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Posts Tagged ‘Firmware’

Pentax K-70 firmware 1.10 now available

23 Aug

Ricoh has released firmware version 1.10 for the Pentax K-70 camera. The update is a small one, bringing general stability improvements alongside a couple of minor changes. The download for Windows and Mac, as well as the installation instructions, are available here. The changelog lists the following updates:

  • Enabled ISO sensitivity to change during multiple exposures.
  • Optimized performance when attaching new lens HD PENTAX-DA 55-300mmF4.5-6.3ED PLM WR RE.
  • Improved stability for general performance

Pentax K-70 owners can check their camera’s current firmware version by pressing the menu button, followed by [Set-up 5], then [Firmware Info/Options]. In the Firmware Info menu, press the camera’s four-way controller to the right. 

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Firmware update for Sony a7R II improves stability, adds support for radio controlled flashes

19 Aug

Sony has released a firmware update for its a7R II full-frame mirrorless camera which improves camera stability while adding support for the company’s new radio controlled lighting system.

The official list of improvements in version 3.30 include:

  • Support for Radio Controlled Lighting System
  • Improved stability in picture shooting mode (by optimizing temperature control)
  • Allows for HDMI output while using Remote Camera Control software
  • Improves overall stability and operability of the camera

The firmware is now available and can be downloaded right here.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Leica improves Q functionality with firmware 2.0

27 Jul

Leica’s Q compact camera has been given a functionality boost with a firmware update that adds the option to shoot Raw-only, and extends the longest shutter speed from 30 seconds to 120 seconds. Firmware version 2.0 makes a number of changes to the way the full-frame 24MP camera operates adding some new features and fixing issues that made handling difficult in some cases.

The AF system functionality has been changed to allow different sized AF selection areas, while at the same time correcting an ability to focus on subjects outside the picture area when shooting in the cropped modes. Face detection also now reverts to multi-area AF when no face is detected in the scene. A useful new feature automatically switches the camera to use the rear LCD to display image review and menu navigation when the EVF is being used – for viewfinder photographers who prefer to see their images and menus in a larger format. Additionally, now user profiles can be accessed via the rather under-utilized Function button.

Leica Q owners can download the new firmware via the Leica website.

Press release: 

Leica releases firmware update 2.0 for Leica Q

Leica has released firmware update 2.0 for the Leica Q, bringing numerous new features to the highly successful full-frame compact camera. The update is available to download now from the Leica web site.

Leica works continuously in close collaboration with Leica photographers on the development and optimisation of its products, and, as a result, a number of enhancements in this latest firmware update have been based on specific customer recommendations and suggestions.

The first of several improvements, DNG format can now be selected as a separate option in addition to JPG and DNG + JPG, allowing photographers to save space on their memory card.

An optimised EVF mode makes navigation even easier than before. With this firmware update, a press of the Menu or Play button now allows the user to switch straight to menu control / picture assessment on the LCD screen.

The shutter speed range has been expanded and now includes speeds of up to 120 seconds.

‘User Profile’ is now directly selectable via the FN button, facilitating quick and easy access to all functions stored in a particular user profile.

The spirit level display has also been improved, remaining visible when the shutter release is pressed.

Three optimised autofocus functions bring further creative freedom:

  • The 1-field autofocus metering area can now be selected in three different sizes: small, medium and large.
  • AF motion in digital zoom mode for focal lengths of 35mm and 50mm has been limited to avoid focusing on objects outside the zoom range.
  • Face Detection has also been optimised: if no face is detected, AF now automatically reverts to multi-field autofocus mode.

Furthermore, a fourth information screen has been added, with the option to display the lower bar separately. The touch-controlled magnification function in playback mode has been revised, whereby double-tapping calls up the maximum enlargement or reduces the image back to original size.

Other new additions include a countdown display for long exposures / noise reduction, three modes available for the thumbwheel (Off/Auto/Exp. Comp.) and deactivation (Mode Lock) of the video button, if required. A change to WiFi password setting now allows the characters to remain visible when entered, and flash-unit compatibility has been extended to support the Leica SF 40 and SF 64.

