Olympus System firmware 1.5 update - what a faff!

James Stirling said:

Regor250 said:

You forget that firmware updates aren't limited to enthusiasts and pros. P&S cameras, used by a wild array of people also needed firmware updates, and for some of the people downloading a file, copying it to an SD card (which by the way contained all the photos they ever taken) onto the root, booting while pressing a certain button was a daunting task. I have friends who are like that and can see why Olympus tried a different approach with hand-holding style instructions, which for some reason seems frustrating for some. Now you have not one but 3 ways to update firmware, pick the one that works for you.

Click to expand...

A cursory search through the forum will show a good number of folk having issue with the OM way of doing things. The fact that there are rescue methods online for folk who have had problems with it suggests that there are more than a few having issues with it , You have replied to some of them yourself

https://lightsnowdev.com/Olympus/index.html



As is always the case here there will always be a stampede of folk rushing to defend the honour of OM systems.

It is a bit comical how despite Olympus abandoning FT , getting rid of their camera division to a carve out company that the usual suspects simply changed their die hard allegiance to the new company with zero history of photography

Click to expand...

Indeed I have, but don't recall myself ever saying I had any issues myself, just trying to be helpful for those who do. I suppose I am in a way defending Olympus/OMDS because of where I am coming from as a former software engineer. Whenever a computer, any computer or OS is used softwares must operate in a vast diversity of setups and system configurations and it is nearly impossible to foresee all possible eventualities. The SD card method avoids all of this and I have no issues with it myself, but some people do and there's nothing wrong in recognizing that either. Those having issues with OMW curse OMDS and I can understand their frustrations, but truth behold the issue(s) is/are most often than not I suspect with the end user rather than the software itself, but few will admit to that.

--
Roger

Regor250 said:

James Stirling said:

Regor250 said:

You forget that firmware updates aren't limited to enthusiasts and pros. P&S cameras, used by a wild array of people also needed firmware updates, and for some of the people downloading a file, copying it to an SD card (which by the way contained all the photos they ever taken) onto the root, booting while pressing a certain button was a daunting task. I have friends who are like that and can see why Olympus tried a different approach with hand-holding style instructions, which for some reason seems frustrating for some. Now you have not one but 3 ways to update firmware, pick the one that works for you.

Click to expand...

A cursory search through the forum will show a good number of folk having issue with the OM way of doing things. The fact that there are rescue methods online for folk who have had problems with it suggests that there are more than a few having issues with it , You have replied to some of them yourself

https://lightsnowdev.com/Olympus/index.html



As is always the case here there will always be a stampede of folk rushing to defend the honour of OM systems.

It is a bit comical how despite Olympus abandoning FT , getting rid of their camera division to a carve out company that the usual suspects simply changed their die hard allegiance to the new company with zero history of photography

Click to expand...

Indeed I have, but don't recall myself ever saying I had any issues myself,

Click to expand...

I never suggested you did Just pointing out that the issue is more prevalent than some claim some folk may even suggest "many had similar issues "

Regor250 said:

just trying to be helpful for those who do. I suppose I am in a way defending Olympus/OMDS because of where I am coming from as a former software engineer. Whenever a computer, any computer or OS is used softwares must operate in a vast diversity of setups and system configurations and it is nearly impossible to foresee all possible eventualities. The SD card method avoids all of this and I have no issues with it myself, but some people do and there's nothing wrong in recognizing that either. Those having issues with OMW curse OMDS and I can understand their frustrations, but truth behold the issue(s) is/are most often than not I suspect with the end user rather than the software itself, but few will admit to that.

Click to expand...

Of course in the final reckoning the end user is liable to be at fault but a more straightforward foolproof method makes it less likely .It may just be coincidental to the folk reporting issues but macs do seem to pop up more

--
Jim Stirling:
“It is one thing to show a man that he is in error, and another to put him in possession of truth.” Locke
Feel free to tinker with any photos I post

James Stirling said:

Regor250 said:

James Stirling said:

Regor250 said:

You forget that firmware updates aren't limited to enthusiasts and pros. P&S cameras, used by a wild array of people also needed firmware updates, and for some of the people downloading a file, copying it to an SD card (which by the way contained all the photos they ever taken) onto the root, booting while pressing a certain button was a daunting task. I have friends who are like that and can see why Olympus tried a different approach with hand-holding style instructions, which for some reason seems frustrating for some. Now you have not one but 3 ways to update firmware, pick the one that works for you.

