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› archive for ‘Firnware Updates’

Canon 7D Updates Firmware to 1.2.2, Considers Buying Rosetta Stone

Didn’t quite get this out yesterday, but the EOS 7D has received yet another firmware update. And why paraphrase what it does when we can just quote direct from the horse’s mouth?

Firmware Version 1.2.2 incorporates the following fixes.

  1. Fixes a phenomenon in which the set aperture moves when shooting movies in manual exposure mode using some Canon lenses (such as macro lenses).
  2. Fixes the AF point-selection behavior of the C.Fn III-7 (Manual AF pt. selec. pattern) custom function when set to [1].
  3. Fixes the AF point display for the viewfinder electronic level when shooting in the vertical position.
  4. Corrects misspellings in the Spanish and Thai menus for applicable products.

The Version 1.2.2 firmware is for cameras with firmware up to Version 1.2.1. If the camera’s firmware is already Version 1.2.2, it is not necessary to update the firmware. Note that cameras with the Version 1.2.2 firmware (and also Versions 1.2.0, 1.2.1) cannot be downgraded to a previous firmware version (such as Version 1.1.0).

Itchin’ to have your Thai more grammatically correct? Then hit the external link below and fire it up.



Panasonic Lumix ZS7

Pansonic’s Lumix DMC-ZS7 (sometimes called the TZ10), has been updated to firmware v1.1, which includes apparently two things. One is a cryptic fix that ‘improves stability when the camera is turned on,’ which is a bit disconcerting. The other is a bit more pedestrian and improves performance when using it in the optional underwater housing with third party strobes, a combination of events so common I’m sure every last one of you has been banging your head against the wall and pleading to the very gods that Panasonic would hurry up and provide you a fix.

I’m unsure where you actually go to find that firmware update, but maybe if you happen to own a ZS7 you’ll know anyway.



Nikon Updates Firmware for Coolpix S3000, Coolpix S4000

According to Imaging Resource, who we would trust with our lives, Nikon has updated the firmware to their Coolpix S3000 and S4000 point-and-shoots. Both firmwares fix an issue with the battery and charging, and the S4000 bumps the 720p recording mode’s frame rate up to 30fps from 24fps.

Aaaand… that’s about it. Find links for them via the source button down yon.



PocketWizard Updates Firmware for MultiMaxes

Well, it’s not every day I get to announce a firmware update for things that aren’t cameras, so this is a bit exciting. But, there’s a pretty massive new firmware update for PocketWizard MultiMaxes (the ones with the USB sync port, anyway).

From the press release:

PocketWizard today launched a major firmware upgrade for USB-enabled MultiMAX Transceivers.  Firmware Version 7.5 for both FCC and CE MultiMAX radios is packed with new features and capabilities for serious pro shooters including Long Range Mode for remote camera triggering, Custom ID Move, Signal Strength Indicator and Radio Relay Mode.

Now, I don’t use PocketWizards, so I’m not going to insult you PW shooters by pretending to tell you what awesome things that all means for you, and will suggest you give the documentation about the changes a looking through over on PocketWizard’s site (link at the bottom, here). It’s available for download and install through the PocketWizard Utility, which you can also finda link for from the documentation if you need it. So, yeah. Happy updating, all you kooky PW shooters!



Panasonic To Update All Its M43 Cameras, Too

So, remember last week when we said Olympus was updating its entire Micro Four Thirds line-up? Well, Panasonic announced today that it would, too.  Just, next month. What’s it going to offer? Glad you asked, gives me a good rhetorical foil to post the following:

Firmware ver.1.2 for DMC-GF1

  • Improved operation menu for image stabilizer ([OFF] will be added under [STABILIZER] only when LUMIX G VARIO 14-42mm / F3.5-5.6 ASPH. / MEGA O.I.S. (H-FS014042) is attached)
  • Improved AF (auto focus) performance with lenses of other manufacturer

Firmware ver.1.3 for DMC-GH1

  • Improved operation menu for image stabilizer ([OFF] will be added under [STABILIZER] only when LUMIX G VARIO 14-42mm / F3.5-5.6 ASPH. / MEGA O.I.S. (H-FS014042) is attached)
  • Availability of AF performance in FHD (full HD) movie recording mode with Four Thirds lenses that are compatible with contrast AF
  • Improved AF performance in movie recording with LEICA DG MACRO-ELMARIT 45mm / F2.8 ASPH. / MEGA O.I.S. (H-ES045)
  • Improved modulation accuracy of flash
  • Improved AF (auto focus) performance with lenses of other manufacturer

Firmware ver.1.5 for DMC-G1

  • Improved operation menu for image stabilizer ([OFF] will be added under [STABILIZER] only when LUMIX G VARIO 14-42mm / F3.5-5.6 ASPH. / MEGA O.I.S. (H-FS014042) is attached)
  • Improved modulation accuracy of flash
  • Improved AF (auto focus) performance with lenses of other manufacturer

Again, keep your peepers peeled for that next month.



Canon EOS 7D Gets New Firmware (Not a Pre-Announcement)

This is how we like it, actual firmware, actually available at announcement. Handy, that. Announced last night is version 1.2.1 firmware for the Canon EOS 7D. What’s it got to offer, you ask? Canon, want to field this one?

