Olympus releases 2x Teleconverter and announces major OM-D E-M1 Mark II camera upgrade via firmware update
M.Zuiko Digital 2x Teleconverter MC-20 scheduled to go on sale from early July 2019, firmware updates available for download now
Olympus today released their 2x Teleconverter unveiled in January 2019 and announced firmware updates for their professional OM-D camera line-up. The new M.Zuiko Digital 2x Teleconverter MC-20 doubles the focal length of the master lens and features excellent portability as well as Olympus’ acclaimed weather sealing. It can be attached to the M.Zuiko Digital ED 300mm F4.0 IS PRO as well as ED 40-150mm F2.8 PRO lenses and will also be compatible with the ED 150-400mm F4.5 TC1.25x IS PRO lens currently in development. It will be available for sale from early July at a RRP1 of EUR 429. The OM-D E-M1 Mark II firmware upgrade to Version 3.0 includes major improvements to the camera’s autofocus performance, enhances the image quality and unlocks new video features. Along with updates to the E-M1X and the Olympus Workspace image editing software, the E-M1 Mark II firmware is available for download from today.
M.Zuiko Digital 2x Teleconverter MC-20: More freedom with handheld super telephoto (macro) shooting at 1200mm (35mm equivalent)
The new M.Zuiko Digital 2x Teleconverter MC-20 maintains the excellent imaging performance of the master lens while doubling the focal length for higher magnification. Extending the lens to double its original focal length makes it possible to capture intense shots of subjects that are usually difficult to approach, including small birds or other animals. When attached to the M.Zuiko Digital ED 300mm F4.0 IS PRO, handheld super telephoto shooting at 1200mm (35mm equivalent) is possible, as well as close-up shots near actual size at 0.96x (35mm equivalent) at the maximum shooting magnification. This makes the MC-20 ideal for telemacro photography (with blurred background effects).
A 9-element, 4-group lens construction helps to suppress various types of aberrations while maintaining the excellent optical performance of the master lens. The design also helps prevent ghosting and flare for superb imaging performance. Same as every M.Zuiko PRO lens and all professional OM-D bodies, the MC-20 features a dust-, splash- and freezeproof construction to withstand even the harshest weather conditions.
Firmware Version 3.0 for Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark II with major improvements to autofocus performance and image quality
Olympus is dedicated to continuously improve and add new features to its professional OM-D camera line-up with regular firmware updates. As part of this commitment to their users, the firmware update Version 3.0 for the OM-D E-M1 Mark II was developed to add high-precision autofocus (AF) performance and some of the features allowing for the high image quality currently available on Olympus’ newest OM-D, the E-M1X, to the E-M1 Mark II.
Major improvements include the following (see table “Function Support Chart” below for a complete list of changes):
Latest autofocus features such as C-AF Center Priority (delivers high-precision tracking of moving subjects), Group 25-point and C-AF+MF (allows users to instantly switch to MF while in C-AF) have been added
Utilizing the OM-D E-M1X autofocus algorithm, the AF precision for still subjects in S-AF mode was improved for various subjects compared to OM-D E-M1 Mark II firmware Version 2.3. Active use of information from OM-D E-M1 Mark II firmware Version 2.3. Active use of information from performance while shooting video
AF low light limit is now -6.0 EV (ISO 100 equivalent for S-AF) when an F1.2 lens is attached, enabling high-precision focusing in both dark environments and for low-contrast subjects
Noise at high ISO sensitivity is improved approx. 1/3 steps compared to firmware Version 2.3
Low ISO Processing (Detail Priority) has been added for higher resolution when shooting at low ISO sensitivity
USB RAW Data Edit is now supported for much faster RAW processing with the Olympus Workspace image editing software
Also available for download from today: E-M1X firmware Version 1.1 and Olympus Workspace software Version 1.1
Improvements with OM-D E-M1X firmware Version 1.1:
USB RAW Data Edit is now supported for much faster RAW processing with the Olympus Workspace image editing software
Free image editing software Olympus Workspace Version 1.1:
Focus Stacking added for compositing up to 999 images shot in Focus Bracketing with the Olympus Workspace software
The new “Lighten Composite” feature now allows users to create images similar to Live Composite on the camera. Darken Composite has also been added.
Using the power of the TruePic VIII image processor, the new feature USB RAW Data Edit allows much faster RAW processing in Olympus Workspace
Availability & pricing
The M.Zuiko Digital 2x Teleconverter MC-20 will go on sale from early July 2019 at a RRP1 of EUR 429. Like every Olympus camera and lens, it comes with a free six-month warranty extension2 when registered via the MyOlympus platform at www.my.olympus.eu
Both firmware updates are available for free via the Olympus Digital Camera Updater.
1 Recommended Retail Price
2 Six months on top of the statutory warranty in the country of purchase.
OM-D E-M1 Mark II Firmware Version 3.0 Function Support Chart
✓ = functions that have been updated with the firmware