Leica Q owners can download the firmware update from the Leica web site, or visit their local Leica Store or Leica Customer Care in the UK, for a complimentary firmware update service.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Sony 35mm FE lens firmware update improves manual focus reliability

15 Jul

Sony has issued firmware updates for its 35mm full-frame primes which claim to improve focus point reliability when using manual focus for long periods of time. The new firmware is offered for the FE 35mm F1.4 ZA and FE 35mm F2.8 ZA Zeiss-branded lenses.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Nikon D500 firmware update adds workaround for SD card errors

13 Jul

Nikon has released a firmware update for the D500, correcting the card error issue we discussed in our D500 review. The error — which happened once in our office and has been reported by many camera owners — manifests when some UHS-II SD cards are used (Lexar cards seem to be particularly affected). According to Nikon, these card errors are resulting from the cards themselves, not the camera.

The update takes the D500’s firmware from version 1.01 to 1.02, and only corrects the card error. Per Nikon’s changelog, the new firmware does the following:

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Fujifilm to update X-Pro2 firmware, releases new lens roadmap

07 Jul

Fujifilm has announced new firmware for its X-Pro2 mirrorless camera which, most notably, updates the autofocus algorithm to be in-line with the just-announced X-T2. The company promises better AF speed and accuracy, but notes that the use case-based system on the X-T2 will not be available on the X-Pro2.

The firmware update also improves parallax correction when using the OVF and adds support for the new EF-X500 external flash. 

X-Pro2 owners will be able to get their hands on the new firmware this October.

Along with the new firmware, Fuji has also refreshed its X-mount lens roadmap (shown below), adding three new XF lenses: 23mm F2 R WR, 50mm F2 R WR and 80mm F2.8 R LM OIS WR Macro. The 23mm will be shipping this year, while the other two will arrive in 2017.

One lens that was removed is the 120mm F2.8 R Macro, which has been replaced with the aforementioned 80mm Macro. Fuji states that this is ‘to meet the market demand for compact and lightweight lenses.’

Press release:

FUJIFILM ANNOUNCES NEW FIRMWARE UPDATE FOR THE X-PRO2 AND UPDATED XF LENS ROADMAP

Valhalla, N.Y., July 7, 2016 – As a leader in advanced digital camera technology and outstanding image quality, FUJIFILM North America Corporation today announced a new Firmware Update Version 2.0 for the FUJIFILM X-Pro2 that includes improvements to the autofocus system, compatibility with the new FUJIFILM EF-X500 flash, new power management options and a more accurate and easier-to-use Optical Viewfinder.

Firmware Update V.2.0 Key Features:

  1. The new autofocus algorithm* (found in the new FUJIFILM X-T2) produces faster and more accurate autofocus.
    * Excludes the new AF-C Custom Settings functions.
  1. Compatibility with the new hot-shoe mount FUJIFILM EF-X500 flash. The camera will now support high-speed flash sync and multi-flash lighting.
  2. AUTO POWER OFF will now have 15 second, 30 second, and 1 minute options, allowing more customizable power management.
  3. The parallax correction function will be improved to provide a more accurate and easier-to-use Optical Viewfinder.

Availability

The new firmware will be available for download in October 2016. 

Updated XF Lens Roadmap

Also announced is an updated roadmap for developing interchangeable lenses for the X Series line of mirrorless digital cameras. The latest roadmap adds three new lenses: the compact, lightweight and stylish semi-wide angle lens XF23mmF2 R WR, the compact mid-telephoto lens XF50mmF2 R WR and the mid-telephoto 1:1 macro lens XF80mmF2.8 R LM OIS WR Macro. The expanded 25-lens lineup covers extensive angles of view from ultra-wide angle to ultra-telephoto, and will now expand the macro category to further enhance photographic versatility.

Changes from the previous roadmap released in February 2015

The XF120mmF2.8 R Macro lens, listed in the previous roadmap, has been replaced with the XF80mmF2.8 R LM OIS WR to meet the market demand for compact and lightweight lenses. To support our customers who were expecting a telephoto macro lens, this new lens is compatible with the existing teleconverters to extend its reach into the telephoto range.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Sigma updates 150-600mm firmware to solve overexposure with Nikon D500

02 Jul

Sigma has announced new firmware for one of its super tele zooms that has a problem with exposure when used with the Nikon D500 and Sigma’s 1.4x tele convertor. Both Sports and Contemporary versions of the 150-600mm F5-6.3 DG OS HSM will need the new firmware if owners want to use the lenses with the company’s TC-1401 1.4x teleconverter on the Nikon D500. The company says it has discovered that when the three items are combined there is an issue with overexposure, and that the new firmware will fix it.

