Firmware Friday: Tweaks for Fuji GFX100, Olympus E-M1 II, Pentax KP, Ricoh Theta V, Panasonic mirrorless

 

 

After a shorter-than-typical roundup last week, our Firmware Friday post this week returns with renewed vigor and news of no less than 16 cameras receiving updated firmware in the past seven days. Admittedly, most of these are from one company, and several are very closely-related models. Still, we've a lot to discuss, so we'll keep the intro brief and get right down to it.

This week, we'll be kicking things off with Fujifilm.

Fujifilm GFX100 and GF 250mm lens

The Fuji GFX100's new firmware version 1.01 (download here) is pretty straightforward, with just two fixes notes. Stability is said to have been improved when powering the camera via USB, and 5GHz Wi-Fi connectivity to smartphones and tablets has also been improved. The GF 250mm f/4 lens, meanwhile, now carries firmware version 1.11 (download here), where the sole change noted is a rather vague "fix of slight defects."

Olympus E-M1 II

Firmware version 3.1 for the Olympus E-M1 II is also about stability inprovements. The release notes promise improved operational stability for still-image shooting, and improved EVF operational stability when the camera is first turned on. You can update using the company's Olympus Digital Camera Updater app, available here.

Panasonic G9, G80, G81, G85, G90, G91, G95, GH5, GH5S, GX9, S1 and S1R

Panasonic is where most of the action is to be found this week, with a total of 12 different models from the company having received updates in the past few days, although admittedly a good half of this number are closely-related models for various global markets. The biggie is firmware version 1.2 for the Panasonic S1 (download here), which has four main groups of changes as follows, three of which also apply to the Panasonic S1R version 1.2 update (download here):

1. Improved performance of the Image Stabilizer

   • The correction performance of the Body Image Stabilizer has been improved from 5.5 stops to 6.0 stops. ^*1

   • The correction performance of the Dual I.S.2 has been improved from 6.0 stops to 6.5 stops. ^{*2 *3}

     *1 Based on the CIPA standard [Yaw/Pitch direction : focusing distance f=50mm , when S-X50 is used.]

     *2 Based on the CIPA standard [Yaw/Pitch direction: focusing distance f=105mm, when S-R24105 is used.]

     *3 Based on the CIPA standard [Yaw/Pitch direction : focusing distance f=200mm , when S-R70200 is used.]

2. Improved AF performance

   • [AF-ON: Near Shift] and [AF-ON: Far Shift] functions have been added. [AF-ON: Near Shift] preferably focuses on a subject nearby while [AF-ON: Far Shift] preferably focuses on a subject far away.

   • The tracking performance when using [Tracking] AF mode in video recording has been improved.

   • Live view display during auto focusing is now easier to see.

3. Function Enhancement with Upgrade Software Key DMW-SFU2 (Panasonic S1 only)

   An [Activate] function has been added which enables the use of extended functions using the Upgrade Software Key DMW-SFU2.

   The following functions will be added by activating the Upgrade Software Key.

   • The video recording modes [MOV]

     • 4K60p/50p*, 4:2:0 8bit LongGOP, 150Mbps, LPCM

     • 4K30p/25p*, 4:2:2 10bit LongGOP, 150Mbps, LPCM

     • 4K24p, 4:2:2 10bit LongGOP, 150Mbps, LPCM

     • FHD60p/50p*, 4:2:2 10bit LongGOP, 100Mbps, LPCM

     • FHD30p/25p*, 4:2:2 10bit LongGOP, 100Mbps, LPCM

     • HDMI 4K60p/50p* 4:2:2 10bit output

   • V-Log will be added in Photo Style.

   • The [V-Log View Assist] function will be added, which enables viewing the V-Log file with LUT(Look Up Table) when recording video in V-Log.

   • The [Read LUT File] function will be added, which allows users to install and apply their favorite LUT.

   • A WFM (Waveform Monitor) display function.

   • A [Luminance Level] adjustment function that complies with 10-bit.

   • An [XLR Mic Adaptor Setting] function that enables high-res sound recording using the XLR Microphone Adapter DMW-XLR1 (sold separately).**

     * PAL area only
     ** MOV only

4. Improved operational stability

   • Operational stability when using an XQD memory card has been improved.

Most of the remaining models' firmware is shared to varying extents with other cameras. The Panasonic G9 version 1.3 (download here), G80 / G81 / G85 version 1.4 (download here), G90 / G91 / G95 version 1.1 (download here), GH5 version 2.5 (download here), GH5S version 1.3 (download here) and GX9 version 1.4 (download here) updates all add support for stepless aperture control during video capture, with an optional 1/3EV step size remaining available if needed, for example. All except the G90, G91 and G95 also receive a fix for the configured headphone volume failing to update immediately when changed, and all but the G90, G91, G95 and GX9 now allow the video record switch of the DMW-RS2 remote shutter to be disabled, as well. The GH5S also gets a fix for incorrect exposure in Creative Video mode, while the G90 / G91 / G95 now allow customization of the DMW-BGG1 battery grip's function button.

Pentax KP

Firmware version 1.11 for the Pentax KP (download here) promises improved performance with the new HD PENTAX-D FA*50mmF1.4 SDM AW lens, and also -- as always for Pentax -- pledges "improved stability for general performance."

Ricoh Theta V

All of which just leaves the Ricoh Theta V's firmware version 3.03.1 update to discuss. Here, the main change is to replace the Bluetooth device name from the old format consisting of the word "THETA" plus the entire alphanumeric serial number, instead opting for just the numeric portion of the serial number as was done in the recent Ricoh Theta Z1 update. There's also a non-specific mention of the update including a "bug fix", too. You can install the update using the Ricoh Theta apps for Windows or Mac OS.

And that's all for this week. Be sure to check back next time for more firmware news!

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(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.)