Firmware update for Canon EOS 1D-X camera

Canon today released a firmware update for their Canon EOS 1D-X camera.

The v1.06 firmware update is quite substantial (it takes about 7 minutes to apply) and contains the following fixes:

• Fixes a phenomenon in which the AF Microadjustment cannot be correctly carried out.
• Fixes a phenomenon such that when using the camera with the EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS II USM or EF200mm f/2L IS USM lens and Extender EF 1.4x III or Extender EF 2x III, the images captured become back-focused.
• Fixes a phenomenon in which, when the camera is powered on in very dark environments (including instances when the lens cap or the body cap is attached), Error 80 appears on the camera.
• Fixes the following phenomenon: if two CF cards are inserted into the camera and the "Standard" or "Auto switch card" setting is selected for the recording method for [Record func+card/folder sel.], and then one of the CF cards is removed and then reinserted into the card slot, the card selected for recording and playing back images may be switched to the other CF Card.
• Fixes a phenomenon in which the AF microadjustment value is not correctly displayed in the EXIF information of the images captured.
• Displays a "O" or "X" result to indicate whether images have been successfully transferred through the FTP protocol when using the WFT-E6 Wireless File Transmitter.

As usual, you can download the firmware update from the Canon USA website.

Lens firmware update for Nikon 1 10-30mm f/3.5-5.6 and 30-110mm f/3.8-5.6

Nikon has released a firmware update for its 1 Nikkor 10-30mm f/3.5-5.6 and 30-110mm f/3.8-5.6 lenses.

According to the release notes the new v1.10 firmware adds the following enhancement:

• When this lens is used with Nikon 1 cameras released in, or after, August 2012, the camera can be turned off by locking the lens barrel (retractable lens barrel button), even if the monitor has turned off and the camera has entered standby mode.

You can download the new firmware from the support websites:

• 1 Nikkor 10-30mm f/3.5-5.6: Europe / USA
• 1 Nikkor 30-110mm f/3.8-5.6: Europe / USA

Lens firmware update for Canon EF 40mm f/2.8 STM

Canon has released a firmware update for its EF 40mm f/2.8 STM lens.

From the firmware release notes:

Firmware Version 1.2.0 addresses the following phenomenon:

1. If pressure is applied to the lens barrel while the lens is mounted to the camera (pressure can be applied even while attaching the lens cap or while carrying the camera with the lens attached in a bag), the autofocusing function of the lens may stop working.

Firmware Version 1.2.0 is for lenses with Firmware Version 1.1.0. If the lens' firmware is already Version 1.2.0, it is not necessary to update the firmware.

Lenses with the following serial numbers are equipped with Firmware Version 1.1.0:

• The third digit in the serial number is either 0, 1, or 2 (xx0xxxxxxx, xx1xxxxxxx, or xx2xxxxxxx).

Lenses with serial numbers other than those listed above are equipped with Firmware Version 1.2.0.

You can download the firmware from the Canon US Website.

2012-2013 EISA camera awards for Nikon and Canon

EISA (the European Imaging and Sound Association) has announced the 2012-2013 award winners. Both Nikon and Canon score very well (again) in the photo category, with the two overall camera awards going to Nikon.

The European Imaging and Sound Association and has been awarding for more than 30 years. EISA is the unique association of 50 special interest magazines in audio, home theatre, in-car electronics, mobile electronics, photo and video, from 20 European countries.

• European Camera 2012-2013: Nikon D800
• European Professional Camera 2012-2013: Nikon D4
• European Advanced SLR Camera 2012-2013: Canon EOS 5D Mark III
• European Compact Camera 2012-2013: Canon Powershot G1 X
• European Professional Compact Camera 2012-2013: Fujifilm X-Pro1

For a full list of categories and awards, please see the EISA website.

Firmware update for Canon 300mm, 400mm, 500mm, and 600mm L IS II lenses

Canon has released a new firmware update (Firmware Version 1.1.1) for the EF 300mm f/2.8L IS II USM, EF 400mm F2.8L IS II USM, EF 500mm f/4L IS II USM and EF 600mm f/4L IS II USM lenses. This firmware update will be performed by Canon Service Centres.