Click to expand...

A cursory search through the forum will show a good number of folk having issue with the OM way of doing things. The fact that there are rescue methods online for folk who have had problems with it suggests that there are more than a few having issues with it , You have replied to some of them yourself

https://lightsnowdev.com/Olympus/index.html



As is always the case here there will always be a stampede of folk rushing to defend the honour of OM systems.

It is a bit comical how despite Olympus abandoning FT , getting rid of their camera division to a carve out company that the usual suspects simply changed their die hard allegiance to the new company with zero history of photography

Click to expand...

Indeed I have, but don't recall myself ever saying I had any issues myself,

Click to expand...

I never suggested you did Just pointing out that the issue is more prevalent than some claim some folk may even suggest "many had similar issues "

James Stirling said:

just trying to be helpful for those who do. I suppose I am in a way defending Olympus/OMDS because of where I am coming from as a former software engineer. Whenever a computer, any computer or OS is used softwares must operate in a vast diversity of setups and system configurations and it is nearly impossible to foresee all possible eventualities. The SD card method avoids all of this and I have no issues with it myself, but some people do and there's nothing wrong in recognizing that either. Those having issues with OMW curse OMDS and I can understand their frustrations, but truth behold the issue(s) is/are most often than not I suspect with the end user rather than the software itself, but few will admit to that.

Click to expand...

Of course in the final reckoning the end user is liable to be at fault but a more straightforward foolproof method makes it less likely .It may just be coincidental to the folk reporting issues but macs do seem to pop up more

Click to expand...

It indeed seems the case, and could be related to Apple own software support policies who by all appearances has no qualms about ignoring backward compatibility from one OS upgrade to another. Apple sucks in that way and can be difficult to keep up with if you are in the third party software development business!

--
Roger

Regor250 said:

James Stirling said:

Regor250 said:

James Stirling said:

Regor250 said:

You forget that firmware updates aren't limited to enthusiasts and pros. P&S cameras, used by a wild array of people also needed firmware updates, and for some of the people downloading a file, copying it to an SD card (which by the way contained all the photos they ever taken) onto the root, booting while pressing a certain button was a daunting task. I have friends who are like that and can see why Olympus tried a different approach with hand-holding style instructions, which for some reason seems frustrating for some. Now you have not one but 3 ways to update firmware, pick the one that works for you.

Click to expand...

A cursory search through the forum will show a good number of folk having issue with the OM way of doing things. The fact that there are rescue methods online for folk who have had problems with it suggests that there are more than a few having issues with it , You have replied to some of them yourself

https://lightsnowdev.com/Olympus/index.html



As is always the case here there will always be a stampede of folk rushing to defend the honour of OM systems.

It is a bit comical how despite Olympus abandoning FT , getting rid of their camera division to a carve out company that the usual suspects simply changed their die hard allegiance to the new company with zero history of photography

Click to expand...

Indeed I have, but don't recall myself ever saying I had any issues myself,

Click to expand...

I never suggested you did Just pointing out that the issue is more prevalent than some claim some folk may even suggest "many had similar issues "

Regor250 said:

just trying to be helpful for those who do. I suppose I am in a way defending Olympus/OMDS because of where I am coming from as a former software engineer. Whenever a computer, any computer or OS is used softwares must operate in a vast diversity of setups and system configurations and it is nearly impossible to foresee all possible eventualities. The SD card method avoids all of this and I have no issues with it myself, but some people do and there's nothing wrong in recognizing that either. Those having issues with OMW curse OMDS and I can understand their frustrations, but truth behold the issue(s) is/are most often than not I suspect with the end user rather than the software itself, but few will admit to that.

Click to expand...

Of course in the final reckoning the end user is liable to be at fault but a more straightforward foolproof method makes it less likely .It may just be coincidental to the folk reporting issues but macs do seem to pop up more

Click to expand...

