MISSISSAUGA, ON (October 5, 2011) – Panasonic Canada Inc. today announced the availability of new firmware that upgrades four of its LUMIX G Series interchangeable lenses to HD. Resulting in exceptional HD video capabilities, the updated lenses excel in tracking focus in video recording while providing silent auto focus and exposure control; and offer enhanced stability of O.I.S. (Optical Image Stabilizer).

With this upgrade, Panasonic’s LUMIX G Series of lenses now includes seven HD capable options, and all are compatible with the company’s line of Compact System Cameras, including the new 2011 models: LUMIX GF3, LUMIX GF2, LUMIX GH2 and LUMIX G3. The 1.1 firmware is accessible at http://panasonic.jp/support/global/cs/dsc/ and will be available mid-October in the “Support” section at Panasonic.ca. This update will enhance the following four LUMIX G Series lenses:
o LUMIX G 14mm / F2.5 ASPH. (H-H014)
o LUMIX G VARIO 14-42mm / F3.5-5.6 ASPH. / MEGA O.I.S. (H-FS014042)
o LUMIX G FISHEYE 8mm / F3.5 (H-F008)
o LUMIX G VARIO 100-300mm / F4.0-5.6 / MEGA O.I.S. (H-FS100300)

These lenses join three previously upgraded LUMIX G Series lenses:
o LUMIX G VARIO 7-14mm / F4.0 ASPH. (H-F007014)
o LUMIX G VARIO 14-45mm / F3.5-5.6 ASPH. / MEGA O.I.S. (H-FS014045)
o LUMIX G VARIO 45-200mm / F4.0-5.6 / MEGA O.I.S. (H-FS045200)

About Panasonic
Panasonic products are marketed in Canada by Panasonic Canada Inc. (PCI). PCI is an affiliate of Panasonic Corporation (PC) of Japan, one of the world’s largest producers of electronic and electric products for consumer, business, and industrial use. Consumers seeking more information on the company’s products can call Panasonic’s Customer Care Centre at 1-800-561-5505 or access Panasonic’s home page at www.panasonic.ca.

SECAUCUS, NJ (September 13, 2011) – Today, Panasonic announces the availability of a new firmware that enables seven of its LUMIX G Series interchangeable lenses to be HD lenses, meaning they can shoot exceptional HD video. Specifically these HD lenses excel in tracking focus in video recording while offering silent auto focus and exposure control. In addition, there is enhanced stability of O.I.S. (Optical Image Stabilizer) in video recording.

Panasonic’s LUMIX G Series of lenses are compatible with the company’s line of Compact System Cameras, including the 2011 line-up of the LUMIX GF3, LUMIX GF2, LUMIX GH2 and LUMIX G3. The new 1.1 firmware, available at http://panasonic.jp/support/global/cs/dsc/, enhances the following seven LUMIX G Series lenses:

(1) LUMIX G 14mm / F2.5 ASPH. (H-H014)
(2) LUMIX G VARIO 14-42mm / F3.5-5.6 ASPH. / MEGA O.I.S. (H-FS014042)
(3) LUMIX G FISHEYE 8mm / F3.5 (H-F008)
(4) LUMIX G VARIO 100-300mm / F4.0-5.6 / MEGA O.I.S. (H-FS100300)
(5) LUMIX G VARIO 7-14mm / F4.0 ASPH. (H-F007014)
(6) LUMIX G VARIO 14-45mm / F3.5-5.6 ASPH. / MEGA O.I.S. (H-FS014045)
(7) LUMIX G VARIO 45-200mm / F4.0-5.6 / MEGA O.I.S. (H-FS045200)

About Panasonic Consumer Electronics Company
Based in Secaucus, N.J., Panasonic Consumer Electronics Company, is a Division of Panasonic Corporation of North America, the principal North American subsidiary of Panasonic Corporation (NYSE: PC) and the hub of Panasonic’s U.S. marketing, sales, service and R&D operations. Panasonic is pledged to practice prudent, sustainable use of the earth’s natural resources and protect our environment through the company’s Eco Ideas programs.

Photographer Dave Black uses HyperSync to put a stop to the action: Nikon D3s, F10, 1/1250 sec. © Dave Black

PocketWizard® Photo Products Launches Major ControlTL® Firmware Update

New features and upgrades available now for MiniTT1® and FlexTT5® radios,
both Canon and Nikon versions

So. Burlington, VT – September 1, 2011 – PocketWizard, the industry leader in wireless control and synchronization of cameras, flash and light meters, announces a major new update to its ControlTL firmware for both Nikon and Canon versions of its MiniTT1 and FlexTT5 radios. Available now, version 3.0 for Nikon and Version 6.0 for Canon include several new features and updates to make the system more powerful than ever including HyperSync™ Automation, SpeedCycler and Off Camera Power Control. Any current owner of the ControlTL system can install these new features and updates for free using the PocketWizard Utility.

