The LX3's firmware 2.1 has been udated by the 2.2 firmware and can be downloaded on the Japanese Panasonic page at panasonic.jp
This small update includes: Firmware version 2.2 (2010/07/29)
1. Optimization of software processing.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
9 comments:
Any idea what the cryptic description of the update from Panasonic means in terms of performance? Faster RAW processing in camera? Better conversion to JPEG? Will it affect writing speed? etc.?
No change as far as I have noticed. Not image quality-wise either.
Note that same DMC-LX3 Version 2.2 FW update web-page that states:
"... download the latest firmware to enhance the product's performance" ...
ALSO clearly states a contradiction to the above quoted statement where it comes to FW Update Version 2.2:
"... Change in software version has no effect on camera performance."
User beware! Whatever is going on with FW 2.2 appears to have NOTHING to do with any benefit to the camera user (due to any change in performance or functionality).
Around the time of the DMC-LX3 FW 2.1 release (Oct 21 2009), Panasonic added 3rd-party battery lock-out functionality to a number of other firmware updates for existing Lumix camera models that did not previously lock-out 3rd-party batteries.
(While I am not sure), I do think that the CGAS005 battery type that the DMC-LX3 uses are capable of identifying their (proprietary or 3rd-party) origin to the camera.
I was pleasantly surprised to note that FW Version 2.1 did NOT implement such a function (as my $10 USD 3rd-party extra batteries work just fine, thank you ... :)
I read that the upcoming DMC-LX5 will include a 3rd-party battery lock-out functionality.
I strongly suspect that this DMC-LX3 FW 2.2 update is solely for the purpose of locking-out 3rd-party batteries ... ?
And, in order to ensure that the user does not re-flash with the Version 2.1 firmware upon discovering this unsavory fact, it would be highly likely that FW Version 2.2 FW update would not be reversible back to previous FW Versions.
Thus, I suspect that applying FW 2.2 is solely for the benefit of Panasonic's corporate profits from proprietary battery sales, to the financial detriment of the user ...
The wise should wait until some inevitable DMC-LX3 user applies the FW Version 2.2 update, and posts (what may be) their sad story somewhere on the internet ...
I have NEVER seen a FW update for any camera that is stated to have:
"no effect on camera performance". Have you?
Something tells me that FW Version 2.2 is (solely) about improving Panasonic's financial performance and net worth - and degrading the users' net worth!
I like my 3rd-party extra batteries just fine, thank you ... :) After purchasing the camera and a SDHC memory card and all the rest, I have already spent enough money as it is!
Don't be a chump for Panasonic. Wait and see what will inevitably be posted on the internet about this seemingly useless FW update! It look like a "Trojan Horse" devoid of any stated camera performance benefit whatsoever ...
Then again, maybe not ...
See:
http://forums.dpreview.com/forums/read.asp?forum=1033&message=35921273
where "jiihaa" states:
"I upgraded to 2.2. No apparent difference in image quality (as good as always), but need to investigate this more." ...
and further states:
"And my 3rd party battery works as usual, no need to worry on this front."
I am (personally) still suspicious - and will wait for further information likely yet to emerge. It is possible that a 3rd-party battery lock-out could potentially be programmed to occur at some later date/time ...
"Even paranoids have enemies" ... :)
Well, apparently this update is not needed if you have 2.1, only for older firmware versions.
And for me everything works as usual, no problems or changes whatever.
this is just so disappointing.
Why not fix the movie mode issues (locked controls) or the stupid shutter speed problems with C1/C2 modes. another useless upgrade.
My 3rd party battery octopus which also carries the model number CGA-S005E is usable on my LX3 with firmware 2.2.
I updated to V2.2 and my Ansmann battery still works
Post a Comment