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Posts Tagged ‘Firmware’

Cactus announces flash transceiver firmware upgrade to support wireless cross-brand TTL

25 Mar

Cactus has announced a series of brand-specific firmware updates for its V6 II and V6 IIs triggers that will add TTL functions alongside their cross-brand HSS support.

The triggers are already capable of high speed sync across systems, as well as remote control over flash power and zoom. The upcoming firmware updates will add the ability to support automatic TTL exposure across brands as well. The first firmware releases will support Sigma, Fujifilm and Sony, with support for Nikon, Canon, Olympus, Panasonic and Pentax following one-by-one.

For more information on the Cactus V6 II triggers and compatible flashes check out the company’s website, and for more information on the upcoming firmware releases, see the press release below.

Press Release:

X-TTL TTL without Boundaries! Cactus launches FREE firmware upgrades on the V6 II and V6 IIs to support wireless cross-brand TTL.

Hong Kong, March 24, 24, 2017 – Just nine months since the release of the Cactus V6 II and Cactus V6 IIs, Cactus is now launching a series of brand-specific firmware upgrades to transform the cross-brand HSS flash triggers to one that also supports crosscross-brand wireless TTL. The new X-TTL firmware versions, apart from supporting cross-brand high-speed sync (HSS/FP), remote power and zoom control of Canon, Fujifilm, Nikon, Olympus, Panasonic, Pentax and Sigma flashes all at the same time1, NOW support automatic TTL exposure in the same cross-brand environment, both on-camera and off-camera.2

The first wave of firmware releases will be for Sigma Sony and Fujifilm. Other camera systems, Canon, Nikon, Olympus, Panasonic and Pentax, will follow one by one as we complete system integration on the V6 II. All these X-TTL firmware versions are free of charge for V6 II / V6 IIs users. The new firmware is system-specific so users simply choose the corresponding system when updating with the Cactus Firmware Updater. Once installed, the V6 II / V6 IIs is transformed into a cross-brand wireless TTL flash trigger.

This unique function gives photographers an unprecedented flexibility. The need for matching flashes with the same camera system for on and off-camera TTL flash photography is over – TTL without boundaries.

Cross-brand TTL

The X-TTL firmware allows users to have wireless TTL automatic exposure with camera and flash that runs on the same system, such as a Canon camera triggering a Canon flash, and one that runs on different systems, such as a Sigma camera triggering a Nikon system flash.

Similar to the cross-brand HSS firmware on the V6 II, the supported flash systems for wireless cross-brand TTL include Canon, Nikon, Olympus, Panasonic, and flash that runs on the same camera system.

Two unique Exposure Locks

Cactus is unveiling a brand new approach in using TTL metering. Over the past, professionals who love the convenience from TTL metering often have to suffer inconsistency in lighting outputs, making post processing a pain. In view of this Cactus devised two types of Exposure Locks.

1. Flash Compensate: Store a desired flash exposure that will automatically adjust according to changes in camera settings. Gone is the ever-changing flash exposures between each TTL metering.

2. Flash Power Lock: Lock flash power output after a desired TTL exposure is achieved. Perfect for consistency in repeat shooting. Wireless TTL functions

The X-TTL firmware will also support advanced TTL functions on the Cactus V6 II and V6 IIs, such as first and second (rear) curtain sync, on-camera TTL, group TTL metering and TTL lighting ratios3.

New support for Sigma

We are delighted to offer firmware support for Sigma cameras and flashes. This includes remote power control, remote zoom control, wireless High-speed Sync, and wireless TTL with Sigma’s SA-TTL flashes. The same cross-brand support is also available on the Sigma X-TTL firmware. Cactus expresses appreciation to SIGMA CORPORATION for their immense support in our development for Sigma system firmware.

Fujifilm TTL and HSS

With the introduction of Fujifilm new flash system launched on the EF-X500, Highspeed Sync (HSS/FP) is finally available. Besides adopting the new HSS platform, the upcoming Fujifilm X-TTL firmware also extends support for wireless TTL to Fujifilm flashes as well as Canon, Nikon, Olympus, and Panasonic flashes. Fujifilm X-TTL Firmware release date will be announced on our website.

