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Posts Tagged ‘Firmware’

Fujifilm releases minor firmware updates for its X100V, X-A7 camera systems

12 May

Fujifilm has released a pair of (mostly) minor firmware updates for its X100V and X-A7 camera systems.

We say ‘mostly’ minor because the X100V firmware update does bring a welcomed feature for users who’ve been experiencing overheating issues. In addition to general bug fixes, firmware version 1.10 (previously 1.00) adds a new ‘Auto Power Off Temp setting in the Power Management sub-menu that will automatically turn off the camera if it overheats, something that can when shooting ‘in a continuous manner.’

In the changelog, Fujifilm writes:

‘We would recommend use of the new option when the X100V is used in a continuous manner (such as with continuous video shooting) and so on and a user may feel the grip become noticeably hot.’

Firmware version 1.20 (previously 1.10) for the X-A7 is even more minor, with the only changes being new compatibility with Fujifilm’s Instax Mini link printer and various ‘minor bug’ fixes.

You can download firmware version 1.10 for the X100V and firmware version 1.20 for the X-A7 on Fujifilm’s respective product support pages.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Canon releases $100 firmware update for professional stop-motion photography

05 May

Canon has introduced a new firmware option for EOS R owners interested in high-end stop motion photography. The firmware, which has to be installed at a Canon service center, adds a number of features to make shooting stop motion easier, particularly for those using the Dragonframe animation application. A new version of the EOS R has also been released that has the firmware already installed.

This is a comparison of the new Live View resolution of 1920×1280 (full screen) versus the original size of 960×640 (small inset). The large preview image makes it easier for the animators to have confidence in the shot and can improve the overall quality of the scene.

The main advantage of the new firmware for animators is the increased resolution of the live preview when the camera is tethered via USB. Without the new firmware, the camera outputs an image of 960×640 pixels, but this is increased to 1920×1280 pixels with the firmware installed. This resolution is higher than all other still cameras compatible with Dragonframe, and the extra detail makes checking the image details and focusing much easier. Output live view resolution from the Nikon Z7 and the Sony A7R IV is 1024×680 pixels, for example, while that from the Olympus OM-D E-M lll is 1280×960 pixels.

Seeing Focus Peaking on the full screen allows the animator to precisely capture fine detail and adjust for desired depth of field.

The downside of the update is that HDMI output is disabled, as are display performance options. Manual focus peaking becomes an option over USB but it will no longer work in the viewfinder or on the camera’s rear screen in a number of situations:

  • When an EF-S lens is used
  • When [Multiple exposure] is set
  • When [Cropping/aspect ratio] is set to an option other than [FULL]
  • When the shooting screen is magnified
  • When you keep holding down the shutter button after shooting

The new firmware costs $ 100 plus shipping to have installed on an existing EOS R camera, and the new version of the camera with the firmware pre-installed costs $ 1899 – about $ 100 more than the standard version.

For more information on the firmware see the Canon website, and for more on the animation software see the Dragonframe website.

Press release

Stop Motion Animation Firmware

Supercharge Your Stop Motion Animation

Whether pre-installed on a new EOS R or manually installed on an existing EOS R the new Stop Motion Animation upgrade for EOS R cameras increases your Live View resolution to 1920×1280 from Canon’s normal of 960×640 when connected to Dragonframe stop motion animation software. This makes it easier for animators to confirm focus and movement within every frame.

Larger Live View

Live view is critical to animators creating stop motion animation films. Animators use the remote live view of the camera to review critical details and make decisions within the Dragonframe software. Canon’s Stop Motion Animation firmware increases the Live View to 1920×1280 – helping animators see subtle movement for refined animation.

USB Manual Focus Peaking

Canon has added Manual Focus Peaking over USB to interface with Dragonframe software.