The TC-1401 can be used with the 150-600mm F5-6.3 lens because both it and the Nikon D500 can support autofocus at apertures up to F8.

Users who own the Sigma USB lens dock can update their firmware themselves, while those who don’t can receive the update free of charge from a Sigma service center.

For more information see the Sigma website.

Lens firmware Update for SIGMA 150-600mm F5-6.3 DG OS HSM |Sports / Contemporary in Nikon mount

Thank you for purchasing and using our products.

We would like to announce the availability of a new firmware update for the SIGMA 150-600mm F5-6.3 DG OS HSM | Sports in Nikon mount and the SIGMA 150-600mm F5-6.3 DG OS HSM | Contemporary in Nikon mount.

This firmware update can be installed using SIGMA Optimization Pro.

The lens firmware update corrects the phenomenon of overexposure when the lens is attached to the SIGMA TELE CONVERTER TC-1401 on Nikon Digital SLR camera “D500”, released by NIKON CORPORATION.

For customers who own the following applicable products and also SIGMA USB DOCK, please update the lens firmware using SIGMA Optimization Pro.

For customers who do not own SIGMA USB DOCK, the lens firmware update will be provided free of charge. Please contact your nearest authorized subsidiary/distributor of SIGMA.

Applicable products

  • SIGMA 150-600mm F5-6.3 DG OS HSM | Sports – Nikon mount
  • SIGMA 150-600mm F5-6.3 DG OS HSM | Contemporary – Nikon mount

Benefit of this firmware update
It has corrected the phenomenon that it shows some overexposure when it is attached with
SIGMA TELE CONVERTER TC-1401 on Nikon D500.

*For customers who are using SIGMA Optimization Pro Ver1.1 or earlier, please ensure to update it to Ver1.3 from the following Download page before updating the lens firmware.

Download page: http://www.sigma-global.com/download/

We appreciate your continued support for our company and products.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Nikon releases new firmware for D5: Improves video and adds flicker reduction

23 Jun

Nikon has released new firmware for its flagship D5 DSLR. There are four main improvements included in firmware v1.10, which address some of the frustrations that we had with the D5 in our full review.  

Video Recording Upgrades:

  1. Movie maximum recording time extended to 29 minute 59 seconds, including for 4K UHD video
  2. Electronic VR for more stable hand-held Full-HD*1/HD video recording added

Still Photography Upgrades:

  1. Flicker reduction function for still photography added, minimizing exposure variations
  2. 9-point dynamic-area AF added, offering more selective focus on a moving subject 

Press release:

Further advance of Nikon D5 digital SLR camera performance through expanded functions

Tokyo – Nikon Corporation has released new firmware, C: Ver. 1.10, that expands the functions of its flagship Nikon FX-format digital SLR camera, the D5.

The D5 has been extremely well received on all fronts, winning such globally prestigious photo and imaging awards as the TIPA Awards 2016, and the Camera GP (Grand Prix) 2016 Readers Award (sponsored by Japan’s Camera Journal Press Club), which is selected through voting by users.

Nikon has released new firmware for the D5, C: Ver. 1.10, that enhances D5 performance even further. The new firmware offers a major upgrade to the camera’s shooting capabilities, delivering four key improvements. First, the maximum recording time of movies, including for 4K UHD movies, is extended, and three functions — Flicker reduction for still images, 9-point dynamic-area AF AF-area mode, and Electronic VR for movies — are added. In addition to these four major changes, some additional updates* have been applied to the new firmware.

  • *Details regarding “additional updates” are provided on the firmware’s free download page (Nikon Download Center).

Release overview

The new firmware is available for download from June 23, 2016. It can be downloaded free of charge from the following URL.

  • *The camera’s current firmware version can be checked using the Firmware version option in the setup menu.

