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Posts Tagged ‘Update’

Panasonic issues promised GH5 firmware update with a host of unexpected extras

30 Aug

Panasonic has revealed the full extent of its planned feature-boosting firmware update. In addition to the enhancements announced at the camera’s launch, it will also add a range of extra features and performance improvements not previously expected. The update is free and will be available at ‘the end of September.’

The firmware update gives access to the full range of features set out at the camera’s launch as well as making some changes in response to user feedback.

As originally promised, the update adds the following features:

  • 400Mbps All-I compression options in 4K (200Mbps in 1080)*
  • Higher resolution 4:3 video capture for shooting with anamorphic lenses
  • Hybrid Log Gamma shooting mode (HDR TV-ready Log shooting)

Further to these, the company has also added these features:

  • More responsive autofocus, especially in 24p video shooting
  • USB-based tethered shooting option with free Mac/Win software
  • Additional Stabilization mode steadier hand-held video
  • Improvements to 6K and 4K Photo modes*
  • Additional wireless function
  • Bug fixes and minor feature tweaks

The features marked * are the first time a manufacturer has recommended the use of V60 and V90 speed class cards, as their testing suggests even the fastest U3 cards can result in pauses and dropped recording.

We got our hands on an early version of the firmware, and we’ve updated our full GH5 review with an in-depth look at all of the changes.

For more details about these changes, see our breakdown of the f/w V2.0 features

Press Release

GH5 Firmware Update Version 2.0

Exceptional New Enhancements, Performance and Functionality

Newark, NJ (August 30, 2017) Panasonic today announced the new firmware update Verion.2.0 for DC-GH5 to further enhance its performance. Many enhancements were previously planned but additional modifications were suggested by end users that specialize in both photography and cinematography. This updates is an exceptional upgrade in camera performance to satisfy professional GH5 users.

The new firmware includes following upgrades:

1. Compatibility with “LUMIX Tether” PC software

This new firmware enables GH5 tethered shooting via USB, using “LUMIX Tether” PC software. Users can control the camera by connecting it to a PC via USB. It lets you view the image on a large PC screen while shooting, which is helpful in commercial photoshoots of portraits, products and so on, where continuous confirmation is required. You can use [6K PHOTO] [4K PHOTO] and start and stop video recording with the tethered shooting. It is also possible to choose the folder to save the image files in the PC.

2. Improved auto focus performance

-Auto focus performance for subjects with low contrast in photo shooting is improved.

-Tracking auto focus performance in video recording is improved.

-The customized AF area can be continuously displayed in [Multi AF] and [Custom Multi AF] during live-view.

-The AF area in [Multi AF] can be moved to the other edge (side, top or bottom) when it reaches one edge.

-The start point of AF lock can be set on the live view screen in advance in [AF Tracking].

-The AF area can be moved while the shutter button is half-pressed or while recording in [Burst Mode], [6K PHOTO] and [4K PHOTO].

3. Improved performance in [6K PHOTO] and [4K PHOTO]

-The waiting time to start the next burst shooting sequence after [6K Burst] and [4K Burst] is shortened to less than half the time.

-[Loop Rec] is available in [6K PHOTO]

•Use of Panasonic SD Memory Card with Video Speed Class 90 is recommended for [Loop Rec] of [6K PHOTO].

4. An additional ALL-Intra Video Recording mode

-4:2:2,10-bit ALL-Intra video recording mode is added to 4K/FHD video recording.

•Use of SD Memory Card with Video Speed Class 60 or higher is recommended for 4K ALL-Intra video recording. Operation is confirmed with Panasonic SD Memory Card with Video Speed Class 90.??

New 4:2:2,10-bit ALL-Intra Recording Mode

Item

System Frequency

Size

Frame Rate

Bit Rate

YUV/bit

Image Compression

C4K/ALL-I/400M/24p

59.94Hz

(NTSC)

4096×2160

23.98p

400 Mbps

4:2:2/10 bit

ALL-Intra

4K/ALL-I/400M/30p

3840×2160

29.97p

400 Mbps

4:2:2/10 bit

ALL-Intra

4K/ALL-I/400M/24p

3840×2160

23.98p

400 Mbps

4:2:2/10 bit

ALL-Intra

FHD/ALL-I/200M/60p

1920×1080

59.94p

200 Mbps

4:2:2/10 bit

ALL-Intra

FHD/ALL-I/200M/30p

1920×1080

29.97p

200 Mbps

4:2:2/10 bit

ALL-Intra

FHD/ALL-I/200M/24p

1920×1080

23.98p

200 Mbps

4:2:2/10 bit

ALL-Intra

4K/ALL-I/400M/25p

50.00Hz

(PAL)

