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How to Update Firmware on OM System and Olympus Cameras

By m43lab.com·June 20, 2026·5 min read

OM System and Olympus cameras support firmware updates via the OI.Share mobile app (recommended for OM-1, OM-1 Mark II, OM-5, E-M1 Mark III) or via OM Workspace desktop software (required for older bodies). Both methods are straightforward but require a fully charged battery and should not be interrupted.

Before you start

  • Fully charge the camera battery. A firmware update that loses power mid-process can brick the camera.
  • Save your custom settings. Both update methods offer to back up settings, but do it manually first via OM Workspace or OI.Share to be safe.
  • Check your current firmware version via MENU > Setup (wrench) > Version Info.
  • Download the latest firmware from the official OM System firmware page and note the version number.

This is the easiest method and works wirelessly. Compatible with: OM System OM-1 Mark II, OM-1 (firmware v1.1 or later), OM-5, and Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark III.

  1. Fully charge your smartphone and camera.
  2. Open the OI.Share app. If you have not connected your camera before, scan the QR code shown on the camera's LCD screen.
  3. In OI.Share, tap the settings cogwheel icon.
  4. Navigate to Camera Management.
  5. Select Update Firmware.
  6. The app shows your current firmware versions. Tap Check for Updates.
  7. If a newer version is available, tap Update.
  8. Confirm the download. The app will offer to back up your custom settings - accept this.
  9. Follow the on-screen instructions. Do not turn off the camera or close the app.
  10. Wait for the camera's monitor to display OK.
  11. Restart the camera when prompted.
  12. When the camera restarts, select the checkbox to reload your saved settings and tap Load.

Method 2: OM Workspace (desktop software)

Required for: Olympus OM-D E-M1, E-M1 Mark II, E-M5, E-M5 Mark II, E-M5 Mark III, and OM-1 cameras on firmware v1.0. Also works for all supported bodies as an alternative to OI.Share.

  1. Download and install the latest version of OM Workspace from the OM System website.
  2. Connect the camera to your computer via USB cable.
  3. On the camera, select MTP when the connection type prompt appears (applies to newer models).
  4. In OM Workspace, go to Camera > Update.
  5. Accept the software license agreement.
  6. Review the update details and click Update.
  7. Confirm the warning that firmware updates cannot be reversed once applied.
  8. Monitor progress on the computer screen. Do not disconnect the USB cable.
  9. Wait for the camera LCD to display OK. This can take up to 10 minutes.
  10. Once OK appears, disconnect the USB cable and close OM Workspace.
  11. Restart the camera.

What not to do during an update

  • Do not turn the camera off.
  • Do not remove the battery.
  • Do not disconnect the USB cable (Method 2).
  • Do not close the OI.Share app or let your phone screen lock (Method 1).
  • Do not remove the memory card.

Verify the update

After restarting, go to MENU > Setup (wrench) > Version Info and confirm the firmware number matches the version you installed. If it still shows the old number, the update did not complete and should be run again.

How to update firmware on Panasonic Lumix cameras →Step-by-step guide for G9 II, GH7, GH6, and other Lumix bodiesHow to check shutter count on Olympus and OM System cameras →Access the hidden service menu to read the shutter actuation countOM System OM-1 Mark II →Full specs for the OM-1 Mark IIOM System OM-1 →Full specs for the OM-1