V6 IIs with Sony TTL

Existing Sony V6 IIs users already has a system-specific transceiver unit, and the upcoming Sony X-TTL firmware adds wireless TTL support for Sony flashes and other system flashes when paired with the Cactus V6 II. Sony X-TTL Firmware release date will be announced on our website.

Features at a glance

1. Cross-brand wireless manual power and zoom control with HSS/FP support of Canon, Fujifilm, Nikon, Olympus, Panasonic, Pentax and Sony flashes;2

2. Cross-brand wireless TTL of Canon, Fujifilm, Nikon, Olympus, Panasonic, Pentax, Sigma and Sony flashes;2

3. Cross-brand group TTL metering is extended to use in a cross-brand setup;3

4. TTL Ratios output adjustments can be done directly on the V6 II (TX);3

5. Two Exposure Locks offer consistency with the convenience of wireless TTL.

6. Works seamlessly with Cactus RF60X to support HSS, TTL, remote power and zoom control.

Price and Availability

System-specific X-TTL firmware versions are free of charge. Download the Cactus Firmware Updater4 and select the corresponding system firmware to install the X-TTL firmware on the Cactus V6 II and V6 IIs.

After launching the initial three systems, i.e., Sigma, Fujifilm and Sony, Cactus will continue to launch X-TTL firmware for the remaining camera systems. Stay up to date for the latest releases on X-TTL’s microsite: https://www.cactusimage.com/special/X-TTL/

1 With the exception of Pentax and Sony system flashes due to special timing requirements so they must be paired with a Pentax and Sony camera respectively in order to support HSS.

2 Only Canon, Nikon, Olympus and Panasonic system flashes support cross-brand TTL.

3 This function may not be supported on all the camera systems.

4 Cactus Firmware Updater version 3.01 or later will better facilitate firmware selection. To be released soon!

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Major firmware updates coming for Fujifilm X-T2 and X-Pro2

23 Mar

Fujifilm will launch a couple of major firmware updates for its X-T2 and X-Pro2 cameras. The first one, available at the end of this month, brings the X-T2 up to version 2.00 and the X-Pro2 up to 3.00. Another update will arrive in late May.

The first update brings no less than 27 feature improvements to Fuji’s flagship mirrorless cameras, including an option to enable focal length-dependent minimum shutter speed in ISO Auto, up to 15 minute exposures in T mode, more options for bracketing while shooting Raw and added autofocus flexibility.

Several other updates are aimed at improving handling during video shooting, including the addition of a live histogram for X-T2 owners.

A second round of updates will come in May. Firmware 2.10 for X-T2 and 3.10 for X-Pro2 will add -6 and -7 EVF brightness settings for very low light shooting and the ability to assign functions to the rear command dial. A few functions are added for the X-T2 only including tethered shooting via Wi-Fi. See the very long list of updates below.

X-T2 version 2.00 & X-Pro2 version 3.00 – due late March 2017

1. Shooting RAW in Bracketing and Advanced Filters
The update enables you to use the RAW format when shooting not only in AE Bracketing but also in other Bracketing modes (ISO, Dynamic Range, White Balance, Film Simulaitons) and also in Advanced Filter modes.

2. Extended ISO 125 and 160 selectable
The update adds ISO125 and ISO160 to extended ISO levels available.

3. Programmable long exposure of up to 15 minutes
Long exposure in the T mode currently goes only up to 30 seconds. The update will allow users to extend it up to 15 minutes.

4. ON/OFF for 1/3-step shutter speed adjustment (X-T2 only – already in X-Pro2)
The update allows you to turn off the Command Dial’s function to adjust shutter speed by 1/3 steps in order to prevent unintended adjustments.

5. Full-range ISO adjustments with the Command Dial (X-T2 only)
With the update, set the ISO “A” position to “Command” to adjust ISO sensitivity across the full range, including extended ISOs, with the Front Command Dial.

