Firmware v2.0 for the DMC-LX5 makes a number of changes to add new features and improve performance. There's a new Miniature Effect function in the LX5's My Color mode, which adds either a horizontal or vertical graduated blur effect to images. The position around which the image is blurred can be adjusted, and the area of the unblurred area can be adjusted in three steps, much like in other recent Panasonic cameras with this mode.
The maximum limit on manual exposure shutter speeds has been expanded greatly. Previously limited to 60 seconds, this now allows exposures with a preset length of 80, 100, 125, 160, 200, or 250 seconds. During exposure, the motion picture button acts to cancel the existing long exposure. At the same time, a High ISO Noise Reduction option has been added to the Record menu, which allows noise processing to be enabled or disabled for exposures shot at ISO 1,600 or ISO 3,200.
The LX5 now also offers Panasonic's Active Mode image stabilization during video capture, which takes advantage of the lower resolution of even high-def video when compared to stills, and thus allows a greater corrective effect. In addition, Panasonic has added a new Monitor / Viewfinder function under the setup menu, which allows fine-tuning of brightness, color, and red/blue tint for either the LCD monitor or the optional external electronic viewfinder accessory.
There are also three slight tweaks to operation that should make the LX5 a rather more pleasant camera in use. The camera now remembers the AF point size and location previously set when in spot AF mode, and will also retain an AF/AE lock across multiple shots in a series, if you don't release the shutter button after each individual shot. Finally, when using one-shot AF, the LX5 will now automatically bring up the MF Assist screen to aid with manual focus fine-tuning.
Panasonic DMC-LX5 firmware v2.0 is also said to improve autofocus and auto white balance performance. More details can be found on the Panasonic website.
