Panasonic announces the new firmware update program for the digital interchangeable lens system cameras DMC-GH2, DMC-G3, DMC-GF3 and DMC-GF2 of LUMIX G Micro System.
The firmware version 1.1 will be released to enhance the functions when the camera is used with the new power zoom lenses - LUMIX G X VARIO PZ 14-42mm / F3.5-5.6 ASPH. / POWER O.I.S. (H-PS14042) and LUMIX G X VARIO PZ 45-175mm / F4.0-5.6 ASPH. / POWER O.I.S. (H-PS45175).
The following functions will be available with the new firmware: - Display of the local length When you zoom, the focal distance is displayed and you can confirm the zoom position. - Step zoom When you operate the zoom, the zoom will stop at positions corresponding to predetermined distances. - Zoom resume When you switch the power switch [ON], the zoom positions when you last switched [OFF] are automatically restored. - Selectable zoom speed Users can select the speed of electric-powered zooming.
The power zoom lenses can be used with DMC-GH2, DMC-G3, DMC-GF3 or DMC-GF2 if the firmware is not updated. However, Panasonic recommends all users to update
Panasonic should give us 50p at 1080p to maintain GH2's competitiveness against the new Sony cams w AVCHD2.0 before GH3 rolled out. But again, it's Panasonic... it "may" just spare us a 25p...
@Vitaliy to adapt ptool to any new firmware, it's a lot of work, right ? Would you have to dump again ? Does your "dumping GH2" could be used again for that purpose ?
let's hope they will make as easy as possible to continue work on next changes around hack.. I think they are really impressed by Vitaliy's work on Panasonic micro4/3 cameras..
Will it have the menu option that was removed after v0.8 (pre-release)? This was accessed via Extras > Other > Hidden > Beverage > Coffee > with the various options for sugar etc? We want to know. I'm getting my nozzles serviced in anticipation.
hey @Vitaliy_Kiselev, in regard to the new firmware supporting 25p would this mean that the 'new' code can be utilized to understand what is going on inside the GH2? Possibly allowing you to understand more about the camera? (Basically comparing the current firmware to the new firmware?)
The GF13 will be nice with the X 14-42, but if no new firmware, not sure it will be compatible, and if there is, I presume some work will be needed if V. wants to hack it ...
@Mark_the_Harp Yes, the hidden beverage menu will be moved out into the open now that they've worked out the kinks. I suspect they are also preparing the camera for compatibility with their new line of nozzles . . . although I'm not sure why you'd buy those, as it can use great vintage nozzles, which are cheaper and manual control.
so 3 part question - 1. "Display of the local length" does this mean we will get meaningfull focus numbers on any G lens (the 14-140) instead of just a man and a mountain picture? 2. If currently hacked, can we get the official firmware update? 3. Is a 1.1 hack forthcoming? 4 (bonus) if i update to 1.1 can i go back to the 1.0 hack?
"Regarding the Panasonic Lumix GH2 Firmware Hacking: A firmware update may be coming for the GH2 to add support for 25p, and additional improvements in video abilities. If there are features you want adding, contact Panasonic and let them know. They are aware of the work the "hackers" are doing and are impressed with their work, but that they (Panasonic) need to test everything / confirm there are no problems before rolling out updates. He also said that the GH3 is not due imminently, as the GH2 is still extremely popular, but that there is a high end GF series camera in the works."
That is the biggest compliment hackers can get. I hope this guy has power over decisions as it would be awesome if Panasonic incorporated everything that we achieved with the hack in a new firmware build. Although I wonder how they will do that, as the footage will not comply with the AVCHD spec anymore but maybe they will make a lab/experimental setting or something in the menu that you can enable if you are expert.