firmware

Panasonic released new firmware Monday that the company says improves its DMC-L10, the company's second SLR model.

Version 1.1 of the firmware, which can be downloaded from Panasonic's Web site, improves autofocus with the company's 14-50mm and 14-150mm lenses, improves autoexposure in night scenes, and improves the performance of the automatic white-balance operation, Panasonic said.

Panasonic announced the L10 in August. It costs $1,300, including a 14-50mm lens.

Shortly after Canon announced a hardware fix for autofocus problems affecting some of its high-end EOS-1D Mark III cameras, the leading SLR maker also has added a software fix.

Version 1.1.3 of the Camera's firmware "improves autofocus tracking" when shooting outdoors in bright environments or when shooting low-contrast subjects, Canon said. In addition, the firmware can speed the process of writing images to high-speed SD memory cards.

Canon's biggest rival for single-lens reflex cameras, Nikon, also released some new firmware for its brand new D3 and D300 models that endows them with the color … Read more

Canon has released an update to the firmware for its new EOS 40D SLRs designed to fix file format compatibility problems with some Adobe software.

Version 1.0.3 of the firmware worked with Adobe's raw-image editing software such as Photoshop and Lightroom, but the version 1.0.4 that shipped with some newer cameras broke compatibility, according to photographer and consultant Rob Galbraith and forums at Adobe, DPReview and elsewhere. Version 1.0.5 of the firmware can be downloaded from Canon's Web site.

The new firmware also fixes some Spanish and Korean language issues, corrects a … Read more

If you have an MP3 player but--to put it mildly--think its operating system leaves a lot to be desired, there is a way to make that player rock out with Rockbox. Open-source and free, Rockbox is downloadable firmware for your MP3 player that represents a big leap for audiophiles who want to control how they use their portable devices.

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Firmware fans, feast on this! Casio has released firmware updates for not 1, not 2, but 10 of its Exilim digital cameras. The Exilim EX-S880, EX-V8, EX-Z8, EX-Z12, EX-Z15, EX-Z77, and EX-Z1080 will receive fixes to their in-movie white balance systems, and the Exilim EX-Z5, EX-Z6, and EX-Z7 will get support for 8GB or larger SDHC memory cards. Mosey on over to Casio's support site to download these minor upgrades. You'll have to provide the camera's serial number before you can get the files, though.

Sony just released a firmware update for early models of the Alpha DSLR-A700--to version 2.x from firmware version 1.x--well as updates for the Image Data Converter and Image Data Lightbox bundled software applications. If your current firmware version is 2.x, you're already covered. To find the magic info, press Menu & Display together to check.

According to Sony, "The camera firmware update improves image sharpness and reduces noise under certain circumstances. It also improves flash control at very short distances with non-ADI control lenses. The updates for the bundled software applications correct the functioning of … Read more

Sigma has released a new firmware update to its 14 MP SD14 DSLR, with its unique Foveon X3 sensor. This firmware update, v1.05, improves the stability of the camera's operation and adds ISO 50 to its Extended Mode. The addition of ISO 50 allows user's to shoot images with low-noise levels, although Sigma mentions that it has less dynamic range than the camera's higher ISO's. Tips on getting the most out the newly added ISO 50 are available on Sigma's site. The improvements in the previous firmware versions are included in this most recent … Read more

Olympus has released a new firmware update to its 10-megapixel E-410 DSLR with Live View mode. This firmware update, v1.2, corrects several issues with the camera's operation. The improvements in the previous firmware versions are included in this most recent update as well.

We generally recommend installing the latest firmware updates for your camera so you can get the most out of your gear. For more information on firmware updates for a specific camera, visit the manufacturer's Web site. Before installing any firmware upgrade, always take the time to read through all of the documentation and follow … Read more

As promised, Canon has released new firmware for its high-end EOS-1D Mark III digital SLR.

Earlier this month, the company said it planned to release version 1.0.9 of the built-in camera software for the photojournalist-oriented camera. Instead, Canon released version 1.1.0 for download, fixing a fifth problem with 1.0.9.

Version 1.0.9 of the firmware "reduces the tendency of the camera to autofocus on high-contrast backgrounds when shooting in conditions where autofocus detection is difficult, such as when the main subject is not completely covered by the autofocus frames or if the … Read more