Firmware Version 1.2.1 incorporates the following improvements and fixes.

  1. Extends the timing at which the high temperature warning indicator is displayed and the timing of automatic shut down of the camera due to a rise in internal temperature during Live View or EOS Movie functions.
  2. Optimizes program shift when the ISO setting of the camera is set to AUTO.
  3. Corrects a misspelling in the French-language menu.
  4. Corrects a phenomenon in which vertical magenta-colored banding appears in still images taken in movie-shooting mode.
    (This only occurs when in Manual exposure mode and when the ISO speed is set to “H”. Note that this phenomenon only affects units with Firmware Version 1.2.0)

Firmware Version 1.2.1 is for cameras with firmware up to version 1.2.0. If the camera’s firmware is already version 1.2.1, it is not necessary to update the firmware.
Note that cameras with firmware Version 1.2.1, 1.2.0 cannot be downgraded to a previous firmware version (such as Version 1.1.0).

If you can’t wait any longer to load it up into your camera’s silicon, hit the external link below (view full post if not showing).



Olympus Pen System Gets Firmware Update

Olympus has pre-announced (seriously, guys, what’s up with pre-announcing firmware these days? How’s that even work) new firmware for the entire Pen system due out one hot week from today (that’d be April 22, don’t say I ever made you do math on a weekday).

From the press release:

CENTER VALLEY, Pa., April 15, 2010 – Olympus today announces the release of new firmware that improves auto focus performance for still images and high-definition (HD) video recording for the Olympus PEN E-P1, E-P2 and E-PL1 cameras. The firmware update will also enable the menu and recorded image to be displayed on the E-P2 and E-PL1 LCD while the VF-2 electronic viewfinder is in use.

The firmware update improves the autofocus speed for the E-P1, E-P2 and E-PL1’s still image capture with all Four Thirds and Micro Four Thirds lenses. In addition, the update improves auto focus tracking in continuous auto focus (C-AF) mode when shooting movies and using the new M. Zuiko Digital™ ED 9-18mm F4.0-5.6 and M. Zuiko Digital ED 14-150mm F4.0-5.6 lenses. These lenses are Olympus’ first movie and still [picture] compatible (MSC) lenses and are optimized to achieve accurate and silent auto focus while shooting HD videos.

“This firmware update makes the popular PEN series cameras even more functional for photo enthusiasts and movie-makers alike,” said John Knaur, senior marketing manager, PEN & E-System, Olympus Imaging America Inc. “The improved auto focus speed will make it even easier to capture outstanding, high-quality images and HD videos.”

The new firmware will be available on Olympus’ Web site starting on April 22, 2010. Click on the following link to learn more about the update and gain access to the firmware updater application:http://www.getolympus.com/penupdate.

The M. Zuiko Digital ED 9-18mm F4.0-5.6 lens will be available in May 2010, and the M. Zuiko Digital ED 14-150mm F4.0-5.6 lens will be available in June 2010.

Journalists interested in more information, review units and high-resolution images of the Olympus PEN series cameras, M. Zuiko Digital lenses and E-System accessories should contact Jeff Hluchyj, Mullen Public Relations, (617) 226-9939 or jeff.hluchyj@mullen.com, or Jennifer Colucci, Olympus Imaging America Inc., 3500 Corporate Parkway, Center Valley, PA 18034, ph: (484) 896-5719 / (800) 622-6372 orjennifer.colucci@olympus.com, or visit the Olympus website: www.getolympus.com.



Canon EOS 5D Mk II’s New Firmware Might Have Problems

So, that last firmware update for the Canon EOS 5D Mk II, the one that gave us Christmas in March and brought better video options to everyone on the ‘nice’ list? Well, turns out there might be a fly in the milk. Er, ew.

Quoth Canon:

Recently we have discovered a malfunction that occurs with Firmware Version 2.0.3, in which the manual recording levels for C1/C2/C3 are changed and the camera becomes unable to record audio if the power is turned off (or if Auto power off takes effect) after registering “Sound Recording: Manual” in the camera user settings.
We apologize very sincerely for the inconvenience, but we are going to stop making this firmware available for download. For customers who have already updated to the new firmware, when using the camera with the mode dial set to C1/C2/C3, please either set the sound recording settings to Auto.
We are currently preparing firmware that will correct this malfunction. As soon as those preparations have been completed, we will let you know on this Web site. In the meantime, we apologize for the inconvenience this represents, but please wait until the fixed firmware is ready.

So, well. We’ll keep you posted on when the fixed one makes it’s way out. If you don’t use C1/C2/C3 while setting manual levels ever, well, you probably won’t notice anything wrong and can keep happily shooting away, since nothing seems to be wrong with using it as a camera.



Canon EOS 5D mark II Gets Video-Rocking Firmware

OK, so, this was actually posted yesterday, which means most of you 5D mark II shooters probably already have it, but, if you haven’t heard yet there’s a new firmware in town. This one is for the video shooters, adding new frame rates (including real NTSC instead of the machine-perfect 30fps), new audio sampling quality, and an on-screen levels mixer for the audio.

Anyway, the firmware is up on Canon’s site. So, hit the external link below if you want to grab that.