3840×2160

25.00p

400 Mbps

4:2:2/10 bit

ALL-Intra

FHD/ALL-I/200M/50p

1920×1080

50.00p

200 Mbps

4:2:2/10 bit

ALL-Intra

FHD/ALL-I/200M/25p

1920×1080

25.00p

200 Mbps

4:2:2/10 bit

ALL-Intra

C4K/ALL-I/400M/24p

24.00Hz

(CINEMA)

4096×2160

24.00p

400 Mbps

4:2:2/10 bit

ALL-Intra

4K/ALL-I/400M/24p

3840×2160

24.00p

400 Mbps

4:2:2/10 bit

ALL-Intra

FHD/ALL-I/200M/24p

1920×1080

24.00p

200 Mbps

4:2:2/10 bit

ALL-Intra

5. 4K HDR video recording

-[HLG] (Hybrid Log Gamma) is added to [Photo Style]. HDR (High Dynamic Range) is a mode to reproduce both the brightest and darkest part in an image, making it look just as human eyes see. The camera records video with a designated gamma curve compatible with ITU-R BT.2100, and you can now choose Hybrid Log Gamma (HLG) in [Photo Style].

-A low-bit-rate recording mode 4K HEVC for HLG was added. This enables playback on AV equipment compatible with the HEVC compression format, such as Panasonic 4K HDR TVs.

6.Enhancement of the Anamorphic video recording mode

-High-Resolution Anamorphic mode, which enables video recording in 18-mega effective pixels, is added. *Recorded in HEVC

New High-Resolution Anamorphic Mode

*1 “High Resolution Anamorphic Mode” records motion picture with an aspect ratio suited for an anamorphic lens,4:3. The effective picture size for this mode is equivalent to the number of pixels produced by 6K (approx. 6,000 (horizontal) x 3,000 (vertical)) images (approx. 18 megapixels).

Item

System Frequency

Size

Frame Rate

Bit Rate

YUV/bit

Image Compression

6K/A/200M/30p*2

59.94Hz

(NTSC)

4992×3744

29.97p

200 Mbps

4:2:0/10 bit

Long GOP

6K/A/200M/24p*2

4992×3744

23.98p

200 Mbps

4:2:0/10 bit

Long GOP

4K/A/400M/30p

3328×2496

23.98p

400 Mbps

4:2:2/10 bit

ALL-Intra

4K/A/400M/24p

3328×2496

23.98p

400 Mbps

4:2:2/10 bit

ALL-Intra

6K/A/200M/25p*2

50.00Hz

(PAL)

4992×3744

25.00p

200 Mbps

4:2:0/10 bit

Long GOP

4K/A/400M/25p

3328×2496

25.00p

400 Mbps

4:2:2/10 bit

ALL-Intra

6K/A/200M/24p*2

24.00Hz

(CINEMA)

4992×3744

24.00p

200 Mbps

4:2:0/10 bit

Long GOP

4K/A/400M/24p

3328×2496

24.00p

400 Mbps

4:2:2/10 bit

All-Intra

*2 High resolution Anamorphic mode

-[Anamorphic Desqueeze Display] was added, which lets you view an enlarged image in Cinescope size while recording with 2.0x and 1.33x Anamorphic lens.

-[Video Guide Line] is added to display the image in a variety of aspects, such as 2.39:1, 2.35:1, 16:9, and 1:1 while recording video. This can be used not only in Anamorphic mode but also in other video recording modes.

7.Enhancement of Body I.S. (Image Stabilizer)

-[I.S. Lock(video)] is added. This powerfully compensates for handshake when the viewing angle is fixed.

-A new handshake correction mode is added, which provides optimum correction when using 2.0x and 1.33x Anamorphic lens.

8.Correction of white balance setting

-When the K (Kelvin) value was changed after adjusting the color temperature with 2-axis white balance compensation, the setting was reset. This bug has been fixed.

9.Improved usability of Time Lapse Shot

-The time to finish shooting and the number of recordable pictures are displayed on the stand-by screen.

10.Improved usability of Power Save LVF

-Power Save LVF can now be used during all stand-by display options.

