Firmware updates for Canon, Fujifilm, Pentax and Sony cameras

The Canon EOS 6D Mark II receives firmware v. 1.0.4, which fixes a ‘rare control problem’ that could cause all controls, including the touchscreen panel, to stop responding in cameras with the previous firmware. The new firmware is available for downloading at https://www.canon.com.au/support/. Select the camera from the long list of models in the Drivers and Downloads pages.

Fujifilm is offering firmware updates for four cameras: the GFX 50S, the X-T2, the X-H1 and the X-Pro2. Firmware Version 5.00 for the X-Pro2 is the most complex. According to the notes provided, it makes the following changes:
1. Enlarged and customisable indicators or information

The upgrade allows users to enlarge indicators and information in the viewfinder and/or LCD monitor. This upgrade will also enable users to customise the location of where the information is shown on the display.

2. Addition of “Flicker Reduction”

For enhancing the quality of indoor sports photography, the upgrade allows users to reduce flicker in pictures and the display when shooting under fluorescent lighting and other similar light sources.

3. Addition of “Select Folder” and “Create Folder”

Enable to choose the folder in which subsequent pictures will be stored. And also enable to enter a five-character folder name to create a new folder in which to store subsequent pictures.

4. Enhanced Phase Detection AF

Latest updates to the AF algorithm provide the following performance enhancements

1) The low-light limit for phase detection autofocus has been improved by approximately 1.5 stops from 0.5EV to -1.0EV, raising the precision and speed of autofocus in low-light environments.

2) The range at minimum aperture has been expanded from F8 to F11. For example, even when using the XF100-400mmF4.5-5.6 R LM OIS WR with the tele converter XF2X TC WR, phase detection autofocus can now be used.

3) Major improvements have been made to the AF-C performance while operating the zoom, which provides major benefits when shooting sports and other scenarios in which the subjects moves unpredictably.

4) Finely-detailed surface textures of wild birds and wild animals can now be captured at high speed and with high precision as a result of improvement in phase detection autofocus.

5. New functions are added to store and read of camera settings by Fujifilm X Acquire.

Once connecting a camera to a computer via USB cable, the “Fujifilm X Acquire” allows users to backup/restore camera settings to/from a file. With “Fujifilm X Acquire” (ver.1.7 or newer), CUSTOM REGISTRATION/EDIT settings are also stored and read.

The new firmware is available to download at http://www.fujifilm.com/support/digital_cameras/software/firmware/x/xpro2/index.html.

The GFX 50S and X-T2 both gain folder creation and selection capabilities. Firmware version 3.20 for the GFX 50S is available at http://www.fujifilm.com/support/digital_cameras/software/firmware/gfx/gfx50s/index.html while firmware version 4.20 for the X-T2 can be downloaded from http://www.fujifilm.com/support/digital_cameras/software/firmware/x/xt2/index.html.

Firmware version 1.11 for the X-H1 fixes a “WRITE ERROR” warning that can appear when continuous shooting and using BACKUP or RAW/JPEG of CARD SLOT SETTING (STILL IMAGE). It is available at http://www.fujifilm.com/support/digital_cameras/software/firmware/x/xh1/index.html.

Fujifilm has also updated its Tether Plugin Pro application that provides support for tethered shooting when using the GFX 50S  with Adobe Photoshop Lightroom, Classic CC/6.

Ricoh Imaging has issued firmware updates for its Pentax K-1, K-3 and KP DSLR cameras to optimise their performance with the new HD Pentax-D FA*50mm f/1.4 SDM AW lens and improve overall stability. The new firmware can be found on the Software Downloads page at http://www.ricoh-imaging.co.jp/english/support/download_digital.html.

Firmware version 3.01 for the Sony ILCE-9 (α9) camera provides the following improvements:

1. Corrects a condition where the camera may not operate properly after updating to firmware version 3.00

Note: For cameras updating from version 3.00 to 3.01, the registered settings for the Fn (function) menu may not be inherited. You may need to customize the menu to your preferred settings again.

2. New lens support (SEL400F28GM)

3. Added functions for professionals engaged in sports/news media

4. Improvements in auto focus performance and functionality

5. Improvements in flash control performance and functionality.

The new firmware is available at https://www.sony-asia.com/electronics/support/e-mount-body-ilce9-series/ilce-9#downloads.