“We’re excited about these new features for the ControlTL system and the creative potential they represent for photographers,” said Dave Schmidt, Vice President of Marketing at LPA Design, the company that manufacturers PocketWizard photo products. “Firmware upgrades such as this are a benefit for photographers who invest in PocketWizard radios. HyperSync Automation will be a game changer in that it opens up the amazing capability to use blazing fast sync speeds with flash units – creating amazing potential in sports or portrait applications.”

About HyperSync Automation
A number of enhancements have been made to the MiniTT1 and FlexTT5’s HyperSync feature. These changes can improve the performance of HyperSync and make it easier to configure. This new method adjusts HyperSync timing in two separate places – on the transmitter and on the receiving ControlTL radio. The transmitting or on-camera MiniTT1 or FlexTT5 automatically adjusts HyperSync to compensate for changes made to shutter speed. Photographers can further refine HyperSync via the PocketWizard Utility.

The receiving ControlTL radio can additionally compensate for shutter speed and flash power level by automatically making adjustments to achieve the fastest possible sync speed for supported configurations, such as a FlexTT5 with speedlights, an AC9 AlienBees Adapter, a PowerST4, or a PowerMC2. Some configurations require adjustments via the PocketWizard Utility.

HyperSync can now be customized on a per-flash basis. When using multiple flashes of different makes/models, HyperSync adjustments can now be made individually on each receiving FlexTT5 unit. If using an AlienBees flash with an AC9 AlienBees Adapter, users simply specify the flash under the Sync Timing tab in the PocketWizard Utility and the radios will automatically use the best timings for every shutter speed.

About SpeedCycler with an AC3 ZoneController
Previously only seen with PocketWizard’s MultiMAX radios, this new mode is designed to rapidly cycle through multiple flash units fired individually in sequence. This allows photographers to fire a camera in sync with flashes faster than a single flash unit can recycle. It can also be used for triggering remote cameras sequentially. SpeedCycler is engaged on a transmitting MiniTT1 or FlexTT5 via the PocketWizard Utility.

SpeedCycler mode requires an AC3 ZoneController in the top hot-shoe of the on-camera PocketWizard radio. Zones A, B, and C will be triggered sequentially and individual zones can be disabled by setting the AC3’s Zone Switch to the off position. Both TTL and manual flash controls are supported.

Receiving MultiMAX radios can be used instead of FlexTT5s provided they are set to a standard channel between 17 and 32. Users need to set the Standard Transmit Channel on the transmitting ControlTL radio to match the receiving MultiMAX unit.

About Flash Power Control without a Camera
Photographers can now take their AC3 and transmitting radio off-camera and use it to set power levels for any flash with a ControlTL receiver, making it more convenient to use an optically triggered light meter, or control the power levels with just a MiniTT1/FlexTT5 and AC3 in their hand while another photographer takes the pictures. Previously, an AC3 ZoneController on a MiniTT1 or FlexTT5 needed to be on camera to send manual power levels to remote flashes. Now, when connected to a MiniTT1 or FlexTT5, manual power levels are transmitted to remote flashes when the TEST button is pressed even when the transmitter is off the camera. This affects both speedlights connected to receiving FlexTT5s and larger flashes like AlienBees and Elinchrom RX units with ControlTL receivers.

For more information on how to update visit: http://www.pocketwizard.com/support/downloads/

About PocketWizard
Incorporating the latest radio technology, PocketWizard (www.PocketWizard.com/) products exceed the demands of the working pro and photo enthusiast with durability, ease of use, advanced capabilities and legendary PocketWizard reliability.

PocketWizard products, including the PLUS® II, MultiMAX, MiniTT1® and FlexTT5® are made by LPA Design, based in South Burlington, Vermont and sold by distributors around the world including the MAC Group (www.MACgroupUS.com) in the USA.

From pocketwizardvids

Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX5

PANASONIC ANNOUNCES FIRMWARE UPDATES FOR ITS POPULAR LUMIX DMC-LX5 DIGITAL CAMERA

MISSISSAUGA, ON (August 26, 2011) – Panasonic Canada Inc. today announced a new firmware update for the LUMIX DMC-LX5 digital camera. Version 2.0 firmware will help to improve performance and enhance usability by upgrading key camera functions.

