Olympus OM-D E-M1 gets silver finish and firmware update, arriving alongside new 40-150mm lens

Olympus has kicked off Cologne’s Photokina show with a slew of announcements, headlined by a new revised version of the OM-D E-M1, available in silver for the first time and paired with a firmware update that adds several new features. The OM-D EM1, which slots in alongside the E-M10 and EM-5 in Olympus’ mirrorless range, was previously only available in black.

The 2.0 firmware update, which will come pre-installed on every silver OM-D E-M1 and be made available for owners of the black original on the 16th of September, adds tethered shooting over USB for working in a studio or for collaborative efforts, on-camera Digital Shift to correct distortion regardless of the lens you’re using, and Live Composite to capture light trails even if the scene would otherwise be too bright. Olympus has also added two new Art filters and the option to activate the self-timer from a paired smartphone for interval or sequential shooting.

The silver OM-D E-M1 retains the same 16-megapixel micro four-thirds Live MOS sensor as the original black version, along with the TruePic VII image processor, 5-axis image stabilisation, 2.360K dot electronic viewfinder, 3in tilting LCD touchscreen and multiple control dials. The magnesium alloy body looks even more retro than Olympus’ usual efforts, however, thanks to the two-tone silver metal and black grip.

Olympus expexts the silver OM-D E-M1 to go on sale in the UK from early October onwards, with prices starting at £1099.99 for the body only or £1,799.99 with a M.Zuiko Digital ED 12-40mm 1:2.8 PRO kit lens.

Joining the silver OM-D E-M1 is a new 40-150mm telephoto zoom lens and a 1.4x teleconverter booster. Dust-, freeze- and splash-proof, Olympus says the 40-150 is lighter and more compact than traditional full-frame zoom lenses, but manages to keep focusing quick and quiet by using dual linear motors. The maximum f/2.8 aperture covers the entire focal range, while the lens body includes a dedicated function button, manual focus clutch and a sliding lens hood.

The teleconverter boosts the zoom range from a standard 80-300mm to 420mm; the 15mm accessory has a metal body and matches the lens’ dust, splash and freeze proof properties. Both are expected to go on sale in early November; the lens will set you back £1,299.99 and the teleconverter £299.99, or you’ll be able to pick up the pair together for £1,499.99.