Firmware Friday: 36 updates from Canon, Fuji, Nikon, Olympus, Panasonic, Pentax, Sony and more

 

 

Firmware Friday is here once more, after a brief hiatus while I was out of town shooting Sony cameras in Austin, Texas, and then feeling under the weather with a bug I picked up on my return home. Since we've missed a couple of weeks, I've done my best to catch up not only on this week's firmware news, but also on everything from the last couple of weeks.

The result is one seriously long list of news, so we'll keep things brief and stick to the official release notes where available. Without any further ado, let's get down to all the news in alphabetical order!

Atomos Ninja Flame and Shogun Flame

The Atomos Ninja Flame and Shogun Flame recorders have both been updated to firmware version 7.12. Changes are as follows:

• Now supporting HDR exposure from the following camera log curves: Fujifilm Log, Sony S-Log and Canon C-Log3.

• Fixed PQ HDR output compatibility issue. Gamma and gamut is now 100% accurate for all gamuts, highlights and blacks.

• Increased precision in blacks when processing HDR from log inputs giving perfect black representation

The Atomos Ninja Flame firmware version 7.12 update can be downloaded here, and the Atomos Shogun Flame version 7.12 update can be downloaded here.

Blackmagic Video Assist

The Blackmagic Video Assist recorder lineup has been updated to firmware version 2.3. Changes are as follows:

• Add LUT monitoring for both the Blackmagic Video Assist and Blackmagic Video Assist 4K

• Add MXF wrapper to DNxHD for the Blackmagic Video Assist

• Add DNx different bit-rates - DNxHD 220,145 and 45 for the Blackmagic Video Assist

• Add False Color monitoring to the Blackmagic Video Assist

• Add expanded options for Focus Assist to include Red, Green, Blue and White as well as Peaking

• Add manual control for screen orientation

• Add extended HDMI luminance range for the Blackmagic Video Assist

• Improves screen colorimetry on Blackmagic Video Assist

• Improves fan audible noise on the Blackmagic Video Assist

Blackmagic Video Assist firmware version 2.3 can be downloaded here for Windows systems, or here for Mac OS systems.

Canon EOS M, EOS M2, SL1, T3, T5, T6, T1i, T2i, T3i, T4i, T5i, 1D X, 1D IV, 5D III, 5D IV, 6D, 7D, 60D and 70D

Canon has released a truly staggering 19 updates for interchangeable-lens cameras since our last roundup. For the Canon 5D Mark IV, firmware version 1.0.3 brings the following changes:

• Corrects a phenomenon in which the color of images varies depending on the metering mode selected during flash shooting.

• Improves the reliability of communication when using the EF1.4X III or EF2X III extender.

• Corrects the level display when the camera is held in the vertical orientation with the hand grip pointing downward.

• Improves the reliability of communication via USB cable when using the Lens Data Registration function with EOS Utility 3.

For the Canon EOS 1D X, 1D IV, 5D III and 6D there's just one change:

• Corrects a phenomenon in which when using the camera with the EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6 IS II USM lens, even if lens aberration correction is set to "Enable", correction will not be applied.

For the other cameras listed in the heading above, each firmware update also makes just one change, but there are two lenses involved:

• Corrects a phenomenon in which when using the camera with the EF-S 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM or EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6 IS II USM lens, even if lens aberration correction is set to "Enable", correction will not be applied.

You can download the updates at the links below:

• Canon EOS M firmware version 2.0.3

• Canon EOS M2 firmware version 1.0.3

• Canon EOS Rebel SL1 firmware version 1.0.1

• Canon EOS Rebel T3 firmware version 1.0.6

• Canon EOS Rebel T5 firmware version 1.0.2

• Canon EOS Rebel T6 firmware version 1.0.2

• Canon EOS Rebel T1i firmware version 1.1.2

• Canon EOS Rebel T2i firmware version 1.1.0

• Canon EOS Rebel T3i firmware version 1.0.3

• Canon EOS Rebel T4i firmware version 1.0.5

• Canon EOS Rebel T5i firmware version 1.1.5

• Canon EOS 1D X firmware version 2.0.9

• Canon EOS 1D IV firmware version 1.1.5

• Canon EOS 5D III firmware version 1.3.4

• Canon EOS 5D IV firmware version 1.0.3

• Canon EOS 6D firmware version 1.1.7

• Canon EOS 7D firmware version 2.0.6

• Canon EOS 60D firmware version 1.1.2

• Canon EOS 70D firmware version 1.1.2

Fujifilm X-T2

Firmware version 1.10 for the Fuji X-T2 is a biggie, making all of the following changes:

• Tether shooting is available by USB connection.
  One of the application software below is required to use the tether shooting function.

  • Tether Shooting Plug-in PRO for Adobe® Photoshop® Lightroom® Ver.1.3 or newer

  • Tether Shooting Plug-in for Adobe® Photoshop® Lightroom® Ver.1.3 or newer

  • Tethered Shooting Software HS-V5 Ver.1.3 or newer

• Lock function during shooting mode is added. The update will let users prevent from the unexpected dial/button operation.

• The shutter speed will be displayed in a preview image with the setting of SHUTTER AE OFF, ISO AUTO and Aperture-Priority.

• The phenomenon is fixed that overexposure could happen with the setting of AF-C mode, AF-C PRIORITY SELECTION and FACE DETECTION ON.