It indeed seems the case, and could be related to Apple own software support policies who by all appearances has no qualms about ignoring backward compatibility from one OS upgrade to another. Apple sucks in that way.

Click to expand...

We have no disagreement about Apple software . My now grown up daughter is an Apple fan and while they seem to have some great hardware these-days the interface really irks me

--
Jim Stirling:
“It is one thing to show a man that he is in error, and another to put him in possession of truth.” Locke
Feel free to tinker with any photos I post

James Stirling said:

Regor250 said:

James Stirling said:

Regor250 said:

James Stirling said:

Regor250 said:

You forget that firmware updates aren't limited to enthusiasts and pros. P&S cameras, used by a wild array of people also needed firmware updates, and for some of the people downloading a file, copying it to an SD card (which by the way contained all the photos they ever taken) onto the root, booting while pressing a certain button was a daunting task. I have friends who are like that and can see why Olympus tried a different approach with hand-holding style instructions, which for some reason seems frustrating for some. Now you have not one but 3 ways to update firmware, pick the one that works for you.

Click to expand...

A cursory search through the forum will show a good number of folk having issue with the OM way of doing things. The fact that there are rescue methods online for folk who have had problems with it suggests that there are more than a few having issues with it , You have replied to some of them yourself

https://lightsnowdev.com/Olympus/index.html



As is always the case here there will always be a stampede of folk rushing to defend the honour of OM systems.

It is a bit comical how despite Olympus abandoning FT , getting rid of their camera division to a carve out company that the usual suspects simply changed their die hard allegiance to the new company with zero history of photography

Click to expand...

Indeed I have, but don't recall myself ever saying I had any issues myself,

Click to expand...

I never suggested you did Just pointing out that the issue is more prevalent than some claim some folk may even suggest "many had similar issues "

James Stirling said:

just trying to be helpful for those who do. I suppose I am in a way defending Olympus/OMDS because of where I am coming from as a former software engineer. Whenever a computer, any computer or OS is used softwares must operate in a vast diversity of setups and system configurations and it is nearly impossible to foresee all possible eventualities. The SD card method avoids all of this and I have no issues with it myself, but some people do and there's nothing wrong in recognizing that either. Those having issues with OMW curse OMDS and I can understand their frustrations, but truth behold the issue(s) is/are most often than not I suspect with the end user rather than the software itself, but few will admit to that.

Click to expand...

Of course in the final reckoning the end user is liable to be at fault but a more straightforward foolproof method makes it less likely .It may just be coincidental to the folk reporting issues but macs do seem to pop up more

Click to expand...

It indeed seems the case, and could be related to Apple own software support policies who by all appearances has no qualms about ignoring backward compatibility from one OS upgrade to another. Apple sucks in that way.

Click to expand...

We have no disagreement about Apple software . My now grown up daughter is an Apple fan and while they seem to have some great hardware these-days the interface really irks me

Click to expand...

Agreed whole heartedly! I understand that developing software for the Apple system as a third party can be extremely frustrating. Apples apparently often 'omits' to notify the development community at large of significant changes to its software development interface, which isn't discovered until software crashes are reported. This way Apples maintains an edge over everyone else who struggles to keep up! Not all that different from the planned iPhone battery drain bug scandal for which Apples lost a class action lawsuit.

--
Roger

Regor250 said:

James Stirling said:

Regor250 said:

James Stirling said:

Regor250 said:

James Stirling said:

Regor250 said:

You forget that firmware updates aren't limited to enthusiasts and pros. P&S cameras, used by a wild array of people also needed firmware updates, and for some of the people downloading a file, copying it to an SD card (which by the way contained all the photos they ever taken) onto the root, booting while pressing a certain button was a daunting task. I have friends who are like that and can see why Olympus tried a different approach with hand-holding style instructions, which for some reason seems frustrating for some. Now you have not one but 3 ways to update firmware, pick the one that works for you.

Click to expand...