HDMI Output

Important information about EOS R Stop Motion Animation Firmware:
* HDMI output is not available on the EOS R with this firmware installed
* [Disp. performance] cannot be set
* MF peaking will not show up even if [MF peaking settings] is set to [On] under the following conditions:

  • When an EF-S lens is used
  • When [Multiple exposure] is set
  • When [Cropping/aspect ratio] is set to an option other than [FULL]
  • When the shooting screen is magnified
  • When you keep holding down the shutter button after shooting

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Nikon releases firmware update for its D780 DSLR to fix SD memory card errors

24 Apr

Nikon has released a very minor firmware update for its D780 camera system.

Firmware version 1.01 (up from 1.00) addresses just a single issue, wherein some SD memory cards wouldn’t work inside the camera. Nikon doesn’t specify what memory cards caused problems, but a two-month-old DPReview forum post, embedded below, from ‘JS Photo’ noted his Lexar 2000x SD cards (a 128GB and a 64GB card) were throwing errors during a wedding shoot.

We have contacted Nikon to see if any further clarification is available on what cards were causing the problems and will update this article accordingly if we receive an appropriate response.

In the meantime, you can head on over to Nikon’s D780 support page to download firmware version 1.01 for macOS and Windows computers.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Fujifilm releases very minor firmware updates for six of its XF lenses

24 Apr

Fujifilm has released minor firmware updates for a number of its XF lenses, including five zooms and a single prime.

The firmware version numbers vary from lens to lens, but across the board, all five updates simply list ‘Fix of minor bugs’ as the only change in these updates. Below is a list of the lenses and a link to their respective firmware updates:

  • Fujifilm XF 200mm F2 R LM OIS WR — Firmware version 1.01 (up from 1.00)
  • Fujifilm XF 8–16mm F2.8 R LM WR — Firmware version 1.01 (up from 1.00)
  • Fujifilm XF 16–80mm F4 R OIS WR — Firmware version 1.04 (up from 1.03
  • Fujifilm 50–140mm F2.8 R LM OIS WR — Firmware version 1.31 (up from 1.30)
  • Fujifilm 55–200mm F3.5–4.8 R LM OIS — Firmware version 1.21 (up from 1.20)
  • Fujifilm 100–400mm F4.5–5.6 R LM OIS — Firmware version 1.21 (up from 1.20)

You can keep up with the latest firmware updates via Fujifilm’s comprehensive list of the latest updates for its lenses.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Sony releases 2.00 firmware update for its a9 II mirrorless camera

10 Apr

Sony has released its latest firmware update for the a9II, bringing with it a collection of new and improved features.

Starting with what’s new, firmware version 2.00 for the Sony a9 II adds a new ‘Hi Frequency Flicker’ function that helps to ‘reduce the impact of flickering of artificial light sources (e.g. digital signage, electronic signboards, LED lights, etc.), by more finely adjusting the shutter speed.’ Also added is a new function that will close the shutter when you turn off the camera to minimize the chance of dirt or dust getting on the image sensor.

Sony has also added the ability to assign the Face/Eye Priority autofocus setting to a custom key that will activate and deactivate the setting when pressed. Those who already have Face/Eye Priority set to a custom key will be able to deactivate it with that same button after the 2.00 update is complete.

Other improvements include updates to the Remote Camera Tool function, improved FTP transfers, the option to display the camera’s MAC address as a QR code and other improvements that should improve the overall stability of the camera.

Sony also notes that the Image Edge Remote, Imaging Edge Mobile and Remote Camera Tool will no longer be supported after tomorrow, April 9, but doesn’t elaborate on what exactly that means going forward. We have contacted Sony and will clarify these details when we receive a response.

You can download firmware version 2.00 for macOS and Windows on Sony’s a9 II support page.