Four major improvements

1. Maximum movie recording time, including for 4K UHD movies, extended to 29 min. 59 s

Movies up to 29 minutes 59 seconds in length can now be recorded at all Movie quality and Frame size/frame rate settings. The new firmware increases the maximum recording time of even 4K UHD (3840×2160) movies from 3 minutes to 29 minutes 59 seconds. In addition, movies are recorded to up to eight separate files, each of which has a file size of up to 4 GB. Separate movie files can be combined to create a single movie using ViewNX-Movie Editor.

  • The maximum recording time for 4K UHD time-lapse movies is 3 minutes.

2. Flicker reduction for still images added for more stable exposure under lighting that flickers

When shooting under fluorescent and some other types of artificial lighting, flickering may cause uneven exposure in parts of images and/or variations in exposure and color reproduction characteristics between individual images captured continuously or in quick succession. We have equipped the new firmware with a Flicker reduction function for still images*1 that reduces these effects. When Flicker reduction is enabled, the camera detects peak brightness as light flickers and automatically times shutter release with these peaks in brightness for stable exposure and color reproduction characteristics. This function is effective when continuous shooting is used for indoor sporting events or similar situations captured at fast shutter speeds*2.

  • *1Still images captured during viewfinder photography (not available with mirror up mode).
  • *2The continuous shooting rate may decrease.

3. 9-point dynamic-area AF AF-area mode added for focusing on a limited portion of a moving subject

With dynamic-area AF, the camera focuses based on information from surrounding focus points* if the subject briefly leaves the focus point selected by the photographer. The D5 originally supported 25-point, 72-point and 153-point dynamic-area AF. A 9-point dynamic-area AF option has been added with the new firmware. This new option is effective for focusing on a more specific portion of a moving subject.

  • *In dynamic-area AF with 9, 25 or 72 points, the number of focus points actually used may be fewer than 9, 25 or 72, depending on the selected primary focus point.

4. Electronic vibration reduction function, effective with hand-held recording, added (for HD and full-HD*1 movie recording)

The new firmware has been equipped with an Electronic VR function that reduces the effects of camera shake with hand-held recording of movies in the FX- or DX-based movie formats (image areas)*2. The effects of camera shake in three directions — vertical (up and down), horizontal (left and right), and rotational (around the center of the lens) — are reduced. This function is effective when recording movies in places or situations in which use of a tripod is prohibited or inconvenient, or when there simply isn’t time to set one up. In addition, electronic VR can be used in combination with the optical vibration reduction (VR) built into a NIKKOR lens for more effective reduction of the effects of camera shake.

  • *1Not available with 1920 x 1080 crop settings.
  • *2The angle of view will be reduced slightly.
  • The effects of electronic VR are also reflected when photos are captured during movie recording (Live frame grab).
  • When Electronic VR is enabled, the maximum sensitivity allowed is ISO 102400, even if ISO sensitivity is set to Hi 0.3 or higher.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Firmware update adds watermarking and improves user interface of DxO ONE

08 Jun

DxO has released a firmware update for its ONE connected camera. The main additions in firmware version 1.4 are support for copyright/author metadata as well as watermarking. Users can now preview aperture and exposure compensation settings in real-time on the ‘viewfinder,’ better known as an iPhone or iPad. DxO has also tweaked the user interface, with quicker access to camera and app settings. And, as with most firmware updates, overall camera performance has been improved.

Version 1.4 of the DxO ONE app for iOS is now available in the iTunes Store. The camera firmware is updated via the app.

Press Release:

DxO ONE continues to redefine mobile photography with v1.4 update

A new streamlined user interface helps protect your photos with integrated copyright and watermarking support

PARIS—June 8th, 2016—DxO announced today the immediate availability of another major update to the multi-award-winning DxO ONE Miniaturized Pro Quality Camera™ for iPhone® and iPad®. Continuing with the promise to make the DxO ONE even better after you’ve bought it, version 1.4 adds integrated copyright/author and watermarking support to help protect your photos from unauthorized use. In addition to important performance enhancements, the update also features a dramatically improved user experience that puts all of your capture and application settings in their own, quick-access menus.

