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Posts Tagged ‘Firmware’

Canon issues firmware update to fix front-focusing issues for RF 70–200mm F2.8 lenses

09 Jan

A month after the first reports came out that a number of RF 70–200mm F2.8 lenses were having issues with front-focusing, Canon has released a firmware update to address the issue.

As promised two weeks ago, firmware version 1.0.6 fixes the issue wherein certain units would focus in front of the active AF point, especially at longer focal lengths. The firmware changelog reads:

‘Fixed a phenomenon when performing AF shooting to capture a subject at close-range with the focus distance approximately set to the Tele-end (200mm), the image may become slightly front-focused.’

Firmware version 1.0.6 is available to download for both macOS and Windows computers. If your lens already has firmware version 1.0.6 installed, there’s no need to update. You can check your lens’ firmware in your camera’s menu system.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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DJI releases ‘GEO zone’ firmware update for the Mavic Mini

03 Jan

When DJI announced the Mavic Mini, its 249-gram drone that doesn’t require registration (unless used for commercial purposes), the general public was disappointed with the fact that it was missing some important features. One of those was the inability to unlock GEO Zones. Right in time for the New Year, DJI has released its latest firmware update, v01.00.0400, which also includes two important safety features.

The latest firmware update for v1.0.4, or later, of the iOS and Android version of the DJI Fly app now allows you to unlock GEO Zones. DJI also added in a feature that prevents you from taking off when the GPS signal is weak (GPS <8) and the environment light is too weak to safely operate the aircraft. This feature has been missing from all previous firmware updates, including those created for the DJI GO app, and will hopefully be implemented there, as well, going forward.

Another pertinent safety update is the requirement for compass calibration before takeoff if environment light is not sufficient or if the compass experiences magnetic interference. The latter is a leading cause of flyaways. The Mavic Mini is an entry-level drone that appeals to beginners who are especially susceptible to losing a drone. Anyone who remembers the disaster that took place in Las Vegas, when a drone flew off and landed on an airport runway, will appreciate this feature. To properly calibrate a compass, make sure you do so in an area absent of any magnetic interference.

A few other new features in the firmware update include:

  • Adjusted flight altitude and distance in payload mode.
  • Added warning prompt for battery cycles.
  • Reduced noise during self-diagnostics after powering on.
  • Fixed issue: linking was abnormal in some regions.

DJI has also noted that ‘the update may reset various main controller settings, such as the RTH altitude and the maximum flight distance, to default settings. Before updating, take note of your preferred DJI Fly settings, and readjust them after the update.’ If the update fails, it is recommended that users restart the aircraft, remote controller, and DJI Fly or DJI Assistant 2 for Mavic, and retry.

Red Zones are Restricted Zones. Users will be prompted with a warning and the flight won’t be authorized. Anyone who believes they have permission to operate in a Restricted Zone has to contact flysafe@dji.com or go through the Online Unlocking portal on DJI’s Fly Safe site.

When it comes to GEO Zones, unlocking a low-risk area requires a few taps or clicks. High-risk zones require prior approval, along with proof of credentials, and can’t be accessed within the Fly app. Basically, don’t attempt to unlock a high-risk or Red Zone, especially in close proximity to an airport, unless you know what you’re doing. Information, and other safety tips, can be found on DJI’s Fly Safe portal.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Canon’s RF 70-200mm F2.8L IS USM will get a firmware update to fix the focusing issue next month

27 Dec

Next month, Canon will release a firmware update that fixes an autofocus problem reported by RF 70-200mm F2.8 L IS USM telephoto lens owners. The company says it’s confirmed this lens may produce a ‘slightly front-focused’ image when the photo is captured at close range with the focus distance set to around the 200mm end of the scale.

Canon will release the firmware with a bug fix for this problem in January 2020, the company revealed on its US website. The new firmware will be intended for RF 70-200mm F2.8 L IS USM lenses running firmware version 1.0.5 or earlier, something that can be checked within the camera’s menu.

The Canon RF 70-200mm F2.8L IS USM telephoto lens is available from B&H Photo and other retailers for $ 2,699.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Nikon Z6/Z7 Raw video upgrade available starting today for $200; new firmware adds CFexpress support

17 Dec

Nikon has some much-anticipated news for Z-series videographers: starting today, Z6 and Z7 owners can send their cameras to a Nikon Service Center for a paid upgrade to add Raw video output. The company has also released firmware v.2.20 for the Z6/Z7 today, adding support for CFexpress memory cards.