A cursory search through the forum will show a good number of folk having issue with the OM way of doing things. The fact that there are rescue methods online for folk who have had problems with it suggests that there are more than a few having issues with it , You have replied to some of them yourself

https://lightsnowdev.com/Olympus/index.html



As is always the case here there will always be a stampede of folk rushing to defend the honour of OM systems.

It is a bit comical how despite Olympus abandoning FT , getting rid of their camera division to a carve out company that the usual suspects simply changed their die hard allegiance to the new company with zero history of photography

Click to expand...

Indeed I have, but don't recall myself ever saying I had any issues myself,

Click to expand...

I never suggested you did Just pointing out that the issue is more prevalent than some claim some folk may even suggest "many had similar issues "

Regor250 said:

just trying to be helpful for those who do. I suppose I am in a way defending Olympus/OMDS because of where I am coming from as a former software engineer. Whenever a computer, any computer or OS is used softwares must operate in a vast diversity of setups and system configurations and it is nearly impossible to foresee all possible eventualities. The SD card method avoids all of this and I have no issues with it myself, but some people do and there's nothing wrong in recognizing that either. Those having issues with OMW curse OMDS and I can understand their frustrations, but truth behold the issue(s) is/are most often than not I suspect with the end user rather than the software itself, but few will admit to that.

Click to expand...

Of course in the final reckoning the end user is liable to be at fault but a more straightforward foolproof method makes it less likely .It may just be coincidental to the folk reporting issues but macs do seem to pop up more

Click to expand...

It indeed seems the case, and could be related to Apple own software support policies who by all appearances has no qualms about ignoring backward compatibility from one OS upgrade to another. Apple sucks in that way.

Click to expand...

We have no disagreement about Apple software . My now grown up daughter is an Apple fan and while they seem to have some great hardware these-days the interface really irks me

Click to expand...

Agreed whole heartedly! I understand that developing software for the Apple system as a third party can be extremely frustrating. Apples apparently often 'omits' to notify the development community at large of significant changes to its software development interface, which isn't discovered until software crashes are reported. This way Apples maintains an edge over everyone else who struggles to keep up! Not all that different from the planned iPhone battery drain bug scandal for which Apples lost a class action lawsuit.

Click to expand...

I am sure there are Apple folk typing on their cute but useless keyboard and worlds least ergonomic mouse { apple branded wrist splints available } With something to say about that

--
Jim Stirling:
“It is one thing to show a man that he is in error, and another to put him in possession of truth.” Locke
Feel free to tinker with any photos I post

James Stirling said:

Regor250 said:

James Stirling said:

Regor250 said:

James Stirling said:

Regor250 said:

James Stirling said:

Regor250 said:

You forget that firmware updates aren't limited to enthusiasts and pros. P&S cameras, used by a wild array of people also needed firmware updates, and for some of the people downloading a file, copying it to an SD card (which by the way contained all the photos they ever taken) onto the root, booting while pressing a certain button was a daunting task. I have friends who are like that and can see why Olympus tried a different approach with hand-holding style instructions, which for some reason seems frustrating for some. Now you have not one but 3 ways to update firmware, pick the one that works for you.

Click to expand...

A cursory search through the forum will show a good number of folk having issue with the OM way of doing things. The fact that there are rescue methods online for folk who have had problems with it suggests that there are more than a few having issues with it , You have replied to some of them yourself

https://lightsnowdev.com/Olympus/index.html



As is always the case here there will always be a stampede of folk rushing to defend the honour of OM systems.

It is a bit comical how despite Olympus abandoning FT , getting rid of their camera division to a carve out company that the usual suspects simply changed their die hard allegiance to the new company with zero history of photography

Click to expand...

Indeed I have, but don't recall myself ever saying I had any issues myself,

Click to expand...

I never suggested you did Just pointing out that the issue is more prevalent than some claim some folk may even suggest "many had similar issues "

James Stirling said:

just trying to be helpful for those who do. I suppose I am in a way defending Olympus/OMDS because of where I am coming from as a former software engineer. Whenever a computer, any computer or OS is used softwares must operate in a vast diversity of setups and system configurations and it is nearly impossible to foresee all possible eventualities. The SD card method avoids all of this and I have no issues with it myself, but some people do and there's nothing wrong in recognizing that either. Those having issues with OMW curse OMDS and I can understand their frustrations, but truth behold the issue(s) is/are most often than not I suspect with the end user rather than the software itself, but few will admit to that.