“Like my DSLR and tripod, the DxO ONE has become an important part of my workflow, allowing me to instantly share high quality, high res photos with my clients and followers”, said noted motorsports photographer, John Thawley. “By adding integrated copyright info and watermarking support, I can be confident that my shared DxO ONE images are now protected from unauthorized use.” 

Since its initial introduction revolutionized the world of mobile photography, literally dozens and dozens of new features have been added to every DxO ONE via automatic (and free) software and firmware updates. Photographers the world over told our team they love the instant sharing capabilities of the DxO ONE, but wanted a way to better protect their work. DxO’s engineers responded by providing the ability to automatically embed copyright and author info directly into the EXIF data of every DxO ONE photo. In addition, version 1.4 introduces the option to automatically add a watermark to photos shared to Instagram, Twitter, Facebook and every other photo sharing service supported by Apple iOS.

As more and more sophisticated controls have been added to the DxO ONE iOS app, the design team in Paris determined through exhaustive usability studies, that access to these controls could be even more efficient. The resulting version 1.4 update sports a streamlined user interface that provides one-tap access to capture settings, all of which are now logically grouped in a consolidated design. In addition, application settings, such as the Message Center and online support, can now be accessed with one tap from the Gallery view. The net result is that the bright, beautiful Retina viewfinder of the iPhone is now far less cluttered, leaving more room to compose your DxO ONE images.

“DxO has a world-class design team in Paris that values direct user feedback above everything else,” said Kirk Paulsen, consulting CMO for DxO. “They continue to innovative at a breakneck pace, adding exciting new features and useful controls with each successive release. It’s remarkable how far the DxO ONE has advanced in less than a year since it was first introduced.”

Version 1.4 also introduces a host of other features based on direct user feedback, including the ability to preview in the viewfinder, in real-time, camera controls such as Aperture and EV-bias. Users can now determine when they want their DxO ONE to go into power saving mode, and all-important firmware updates that unlock new features and functionality are now more visible via top-level notifications, so you’ll never miss the opportunity to take advantage of cool new ways to control your DxO ONE.

Every DxO ONE camera includes free access to DxO Connect, very simple but extremely powerful software for Mac and PC, that can make your best DxO ONE photos look even better. DxO Connect v1.4 now leverages the new DxO OpticsPro 11 engine, which includes even more remarkable noise reduction for high ISO, low-light images. The new processing engine also makes use of face detection to automatically extend the dynamic range, add fill light, and improve contrast while optimizing illumination on faces in your photos. DxO Connect can even automatically add microcontrast to sharpen fine details in your images, but it’s smart enough to leave those details intact with photos involving faces or with those captured at a high ISO in low light. Mac users, who use OS X Photos as their primary photo editing software, may want to download the updated extension (DxO OpticsPro for Photos – DxO ONE Camera only) from the App Store, which lets you tap into the power of the new DxO OpticsPro 11 photo engine without ever leaving the Photos app.

Pricing & Availability

The DxO ONE Miniaturized Pro Quality Camera™ for iPhone® and iPad® is available for purchase at dxo.com, Amazon, Best Buy, B&H, Target and other respected retailers for only $ 499 (US).

The DxO ONE iOS v1.4 app and companion Apple Watch app are both available for free via the iTunes App Store. New firmware, also immediately available, can be downloaded to the iPhone and installed on existing DxO ONE cameras with a simple tap. The 1.4 updates to DxO Connect and ‘DxO OpticsPro for Photos – DxO ONE Camera only’, are also immediately available for existing users to download from dxo.com and the Mac App Store, respectively.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Samsung offers NX1 and NX500 firmware updates

18 May

Samsung has released firmware updates for the NX1 and the NX500, bringing the NX1 up to firmware version 1.41 and the NX500 to firmware version 1.12. Both updates fix a Bluetooth issue that arises when pairing the cameras with smartphones running Android 6.0 Marshmallow. The NX500 update changelog advises users to update the camera firmware together with the Samsung Camera Manager App.

Samsung has all but backed out of the digital camera market. Its flagship NX1 was discontinued late last year, though the NX500 remains in stock for the time being. While a question mark remains over exactly what long term support for Samsung camera owners looks like, at least for now the manufacturer will continue to support the latest version of Android’s OS.

The NX1 firmware update is available here, and the NX500 is available here.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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