First announced earlier this year, the paid upgrade brings 12-bit 4K or Full HD ProRes Raw video recording with the Atomos Ninja V recorder to both the Z6 and Z7, which were previously limited to 10-bit Log over HDMI. While 12 months is a fairly long time to wait, it’s probably no coincidence that this announcement comes after the recent settling of a long-running dispute between Apple and RED over the patent to Raw video. This may also explain why the update is paid, rather than available for free.

However, those who purchased the Z6 as part of the Filmmaker’s kit can receive the update at no charge; all other Z6 and Z7 owners must pay $ 200 for the service. Nikon USA has published a dedicated Raw video page explaining the requirements and instructions for obtaining the upgrade.

Nikon Z6 Filmmaker kit

Additionally, firmware v.2.20 for the Z6 and Z7 arrives today, enabling use of more robust (and more costly) CFexpress memory cards. Since the cards are physically the same dimensions as XQD, there’s no need to physically modify the cameras to make them compatible with the new format. The company also says it will add CFexpress support to the Nikon D5 (XQD-type), D850 and D500 at a later date.

Nikon Z6 and Z7 firmware version 2.20 is available starting today free of charge – visit Nikon’s firmware page to learn more.

NIKON Z SERIES EVOLVES TO BECOME EVEN MORE POWERFUL: FIRMWARE VER. 2.20 RELEASED, ADDS SUPPORT FOR CFexpress MEMORY CARDS;
PAID SERVICE TO INSTALL RAW VIDEO OUTPUT FUNCTION ALSO BEGINS

MELVILLE, NY (December 16, 2019 at 11:00 P.M. EST) – Nikon Inc. is pleased to announce the release of firmware Ver. 2.20 for the Nikon Z 7 and Z 6 full-frame mirrorless cameras. This firmware update offers several improvements that make these cameras even more powerful, including the addition of support for the next generation memory card, CFexpress. Additionally, Nikon has announced that beginning today, service to install RAW video output functionality will be available for those wishing to add enhanced professional video capabilities.

Support for CFexpress, the New Standard for Speed and Durability
Updating Z 7 and Z 6 firmware to Ver. 2.20 enables the use*1 of CFexpress*2 cards. CFexpress cards are robust and reliable, and support even faster data transfer than XQD cards for a smoother and more efficient photographic workflow.

CFexpress cards use a similar form factor to XQD, eliminating the need to physically modify the camera’s memory card slot. After upgrading, users will be able to use CFexpress as well as XQD cards in their camera interchangeably. In addition to the Z 7 and Z 6, CFexpress memory card support will be added to the Nikon D5 (XQD-Type), Nikon D850 and Nikon D500 digital SLR cameras in the future.

Initially, only limited CFexpress card types are fully supported and the number of supported cards will continue to expand as additional cards are tested and certified (Type B CFexpress cards manufactured only by Sony Corp. Availability date for the cards may vary by market).

RAW video output function (4K UHD and Full HD)
Developed in conjunction with Atomos, this capability enables recording of RAW video, which has greater flexibility for color grading compared to other video formats.

With this upgrade, 12-bit 4K UHD or full-HD RAW video can be recorded*3 to select models of Atomos video recorders*4 connected to a Z 7 or Z 6 camera via a HDMI connector. As RAW video is not subjected to in-camera processing, all information that is outputted from the image sensor is preserved. This abundance of information can later be used in post-production.

The RAW video output capability upgrade can be installed at a Nikon service center and will incur a fee but will be included free of charge as part of Nikon Z 6 Filmmaker’s kit bundles. Those customers in the United States who have already purchased a Nikon Z 6 Filmmaker’s kit (Product #13545) will be eligible to have the fee waived (proof of purchase required). For more details about the Nikon Z 6 Filmmaker’s kit, please visit here.

For additional technical information, equipment requirements and instructions on requesting the RAW video output upgrade, please visit: www.nikonusa.com/RAWvideo.

Price and Availability
The firmware update Ver. 2.20 which enables CFexpress functionality is available now, free of charge. Please visit The Nikon Z series Firmware update page to download and find more information.

