Solms, Germany (December 22, 2010) - Leica Camera AG has released a new firmware update for the Leica S-System. All LEICA S2 and S2-P cameras will now be supplied with the latest firmware version. Users wishing to bring their camera up-to-date can now download the firmware update from the “Owners Area” on the Leica website and take advantage of the latest improvements.

“Our close cooperation with photographers gives us not only an opportunity to constantly develop and improve the Leica S-System, but also allows us to address the precise needs of professional photographers. Therefore, the latest update, FW 1.0.0.24, includes quite a number of suggestions and wishes determined during discussions with professional users. The result is a wide range of improvements for applications, features and functions as well as the handling of the S2,” reports Stephan Schulz, product manager for the Leica S-System at Leica Camera AG.

The FW 1.0.0.24 firmware update enables a multitude of enhanced camera functions. These include, for instance, lossless DNG compression. This offers particular benefits by reducing file sizes from around 75MB to around 40MB and increasing the burst-rate capability to 14 consecutive exposures (at 1.5 frames per second). Both of these factors depend on the image content. At the same time, DNG compression leads to faster file-saving and transfer times when shooting tethered. Further new features of the firmware update are a new maximum exposure time of 125 seconds, shutter speed section in bulb mode (with the new firmware, the setting wheel can now be used to select the shutter speeds directly) and a setting option for highlight and shadow level warnings.

Existing camera functions have also been improved in the firmware update FW 1.0.0.24. This applies, for instance, to the histogram display in automatic review mode. This display option has now been enlarged for improved legibility. Furthermore, the update also allows the expansion of memory card compatibility to include 64GB UDMA6 cards and offers additional setting options for the AF/AE memory button. Autofocus precision has increased even more and focusing on very small subject details is, above all, greatly improved now.