Olympus has today announced firmware updates for the E-330 and E-300 digital SLR's. The most interesting of the two must be the E-330 update which enables Auto Focus in Live View B Mode (via the AEL/AFL button) this appears to operate in the same way as the Panasonic DMC-L1, by dropping the mirror (blanking the Live View), focusing and then returning the Live View afterwards. The E-300 update is said to improve exposure accuracy for pictures taken in Macro mode with Spot metering. These updates can be downloaded and installed automatically via Olympus Studio or Olympus Master.

Press Release:

Firmware updates for Olympus E-330 and E-300

Olympus has released firmware updates for two of its E-System digital SLR cameras, the E-330 and E-300. The latest firmware update or the E-330 enables auto focusing even in the Macro Live Preview mode. In addition, the updates give both cameras improved exposure precision in Macro mode and when using Spot Metering. Both firmware updates are available now for immediate download.

The release of these firmware upgrades illustrates Olympus’ commitment to developing the E-System range of digital SLR’s. These latest updates improve the performance of the E-330 and E-300 for an even more satisfying photographic experience and even better results.

The main improvements of the Olympus E-330 Firmware Version 1.2

• AF available in Live Preview B mode (Macro Live Preview):
  By pressing the AEL/AFL button, the mirror pops down allowing the camera to autofocus once before the mirror returns to the up position again, enabling the Live Preview on the LCD.
   
• Improved exposure precision:
  The accuracy of the exposure metering has been improved for pictures taken in Macro mode and when using Spot Metering.

The main improvements of the Olympus E-300 Firmware Version 1.4

• Improved exposure precision:
  The accuracy of the exposure metering has been enhanced for pictures taken in Macro mode and when using Spot Metering.
  

Both the E-330 firmware update to version 1.2 and the E-300 update to version 1.4 are available to download now. To install, simply open the Olympus Master / Olympus Studio software, connect the camera to the computer using its USB lead and log onto the internet. Then choose the Update Camera function from the Online Service menu in the Olympus Master / Olympus Studio software and the update will be initiated immediately.