Click to expand...

Of course in the final reckoning the end user is liable to be at fault but a more straightforward foolproof method makes it less likely .It may just be coincidental to the folk reporting issues but macs do seem to pop up more

Click to expand...

It indeed seems the case, and could be related to Apple own software support policies who by all appearances has no qualms about ignoring backward compatibility from one OS upgrade to another. Apple sucks in that way.

Click to expand...

We have no disagreement about Apple software . My now grown up daughter is an Apple fan and while they seem to have some great hardware these-days the interface really irks me

Click to expand...

Agreed whole heartedly! I understand that developing software for the Apple system as a third party can be extremely frustrating. Apples apparently often 'omits' to notify the development community at large of significant changes to its software development interface, which isn't discovered until software crashes are reported. This way Apples maintains an edge over everyone else who struggles to keep up! Not all that different from the planned iPhone battery drain bug scandal for which Apples lost a class action lawsuit.

Click to expand...

I am sure there are Apple folk typing on their cute but useless keyboard and worlds least ergonomic mouse { apple branded wrist splints available } With something to say about that

Click to expand...

Apple diehards is a cult...

--
Roger

Regor250 said:

James Stirling said:

Regor250 said:

James Stirling said:

Regor250 said:

James Stirling said:

Regor250 said:

James Stirling said:

Regor250 said:

You forget that firmware updates aren't limited to enthusiasts and pros. P&S cameras, used by a wild array of people also needed firmware updates, and for some of the people downloading a file, copying it to an SD card (which by the way contained all the photos they ever taken) onto the root, booting while pressing a certain button was a daunting task. I have friends who are like that and can see why Olympus tried a different approach with hand-holding style instructions, which for some reason seems frustrating for some. Now you have not one but 3 ways to update firmware, pick the one that works for you.

Click to expand...

A cursory search through the forum will show a good number of folk having issue with the OM way of doing things. The fact that there are rescue methods online for folk who have had problems with it suggests that there are more than a few having issues with it , You have replied to some of them yourself

https://lightsnowdev.com/Olympus/index.html



As is always the case here there will always be a stampede of folk rushing to defend the honour of OM systems.

It is a bit comical how despite Olympus abandoning FT , getting rid of their camera division to a carve out company that the usual suspects simply changed their die hard allegiance to the new company with zero history of photography

Click to expand...

Indeed I have, but don't recall myself ever saying I had any issues myself,

Click to expand...

I never suggested you did Just pointing out that the issue is more prevalent than some claim some folk may even suggest "many had similar issues "

Regor250 said:

just trying to be helpful for those who do. I suppose I am in a way defending Olympus/OMDS because of where I am coming from as a former software engineer. Whenever a computer, any computer or OS is used softwares must operate in a vast diversity of setups and system configurations and it is nearly impossible to foresee all possible eventualities. The SD card method avoids all of this and I have no issues with it myself, but some people do and there's nothing wrong in recognizing that either. Those having issues with OMW curse OMDS and I can understand their frustrations, but truth behold the issue(s) is/are most often than not I suspect with the end user rather than the software itself, but few will admit to that.

Click to expand...

Of course in the final reckoning the end user is liable to be at fault but a more straightforward foolproof method makes it less likely .It may just be coincidental to the folk reporting issues but macs do seem to pop up more

Click to expand...

It indeed seems the case, and could be related to Apple own software support policies who by all appearances has no qualms about ignoring backward compatibility from one OS upgrade to another. Apple sucks in that way.

Click to expand...

We have no disagreement about Apple software . My now grown up daughter is an Apple fan and while they seem to have some great hardware these-days the interface really irks me

Click to expand...

Agreed whole heartedly! I understand that developing software for the Apple system as a third party can be extremely frustrating. Apples apparently often 'omits' to notify the development community at large of significant changes to its software development interface, which isn't discovered until software crashes are reported. This way Apples maintains an edge over everyone else who struggles to keep up! Not all that different from the planned iPhone battery drain bug scandal for which Apples lost a class action lawsuit.

