High brightness photoinjectors for superconducting linac-based FELs are developed, optimized and characterized at the Photo Injector Test facility at DESY in Zeuthen (PITZ). Last year the facility was significantly upgraded with a new prototype photocathode laser system capable of producing homogeneous ellipsoidal pulses. Previous simulations have shown that the corresponding pulses allow the production of high brightness electron bunches with minimized emittance. Furthermore, a new normal conducting RF gun cavity was installed with a modified two-window waveguide RF feed layout for stability and reliability tests, as required for the European XFEL. Other relevant additions to the facility include beamline modifications for improved electron beam transport through the PITZ accelerator, refinement of both the cooling and RF systems for improved parameter stability, and preparations for the installation of a plasma cell. This paper describes the facility upgrades and reports on the operational experience with the new components.