Software updates include a redesigned algorithm which will give the LUMIX LX5 extremely fast autofocus speeds. The High ISO Noise Reduction Mode is a new feature that will offer deliberate noise reduction for images shot at high ISO 1600/3200 sensitivity. There will also be a significant improvement to the performance of auto white balance adjustment in low light situations.

For functional upgrades, the LUMIX LX5 Active Mode will be integrated into the effective handshake correction system POWER O.I.S., helping users shoot more stable video even while walking. Expanding on the My Color Mode settings, the popular Miniature Effect Mode will allow the user to focus on an object and blur surroundings; a technique that can be applied to both photo and video. Also, the conventional 60-second maximum shutter speed limit will be extended to 250 seconds – this will assist in shooting illuminated night sky and darkened scenery.

Additional enhancements include improved shutter operation, incorporating continuous focusing with both half-shutter and full-shutter shooting. Autofocus and manual focus will be made even easier to use in situations where precision is desired. For instance, once a focus area has been set it can easily be retrieved, making this a convenient function for tripod shooting. And finally, the brightness, contrast/saturation and red/blue tint of the LCD monitor and external viewfinder will be adjusted to reproduce colour settings which are more true to the subject.

The new firmware will be available in mid-September in the Support section at
www.panasonic.ca.

Panasonic products are marketed in Canada by Panasonic Canada Inc. (PCI). PCI is an affiliate of Panasonic Corporation (PC) of Japan, one of the world’s largest producers of electronic and electric products for consumer, business, and industrial use. Consumers seeking more information on the company’s products can call Panasonic’s Customer Care Centre at 1-800-561-5505 or access Panasonic’s home page at www.panasonic.ca.

Leica S2

LEICA S2 FIRMWARE UPDATE FW 1.0.1.8 NOW AVAILABLE

Solms, Germany (July 28, 2011) – Leica Camera AG has released a new firmware update for the Leica S-System, FW 1.0.1.8. All Leica S2 and S2-P cameras will now be supplied with the latest firmware version. Users wishing to bring their camera up-to-date can download the firmware update from the “Owners Area” on the Leica website and take advantage of the latest improvements.

The firmware update FW 1.0.1.8 includes a revision of the setting procedure for auto-bracketing. Now, the shutter-release button must only be pressed once to activate the full bracketing sequence. This function is particularly useful for shooting bracketed exposures for HDR post-processing. Additionally, the menu-control button at the top right of the camera can now be programmed to carry out a custom function, allowing users quick access to settings. This improvement gives photographers a further opportunity to customize the Leica S2 and S2-P to meet their individual needs and demands.

For installation instructions and to download firmware update FW 1.0.1.8, please visit: https://owners.leica-camera.com.

About the Leica S2
The Leica S-system is a completely new digital camera concept to meet supreme professional requirements. With a resolution of 37.5 megapixels, the S2’s 30 x 45mm CCD sensor features an aspect ratio of 3:2 and an area nearly 60% larger than that of a traditional 35mm camera, resulting in stunning image quality. The S2’s full range of features includes autofocus, high-speed MAESTRO image processor, highly durable design and optimal size and ease-of-use for professional photographers.

LEICA CAMERA OFFERS NEW FIRMWARE UPDATE 2.014 FOR THE LEICA M8

Solms, Germany (June 29, 2011) – Leica Camera AG announces the latest firmware update for all versions of the Leica M8. Users wishing to benefit from the new offerings can now download firmware update Version 2.014 from the Leica Camera website and take advantage of new, improved features.

The firmware update coincides with the launch of the Leica Super-Elmar-M 21 mm f/3.4 ASPH. and supports the use of this new wide-angle lens on Leica M8 cameras. In addition to new improvements, users can expand the range of lenses for their Leica M8 system with the versatile, high-performance super-wide-angle lens. With this free service, Leica Camera AG again proves their commitment to full system compatibility and decades of enduring value of the M series.

For installation instructions and to download firmware update 2.014, please visit: http://en.leica-camera.com/service/downloads/rangefinder_cameras/m8.

Fujifilm FinePix X100

Fujifilm has delivered on its promise of over 20 firmware fixes for the Finepix X100 that should go a long way to placate many users that were won over by the camera’s image quality but irked by some of its behavior.