• The phenomenon is fixed that AF function doesn't work well in the tele-photo area with XF18-135mmF3.5-5.6 R LM OIS WR.

• The phenomenon is fixed that hung-up could happen when carrying out SELECT FROM NETWORK LIST of MANUAL SETUP in PC AUTO SAVE SETTING.

• The phenomena is fixed that CH HIGH SPEED BURST (continuous high speed) doesn't work well with fixed exposure and fixed amount of flash luminescence (TTL-L or flash M mode) while used with FUJIFILM Shoe Mount Flash (excluding EF-X8)

• The phenomenon is fixed that Flash i40 made by Nissin for FUJIFILM doesn't fire.

Firmware version 1.10 for the Fuji X-T2 can be downloaded here.

Nikon W100

Firmware version 1.1 for the Nikon Coolpix W100 makes four changes as follows:

• The camera now supports the iOS version of SnapBridge.

• Fixed the following issues:

  • Remote shooting would sometimes end and the camera would display the view through the lens if SnapBridge was used repeatedly to shoot remote photos at original size.

  • Photographs taken using Shoot at intervals would not all be saved to the same folder when the camera was paired with a smartphone or tablet.

  • The camera would sometimes freeze during movie playback if fast forward was stopped just before the final frame.

You can download the update here.

Olympus E-M1, E-M5 II, E-M10 II and PEN-F; 8mm, 40-150mm and 300mm lenses

Firmware version 4.2 for the Olympus E-M1 arrived yesterday, but you might want to hold off on updating for a while unless you need support for a new accessory. The reason for this suggestion is that some users are reporting problems with file corruption and the focus stacking function, as noted by our friends over at DPReview. With that cautionary note out of the way, changes are said to be as follows:

• Macro Flash STF-8 is supported.

• Electronic Flash FL-900R is supported.

• Improved stability of exposure when shooting videos.

• Focus stacking function is now supported by the following lenses: 　

  • M.ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 30mm F3.5 Macro

  • M.ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 7-14mm F2.8 PRO

  • M.ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 8mm F1.8 Fisheye PRO

  • M.ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 300mm F4.0 IS PRO

Firmware version 2.3 for the Olympus E-M5 II, firmware version 1.2 for the Olympus E-M10 II and firmware version 1.1 for the PEN-F include all of these same changes other than the new focust stacking support:

• Macro Flash STF-8 is supported.

• Electronic Flash FL-900R is supported.

• Improved stability of exposure when shooting videos.

And finally, Olympus also has new firmware for its M.ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 8mm F1.8 Fisheye PRO, M.ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 40-150mm F2.8 PRO and M.ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 300mm F4.0 IS PRO lenses. There's just one change for the 8mm Fisheye firmware version 1.1 release as follows:

• Improved stability of C-AF operation for sequential shooting with H.

The firmware version 1.2 update for the 40-150mm lens has five changes as below:

• Stability of lens aperture when shooting videos has been improved.

• MF shooting operations have been improved.

• Enhanced stability of AF operation when shooting video

• Improved AF operation when using the M.ZUIKO DIGITAL 1.4x Teleconverter MC-14.

• Enhanced stability of sequential shooting when using the E-M1 Mark II.

...and finally, the 300mm lens' firmware version 1.1 update has five changes of its own:

• Improved AF operation.

• MF shooting operations have been improved.

• Enhanced stability of operation when shooting video.

• Enhanced stability of sequential shooting when using the E-M1 Mark II.

• Improved image stabilization accuracy when using the E-M1 Mark II.

In all cases, the new firmware can be installed using the Olympus Digital Camera Updater software, which you can obtain here.

Panasonic GH4, G80, G81 and G85

Firmware version 2.6 for the Panasonic GH4 fixes two issues as follows:

• When the camera is used with the Battery Grip, an error message pops up if the remaining power of the battery in the Battery Grip is low.

• With a use of Panasonic H-RS100400(LEICA DG VARIO-ELMAR 100-400mm / F4.0-6.3 ASPH. / POWER O.I.S.) or some Olympus interchangeable lenses, the monitor blacks out when the user tries consecutive shooting in manual mode in AFC setting.

Firmware version 1.1 for the Panasonic G80, G81 and G85, meanwhile, makes just one change:

• Improved image stabilizer performance during the motion picture recording.

You can download the Panasonic GH4 firmware here, and the Panasonic G80 / G81 / G85 firmware here.

Pentax K-3 and K-50

Firmware version 1.30 for the Pentax K-3 and firmware version 1.10 for the Pentax K-50 both make just one change as follows, plus Ricoh's usual catch-all note of "improved stability for general performance":

• Corresponded to [KAF4 lens mount] that is equipped with an electromagnetic diaphragm control system.
  Enable new lens HD PENTAX-DA 55-300mmF4.5-6.3ED PLM WR RE to shoot stable by updating firmware.

You can download the Pentax K-3 firmware here, and the Pentax K-50 firmware here.

Sony A7 II

And finally, we come to the Sony A7 II, now running firmware version 3.20. Here, there is just one change as follows:

• Improves a condition that occurs with system software version 3.20 where, when using the Flash, the amount of light at the edge of the image is insufficient.

To get this change, you'll want to download Sony A7 II firmware version 3.20 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.)