A free firmware upgrade offering "more power and reliability" for the E-3 DSLR is now available from Olympus.

Dial operation on the power grip HLD-4 has been improved. The relationship between the rotation of the dial and the movement direction of the AF target has also been optimised, says Olympus.

It continues that the battery check function has been improved to extend shooting time before the need to recharge when the power grip HLD-4 is attached.

Focusing now stops immediately when the AF start button (AEL/AFL or Fn button) is released, and Olympus has improved the camera's performance with the FL-50R or FL-36R
flash units when undertaking bounce flashes at short distances.

The selection and prioritisation of the central five ranging points when shooting in C-AF mode and dynamic-single target mode has been improved.

And finally - the image stabilisation function is now also
available with non-Four Thirds System interchangeable lenses by inputting a specific focal length.

To download and install this firmware update, open the Olympus Master software, connect your E-3 camera via USB to the computer and log onto the internet.

Choose the Update Camera function from the Online Service menu in the Olympus Master software and the update will start immediately.