New Firmware Updates from Panasonic

Panasonic has updated the available firmware options for several of their Micro 4/3 system products. Below are the details of each update.

Panasonic Lumix DMC-G1 firmware Ver. 1.3:

Improvements  
Date/Version Description
2009/6/24
Ver 1.3
  1. Fixed the instability of operation when the lens is retracted into its barrel, using Olympus Imaging Corporation's M.ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 14-42mm f3.5-5.6 lens.
  2. Fixed the instability of operation, using Olympus Imaging Corporation's M.ZUIKO DIGITAL 17mm f2.8 lens.
  3. Improved the battery identification to assure the safety standards Panasonic uses for our customer's safety.

    [ Warning ]
    After this firmware update your Panasonic Digital Camera cannot be operated by 3rd party batteries (non genuine Panasonic batteries).

    < Important Notice for non genuine Panasonic or 3rd party battery packs(Recommendation for Use of Genuine Panasonic Battery Pack) >


Pansonic Lumix DMC-GH1 firmware Ver. 1.1:

Improvements  
Date/Version Description
2009/6/24
Ver 1.1
  1. Burst speed has become faster.
    Only when the [BURST RATE] in the [REC] mode menu is set to [H], Burst speed was increased from 3 pictures/second to 3.5 pictures/second.
  2. Shutter speed slower than 1/30 sec. (up to 1/2 sec.) has now become available in the Creative Motion Picture mode [ ].
    Only when the [EXPOSURE MODE] in the [MOTION PICTURE] mode menu is set to [M], and the focus mode dial is set to [MF].
    Please note that the shutter speed slower than 1/30 sec. can not be set, when the [REC MODE] in the [MOTION PICTURE] mode menu is set to [AVCHD]([ ]), and [REC QUALITY] is set to [FHD]([ ]).

    < A brief leaflet for the specification update. >

  3. Improved the stability of AF(Auto Focus) in Motion Picture recording.
  4. Improved the stability of [AFC] operation in Focus mode.
  5. Improved the performance of AWB (Auto White Balance).
  6. Improved the S/N figure for the pictures taken with slow shutter speed.
  7. Fixed the instability of operation when the lens is retracted into its barrel, using Olympus Imaging Corporation's M.ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 14-42mm f3.5-5.6 lens.
  8. Fixed the instability of operation, using Olympus Imaging Corporation's M.ZUIKO DIGITAL 17mm f2.8 lens.
  9. Improved the battery identification to assure the safety standards Panasonic uses for our customer's safety.

    [ Warning ]
    After this firmware update your Panasonic Digital Camera cannot be operated by 3rd party batteries (non genuine Panasonic batteries).

    < Important Notice for non genuine Panasonic or 3rd party battery packs(Recommendation for Use of Genuine Panasonic Battery Pack) >


Panasonic Lumix G Vario HD 14-140mm F4.0-5.8 MEGA O.I.S. lens (H-VS014140) firmware Ver. 1.1:

Improvements  
Date/Version Description
2009/6/24
Ver 1.1
  1. Improved the operation of O.I.S. in Motion Picture recording.
  2. Fixed the instability of operation with Olympus Imaging Corporation's E-P1 camera body.

For more information or to download these new updates, please visit Panasonic Japan's Support Website.