11.Wireless functions

-The Bluetooth Remote Control function can be used with Image App, which will also be updated at the same timing with the GH5 firmware release.

-If the camera has not completed image transmission when it is turned off, it restarts transmission when it is turned on with the [Auto Transfer] function.

12.Other improvements

-A rating function using a Fn button is available in Playback Zoom and Multi Playback.

-The following functions can be assigned to Fn buttons – [Constant Preview] [6K/4K PHOTO Bulk Saving] [Min. Shtr Speed] [RAW Processing] [Rec/Playback Switch] [Destination Slot] and [Mic Level Adj.].

-The DISP.Button can be locked.

-In Relay Rec, there were cases where the video file number was not able to be reset. This bug has been fixed.

-In Relay Rec, there were cases where the video file number was reset after formatting the SD Memory Card. This bug has been fixed.

-In Backup Rec, there were cases where the file number was not reset even after applying resetting. This bug has been fixed.

-The image quality when applying the following settings is improved: Extended low ISO, [i.Dynamic] (Intelligent D-range Control) and Highlight Shadow.

The new DC-GH5 firmware Version 2.0 is scheduled to be released at the end of September 2017 at the following LUMIX Customer Support website.

LUMIX DC-GH5 Firmware Ver.2.0

http://panasonic.jp/support/global/cs/dsc/

  • “6K PHOTO” is a high-speed burst shooting function that cuts a still image out of a 4:3 or 3:2 video footage with 18-megapixel (approx. 6000 x 3000 effective pixel count) that the 6K image manages.
  • Specifications are subject to change without notice.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Hasselblad X1D gets electronic shutter and resizable AF points via firmware update

26 Aug

Swedish medium format camera maker Hasselblad has added electronic shutter and resizable AF points to its X1D mirrorless camera via a new firmware update: Version 1.17.2.

The newly added electronic shutter can operate between 68 minutes and 1/10,000sec—extending the short exposure range of the camera from 1/2000sec. It also takes away the vibrations of a mechanical shutter, which should reduce the risk of shutter shock in moderate exposures, and the silent nature of the electronic shutter makes it possible to shoot without disturbing your subject.

These benefits don’t come without some drawbacks, though.

Hasselblad acknowledges that the 300ms it takes the sensor to read from top to bottom could have an impact on the way moving subjects are recorded, and might lead to banding under flickering light sources. ISO will be limited to 3200, and image quality will be slightly lower than in exposures recorded with the mechanical shutter. Finally, continuous drive mode is disabled when using the electronic shutter, as is flash and the camera’s True Exposure feature (as the lens shutter won’t be in use).

In addition to the electronic shutter, the new firmware also adds resizable AF points to the mirrorless medium format X1D—there are now three AF point sizes selectable instead of the single size of the original firmware. The new points measure 4mm, 2.8mm and 2mm, and there are 35 of the largest, 63 of the mid-sized points and 117 of the smallest available to you.

The new firmware is available to download from the Hasselblad website.

Manufacturer Information

Hasselblad X1D Firmware Update 1.17.2

Firmware release 1.17.2 for the Hasselblad X1D-50c adds two important features that extend the shooting envelope of the camera: resizable autofocus points, and an electronic shutter function.

By popular demand, three sizes may now be selected offering 35, 63 or 117 points by holding down the AF/MF button and pressing the display [] button to cycle through them. The focus point may be reset to center easily by pressing the X button.

The electronic shutter allows for shutter speeds up to 1/10,000s and is silent, allowing use of the X1D-50c under conditions that require absolute discretion or completely zero vibration. It allows the production of images with extremely high quality in situations that might have previously been challenging – both when silence is needed such as during live performances, or when working handheld in extremely low light conditions. Furthermore, this opens up the possibility to produce adapters for an extended range of lenses beyond the already wide range of native Hasselblad XCD and HC offerings should you have an extremely specific requirement.

User Guide version 1.6 for X1D contains further information for these new functions.

Please note that the electronic shutter has some limitations due to the nature of the current generation of medium format sensors: rolling shutter effects may be present during camera or subject motion; sensor read time is 300ms. Furthermore, under phased light sources (fluorescent, LED) some striping may occur at higher shutter speeds as these sources are not truly continuous.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Hasseblad X1D gets electronic shutter and resizable AF points via firmware update

25 Aug

Swedish medium format camera maker Hasselblad has added electronic shutter and resizable AF points to its X1D mirrorless camera via a new firmware update: Version 1.17.2.