Click to expand...

I am sure there are Apple folk typing on their cute but useless keyboard and worlds least ergonomic mouse { apple branded wrist splints available } With something to say about that

Click to expand...

Apple diehards is a cult...

Click to expand...

Those knives are getting sharpened

--
Jim Stirling:
“It is one thing to show a man that he is in error, and another to put him in possession of truth.” Locke
Feel free to tinker with any photos I post

[No message]

James Stirling said:

richardD300 said:

Today for the first time I decided to update my OM-1 to the new firmware version 1.5. Wondering if anyone else has found it such a torturous and long winded exercise?

If the only way to update firmware is by downloading "OM Workspace" and as if having to input the camera serial number before it can even access the software isn’t annoying enough, the actual firmware process is so complicated. Yes, I did it, but only after watching a guidance video. I can assure you I’m no slouch when it comes to technology, but this tested my patience . A number of fellow Olympus OM users have now asked me if I’d update their bodies as they are non technical and totally confused by the process.

Why can’t OS Systems just issue a firmware.update data file which can be downloaded onto an SD card then into the camera and make it as simple a process as other manufactures do?

Anyone else like to comment please?

Click to expand...

You will get the usual OM diehards pointing out your ineptitude Fact is despite the "it's easy mantra" and I have never had any issues with firmware. There have been plenty of folk over the years who have posted issues , there seems to be more issues from Apple users

The likes of Nikon and Panasonic { only other makes I have done firmware upgrades with} method is more straightforward and foolproof

Click to expand...

Thank you James. At least I now feel vindicated for my OP.

DLBlack said:

I have been using my phone with OI Share to do my camera FW updates. Very simple process.

Click to expand...

I have found this method far easier than Workspace.

Although I've successfully updated my OM-1s using OM-Workspace I would also like an official SD card option. There's no reason the settings couldn't automatically be saved to the card as part of the process. Ideally it would also be possible to update the lens firmware using the same method.

AndrewHolloway said:

Although I've successfully updated my OM-1s using OM-Workspace I would also like an official SD card option. There's no reason the settings couldn't automatically be saved to the card as part of the process. Ideally it would also be possible to update the lens firmware using the same method.

Click to expand...

Especially if that lens is not an Oly or OM lens, and it becomes a slightly risky undertaking. Unless you happen to have a Panasonic body at hand to do the update.

I only update Panasonic lenses on Panasonic bodies. Even those that I mostly use on Olympus bodies. You never know what may happen...

AndrewHolloway said:

Although I've successfully updated my OM-1s using OM-Workspace I would also like an official SD card option. There's no reason the settings couldn't automatically be saved to the card as part of the process. Ideally it would also be possible to update the lens firmware using the same method.

Click to expand...

We were users with Canon Pro bodies and with them you could save your settings as a set file to a compact flash card. Then you can always have it in your camera bag ready to go if you needed to reset the camera to factory settings when things went wrong in the field. pop in the CF card, load up your settings, good to go.

I would like to see OMDS write this into the camera firmware to be able to do the same on a SD card to use in the field to reload the "set" file. After all this is where you would need to do it the most. Not waiting for when you are back at the hotel and use a laptop.

Maybe you did not bring a laptop to load the "set" file and now you have to spend way too much time reprograming your camera when you could be doing other important things like eating, uploading images etc.

Maybe OMDS will pick up this request???

Patrick

Why bother with computers and cards? I find the mobile apps much more convenient for firmware updates and settings swaps. The trouble with SD cards is, I use dozens of them across multiple cameras. They get damaged, formatted, lost, stolen. My phone, for better or worse, is always with me. I can backup the camera or individual custom modes and swap them out at will. I can add notes and descriptions so I know which preset I need for a given job. I can send a custom preset directly from my phone to my second shooter to apply to their camera. I don't see myself ever going back to the computer/card download way. The apps make it too easy.

DLBlack said:

I have been using my phone with OI Share to do my camera FW updates. Very simple process.

