Firmware Friday: Panasonic GX7, Sigma SD1 updated; fix for Sigma lenses on Nikon D5300

 

 

It's Firmware Friday time once more, and that means a quick wrapup of all that's new in the world of photo firmware. This week, we have updates to report on from both Panasonic and Sigma.

Sigma's updates include firmware both for cameras and lenses. We'll touch on the lens firmware first, as we'd reported earlier this week that this was on the way. It's intended to fix compatibility issues between the new Nikon D5300 camera body, and certain Sigma lenses which can be updated using the company's optional USB dock accessory.

 

New firmware is now available for five Sigma lenses, improving compatibility with the Nikon D5300 digital SLR (shown).

If you own the dock, you can now update the following Sigma lenses to properly support focusing in live view mode. For OS lenses, the firmware also corrects issues with stabilization:

• 17-70mm F2.8-4 DC MACRO OS HSM C013 NIKON
• 18-35mm F1.8 DC HSM A013 NIKON
• 30mm F1.4 DC HSM A013 NIKON
• 35mm F1.4 DG HSM A012 NIKON
• 120-300mm F2.8 DG OS HSM S013 NIKON

To update your lens firmware, ensure you're running Sigma Optimization Pro version 1.1; if not, get a copy here.

 

New firmware for the Sigma SD1 corrects image quality issues.

Simultaneously, Sigma has also issued updated firmware for its Sigma SD1 digital SLR, as well as the closely-related Sigma SD1 Merrill. The new firmware follows on from an earlier version which was released at the end of October, and corrects one issue. If you've seen occasional noise around blown highlights in your SD1 images, the new version should fix this problem. Grab the update at the link below, depending on your camera body:

• SIGMA SD1 firmware version.1.12
• SIGMA SD1 Merrill firmware version 1.07

That wraps up Sigma's firmware update news, but we also have new firmware to report on from Panasonic.

 

The Panasonic GX7 firmware improves manual focus with one lens, and adds another feature to the Function button.

Just a few days ago, we finalized our Panasonic GX7 review, naming the excellent little camera a Dave's Pick. Now, the company has made its mirrorless beauty even better, thanks to two small firmware tweaks. Flash output adjustment can now be assigned to the Function button on the camera's rear panel, making it easier to tame flash strength as needed without digging through the menu system. The company has also improved manual focus compatibility with the LUMIX G VARIO 12-32mm / F3.5-5.6 ASPH. / MEGA O.I.S. (H-FS12032) lens.

Grab the firmware update from Panasonic's Joint Update Service for Four Thirds Lenses page.

(Camera parts image courtesy of Kelly Hofer / Flickr; used under a Creative Commons CC-BY-2.0 license.)