The newly added electronic shutter can operate between 68 minutes and 1/10,000sec—extending the short exposure range of the camera from 1/2000sec. It also takes away the vibrations of a mechanical shutter, which should reduce the risk of shutter shock in moderate exposures, and the silent nature of the electronic shutter makes it possible to shoot without disturbing your subject.

These benefits don’t come without some drawbacks, though.

Hasselblad acknowledges that the 300ms it takes the sensor to read from top to bottom could have an impact on the way moving subjects are recorded, and might lead to banding under flickering light sources. ISO will be limited to 3200, and image quality will be slightly lower than in exposures recorded with the mechanical shutter. Finally, continuous drive mode is disabled when using the electronic shutter, as is flash and the camera’s True Exposure feature (as the lens shutter won’t be in use).

In addition to the electronic shutter, the new firmware also adds resizable AF points to the mirrorless medium format X1D—there are now three AF point sizes selectable instead of the single size of the original firmware. The new points measure 4mm, 2.8mm and 2mm, and there are 35 of the largest, 63 of the mid-sized points and 117 of the smallest available to you.

The new firmware is available to download from the Hasselblad website.

Manufacturer Information

Hasselblad X1D Firmware Update 1.17.2

Firmware release 1.17.2 for the Hasselblad X1D-50c adds two important features that extend the shooting envelope of the camera: resizable autofocus points, and an electronic shutter function.

By popular demand, three sizes may now be selected offering 35, 63 or 117 points by holding down the AF/MF button and pressing the display [] button to cycle through them. The focus point may be reset to center easily by pressing the X button.

The electronic shutter allows for shutter speeds up to 1/10,000s and is silent, allowing use of the X1D-50c under conditions that require absolute discretion or completely zero vibration. It allows the production of images with extremely high quality in situations that might have previously been challenging – both when silence is needed such as during live performances, or when working handheld in extremely low light conditions. Furthermore, this opens up the possibility to produce adapters for an extended range of lenses beyond the already wide range of native Hasselblad XCD and HC offerings should you have an extremely specific requirement.

User Guide version 1.6 for X1D contains further information for these new functions.

Please note that the electronic shutter has some limitations due to the nature of the current generation of medium format sensors: rolling shutter effects may be present during camera or subject motion; sensor read time is 300ms. Furthermore, under phased light sources (fluorescent, LED) some striping may occur at higher shutter speeds as these sources are not truly continuous.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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DJI releases mandatory firmware for DJI Spark: update by September 1st… or else

23 Aug

Chinese drone maker DJI is releasing a mandatory firmware update for its DJI Spark drone, forcing all Spark owners to update their drone’s software by September 1st. Any Spark drone not updated by that date will be grounded remotely.

The update brings multiple changes, but the reason it’s ‘mandatory’ is that it contains a fix that prevents the drone from shutting down while flying.

The announcement was made in a newly released statement from DJI, which explains that it decided to disable any Spark drones that aren’t updated in time “in order to maximize flight safety and product reliability.” All Spark owners will be prompted to update the drone upon opening the DJI GO 4 App, though owners can also run the update through the DJI Assistant 2 desktop software.

In addition to fixing the safety issue, DJI explains that this new update improves the drone’s battery management system, providing optimized power when the drone is in flight. Spark also gains full DJI Goggles integration support via this firmware, as well as an improved PalmLaunch functionality, better QuickShot Drone mode accuracy and increased remote controller compatibility.

Press Release

DJI Spark Firmware Update Enhances Flight Safety

DJI will be releasing a new firmware update this week to further enhance flight safety and performance of the DJI Spark.

The new firmware update enhances Spark’s battery management system to optimize power supply during flight. In addition, the new firmware has added support to fully integrate Spark with the DJI Goggles, optimized the PalmLaunch function for better stability after takeoff, improved the accuracy of controls under the QuickShot Dronie mode and enhanced the compatibility of the remote controller when syncing up with new firmware updates.

When prompted on the DJI GO 4 App, users with internet connectivity will be able to download the new firmware to update their aircraft’s and battery’s firmware. The aircraft and battery firmware updates can also be done via the DJI Assistant 2 desktop software. If the firmware of either the aircraft or the battery is not updated by September 1, Spark will not be able to take off. DJI decided on the option of a mandatory firmware update in order to maximize flight safety and product reliability which we consider as top priorities.