6. “AUTO” setting added for the minimum shutter speed in the ISO Auto setting
The update adds an AUTO option for the minimum shutter speed in the ISO Auto setting, that allows the camera to automatically define the minimum shutter speed according to the focal length of the lens attached.

7. Faster “Face Detection AF”
The update enables the use of Phase Detection AF for faster performance in Face Detection AF.

8. Improved in-focus indication in the AF-C mode
The update reduces focus hunting in the AF-C mode, making it easier to track a subject.

9. Addition of a smaller Focus Point size in Single Point AF
The update adds a smaller Focus Point size in Single Point AF, bringing the total number of available sizes to six. The new smallest size facilitates pin-point focusing.

10. Addition of “AF Point Display” (X-Pro2 only – already on X-T2)
With the update, you can choose to have AF Points constantly displayed in Zone AF and Wide / Tracking AF, making it easier to track a subject.

11. Addition of “AF-C Custom Setting” (X-Pro2 only – already on X-T2)
The update adds “AF-C Custom Setting” for specifying focus-tracking characteristics. Choose from five presets according to your subject’s type of movements.

12. Addition of “Portrait / Landscape AF Mode Switching” (X-T2 only)
The update allows you to specify separate AF mode and AF point settings for portrait orientation and landscape orientation.

13. Change of focus frame position while enlarging it
The update allows you to move the position of focus frame while enlarging it in Single Point in the AF-S mode or in the Manual Focus

14. Activation of the Eye Sensor in video recording (X-T2 only)
The update allows you to use the Eye Sensor during video recording to automatically switch between EVF and LCD.

15. Change of ISO sensitivity during video recording (X-T2 only)
The update allows you to change ISO setting during video recording.

16. Re-autofocusing in video recording
With the update, half-press the Shutter Release button or press the button assigned to “AF-ON” function during video recording to re-do autofocusing.

17. Display live histogram during video recording (X-T2 only)
The update allows you to display a live histogram during video recording.

18. Optimization of external microphone’s input level (X-T2 only)
The update optimizes external microphone’s input level (lower limit revised from -12dB to 20dB) to reduce white noise when an external microphone with preamp is connected.

19. Addition of “Eye Sensor + LCD Image Display” in the View Mode
The update gives the “Eye Sensor + LCD Image Display” option in the View Mode that allows you to shoot through the viewfinder and check images on the LCD, just as you would with an SLR.

20. Shorter EVF display time-lag (X-Pro2 only – already in X-T2)
The update shortens EVF’s display time-lag in the AF-C mode so that you will not miss a photo opportunity.

21. Constant “Dual” mode display (X-T2 only)
With the update, the small window in the Dual mode stays on even when you half-press the shutter release button.

22. Automatic vertical GUI for LCD (X-T2 only)
With the update, when you hold the camera in the portrait orientation, the camera will automatically display the GUI on the LCD in the same orientation.

23. Name Custom Settings
The update allows you to assign a specific name to Custom Settings 1 – 7.

24. Copyright information in EXIF data
The update allows you to register the photographer’s name and the copyright holder’s name in advance so that the camera automatically adds the information to EXIF data for each image.

25. Voice Memo function
The update enable you to record 30-second “Voice Memo” clips in the Playback mode.

26. Extended AE Bracketing
The update extends AE Bracketing from the current 3 frames +/-2EV to up to 9 frames +/-3EV.

27. Addition of “Shoot Without Card” mode
With the update, you can have the “Shoot Without Card” mode turned OFF so that the camera can not shoot when there is no SD card inserted.

X-T2 version 2.10 & X-Pro2 version 3.10 – late May 2017

28. Support for computer tethering via Wi-Fi (X-T2 only)
The update adds support for computer tethering via Wi-Fi.

29. Addition of “All” AF mode (X-T2 only)
With the update, select “All” in the AF mode so that you can select the AF mode and Focus Area size by only using the Command Dial.

