in the field, but I did train the camera on my two pet conures and it seems to be working fine.

[@janebarnes4449]

Coo, the first time I've spotted a video as soon as it has been uploaded and I don't need it. I don't have an Olympus but I'm watching it anyway! Maybe I need an Olympus. Yes, I NEEEED this.

[@EspenHelland]

😅👍

[@wayneemery5709]

Hi mate down loaded the update morning but could not go out as raining cats and dogs 😂 so tried it out from my window. The birds I captured came out very sharp well impressed so far. 👍

[@peterhiggins3329]

Yes. Uploaded today and tested it on flying Welcome Swallows bussing around for insects between the high-rises where I live in Canberra. I tried yesterday (before update) and took more than 1 hour to get a bird in the lens and in reasonable focus. After update, I got hits straight up despite the swallows being at a distance of 75 - 100m away. Will try closer targets next bird outing.... It would be interesting to get a comparison between the M1X and the Canon R5 bird AF systems.

[@EspenHelland]

Nice one Peter!

[@annacope-fg3qw]

Great explanation and I have a 2019 Mac Book Pro and I cannot update My E-m1x with a USB Adapter..What can I use to connect my camera to my Mac?Can I use a USB-C to USB Adapter?

[@EspenHelland]

Thanks Anna, sorry for delayed reply. Best to check the manual for what you can use to connect, or alternatively I think you can update through the OM System app

[@DTAnglesey]

Brilliant video, thanks for sharing!

[@dannydanquah3681]

Beautiful photos Espen. What was your final verdict on the M.Zuiko 100-400mm f/5-6.3?

[@EspenHelland]

Did a review on it 👍

[@Neerbija]

Great video. I enjoy bird photography and have an Em1m2 + 300mm Pro. Many of my images are too soft, not focused on the eyes. Is there a pronounced quality shift from m2 to m3 / X in these areas? It sounds like the X is a game-changer with this Bird mode.

[@EspenHelland]

I found a big shift in image quality from em1ii to the x but not with sharpness on eyes, More to do with iso performance. Still got very sharp results with em1ii.

[@brentnearhood8874]

Thanks! Espen

[@andrewbatchelor5498]

Most helpful - thanks 🙏

[@sue.Hoo123]

Quite a few people mentioning this S/W upgrade seems to be resulting in their batteries draining more quickly, have you noticed this?

[@EspenHelland]

Not yet, will keep an eye on it

[@photozen8398]

I did update to ver 2.0, EM1X , do I need to update the Zuiko 300 f4 or it is already included in the ver 2?

[@warrendavies7313]

Will I need to turn off Back button to use this or does it just override

[@EspenHelland]

Back button works with it

[@DarwinFanF]

Did you use burst mode (high/low, with/out stabilization) with this feature?

[@EspenHelland]

Burst mode low, with is

[@powermfp1]

From your old videos I know you were a canon shooter. Are you happy with the switch to Olympus? Asking because I am thinking about making the same switch.

[@EspenHelland]

Yeah, no regrets 👍

[@havarsigurjonsson4128]

HI Espen, I am using a canon 5d m4 and have been looking longingly at the Canon R6 which everyone is raving about especially the animal eye AF. Do you know how the Olympus bird AF compares? Have also heard that Olympus is quitting the camera busness so maybe not such a good idea to switch to OL at this point in time.

[@faunagraphy]

I shoot Olympus. If you're in the Canon ecosystem, it doesn't make sense to switch IMO, especially with the uncertainty in the camera industry (Canon and Sony are the only safe bets long-term). Your EF lenses will also work in S-AF on m43 (Olympus) bodies with an adapter, but they will work better on RF. Cost-wise, Olympus is a LOT better than Canon RF. You can get an E-M1X used for around $1400 and I got my 300mm Pro for $1800. But this feature requires C-AF with tracking, and that won't work with your EF lenses on E-M1X. That would mean investing in lenses as well. So you're better off getting an R6 even if it's a lot more expensive than Olympus.

[@MsChristinkaa]

We have error on update and camera didn't switch on, can you please help me...

[@EspenHelland]

Best to contact Olympus directly if something went wrong with the update.

[@MsChristinkaa]

@@EspenHelland Yes, i write an email today, because the camera didn't work.. 😒

[@vanessaprice-adams5001]

Will this work for EM1mk3?

[@EspenHelland]

Not yet

[@w0lfyovi294]

I love your content and your photography, thanks for sharing :) How are you getting along with the E-M1X (compared to E-M1 III). Would you say it's an important/essential upgrade? I am looking at adding the Oly 150-400mm Pro and I am wondering if I would get the E-M1X for it or just stay with E-M1 III.

[@EspenHelland]

Thank you! I’ve not tried the em1iii, but it was a big improvement from the em1ii. I would imagine the bird tracker will be released for the em1iii as well at some point.

[@michaelhall2709]

@@EspenHelland They probably won’t release the bird tracking for the EM-1 mk 3. The tracking feature requires two processors, which only the EM1-X has.

[@philipgowdy]

Shame it isnt available for other models.

[@jasonpalmer2497]

did it early this morning before work and it rained all day :(

[@justinholding02]

Looks very unimpressive compared to the R5 and R6.