The update comes after DJI released new features for its Spark in early August to deliver a more powerful combination of video and photo improvements including a new gesture to start and stop video recording and enhanced QuickShot video features for more cinematic control.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Instagram update adds threaded comment replies

20 Aug
Threaded replies are a small update, but regular users will really appreciate it.

Instagram just launched a minor update that regular users will really enjoy: threaded comments. Previously, comments on the Facebook-owned photo sharing app were all lumped together, only @-replies denoting who was talking to who. Now, when you reply to a comment it will automatically create a new thread.

“Comment threads help you keep track of conversations and make it easy to respond to a specific thread,” writes Instagram in its press release. “This update will make your feed an even better place to share interests, get inspired and connect with others.”

To take advantage of the new feature, download Instagram from the iTunes App Store or Google Play, or update your current app to the latest version.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Sigma announces firmware update for Sigma 100-400mm f/5-6.3 OS Contemporary for Canon

05 Aug

Sigma has announced a firmware update for its SIGMA 100-400mm F5-6.3 DG OS HSM Contemporary lens for Canon mount. Version 1.02 of the firmware fixes problems with the optical image stabilization when the lens is attached to Sigma’s Sony E-mount converter MC-11 EF-E.

As usual, users who own the Sigma USB dock can update the firmware via the Sigma Optimization Pro software. Users who own the MC-11 converter can update by connecting the latter to a computer via USB-cable. In both cases, you should make sure you are running the latest version of Sigma Optimization Pro which is 1.4.1 for Windows and 1.4.0 for Macintosh computers.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Leica releases TL2 firmware update, fixes critical Visoflex bug

01 Aug

Last week, Leica confirmed that the newly-released Leica TL2 had a serious issue: when used with the company’s Visoflex electronic viewfinder, the camera could simply stop working… permanently. Fortunately, the company has come up with (and rigorously tested) a firmware update that will fix the issue.

The new firmware, version 1.1, is available to download from Leica’s website now, and it fixes the ‘defect’ the company described in its original notice to customers. If you own a TL2 and Visoflex viewfinder, consider this update mandatory, not optional.

Here is the official statement from Leica:

Important Information for Leica TL2

The fault when using the Leica TL2 together with the external electronic viewfinder (Visoflex) has been identified.

In order to rectify this defect, an updated Firmware can now be downloaded now from the Leica Corporate Website and at your local authorized Leica Dealer. With the new Firmware 1.1 the Leica TL2 is fully functional; camera and viewfinder can be used without any restrictions.

We thank you for your continued trust.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Firmware update fixes Sigma MC-11 AF issues with incompatible lenses

23 Jul

Sigma’s MC-11 mount converters allow you to use your Sigma SA mount and EOS mount lenses with Sony’s E-mount camera bodies, and now they work just a little better. The newly launched firmware version 1.06 fixes AF-issues that can occur with some lenses that are not officially compatible with the converter.

You can find a lens compatibility chart on the MC-11 product page, and further detail about the update on the Sigma support website. As usual, you can install the firmware using Sigma’s Optimization Pro software.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Nikon D7500 gallery update: more photos, Raw conversions

05 Jul

The Nikon D7500 is proving to be an outstanding general-use stills body. As we’re finishing up the full review on the camera, we wanted to share some additional images as well as a handful of Raw conversions (made using beta profiles in Adobe Camera Raw).

You’ll have to wait juuuuust a little longer to find out how the D7500 stacks up against the competition, but if you couldn’t already tell from the photos in the gallery, we’re having a lot of fun shooting with it.

See our Nikon D7500 sample gallery

$ (document).ready(function() { SampleGalleryStripV2({“galleryId”:”9200575231″}) })

Sample photoSample photoSample photoSample photoSample photo

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Firmware update improves AF performance of Sigma 100-400mm F5-6.3 DG OS HSM lens for Canon

07 Jun

Sigma has released new firmware for its 100-400mm F/5-6.3 DG OS HSM lens for Canon mount. According to Sigma, firmware version 1.01 improves the AF performance of the lens. When attached to the Sigma mount converter MC-11 AF performance will be improved as well. In addition the optical image stabilization mechanism can operate at faster speeds.

As usual, Sigma lens owners with the Sigma USB Dock must first update the Sigma Optimization Pro software to, at minimum, version 1.4.1 (Windows) or version 1.4.0 (Mac) before downloading and installing the new firmware.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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