Firmware Friday: Canon, Fuji, Nikon, Panasonic, Ricoh, Sigma and Sony ship new firmware, software

 

 

After a short hiatus, Firmware Friday returns this week with an absolutely massive roundup. We've a lot to discuss, so we're going to skip the preamble and keep things really brief this time around. If you're a Canon, Fuji, Nikon, Panasonic, Ricoh / Pentax, Sigma or Sony shooter, you'll want to stick around. The rest of you might want another reading option, in which case I'd suggest our recent DxO Photolab 2 review, or perhaps our Thrifty Thursday roundup for some great gear deal.

Now, let's get down to what's new, shall we?

Canon WFT-E7A Wireless File Transmitter

Canon's sole update in this week's roundup is for the WFT-E7A wireless file transmitter, and it's as straightforward as can be. Firmware version 1.4.0 adds support for the Canon EOS R, and it can be obtained here.

Fuji X-H1, X-T1 and X-T2; 15-45mm, 50-140mm, 80mm and 100-400mm lenses; X Raw Studio (Mac only)

The list of updates from Fujifilm is rather longer, including three cameras, four lenses and its X Raw Studio software package.

Starting off with the cameras, firmware version 1.20 for the X-H1 (download here), 5.50 for the X-T1 (download here) and 4.30 for the X-T2 (download here) all make the same two changes as follows:

1. Compatibility with the functions below of XF200mmF2 R LM OIS WR is added.

   • Focus Preset Function

   • Focus Control button

2. Compatibility with the functions below of XF1.4X TC F2 WR (bundled with XF200mmF2 R LM OIS WR) is added.
   Applicable lenses : XF80mmF2.8 R LM OIS WR Macro, XF200mmF2 R LM OIS WR, XF50-140mmF2.8 R LM OIS WR, XF100-400mmF4.5-5.6 R LM OIS WR

And finally on the hardware front, we come to the lenses. Firmware version 1.02 for the XC15-45mm (download here) fixes a rare problem that could cause autoexposure hunting, while the v1.30 update for the XF50-140mm (download here), the v1.10 update for the XF80mm (download here) and the v1.20 update for the XF100-400mm (download here) lenses all add compatibility with the Fujinon Teleconverter XF1.4X TC F2 WR, which ships bundled with the XF200mm lens.

Which just leaves software, and specifically the version 1.4.0 update for Fuji's X Raw Studio application on the MacOS platform. (Download it here.) This new version adds support for MacOS 10.14, aka Mojave. No other changes are made.

Nikon D850, Z7 and WR-1 remote

Next up this week, we have Nikon's D850 DSLR, Z7 (or more properly, Z 7) mirrorless camera and WR-1 remote control.

Starting off with the D850, firmware version C:1.03 (download here) makes just one change, fixing a rare bug that could delay the start of autofocus operation or the shutter release. Firmware version C:1.01 for the Z7 (download here), meanwhile, corrects two problems as follows:

1. Fixed an issue that in rare circumstances caused the camera to stop responding during burst photography with NEF (RAW) selected for Image quality and On selected for Silent photography in the PHOTO SHOOTING MENU.

2. If Enable release is selected for Slot empty release lock in the SETUP MENU, the Image review option in the PLAYBACK MENU can now be accessed when no memory card is inserted.

And that just leaves firmware version 1.02 (download here) for the WR-1 remote control, which adds support for the recently-launched Z6 and Z7 camera bodies.

Panasonic GH5, GH5S, G9, GX9 and EVA1

Continuing down the list in alphabetical order, we come to Panasonic, which has updates this time around for four mirrorless cameras and one video camera.

The Panasonic GH5, GH5S and G9 all receive improvements to AF tracking (both for stills and videos) which should reduce the frequency with which focus shifts to the background. The GH5 and GH5S also share a fix for a bug that stopped one-push AE working if you were in Creative Video M mode and set SS/Gain Operation to Angle/ISO. Anf the GH5S, G9 and GX9 get fixes for lag in reacting to brightness changes under some light sources such as fluorescent lighting.

In addition, the GH5 gets fixes for bugs specific to this model which sometimes caused time code to be reset if the battery was reseated or replaced, and for extraction of the wrong video frame in 4K / 6K Photo modes. The GH5S, meanwhile, has fixes for image quality issues when using Intelligent Dynamic Range control or V-LogL capture in Creative Video mode.