The products affected by this issue will be updated by Canon free of charge, just contact one of your authorised service facilities.

Firmware Version 1.1.1 incorporates the following enhancement:

• Changes the control algorithm of the focus drive, and enhances the drive’s responsiveness for more precise focus adjustments. In particular, the new firmware enhances the AI servo AF capability of the lenses to track objects that move irregularly in sports events, such as soccer or rugby.

Affected Products:

Firmware Version 1.1.1 is for lenses with Firmware Version 1.0.0. If the lens' firmware is already Version 1.1.1, it is not necessary to update the firmware. Please contact Canon customer support if you are unsure as to what firmware your lens currently supports.
The serial numbers (10 digits) of the lenses equipped with Firmware Version 1.0.0 are as below.
EF 300mm f/2.8L IS II USM:
The third digit in the serial number is either 0, 1, 2, or 3 (xx0xxxxxxx, xx1xxxxxxx, xx2xxxxxxx, xx3xxxxxxx).
EF 400mm f/2.8L IS II USM: The third digit in the serial number is either 0, 1, 2, or 3 (xx0xxxxxxx, xx1xxxxxxx, xx2xxxxxxx, xx3xxxxxxx).
EF 500mm f/4L IS II USM:
The third digit in the serial number is 0 (xx0xxxxxxx).
EF 600mm f/4L IS II USM:
The third digit in the serial number is 0 (xx0xxxxxxx).

Firmware v1.20 update for Nikon 1 J1 and V1

Apart from the new Nikon 1 camera and accessories, Nikon also posted an update for the Nikon 1 J1 and V1 mirror-less system cameras.

According to the release notes, the following fixes and enhancements have been made:

• The exposure control program used with shooting in Smart Photo Selector mode, or still image shooting mode with Exposure mode set to P Programmed auto or Scene auto selector, has been revised for faster shutter speeds to prevent blurred subjects.
• Auto white balance performance has been increased.
• Exposure accuracy with ISO sensitivity set to Auto 100–3200, Auto 100–800, or Auto 100–400 has been increased with shooting using the built-in flash to photograph subjects at close distances..
• The following issues have been resolved.
• An error message was sometimes displayed during interval timer shooting, preventing capture of the specified number of shots.
• When the camera was turned on by releasing the retractable lens barrel lock on applicable lenses, there was sometimes a slight delay before the shutter could be released.

You can find the firmware updates on the support sites:

• Nikon J1 – Europe / USA
• Nikon V1 – Europa / USA

(Or, go to you own country's support site)

Applying the fix is easy:

• Download the firmware update (Mac or Win file)
• Put the firmware update bin file in the root directory of a memory card
• Insert the memory card in your camera
• Turn the camera on
• Select “Firmware version” from the camera's setup menu and follow the instructions shown for updating the firmware
• After update has completed, turn the camera off and remove the memory card

To verify you have the latest version of the firmware active, simply select “Firmware version” from the camera's setup menu. Firmware A and B should both be version 1.20.

Nikon announces new Nikon 1 J2 camera, 11-27.5mm lens, and waterproof housing

Nikon today announced some great new products in their Nikon 1 compact system camera line-up: a new J2 camera, a new 11-27.5mm lens as well as an all new waterproof housing to take your Nikon 1 J1 or the new J2 underwater.

Nikon 1 J2

Specification highlights:

• 10.1 Mega Pixels
• CX format sensor (2.7x lens crop factor when compared to 35mm format)
• 3”, 920,000 dot LCD monitor(double the pixels of the J1)
• ISO 100–3200 (6400 in HI)
• JPG and RAW (12 bit NEF) file support
• SD, SDHC, and SDXC memory card support
• 1/16,000 – 30s shutter speed
• Up to 60 frames per second at a burst of 12 shots
• Up to 135 points hybrid Auto Focus system, currently providing the fastest AF available with the most hybrid points (73).
• Full HD video (up to 1080i/60) with built-in stereo microphone
• Built in Flash
• Available in 6 colours

More information on the Nikon website.

