Firmware Friday: Samsung NX1 gets improved AF, movies and more; Nikon D750, V2, P610 also updated

 

 

Firmware Friday is back once more, and this week the big news is a significant update for the Samsung NX1, with changes throughout the camera's systems, especially those relating to autofocus and movie capture. Also updated this week are the Nikon D750 DSLR and Nikon V2 mirrorless camera, as well as the Nikon P610 ultrazoom.

We'll start with the Samsung NX1, though, since its update is by far the most comprehensive. Changes in Samsung NX1 firmware version 1.3 are as follows, according to the company:

• Movie Recording

  • Larger sensor read out data size with improved FHD quality up to 60P.

  • Time code added features:

    • ​Count Up: Rec run / automatic restart when shooting / Free run

    • Time Notation

      • ​Manual time setting (Hour/Min/Sec/Frame)

      • Internal camera time

    • ​Internal time / External recorder

    • Drop frame / Non-drop frame

  • ​"1920x1080 (120)" setting in the Movie Size Menu for easy access

  • Auto Mic Control On/Off

  • Histogram & Digital Level is displayed during standby / recording mode

  • Capture individual 4K frame forward & backward with precision

    • ​Embedded EXIF data in jpeg

  • ​Added NEW MF Responsiveness mode

    • ​(Capable of setting to Low, Medium, High focus angle in manual focus mode).

  • ​Remains in Stand By mode after recording

• ​Still Photo

  • ​Overall AF improved:

    • Enhanced AF performance in low light condition

    • Enhanced AF performance in backlit and spot light

    • Enhanced AF performance in the corners when utilizing 16-50mm PZ lens

    • Enhanced Face Detection AF performance

    • Enhanced AF performance in movie mode

  • ​Added “Zone AF” mode

  • Increased the size of AF to 5 steps in AF “Area Size”

  • No time limitation in Bulb mode

  • Increased the time-lapse to 3000 shots

  • Includes 4 most popular Pro Suggest presets (Cinematic, Memories, Gorgeous night, & High Speed)

  • Simplified EXIF data preview

• ​Connectivity

  • ​JPEG, RAW (JPEG preview only), & Video transfer via WiFi

    • ​RAW files are converted to JPEG thumbnail with Picture Wizard setting embedded and then transfer to smartphone for preview only.

  • ​Introducing NEW Samsung Remote Studio software

    • ​Download via ilauncher

    • Full control of NX1 through USB

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    Supports Tizen OS TV connection

    • ​One touch connection

​Samsung NX1 owners can find the updated firmware available for download now on the company's website.

Moving on to Nikon, the company has three updates this week, of which two are for interchangeable-lens cameras. We'll start with the Nikon D750, whose new firmware C:1.01 is now available. Precisely what's changed in the new release we can't say, though, because the release notes state simply that "camera operation is now more reliable". Get the Nikon D750 firmware C:1.01 update here.

For the Nikon V2, meanwhile, there is but one change in the new version A:1.20 / B:1.20 firmware release. Previously, when shooting video with an Eye-Fi card in the camera, if you stopped video capture with any control other than the Movie Record button, the wireless functionality of the Eye-Fi card stopped working. That's been fixed in the new firmware, which you can get here.

And that brings us to our final update of the week: The Nikon P610. Two issues are fixed in the new version 1.1 firmware release: A potential camera lockup or file viewing / saving issue caused when switching between viewfinder and LCD monitor using the eye proximity sensor, and an issue with variant focus when coupling the manual focus function and interval timer. You can get the new Nikon P610 firmware update here.

(Camera parts image courtesy of Kelly Hofer / Flickr; used under a Creative Commons CC-BY-2.0 license. Image has been modified from the original.)