The RAW video output upgrade is available starting today and will require installation by a Nikon Service Center. A $ 199.95* fee will apply.

For more information on the latest Nikon products, including the Nikon Z mount system, please visit www.nikonusa.com.?

*1 Type B CFexpress cards manufactured by Sony Corp. only. Operation is not guaranteed with cards from other manufacturers (as of December 2019).
*2 CFexpress is a trademark of the CompactFlash Association.
*3 With the Z 7, full-HD RAW video can be recorded using the FX-based movie format, and 4K UHD RAW video can be recorded using the DX-based movie format.
When the Z 6 is used, recording of either 4K UHD or full-HD RAW video is possible with both FX- and DX-based movie formats.
See the cameras’ Technical Guide, available from the Download Center, for details on differences between Z 7 and Z 6 specifications.
Nikon Download Center (https://downloadcenter.nikonimglib.com/en/index.html)
*4 The Atomos Ninja V supports Nikon RAW video output, and records videos in ProRes RAW format. Operation is not guaranteed with recorders other than the Ninja V (as of December 2019). RAW video output from a Nikon camera is supported by Ninja V firmware Ver. 10.2 and later.
See the Ninja V firmware download site (https://www.atomos.com/firmware/ninja-v).
*5 See our website for instructions on requesting the RAW output options activation service (www.nikonusa.com/RAWvideo).
*Pricing and availability of the service will vary by region

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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DPReview TV: Firmware 1.4 for the Canon EOS R significantly improves eye-AF

08 Dec

Chris and Jordan test the Canon EOS R with new v1.4 firmware to see how much it improves autofocus. TL;DR – if you use eye-AF, you’ll want this update.

Subscribe to our YouTube channel to get new episodes of DPReview TV every week.

  • Introduction
  • The test
  • Responsiveness
  • Eye detect distances
  • Tracking accuracy
  • Conclusion

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Canon releases minor 1.6.0 firmware update for its EOS R full-frame mirrorless camera

06 Dec

It’s been just over two months since firmware version 1.4.0 for the EOS R was released, but Canon is back at it again with a minor firmware update that adds support for a new lens and addresses a number of small bugs.

Firmware version 1.6.0 doesn’t bring any major autofocus changes as firmware version 1.4.0 did, but it does add support for Canon’s new RF 85mm F1.2L USM DS lens and fixes a number of issues:

  • Corrects a phenomenon in which the function or setting value assigned to the control ring may change when the control ring is operated in Eco mode.
  • Corrects a phenomenon in which the camera may stop operating properly during “auto-transfer” when using Camera Connect with a Wi-Fi connection.
  • Corrects a phenomenon in which high-speed synchronization with the use of an external flash may not operate properly depending on the camera’s setting for C.Fn2 “Set shutter speed range”.

Firmware version 1.6.0 is available to download on Canon USA’s website.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Sigma confirms Log picture profile, Raw over HDMI coming to its fp camera via firmware update

27 Nov

In an interview with Cinema5D, Sigma confirmed it’s bringing a firmware update to its full-frame fp camera that will add Log picture profile and Raw recording over HDMI.

The interview with Takuma Wakamatsu, Sigma’s product planner, took place during Inter BEE 2019. In the interview, Wakamatsu addresses a number of features that have already been confirmed to be on the horizon, such as in-camera CinemaDNG playback and still photo modes while recording video, but he also confirmed a future firmware update will include a Log picture profile in MOV mode and Raw recording over HDMI.

The Log picture profile should improve the dynamic range of the fp and offer more flexibility in post-production, while Raw recording over HDMI would allow external recorders, such as the popular Atomos Ninja V, to record ProRes RAW footage.

No specific timeframe is given for the firmware updates, but Cinema5D notes the updates will arrive in 2020 and be free of charge.

Our previous coverage of the Sigma fp includes a look inside the Aizu factory where it’s assembled, a video-centric hands-on and a photo gallery of images captured with the world’s smallest full-frame camera.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Nikon releases a pair of firmware updates for its Z6, Z7 mirrorless cameras

23 Nov

Nikon has released a pair firmware updates for its Z6 and Z7 full-frame mirrorless camera systems that add new lens support, improves custom settings and address a number of issues.