1. The following functions can be rocked during shooting by holding down [MENU / OK] button over 3 sec.
DRIVE / Flash / White balance / Macro (set on the Command Dial – 4 direction key)

2. “CORRECTED AF FRAME” menu is added in “SET-UP” menu (the last line on menu page 6) to display additional AF frame (corrected AF frame for reducing parallax) which can be effectively used for macro shots. (Factory default value is set to “OFF”)

3. Adjustment in1/3 step increment for shutter speed or aperture setting is enabled in Shutter-Priority AE and Aperture-Priority AE mode, on top of those in Manual Exposure mode.
Shutter-Priority AE : Adjustment is controlled by rotating the command dial
Aperture-Priority AE : Adjustment is controlled by moving left / right on the command control lever

4. In the post-view mode (display after shooting), focused area is magnified in the LCD (EVF) display when the command control lever is pressed.
Cf. “IMAGE DISP.” Setting must be set to “CONTINUOUS”,

5. Setting of the role for “Fn” button is enabled by holding down “Fn” button over 3 sec.

6. Actual ISO sensitivity for shooting is displayed just after pressing shutter button halfway, when “ISO AUTO CONTROLL” is set to ON.

7. When “eye sensor” is activated by pressing “VIEW MODE” button, “EYE SENSOR” is displayed on EVF / OVF or LCD just a while to notice the status.

8. Macro mode ISO sensitivity, Drive mode, Dynamic range, Self-timer mode, flash mode is maintained even if shutter speed setting or aperture setting is changed. Also, even after changing viewing mode into shooting mode or turning of the camera, these values are maintained.

9. The size of focus frame set through viewing EVF / LCD is maintained even after changing display mode between OVF and EVF (LCD).

10. When “SHUTTER SOUND” is chosen, each shutter sound is performed in each menu setting.

11. In viewing mode, the last viewed shot is maintained as even after changing into shooting mode.
Cf. After another image is shot after viewing former image, memory of viewing the image is cancelled and the last shot is displayed as the latest image.

12. When the aspect ration of the image size is set to 16:9, the line of bright frame line on OVF is displayed with aspect ratio 16:9.

13. Viewing mode with Photo Information on EVF / LCD is maintained even if another image is shot. On top of this issue, deleting picture directly is enabled even in viewing with Photo information by pressing the command dial up, or MENU operation is also enabled.

14. Occasionally, preview image on EVF / LCD after pressing the shutter halfway might be darker than live view, according to aperture setting or brightness of shooting target. This phenomenon is improved.

15. When “DISP. CUSTOM SETTING” is set to OVF or EVF / LCD, the setting value is maintained even after customizing the menu.

16. Even for only RAW data recording mode, “RED EYE REMOVAL” setting is selectable among ON or OFF.

17. In MF (manual focus) setting with OVF mode, OVF viewing is activated after pressing shutter half way, even if “FOCUS CHECK” (magnifying center of the image) is displayed in EVF by pressing the center of the command control lever.

18. Displaying period after pressing each command dial (Macro / Flash) is prolonged from 1.5 sec into 2.0 sec for confirming correctly.

20. For resuming from AUTO POWER OFF setting, the shutter release button was required to hold down halfway for a few second. For quicker operation, resuming is activated by just pressing the button.

21. Image quality captured by Velvia / ASTIA mode is improved on mainly shadow tone (dark area), when dynamic range is set to 200% or 400%.

22. When “OVF POWER SAVE MODE” is set to ON and “Fn” button is set to “MOVIE RECORDING”, the camera may be unstable occasionally. This phenomenon is improved.

23. Histogram display on OVF during exposure compensation is improved.

Download the firmware update at: Fujifilm.

NEW: LEICA CAMERA OFFERS FIRMWARE UPDATE 1.162 FOR THE LEICA M9

Solms, Germany (June 16, 2011) – Leica Camera AG is pleased to announce the firmware update 1.162 for the Leica M9, the world’s smallest, full-frame digital system camera. Users wishing to benefit from the new offerings can now download the firmware update from the Leica Camera website and take advantage of new, improved features.

Firmware update 1.162 features a revision of sensor homogeneity for wide-angle lenses. The additional color calibration noticeably reduces chromatic differences between the center and the corners of an image, especially in critical shooting situations. Additionally, the software processes of the Leica M9 have been optimized, significantly reducing the “red edges effect” and improving the menu’s Italian translation.

For the first time, members of the Leica Camera Forum were invited to beta test the firmware update prior to its release. Approximately 1,000 Leica M users offered their feedback and insights, supporting Leica Camera’s commitment to providing innovative tools that stand at the forefront of technological innovation. The 80 selected “test pilots” considerably influenced the production of firmware 1.162.

For installation instructions and to download firmware update 1.162, please visit: http://en.leica-camera.com/service/downloads/rangefinder_cameras/m9/.