Changelog:

Benefits and Improvements from the [2.00] update

  • Adds the Hi Frequency flicker function, which allows you to reduce the impact of flickering of artificial light sources (e.g. digital signage, electronic signboards, LED lights, etc.), by more finely adjusting the shutter speed
    NOTE: The Imaging Edge Remote, Imaging Edge Mobile, and Remote Camera Tool software will not be supported after April 9th, 2020
  • Improves the Face/Eye Priority in the AF function:
    • When set to a custom key, the Face/Eye Priority in the AF function can be activated or deactivated each time the custom key is pressed
    • If Face/Eye Priorityis already set to custom key, this improvement will be available after the camera is updated
  • Improves the Remote Camera Tool function by adding support for displaying Focus Frame for almost all scenes
    NOTE: Version 2.00 (or later) of the Remote Camera Tool is required. Please update to the latest version.
  • Improves the FTP transfer function
  • Allows the camera’s MAC address to be displayed as a QR code
  • Adds a function to close the shutter when you turn off the camera to prevent dust or debris from adhering to the image sensor when you change lenses
  • Allows you to save or load the customized camera settings to My MENU
  • Improves the overall stability of the camera

For updated function usage and additional information, please refer to the ILCE-9M2 Help Guide. Additionally, a revision has been made to the instruction manual according to this update. The latest version of the instruction manual can be downloaded from referenced website.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Panasonic releases minor 1.5 firmware update for its Lumix S1, S1R mirrorless cameras

09 Apr

Panasonic has released a minor firmware update for its Lumix DC-S1 and DC-S1R mirrorless camera systems.

Firmware version 1.5 adds support for ProGrade Digital CFexpress Type B cards as well as a new 50p/25p video frame rate option for NTSC region cameras. Panasonic has also disabled the ‘Delete All’ touch control option in playback mode to minimize the possibility of accidentally deleting all of your media.

Firmware version 1.5 for the S1 and S1R is available to download on Panasonic’s support page.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Canon releases 1D X Mark III firmware update to fix lock-up issue, add 23.98p video capture

08 Apr

As it had promised a few weeks back, Canon has released a firmware update (version 1.1.0) for its 1D X Mark III DSLR camera that addresses the lock-up issue we first reported on in early March. In addition to the lock-up issue, the update addresses a few other ‘enhancements and fixes.’

First and foremost, firmware version 1.1.0 corrects a problem that would cause the camera to lock up when the electronic level is set to ‘Show’ in the viewfinder display and the shutter or AF-ON button is pressed. Below is a video from DPReview reader Hamilton Pytluk, who shared the lock-up issue in action:

The update, which was released on March 31 and only recently brought to our attention, also fixes an issue where the ‘Custom Shooting Mode’ settings could change when the shooting mode is switched and adds the option for a 23.98p frame rate option. Canon has also improved the communication speed when connected via wired LAN, added a ‘Browser Remote’ function and added the ability to transfer only images that are protected.

You can find the firmware update, available to download on both macOS and Windows computers, on Canon Europe’s 1D X Mark III support page.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Canon’s EOS M6 Mark II finally gets a 24p video mode via new firmware update

01 Apr

As it had assured consumers back in October 2019, Canon has released a firmware update for its EOS M6 Mark II camera that adds a 24p (23.98fps) mode that was inexplicably missing from the camera until now.

Canon has already released firmware for the other camera systems it promised 24p modes for, including the EOS 90D and EOS RP, so the new 1.1.0 update for the EOS M6 Mark II wraps up its response to customer feedback regarding the lack of a 24p mode when shooting video.

In addition to adding the 24p mode, the update also fixes an issue wherein the focus position of the lens returns to the home position if the camera powers off while in ‘Auto Power Off’ is turned on during ‘Interval Timing’ shooting as well as an issue that, ‘in rare cases’ would cause the camera to not focus at the edges of the image area.

The 1.1.0 firmware update is currently available to download (40MB) for both macOS and Windows computers on Canon’s EOS M6 Mark II product page.

Changelog:

Firmware Version 1.1.0 incorporates the following enhancement and fixes:

  1. The option to capture movies in the frame rate of 23.98p has been added.
  2. Fixes the phenomenon where the focus position of the lens returns to the home position if the camera powers off due to the “Auto Power Off” setting during Interval Timing shooting.
  3. Fixes the phenomenon in which, in rare cases, the camera may not autofocus at the edges of the image area.

Firmware Version 1.1.0 is for cameras with firmware up to Version 1.0.1. If the camera’s firmware is already Version 1.1.0, it is not necessary to update the firmware.

When updating the firmware of the camera, please review the instructions thoroughly before you download the firmware.