Firmware version 2.10 (for both the Z6 and Z7) adds support for optical VR with Nikon’s NIKKOR Z DX 16–50mm F3.5–6.3 VR and NIKKOR Z DX 50–250mm F4.5–6.3 VR Z-mount lenses. It also enables lens control rings to adjust ISO sensitivity, a setting that can be found under the ‘Custom Setting Menu.’

Beyond that, the firmware addresses the following issues for both the Z6 and Z7:

  • As of November 14, 2019, the aperture display in the lens info panel for NIKKOR Z 24–70mm f/2.8 S and NIKKOR Z 58mm f/0.95 S Noct lenses shows both the current aperture and adjacent aperture values in modes A and M.
  • When On was selected for Auto ISO sensitivity control and an option that does not include “slow sync” was selected for Flash mode, shutter speed was formerly restricted to values between those chosen for Custom Settings e1 (Flash sync speed) and e2 (Flash shutter speed), but this has now been changed to match the behavior of digital SLR cameras, with the result that the minimum shutter speed now corresponds to the value selected for Auto ISO sensitivity control > Minimum shutter speed.
  • Fixed an issue that in extremely rare cases resulted in the camera failing to correctly record movies with 1920×1080; 120pselected for Frame size/frame rate.
  • Fixed an issue that occasionally resulted in “noise” in the form of white lines at the bottom of the display when the electronic viewfinder was on.
  • Fixed an issue that in rare cases resulted in “noise” in the form of fine horizontal lines appearing throughout the frame in movies and the live view display.
  • Fixed errors in the UTC time zones for the following three cities in the Time zone and date > Time zone display in the SETUP MENU:
    • Caracas: was -4:30, is now -4:00
    • Casablanca: was 00:00, is now +1:00
    • Ankara: was +2:00, is now +3:00
  • Fixed an issue that resulted in an incorrect date of creation being displayed in the Windows 10 “properties” dialogs for movies and time-lapse movies created with the camera, as well as copies created with camera movie editing controls.

You can download the latest firmware updates from Nikon’s Z6 and Z7 support pages.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Panasonic releases firmware updates for several MFT, full-frame and compact cameras

20 Nov

Following a series of firmware releases earlier this month, Panasonic has released additional firmware updates for a large number of camera models, including several of its Micro Four Thirds offerings, many compact digital camera models and a couple of full-frame camera models. The updates add a number of new features and improvements ranging from expanded media and wireless transmitter compatibility to improved autofocus performance and ‘enhanced’ video functionality.

The updates were released on Tuesday, November 19, and are available to download from Panasonic now via the links below:

  • DC-GH5: Version 2.6
  • DC-GH5s: Version 1.4
  • DC-G9: Version 2.0
  • DC-GF9/GX800/GX850: Version 1.2
  • DC-GF10/GX880: Version 1.2
  • DMC-GX80/GX85: Version 1.3
  • DC-TZ90/TZ91/TZ92/TZ93/ZS70
  • DC-TZ200/TZ202/TZ220/ZS200/ZS220
  • DMC-LX10/LX15
  • DC-S1: Version 1.3
  • DC-S1R: Version 1.3

Some of the firmware updates are more notable than others. The G9 model, for example, has received support for recording 4K 30p/25p 4:2:2 10-bit video, as well as support for 4K 60p/50p 4:2:2 10-bit HDMI output. The model has also received variable frame rate shooting and HDR video support.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Sony adds Real-Time Animal Eye AF to the RX10 IV via firmware update

15 Nov

Sony, today, released a firmware update for its RX10 IV camera that gives it Real-Time Animal Eye AF and improves the overall stability of the camera.

Firmware version 2.00 adds the same functionality we’ve seen Sony add to a number of its other mirrorless cameras. As with the other cameras, the update makes it possible to use Sony’s AI-powered eye-tracking feature on certain animals. Sony doesn’t specifically say what animals the functionality is limited to, but does note in the firmware changelog that ‘Eye detection may not be possible depending on the environment, animal type or the movement of the animal.’

Below is a brief explainer video of the feature shared by Sony on its YouTube channel:

Firmware version 2.00 for the RX10 IV is available to download for macOS and Windows computers on Sony’s RX10 IV support page.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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