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We all love shiny new gear, but sometimes the things that make the biggest difference are the updates behind the scenes. Things like firmware updates. They aren’t sexy, but they are still vital.
DIYP had a closer look at Sigma’s new FP firmware and chatted with Brian about the update and how it can benefit Sigma FP users.
Amidst talk of an impending Nikon announcement for a full-frame retro-styled body – a mirrorless refresh of the Df – Nikon has released a firmware update for their APS-C Nikon Zfc (buy here).
The new v1.41 firmware does not change much and adds no functionality to the camera. But it does address an autofocus failure issue that users may have been experiencing.
Sony has released a new firmware update for the recently released Sony ZV-E1 (buy here). On release, looking at the specs, the Sony ZV-E1 was essentially a slightly cut-down Sony A7S III (buy here) or Sony FX3 (buy here) in a more vlogging-friendly form factor. One of the notable features missing from the ZV-E1 that both the A7S III and FX3 can do was 4K video at 120fps.
If that was a feature you were a bit sad to see missing, Sony has answered your prayers today. The new update released today, which is completely free to download for ZV-E1 owners, adds 4K 120fps shooting capabilities. You get 1080p HD at up to 240 frames per second, too.
Canon has released a new v1.0.4.1 firmware update for the Canon EOS R5c (buy here), the cine-centric version of Canon’s EOS R5 mirrorless camera (buy here). It’s a pretty large firmware with a lot of updates. There doesn’t appear to be a single massive new feature, though.
It adds support for many cinema lenses to enable features like Dual Pixel CMOS AF autofocus, Dual Pixel Focus Guide as well as to set the T stop number. A new power-saving mode has been added to the camera as well. It also sees a large number of UI/UX changes, additions and enhancements to help make your shooting life a little easier.
Rode has announced a lot of stuff during NAB 2023 so far. There’s been the Rode Streamer X (buy here) video and audio capture device for podcasting, streaming and content creation, as well as the RodeCaster Duo (buy here), a slightly cut-down RodeCaster Pro II (buy here) for those who require fewer inputs and a lower budget. Now, it’s the turn of the Rode Wireless GO II (buy here), which sees a big update addressing two of the biggest complaints about the Rode Wireless GO II.
The first is the release of a new, official Rode Wireless GO II charging case. No longer do you need to resort to third-party cases, or tying up multiple USB sockets on your charger with a bunch of cables. The second is a new firmware update coming to the Wireless GO II that lets you record and access wav files directly from the transmitters rather than having to run it through the Rode Central conversion process.
It’s a big week for Rode, with many new announcements. This time, it’s the new RodeCaster Duo (buy here), a 2-channel version of the 4-channel RodeCaster Pro II (RCP2). The RodeCaster Duo includes many of the features of the RCP2 but in a smaller footprint. Rode has yet to release pricing for the new RodeCaster Duo, but it will obviously cost less than the RCP2, presenting a more affordable option for creators that need fewer inputs.
Rode has also announced a new firmware update for the RodeCaster Pro II (buy here), bringing a big and often-requested feature to the unit. You can now connect Rode Wireless GO II (buy here) and Rode Wireless ME (buy here) transmitters directly to the RCP2 without plugging receivers in. This bypasses the need for receivers and extra cables (and extra points of failure) sitting on your desk.
Sony has announced new firmware updates for both the Sony FX3 and Sony FX30 cinema cameras. The new updates bring together what Sony describes as “unified operability and common workflow to the Cinema Line”. Sony FX3 firmware v3.0 and Sony FX30 firmware v2.0 both bring the same set of features to each camera, including some that have been highly requested.
First up, both cameras can now shoot true 24.00 fps in 4K DCI resolution using a new video format, XAVC S-I DCI 4K (17:9), allowing them to seamlessly slot into high-end workflows using Sony Venice cameras. Both cameras also see 1.3x and 2.0x anamorphic desqueeze options available. The FX3 also gains a notably missing feature that the FX30 also contained. Focus Breathing Compensation.
As well as the firmware update for the EOS R5, Canon has also announced v1.4.0 firmware for the Canon EOS R3 (buy here). Unfortunately, the new pixel shift feature of the EOS R5 doesn’t appear to have translated over. What it does have, however, is improved facial recognition. You’re now able to have it remember specific people in an attempt to focus on them.
This newfound ability will be very handy for several photographers, including wedding and sports shooters. Being able to focus on specific people throughout the course of events such as these can prove to be extremely useful and ensure more keepers. After all, you don’t want to be shooting a wedding party and have it randomly focus on drunk aunts and uncles behind the wedding couple all the time.
Canon has released version 1.8.1 firmware for the Canon EOS R5 (buy here). Amongst the features added, one adds “IBIS High Resolution Shot”. As the name suggests, this is a high-resolution shooting mode that utilises IBIS in order to create massive 400-megapixel images using the EOS R5’s 45-megapixel sensor.
Essentially, it’s a Pixel Shift feature similar to that found in some cameras from Fujifilm, Olympus/OM System, Panasonic, Pentax, Sony and Hasselblad. It’s about time it came to Canon, and I’m quite surprised it’s taken this long to implement, but now it’s finally available.
Nikon has announced a new firmware update for the Nikon Z5 full-frame mirrorless camera. The new v1.40 update expands the previous v1.22 update with support for the iOS version of NX MobileAir, the Nikon MC-N10 remote grip, the Nikon ML-L7 remote, as well as adding saved focus position support for a range of telephoto zoom and prime lenses. It also brings some pretty significant changes to Eye autofocus.
For a start, Eye-Detection autofocus is now available on the Nikon Z5 when shooting video. Previously, it was confined to shooting stills. The performance of Eye AF has also been improved when shooting in Auto-area AF mode. The refresh rates of the focus points in live view has also been increased to help you more easily ensure it’s tracking what you want it to.
Udi Tirosh is an entrepreneur, photography inventor, journalist, educator, and writer based in Israel. With over 25 years of experience in the photo-video industry, Udi has built and sold several photography-related brands. Udi has a double degree in mass media communications and computer science.
Alex Baker is a portrait and lifestyle driven photographer based in Valencia, Spain. She works on a range of projects from commercial to fine art and has had work featured in publications such as The Daily Mail, Conde Nast Traveller and El Mundo, and has exhibited work across Europe
Dave Williams is an accomplished travel photographer, writer, and best-selling author from the UK. He is also a photography educator and published Aurora expert. Dave has traveled extensively in recent years, capturing stunning images from around the world in a modified van. His work has been featured in various publications and he has worked with notable brands such as Skoda, EE, Boeing, Huawei, Microsoft, BMW, Conde Nast, Electronic Arts, Discovery, BBC, The Guardian, ESPN, NBC, and many others.
John Aldred is a photographer with over 20 years of experience in the portrait and commercial worlds. He is based in Scotland and has been an early adopter - and occasional beta tester - of almost every digital imaging technology in that time. As well as his creative visual work, John uses 3D printing, electronics and programming to create his own photography and filmmaking tools and consults for a number of brands across the industry.
Dunja Djudjic is a multi-talented artist based in Novi Sad, Serbia. With 15 years of experience as a photographer, she specializes in capturing the beauty of nature, travel, and fine art. In addition to her photography, Dunja also expresses her creativity through writing, embroidery, and jewelry making.
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