Olympus have released a new firmware update for their 8 megapixel E-300 / Evolt DSLR camera. Version 1.2 includes the following changes:

SHADING COMPENSATION
In some cases, the edges of the image may be shadowed due to the properties of the lens. The SHADING compensation function compensates by in increasing brightness at the dark edge of the image. Especially when the Wide-angle lens is used, this function is able to work effectively.

ANTI-SHOCK
This diminishes camera shake caused by vibrations when the mirror moves. You can select the interval from the time the mirror is raised until the shutter is released.

RELEASE PRIORITY S
In the S-AF mode, you can release the shutter button and take a picture without waiting until focusing and flash charge are finished. This function is useful when you need to take advantage of a shutter release opportunity.

RELEASE PRIORITY C
In the C-AF mode, You can release the shutter button and take a picture without waiting until focusing and flash charge are finished. This function is useful when you need to take advantage of a shutter release opportunity. When RELEASE PRIORITY C is set to ON, Predictive AF is not available.

Website: Olympus E-300 / Evolt Firmware Updates

SHADING COMPENSATION
In some cases, the edges of the image may be shadowed due to the properties of the lens. The SHADING compensation function compensates by in increasing brightness at the dark edge of the image. Especially when the Wide-angle lens is used, this function is able to work effectively.

How to set
In the menu, camera2 -> SHADING COMP. -> ON, and press the OK button.

Note
. This function is not available when a tele converter or inner tube extension is attached to the camera.
. At higher ISO settings, noise in image edges may be conspicuous.
. This function is not activated when the record mode is set to RAW mode or RAW record mode (RAW . JPEG).

ANTI-SHOCK
This diminishes camera shake caused by vibrations when the mirror moves. You can select the interval from the time the mirror is raised until the shutter is released.

How to set
In the menu, camera2 -> ANTI-SHOCK -> OFF. Press up-arrow or down-arrow button to select the time from 1 - 30 seconds. Press the OK button.

RELEASE PRIORITY S
In the S-AF mode, you can release the shutter button and take a picture without waiting until focusing and flash charge are finished. This function is useful when you need to take advantage of a shutter release opportunity.

How to set
In the menu, setup1 -> RELEASE PRIORITY S -> ON. Press the OK button.

RELEASE PRIORITY C
In the C-AF mode, You can release the shutter button and take a picture without waiting until focusing and flash charge are finished. This function is useful when you need to take advantage of a shutter release opportunity. When RELEASE PRIORITY C is set to ON, Predictive AF is not available.

How to set
In the menu, setup1 -> RELEASE PRIORITYC -> ON. Press the OK button.