Finally, the AU-EVA1 video camera gets better 2K raw output image quality. Download all of Panasonic's firmware at the links below:

• Panasonic GH5 firmware version 2.4

• Panasonic GH5S firmware version 1.2

• Panasonic G9 firmware version 1.2

• Panasonic GX9 firmware version 1.2

• Panasonic EVA1 firmware version 2.53-00-0.00

Ricoh / Pentax Image Transmitter 2

Next up, we have version 2.4.1 of Ricoh / Pentax's Image Transmitter 2 application, available for Windows (download here) or MacOS (download here). Here, the Windows version gains automatic subfolder creation, while the MacOS version gets a fix for connection issues with the Pentax 645Z IR. THe company also makes its usual promise of "improved stability for general performance" for both variants.

Sigma sd Quattro and Quattro H; 24-105mm lens (Canon mount); MC-11 EF-E mount converter

Nearing the end of the list, we come to Sigma. The Japanese company has updates for two cameras, one lens and one mount converter in this week's roundup.

Firmware version 1.12 for the sd Quattro (download here) and version 1.08 for the sd Quattro H (download here) both receive the same two changes, as follows:

1. Corrected the phenomenon whereby the camera freezes after reactivation from LCD Auto Off if the Viewfinder Mode or LCD Mode settings have been opened from the main menu.

2. Shortened the time to recognize the card when an SDXC card is used.

Firmware version 2.00 for the Canon-mount variant of the 24-105mm F4 DG OS HSM | Art lens (model A013) adds support for Canon's in-camera lens aberration correction function with many recent bodies, resolving image quality issues that would previously occur if the function was enabled with this lens. You'll need Sigma's USB dock accessory and a copy of its Optimization Pro application to install the update.

And lastly, the company has updated the EF-E variant of its MC-11 mount converter to version 1.18. This new release, also installable using Optimization Pro, adds support for the Canon-mount variants of the 24-105mm F4 DG OS HSM | Art lens and 105mm T1.5 FF EF mount Cine lens.

Sony A7 Mark III, A7R Mark III and RX0

All of which brings us to Sony, which has three updates in this week's roundup. 

Firmware version 2.00 for the Sony A7 III (download here for Windows / here for MacOS) and for the Sony A7R III (download here for Windows / here for MacOS) add the following laundry list of new features and bug fixes:

1. Adds support for the SEL400F28GM and SEL24F14GM lenses

2. Optimizes the optical image stabilization performance.

3. For the SEL400F28GM lens only, adds support for new image stabilization mode (Mode 3) of the lens.

4. Adds the Function Ring(Lens) feature to the to the Camera Settings2 menu.
   Note: For the SEL400F28GM lens only, the Function Ring(Lens) feature has a power focus function, which allows you to assign one of the following to the Function Ring(Lens): Power-assisted Focusing (Power Focus), or switching the angle of view between Full Frame and APS-C/Super 35 mm.

5. Addition of [Aperture Drive in AF] setting in the menu.
   Note: When using either the SEL400F28GM or SEL24F14GM lens, when Silent Priority is selected, the sound emitted by the aperture drive will be reduced. This is useful in shooting conditions where camera noise should be kept to a minimum, though the Auto Focus may become slower when Silent Priority is selected.

6. Adds AF Track Sens as a selectable option for custom key settings.

7. Adds support for Zone, Expand Flexible Spot, and Lock-on AF focus areas when using the LA-EA3 mount adaptor.
   Note: Focus Area options added : Zone, Expand Flexible Spot, and Lock-on AF (A7R III only)

8. Enables Bracket shooting to be available during silent shooting when the File Format is set to RAW or RAW & JPEG, and the RAW File Type is set to Uncompressed.

9. Improvement of the performance and the overall stability of the camera.

10. Better reproduction of the gradation of RAW pictures.

11. Improves dimming stability under flicker light conditions.

12. Improves managing continuously shot images as a group.

Which just leaves the Sony RX0, which has been updated to firmware version 3.00 (download here for Windows / here for MacOS) which brings changes as follows:

• A Zoom function is added
  Note: The Zoom feature is available when you use the Smart Zoom, Clear Image Zoom, or Digital Zoom functions. The Zoom Setting is set to Smart Zoom Only after the software update. You can use the Smart Zoom function if you set Image Size to M, S or VGA in Zoom Setting. The zoom feature is also available when using the shooting grip VCT-SGR1 sold separately.

• Improves the overall stability of the camera.

And that's all for this week's roundup. We should be returning to our usual weekly schedule going forwards, so be sure to check back next time for more firmware news!

(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.)