30. Function extension for “Shutter AF” and “Shutter AE” (X-T2 only)
With the update, you can specify different settings for AF-S and AF-C in “Shutter AF” and for AF-S / MF and AF-C in “Shutter AE.”

31. Addition of “-6” and “-7” to EVF’s brightness setting
Additional options of “-6” and “-7” to the “EVF Brightness” setting so that, even in an extremely low-light condition, the brightness of the EVF does not distract you from shooting.

32. Switchover of the main and sub displays in the Dual Display mode (X-T2 only)
The update allows you to switch between the main and sub displays in the Dual Display mode.

33. Function assignment to the Rear Command Dial
With the update, you can assign a specific function to be activated when the Rear Command Dial is pressed.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Nikon D3400 and D5600 firmware updates now available

01 Mar

Nikon has released firmware updates for the Nikon D3400 and the Nikon D5600, both of which have received a very small improvement that addresses the same bug: “Fixed an issue that resulted in unreliable connections between the camera and the iOS 10.2 version of the SnapBridge app.“

The Nikon D3400 firmware is updated to version 1.11 and is available here; the Nikon D5600 firmware is updated to version 1.01 and is available here.

Via: NikonRumors

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Canon EOS-1D X Mark II firmware updated to version 1.1.3

16 Feb

Canon has released firmware version 1.1.3 for the Canon EOS-1D X Mark II DSLR. The latest firmware version is a relatively small update, bringing a bug fix that corrects an issue displaying the drive mode icon, as well as improving USB communication reliability with a function in EOS Utility 3 and increasing the maximum ‘release cycles’ number displayed in the ‘Camera system information’ menu.

The latest firmware is available to download for macOS and Windows via Canon’s support website.  The full change log is below.

Changes in the Firmware

Firmware Version 1.1.3 incorporates the following improvements to enhance functions.

  • Corrects a phenomenon in which the drive mode icon is not correctly displayed when using custom shooting modes (C1/C2/C3).
  • Changes the maximum number of “Release cycles” displayed from 1,000,000 cycles to 9,999,000 cycles. This value can be checked under the “Camera system information” menu.
  • Improves the reliability of communication via USB cable when using the Lens Data Registration function within EOS Utility 3 software.

The Version 1.1.3 firmware being released at this time is for cameras with Firmware Version 1.1.2 or earlier. If the camera’s firmware is already Version 1.1.3, it is not necessary to update the firmware.

When updating the firmware of your camera, please first go over the instructions thoroughly before you download the firmware. The firmware update takes approximately six minutes.

Note:

  • (1) Once the EOS-1D X Mark II is updated to Version 1.1.2 (or later), it cannot be restored to a previous firmware version (Version 1.0.0 to 1.0.2).
  • (2) Camera settings files created using a camera running Firmware Version 1.0.2 (or earlier) cannot be used on a camera running Firmware Version 1.1.2 (or later).
  • (3) Please use the latest EOS Utility version with the EOS-1D X Mark II after the camera has been updated to Firmware Version 1.1.2 (or later). The latest version of EOS Utility can be downloaded from Canon’s Web site.
  • (4) Accompanying functional improvements of Firmware Version 1.1.2 (or later), the instructional manual has been revised. The latest version of the instruction manual can be downloaded from Canon’s Web site, so please download the instruction manual together with the new firmware.

Via: Canon Rumors

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Leica tweaks handling of its new M10 with firmware 1.3.4.0

16 Feb

Leica has introduced new firmware for its latest M series digital rangefinder that aims to improve a number of aspects of the camera’s handling and operation. Firmware version 1.3.4.0 is said to reduce the duration of the black-out time between frames when using the M10 in Live View mode so the camera is ready to shoot again more quickly.

The new firmware also makes scrolling through the menu system quicker as users can now press the Menu button again to shift from page to page. The Favourites Menu has been expanded by one item to allow up to 15 oft-used features to sit there, and this menu will now divided into two pages when more than seven items are consigned to it.