Notes: You can download the latest version of the instruction manual from our Web site.

Q&A: Preparations for a firmware update: After the downloaded compressed file (.dmg file) is extracted, a firmware folder is created.

*Extracting the downloaded file: The downloaded folder is automatically extracted, and a firmware folder is created. If the download folder cannot be automatically extracted, double-click the folder.

The extracted folder contains the firmware (File name: M6200110.FIR, File size: 37,013,792 bytes) and instructions on the firmware update procedures (a PDF file in five languages: Japanese, English, French, Spanish, and Simplified Chinese).

Before starting the firmware update operations, please confirm the contents of the download, and carefully read through the firmware update procedures.

(The following is the history of past firmware updates) Changes in Version 1.0.1:

  1. Corrects a PTP communications vulnerability.
  2. Corrects a vulnerability related to firmware update.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Fujifilm releases major firmware update for X-T30, minor updates for X-T3, 16-80mm F4 lens

27 Mar

Fujifilm has released firmware updates for its X-T30 and X-T3 camera systems, as well as its XF 16–80mm F4 R OIS WR lens. While the updates for the X-T3 and XF 16–80mm F4 are extremely minor, the X-T30 gains a number of much-anticipated features.

Starting out with the smaller updates, firmware version 3.21 for the X-T3 and firmware version 1.03 for the XF 16–80mm F4 both address minor bugs. No specific bugs are mentioned and no other information is given about the updates.

Moving onto firmware version 1.20 for the X-T30, Fujifilm has added a list of new features and functionality. First and foremost, Fujifilm has added improved autofocus performance. According to Fujifilm, the tracking performance of the eye AF frame has been improved, the face-detection has been improved when there are different-sized faces in the same frame and autofocus on foreground subjects has been improved when there is a mix of foreground and background subjects in an image.

Fujifilm has also improved gimbal and drone support when the X-T30 is used with supported rigs over USB. Specifically, firmware version 1.20 adds functions for starting and stopping video recording, adjusting exposure settings for video and adjusting manual focus for video.

Also added is the ability to save up to 9,999 photos into a single folder on an SD card; previously the X-T30 was limited to only 999 shots per folder.

You can download the latest updates for the X-T30 (version 1.20), X-T3 (version 3.21) and the XF 16–80mm F4 lens (version 1.03) on Fujifilm’s respective support pages.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Canon says firmware fix for lockup issue is coming in ‘early April,’ offers workaround in the meantime

26 Mar

Canon U.S.A has announced a firmware update is being worked on to address the ‘phenomenon’ wherein its EOS-1D X Mark III DSLR camera will lock up under certain conditions.

Previously, we reported on a number of incidents wherein Canon’s latest flagship DSLR would lock up when pressing down the shutter in certain modes. While the exact cause remains unconfirmed, Canon’s changelog for the forthcoming firmware update suggests the bug is caused when the electronic level is turned on in the viewfinder display. Below is the exact text from Canon:

‘The phenomenon may occur when the camera is being used with the electronic level set to “Show” in the viewfinder display. In rare cases, the camera may not perform as it was designed to when operating the AF-ON button or shutter button.’

Note the magnified section, which appears to show a part of the interface used for the OVF level function. This would suggest Canon’s diagnosis of the level feature causing the lockups is accurate for at least one of the original cases we reported on.

Below is a video provided by DPReview reader Hamilton Pytluk, who showed how the bug was affecting shooting. At the time of our initial coverage, it wasn’t known what was causing this issue, but if you look closely (it’s only visible for a few frames), it does appear as though Pytluk had the level showing in the optical viewfinder, which Canon is suggesting is the problem causing the lockups.

Canon says the firmware update will be available in ‘early April,’ but in the meantime, it’s possible to prevent the locking by hiding the ‘Electronic level’ within the ‘Viewfinder display’ sub-menu, as shown in the below menu screenshots provided by Canon. Canon has provided a guide to disabling the viewfinder on its update page.

We will cover the release when the firmware is published, but you can also keep an eye out on the Canon EOS-1D X Mark III product support page.

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