Click to expand...

All manufacturers have mobile apps now that do this. I am surprise in 2024 anyone is not using modern method.

stevevp said:

DLBlack said:

I have been using my phone with OI Share to do my camera FW updates. Very simple process.

Click to expand...

I have found this method far easier than Workspace.

Click to expand...

No cable, all wireless, much faster than OM workspace

But seems not to work for some older Olympus cameras, just for OM cameras?

And I am not sure, but can you update lenses with OI share too?

How big is the risk of bricking if process fails halfway through? Like, loss of cell/internet connection, loss of camera connection, apps may hang if someone calls on the phone?

I feel it's a very convenient and fast method, but potentially the riskiest of them all.

MEDISN said:

Why bother with computers and cards? I find the mobile apps much more convenient for firmware updates and settings swaps. The trouble with SD cards is, I use dozens of them across multiple cameras. They get damaged, formatted, lost, stolen. My phone, for better or worse, is always with me. I can backup the camera or individual custom modes and swap them out at will. I can add notes and descriptions so I know which preset I need for a given job. I can send a custom preset directly from my phone to my second shooter to apply to their camera. I don't see myself ever going back to the computer/card download way. The apps make it too easy.

Click to expand...

Have not used the phone app, so I need to explore some to see what it can do for me.

Question I have, do you need service or WIFI to be able to push a set file to a camera?

Thinking when we are someplace without service like remote Africa, no possible service, can you still use the app to push to the camera?

That is why I was thinking a SD card can use anywhere, anytime. If the app works then perfect!

Patrick

PV Hiker said:

MEDISN said:

Why bother with computers and cards? I find the mobile apps much more convenient for firmware updates and settings swaps. The trouble with SD cards is, I use dozens of them across multiple cameras. They get damaged, formatted, lost, stolen. My phone, for better or worse, is always with me. I can backup the camera or individual custom modes and swap them out at will. I can add notes and descriptions so I know which preset I need for a given job. I can send a custom preset directly from my phone to my second shooter to apply to their camera. I don't see myself ever going back to the computer/card download way. The apps make it too easy.

Click to expand...

Have not used the phone app, so I need to explore some to see what it can do for me.

Click to expand...

In general, it can act as a remote shutter. You can set the camera up to either send video to the phone and acts as a touch screen, and from within the app you can do some limited things (set the focus point, shoot, set some basic parameter). When you use this mode, it locks most of the buttons on the camera.

Alternatively there is a simpler remote shutter mode where all you can do on the phone is fire the shutter. You can use all of the buttons and touch screen on the camera as normal. This is useful for things like fireworks, since in this mode, the screen is darkened (i.e. it doesn't wreck your night vision), and you don't need to press at a specific location on the screen (i.e. you can watch the fireworks and do a shot without having to gaze onto the phone).

You can also upload photos to your phone.

One minor thing that the Phone app does with the newer cameras, is there is an option to set the time in the camera. This is useful if you are shooting with multiple cameras, and you want the timestamps on all cameras to be in sync.

The 3 OM cameras (but not the older Olympus cameras) can also update their firmware as we have been discussing.

PV Hiker said:

Question I have, do you need service or WIFI to be able to push a set file to a camera?

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The phone app has to be able to download the firmware, so yes it needs data service. I suspect it probably can't use local wifi, since the way OIShare traditionally has worked is the phone turns off local wifi, and then it acts as a wifi access point, and the camera connects to it. Now in recent cameras that also support bluetooth, once things are set up so that the phone connects via bluetooth, it may be the camera no longer need to have the phone act as an access point.

PV Hiker said:

Thinking when we are someplace without service like remote Africa, no possible service, can you still use the app to push to the camera?

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Firmware updates don't occur all that often. Even if an update came out in the middle of the trip, I generally would wait until I got back to change anything (unless there is some urgent bug that I'm running into that the firmware fixes).

PV Hiker said:

That is why I was thinking a SD card can use anywhere, anytime. If the app works then perfect!

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After all, you do need the SD to shoot with.

...are an actual working photographer. :-D

Thanks...its nice to have that perspective.

Cheers.