Photographers making use of the optional Visoflex EVF can now have the camera automatically preview just-captured images there instead of only on the rear screen, and the battery and SD card status bars are now color-coded – from green to yellow to red – to give users an idea of remaining capacity.

For more information see the Leica website and the support download section.

Press release

Firmware update now available for the Leica M10

Leica Camera has released a firmware update for the Leica M10, downloadable from the Leica web site from today.

Firmware version 1.3.4.0 adds numerous improvements to the camera’s handling. These include optimised colour-coding of the status bar for SD memory cards and battery level, which now change from green to yellow to red as the battery charge level reduces or the card becomes full.

The ‘Favourites Menu’ has also been revised: up to 15 menu entries can now be created and a second Favourites page opens after adding more than seven entries. Furthermore, with this update, M10 owners have even faster access to the main menu – it can now be opened by pressing the Menu button in the Favourites Menu. The same button can also be used for page-by-page scrolling.

An additional new feature enables the selection of the target display for automatic review on the monitor screen. The menu entry now offers the alternatives ‘Auto’, ‘EVF’ or ‘Display’ as target options, while ‘Edit Favourites’ allows the activation of direct access to ‘M-ISO’ as a Favourites Menu item. The firmware update also brings a further significant reduction in the lag (dark screen) between exposure and display when taking pictures in Live View mode.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Panasonic cuts stabilizer hum in Lumix G80/85 and GX80/85 with firmware update

11 Feb

Panasonic has released new firmware for its Lumix DC-G80/81/85 and DC-GX80/GX85 camera models that eliminates the whirring noise caused by the in-body stabilization system while in stand-by mode. Firmware version 1.2, in both cases, also reduces the impact of the noise during video recording, which previously would encroach on the audio of scenes shot in quiet situations. Now in stand-by mode the body is silent whereas before it was really quite noisy.

The new firmware also adds Dual IS 2 to the G80/81/85 when the camera is used with the company’s Leica DG Vario-Elmar 100-400mm F4-6.3 ASPH lens. Dual IS 2 is Panasonic’s improved stabilization system that uses the IS features of both body and lens combined to increase the amount and flexibility of the motion compensation.

For more information see the Panasonic update page.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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New Leica SL firmware improves tethered shooting, SL 50mm F1.4 goes on sale

14 Dec

German photo brand Leica has announced new firmware for its full frame SL mirrorless camera, making it fully compatible with the latest version of the company’s tethered shooting and remote control applications. Firmware 2.2 bolsters the camera’s ability to operate with both Leica Image Shuttle 3.5 for Mac and Windows, as well as Tethered Plug-in 1.1.0 for Mac. Image Shuttle is the company’s application for controlling the camera remotely, while Tethered Plug-in allows images to be drawn directly into Adobe’s Lightroom when connected via a USB cable.

The firmware also removes the restriction on long shutter speeds for those using 6-bit M lenses with the M-Adapter T/SL, as well as some mystery improvements to the camera that are not specified.

The company has also today released the Summilux-SL 50mm F1.4 ASPH for sale. Announced alongside the SL itself the lens should offer a very slightly more compact alternative to the 24-90mm F2.8-4 and 90-280mm F2.8-4 zoom lenses the company has released so far. It costs $ 5295/£4080.

For more information visit the Leica website.

Press release:

Firmware update 2.2 for Leica SL with improved support for Leica Image Shuttle software and Leica Summilux-SL 50mm f/1.4 ASPH. lens – available today

Leica Camera has released Firmware Update 2.2 for the Leica SL mirrorless system camera, improving support for the Mac versions of Leica Image Shuttle 3.5 and Tethered Plug-in 1.1.0., as well as supporting the new Microsoft Windows version of Leica Image Shuttle 3.5.

Registered Leica SL owners can download the new software and firmware updates from the Leica Owners’ Area (https://owners.leica-camera.com) or take their camera to their local Leica Store or Leica Customer Care in the UK for a complimentary installation.