About the Leica M9:
As the world’s first digital rangefinder camera with a 24 x 36 sensor, the Leica M9 carries the proud heritage of the Leica M system into the digital age. A truly professional camera for authentic Leica M photography in the familiar, classic and timeless M design, the M9 is the perfect contemporary tool for those who set the highest standard in image quality and are committed to creating images of enduring value. The M9 is compatible with nearly every Leica M lens in existence.

Availability
The Leica M9 in steel grey or black is available from Leica dealers. For a list of Leica dealers, please visit http://us.leica-camera.com.

Canon EOS-1D Mark IV

Canon has published a firmware upgrade for the EOS-1D Mark IV that:

1. Improves writing/reading speeds when using UDMA 7-compatible CF cards.
2. Fixes a phenomenon where the ability to shoot movies may be stopped under the following conditions:
   • When using high-capacity (32 GB or greater) CF cards with little available space remaining and the user attempts to start shooting movies; or
   • When the camera’s battery is removed and reinserted into the camera and the user immediately attempts to start shooting movies.
3. Corrects misspellings in the menu screens displayed in Arabic and Portuguese languages (applies to models outside of the the Japanese market only).

You can download the firmware at: Canon. [Click on Drivers & Software - Firmware - select your OS]

• XZ-1 – Resolves issue that occurrs when the POWER button of the dedicated flash units is operated.
• E-PL2 – Changes default setting of Image Stabilizer (IS) to “On” when converter lens scene mode ([ FISHEYE EFFECT], [ WIDE-ANGLE], and [ MACRO]) are selected.
• E-5 – Resolves issue of the LCD monitor color compensation being reset.

Leica Camera offers a new LEICA S lens firmware update and a new Image Shuttle software version

Allendale, NJ (February 18, 2011) – Leica Camera, Inc. is pleased to announce the latest S lens firmware update and a new Image Shuttle software version. Users wishing to benefit from the new offerings can now download the firmware and software updates from the “Leica Owners Area” on the Leica website and take advantage of new, improved features.

Available for LEICA SUMMARIT-S 1:2,5 / 35mm ASPH., the LEICA SUMMARIT-S 1:2,5 / 70mm ASPH., the LEICA APO-MACRO-SUMMARIT-S 1:2,5 / 120mm and the LEICA APO-ELMAR-S 1:3,5 / 180mm, the new S lens firmware update optimizes the lens’ performance due to an initializing sequence when turning on the camera and attaching the lens. Users are invited to download the instructions manual prior to updating their lens.

Leica Camera’s new Image Shuttle software update optimizes the compatibility with the current S2 firmware, in addition to improving stability. Furthermore, it allows Quick View to display images in a separate, scalable window immediately after capture when shooting tethered.

The S lens firmware update, the software update and instructions manuals will be available for download to registered S customers starting February 18, 2011 at http://owners.leica-camera.com/.

Nikon D3100

Nikon has published a pretty substantial firmware update for the Nikon D3100:
* A magenta tint was present at the bottom of still images captured at high sensitivities after shooting in live view mode or recording movies for an extended length of time. The occurrence of this magenta tint has been reduced.
* When images captured with continuous shooting in live view mode were played back, in some very rare cases, some of the images were not properly displayed. This issue has been resolved.
* When shooting in live view mode with AF-area mode set to Subject-tracking AF, in some very rare cases, the focus point slipped off the subject with autofocusing after the intended tracking subject had been selected. This issue has been resolved.
* When images edited using camera retouch functions were played back in calendar playback mode, they were assigned to dates based not on the date of capture, but rather the date on which they were edited. This issue has been resolved.
* When white balance for RAW images created using the camera’s image overlay function was fine tuned with Capture NX 2 or ViewNX 2, the images acquired a magenta cast. This issue has been resolved.
* A portion of the error message displayed when live view mode could not be initiated because the camera’s internal temperature was too high has been revised.
* When Noise reduction in the shooting menu is set to On, operation is as follows.
Processing to reduce noise is performed at all ISO sensitivity settings. Noise reduction is especially effective with shooting at high ISO sensitivities.
Processing to reduce noise is performed immediately after shooting in any of the situations noted below. While processing to reduce noise is performed, “Job nr” blinks in the viewfinder display. Shooting is not possible until “Job nr” is no longer displayed. The time required for noise reduction processing is roughly equal to the shutter speed used to capture the image.
*
o Shooting at shutter speeds slower than approximately 8 seconds
o Shooting at high ISO sensitivities when the internal temperature of the camera is high
* The Help information displayed for the Noise reduction item in the shooting menu has also been revised in accordance with these modifications.

Download the firmware at: Nikon.