Today Olympus announces the release of new firmware for the OM-D E-M5 which offers the following improvements:
1) Improved sleep recovery operation
2) AF target indication when using C-AF+TR while shooting sequential images using Sequential L setting
3) Added function to automatically move focus to the following zoom positions when underwater macro mode or underwater wide mode is selected. (Only when M. ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 12-50 mm F3.5-6.3 EZ is attached)
-Underwater wide mode: Wide setting
-Underwater macro mode: Telephoto setting

Additionally, there is an Olympus Viewer 2 application update for both Windows and Mac that delivers the following:
1) Added the function to edit movies taken by the camera (mov, mp4)
2) Added the function to upload images to “My Photos” on (ib on the net). ib on the net is available in Japan and the U.S.A — http://www.ibonthenet.com/ns/service/serviceOutline

Here are the updates:
>> Firmware Version 1.2 for the OM-D E-M5
>> Firmware Version 1.4 for Olympus Viewer 2 Software

There are two options for updating the firmware:
1) Simply launch the included Olympus camera software and connect the camera via USB cable to an internet connected computer. Choose the Update function from the Camera menu in the software to apply available updates for camera bodies, lenses and accessories.
2) Download the software updater from the following link:
http://www.olympusamerica.com/cpg_section/cpg_downloads_updater.asp and follow the installer instructions.

With each method, users can choose to display information related to what the update will apply, prior to performing the update.
The ability to update the firmware of Olympus digital camera components, bodies, lenses, accessories, and take advantage of some of the latest technologies is one of the key advantages of Olympus’ 100% digital design.

UPDATE: Official apology to Ming Thein for the image I used without to write an appropriate text under it (although the image contained the link to his blog). Please understand that I am doing my best and mistakes can happen. In hurry I copied and pasted the image from an old blog post (not from Ming) and the text link wasn’t included. As you know I usually link to all blogs, so I am pretty upset for myself if a mistakes happens.  P.S. Would have fixed everything the much faster but had no Internet to see it. Hope it will be fine now!

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E-M5 preorder links:
Amazon, Adorama, B&H, Jessops, Amazon UK, Amazon Germany, Amazon France, Amazon Japan and Digitalrev.

Case:
There is the official [shoplink 31898 ebay]CS-36FBC Olympus case[/shoplink]. A [shoplink 31899 ebay]leather half case from Hong Kong[/shoplink]. A full [shoplink 31900 ebay]leather case with strap from Cina[/shoplink]. Than we have half cases from two well known producers, [shoplink 31901 ebay]Zelenpol[/shoplink], [shoplink 31906 ebay]Kaza[/shoplink] and [shoplink 31902 ebay]Gariz[/shoplink].

Batteries, and other things:
The [shoplink 31905 ebay]Olympus GS-4 strap[/shoplink] and the [shoplink 31903 ebay]DSTE E-M5 batteries[/shoplink] you have to use with an extra charger. There is an [shoplink 31903 ebay]E-M5 car charger[/shoplink] a [shoplink 31908 ebay]new E-M5 LCD screen[/shoplink] and a [shoplink 31909 ebay]Front Cover+ Top Panel[/shoplink].

I am sharing a bit of my current life experience also because it has a great influence on my daily 43rumors work. I arrived at my tiny little spot in the middle of the Pyrenees. And in these days it has been a challenge for me to get connected with my mobile Internet provider. Anyway, I am now working on a solution to get a faster and more reliable access. This is just to say that I am sorry if I don’t answer most of your mails. Right now when I am connected the only people I go in touch with is my family and the rumor sources :)

Regarding rumors: You may think this is a quit time in terms of rumor work but it is the quite opposite. Panasonic will announce new stuff next week (July 18th) and real BIG announcements from Olympus and again Panasonic are coming by end of August.

Regarding my little tiny life here: Since the first day I came here I am playing songs of Eddie Vedder almost every day. Feeling really free now, it’s nice to enjoy such a peace.

P.S: My friend Elena keeps posting the daily life experience in Greece at Greekdiaries.me. Check it out if you are interested to learn more.

A 43rumors reader me the link to the youtube video you can watch here on top of this post. It’s a smart cup for the [shoplink 25104]Panasonic 14-42mm X lens[/shoplink]. As you see it works like the already existing LX5 lens cap that is available at Amazon. The 14-42mm X cap is a prototype. I have no info about if and when it will go into production.

A 43rumors readers just shared a way to connect the Olympus E-M5 (and other Olympus/Panasonic) cameras with an iPhone remote controller APP.You have to buy the Triggertrap Mobile Dongle (Click here) and the Triggertrap connction cable (Click here). Once you have them you can download the Triggertrap APP (Click here) to remotely control your E-M5.

This is what it does:

* Time Lapse
* Eased Timelapse (timelapses with acceleration!)
* Distance-lapse (take a photo every 30 ft/m)
* Vibration and shock sensors
* Sound detection (Clap to take a photo!)
* Facial Recognition sensor
* Motion detection
* Magnetic & metallic detectors
* Long-Exposure HDR**
* Long-Exposure HDR Timelapse
* Star Trail mode
* Cable Release (press to take a photo) which also supports Long-exposure shots (exposures of up to 24 hours!)

Question is….some of you ever tested it? Is it something we can recommend to E-M5 owners?

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E-M5 preorder links: Amazon, Adorama, B&H, Jessops, Amazon UK, Amazon Germany, Amazon France, Amazon Japan and Digitalrev.

The GF3, G3 and GX1 got some nice discounts (some of them you already know).

The best still remains the GF3 with 14mm pancake for the price of the 14mm pancake only :)  Here at Amazon (Click here) and Bhphoto (Click here). The GX1 with 14-42mm X lens for $749 at Amazon (Click here) and the Panasonic G3 for $499 via Samys at Amazon (Click here).

The Panasonic G2 with the new [shoplink 31772 ebay]Nokton 17.5mm lens[/shoplink].

So guys! The first half of the year is over and we had some very intriguing new products. And I expect many more exciting stuff from now one until Photokina. This includes the new Olympus PEN cameras, the GH3, and many new lenses. Anyway, I now want to know from you what’s the best new Micro Four Thirds products that has been announced the first half of this year. Take time and think what’s the one camera/lens that added most value to the m43 system!

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Links to the 2012 announced/available stuff:
Olympus E-M5 at [shopcountry 29074].
Panasonic GF5 at [shopcountry 30485].
Panasonic 12-35mm X lens preorders at Amazon, BHphoto, Adorama, Amazon Germany, Amazon UK, Fotohanskeuzekamp, Amazon Japan and Digitalrev.
Olympus 75mm preorder and price check at Amazon, Adorama, BHphoto, Amazon Germany and Amazon UK.
Sigma 30mm lens at Amazon US, Amazon DE, Amazon UK, Amazon FR, Amazon JP (Click here) and Digitalrev.
Sigma 19mm lens at Amazon US , Amazon DE, Amazon UK, Amazon FR, Amazon JP and Digitalrev.
Nokton 17.5mm at Amazon and Bhphoto and we Europeans can find it for an incredible good price at [shoplink 31772 ebay]LaPetiteBoutique (Click here)[/shoplink].

The Hong Kong website Sina reports that Hong Kong Model Angela Baby lost the contract with Panasonic and got some extra penalty charge. She was the one leaking the GF5 on her Instagram profile while shooting a commercial for Panasonic.

So no more leaks from Top Models guys, we have to do it all for our own now :)