Leica Image Shuttle 3.5 improves workflow efficiency for tethered shooting with the Leica SL and allows the camera to be controlled from a computer via a USB 3.0 cable connection. All relevant exposure parameters such as shutter speed, aperture, ISO value and autofocus can be set and controlled from the computer, and exposures can be displayed directly on a large monitor screen for assessment.

The Leica Tethered Plug-in 1.1.0 (for Mac) – also available as a download from the Leica Owners’ Area – establishes a direct connection between the Leica SL and Adobe Photoshop Lightroom 6 / CC for Mac via USB cable. The camera’s shutter release can be activated from the plug-in and the images captured can be displayed directly in Adobe Photoshop Lightroom 6 / CC (for Mac), making the workflow even faster and more reliable. The corresponding firmware update is required for the use of Leica Image Shuttle and the Leica Tethered Plug-in.

Firmware update 2.2 also removes the shutter speed limitation when shooting with 6-bit coded Leica M-Lenses, while further optimising the performance of the Leica SL system.

Available from today, the Leica Summilux-SL 50mm f/1.4 ASPH. is the first prime lens for the Leica SL-System and sets a new standard in its class. Its large maximum aperture makes this high-performance lens ideal for photography in challenging lighting conditions, and enables the use of shallow depth of focus as a creative tool. Furthermore, the fast, precise and reliable autofocusing ensures that photographers can concentrate fully on composition and creativity. The lens’ combination of resolving power and soft bokeh in unsharp areas clearly isolates subjects from their background, particularly when shooting at maximum aperture.

For additional product specifications, please visit: Leica Summilux-SL 50mm f/1.4 ASPH.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Olympus E-M1 owners report firmware 4.2 bugs

04 Dec

Olympus OM-D E-M1 owners are reporting issues using their cameras after updating to firmware version 4.2. Forum member Denjw reports problems with focus stacking and corrupted image files after updating to 4.2, echoing comments from German blogger Pen-and-Tell. Firmware 4.2 in part added support to the E-M1 for focus stacking with the 300mm F4, 8mm F1.8 fisheye and 7-14mm F2.8 Pro lenses. We’ve reached out to Olympus for comment and will update this story with any further information.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Firmware update adds support for K-AF4 lenses to Pentax K-3 and K-50

02 Dec

Ricoh has released firmware updates for its K-3 and K-50 DSLRs which add support for the company’s K-AF4 lenses. K-AF4 lenses electromagnetically control aperture rather than using a mechanical linkage to the camera body. At time of publication, only the 55-300mm F4.5-6.3 ED PLM WR RE uses this system.

The firmware also improves overall camera stability.

Download K-3 firmware update 1.30

Download K-50 firmware update 1.10

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Canon releases new firmware for EOS 5D IV to correct varying flash color

30 Nov

Canon has introduced an update for its EOS 5D Mark IV DSLR that corrects a color issue when using flash, and improves the camera’s performance when the company’s new tele-converters are in use.

Firmware version 1.0.3 fixes an issue that created different color temperatures in flash output according to the metering mode in use at the time, and makes communication between camera and lens more reliable with the EF1.4x III and EF2x III tele-converters. The company says an additional fix corrects the way the level gauge is displayed when the camera is held in portrait orientation with the grip below the lens.

For more information visit the Canon website.

Manufacturer’s release notes

Changes in the Firmware

Firmware Version 1.0.3 incorporates the following fixes and improvements:

1. Corrects a phenomenon in which the color of images varies depending on the metering mode selected during flash shooting.

2. Improves the reliability of communication when using the EF1.4X III or EF2X III extender.

3. Corrects the level display when the camera is held in the vertical orientation with the hand grip pointing downward.

4. Improves the reliability of communication via USB cable when using the Lens Data Registration function with EOS Utility 3.

Firmware Version 1.0.3 is for cameras with firmware Version 1.0.2 or earlier. If your camera’s firmware is already Version 1.0.3, it is not necessary to update the firmware.
When updating the firmware of your camera, please review the instructions thoroughly before you update the firmware.

The firmware update takes approximately 4 minutes.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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