1 NIKKOR 11-27.5mm f/3.5-5.6

Specification highlights:

• CX-format
• 11-27.5 mm focal-length range (angle of view is equivalent to focal-length range of 30-74 mm lens in 35mm format)
• f/3.5-5.6 aperture
• One ED glass element and one Aspherical lens element
• Zoom ring operation turns the camera power on/off (power off: not available with J1/V1)
• Compared to the 1 NIKKOR VR 10-30mm f/3.5-5.6, it is ±32 g (±28%) lighter and ±11 mm (±26%) shorter.
• Retractable lens mechanism improves portability
• Available in 6 colours

More information on the Nikon website.

Waterproof Case WP-N1

Specification highlights:

• Usable down to 40 meters under water
• Lightweight (790g without camera)
• Does not float up when let go under water
• Zoom lenses are usable
• Placement of buttons allows for easy switching of between video recording and taking pictures
• Compatible with underwater speedlight YS-D1 by SEA&SEA SUNPACK Co., Ltd
• Compatible with the Nikon 1 J1 and the new Nikon 1 J2 cameras

More information on the Nikon website.

Camera Bits releases Photo Mechanic 5.0

After an extensive beta test period, Camera Bits have now released version 5.0 of its digital workflow software.

Apart from bug fixing and other minor enhancements, this final version is pretty much the same as the beta version I have reviewed earlier. One notable (and welcomed by many) change is the added lighter theme for the various dialogue boxes which is now also the default.

This week only, Camera Bits offers a discount for the new version:

• New licence: $130
• Upgrade: $80 (Note: if you bought Photo Mechanic 4.6.x in the last year, you should be eligible for a free upgrade)

The offer ends 13 20 August at 23:59 (US time).

If you're looking for a great digital workflow experience, make sure you check out Photo Mechanic, just request a demo code and download the new v5.0. I really love it and heartily recommend it!

For more information, demo codes, and purchasing, please have a look at the Camera Bits company website.

Nikon releases v2.5.0 of ViewNX2

Nikon just updated ViewNX2, their free all-in-one image browsing and editing software for both still images and movies. Nikon ViewNX2 includes Nikon Transfer 2 for transferring images to a computer.

ViewNX 2.5.0, available for Windows and Macintosh computers, contains the following update compared to v2.4.0:

• When images are transferred from a mass storage device with multiple media inserted with Disconnect automatically after transfer in the Nikon Transfer 2 Preferences panel checked, all recognized media are automatically disconnected after transfer.

You can download the update from the Nikon customer support sites:

• Europe
• USA (latest version not yet available at the USA site)

Canon releases firmware v2.0.0 for the EOS 7D

Canon today released a new firmware update for its EOS 7D DSLR camera.

Firmware v2.0.0 has the following fixes and improvements/new functionality:

1. Improves the maximum burst in continuous shooting:
   JPEG Large/Fine: About 94 (126) bursts^*1 → About 110 (130) bursts^*2
   RAW: About 15 (15) bursts^*1 → About 23 (25) bursts^*2
   RAW+JPEG Large/Fine: About 6 (6) bursts^*1 → About 17 (17) bursts^{*2
   *1} The figures are based on Canon's testing standards (ISO 100 and Standard Picture Style) using a 4 GB card. The figures in parentheses indicate the number of shots that can be taken with an Ultra DMA (UDMA) 4-GB card, based on Canon's testing standards.
   ^*2 The figures are based on Canon's testing standards (ISO 100 and Standard Picture Style) using an 8 GB card. The figures in parentheses indicate the number of shots that can be taken with an Ultra DMA (UDMA) 128-GB card, based on Canon's testing standards.
2. Supports a new accessory, GPS Receiver GP-E2.
3. Adds an ISO Auto maximum setting.
4. Adds an in-camera RAW processing function.
5. Adds a Quick Control function during image playback.
6. Adds a rating function.
7. Adds a JPEG resize function.
8. Adds an auto recording level manual adjustment function.
9. Adds a function to freely set text for file names.
10. Adds a function to make time zone settings.
11. Increases the screen scrolling speed when magnifying images.
12. Fixes a phenomenon where a slow shutter speed may result when an external flash is used to fire intermittent, consecutive flashes.
13. Corrects the colour space information in the Exif file for movies.

For more information and download of the new firmware, go to the Canon USA website.