Panasonic GX1 and 100-300mm firmware updates (+review and in Stock status)
Panasonic announced a new firmware updated for the new GX1 camera and the 100-300mm zoom lens. You should soon be able to download the firmware at http://panasonic.jp/support/global/cs/dsc/. For some mysterious reasons the download is still not available but the new features are already here:
DMC-GX1
-Enhancement in the performance of AWB
-Enhancement in the performance of [AFF] (AF Flexible) and [AFC] (AF Continuous)
-Improved stability when used with the SD Memory Card complying with UHS-I
-Addition of [STEP ZOOM] and [ZOOM SPEED] in the setting of [Fn] (Function) button and [Q.MENU]
-Reflection of [DRIVE MODE] settings to [CUSTOM SETTING]
-[MENU RESUME] in each menu tab
-Page flip in the menu tab with [DISP.] (Display) button
LUMIX G VARIO 100-300mm / F4.0-5.6 / MEGA O.I.S. (H-FS100300)
-Improved performance of O.I.S. (Optical Image Stabilizer)
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Jordan Steele (Click here) posted a new GX1 review: “for still imaging, this is easily Panasonic’s best compact style CSC to date, and rivals the flagship of the Lumix line, the GH2, in everything but video. Outstanding.”
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For USA readers: The Silver GX1 body only is in Stock at Amazon (Click here) while the black body will be in Stock within 3-5 weeks again at Amazon (Click here). More Panasonic GX1 search links: Amazon, Adorama, B&H, J&R, eBay.
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Recent comments
Comment from safaridon: One likely reason why the black GX1 is n...
Comment from Brod1er: It would be crazy to stalk using the len...Comment from Lanturlu: Didn't see the 100-300mm update, but E-P...
Comment from Duarte Bruno: And you say "Yes, I do!!!"...
BS Artiste
5 months ago |Wow! Look at the “hump” on that camera.
caver3d
5 months ago |Now, that was cruel –smile–.
BS Artiste
5 months ago |Yeah. If a camera has a view finder, then the real estate for the view finder has to go somewhere.
I’m fine with add-on view finders, but add-on view finders have to attach very securely and not stick out in ways that cause the attached view finder to snag or catch on something and potentially break off.
I think it is funny to criticize a camera with a built-in view finder as having a “hump”. The functions of eye-viewer, screen, electronics, and attachment hardware have to go somewhere. There probably are more and less elegant solutions to the problem. However, if a camera is to have a view finder, it must take up some physical space.
BS Artiste
5 months ago |Also, add-on view finders cannot exclude the use of other attachments such as hot shoe external flashes or a GPS location-capture device.
Narretz
5 months ago |so retro!
Camaman
5 months ago |That camera is mighty glad it sees me!!
PS. great upgrade by Panasonic! Juts keep it up.
People today are not afraid to upload software to their toys. We must upload new stuff to phones, TVs DVDs, why not cameras! Bring on the good stuff!
BS Artiste
5 months ago |+1 – I remember asking an Oly dealer back in 2001 about flash firmware upgrades to a camera. He said Oly only would do that when the camera was sent back to the factory. I was used to flashing new firmware into computer BIOSes and network equipment non-volatile memories. It seemed only natural to do the same thing to fix camera software bugs. I’m glad manufacturers have become more flexible in allowing customers to apply firmware bug fixes and improvements just like other digital equipment in the PC and networking industry.
ange7
5 months ago |camera makers should make their firmware open source. Lots of people would spend hours developing the user interface and cam functions…for free. Users would get a say by picking the version that suits them. That might lead to a standardizing of popular user interfaces that can be upped to what ever cam you buy next. Wow I can talk some bs.
Chris K
5 months ago |I’ll say one thing about Panasonic: they do their customers right when it comes to firmware. I’m a long-time Canon DSLR user, and their solution for broken products is usually to deny it, and fix it quietly in the next product. Panasonic not only fixes their bugs, but genuinely improves their products via firmware. Kudos.
Sandy
5 months ago |That’s true, I also thought their LX5 FW upgrade was very nice to their customer.
gzo
5 months ago |…and it also very nice that you can update a Panasonic lens on an Olympus camera connected to your computer (using joint update service.)
simonl
5 months ago |Panasonic are OK but compared to Ricoh they’re just playing at it. If you mention something nice-to-have on a forum it always comes up as an option in the next firmware as long as it’s a half decent idea.
Lets hope Panasonic read this =D
Fan
5 months ago |Not available yet! Later this month.
Mr. Reeee
5 months ago |The 100-300mm will probably be my next lens, so it’s good to see Panasonic tweaking the performance a bit.
Brod1er
5 months ago |Hi Mr Reeee (man),
I think the OIS update for the 100-300 will be really helpful. There is something not quite right about it with the current firmware and it will make a good lens really good. Having the ability to go to 600mm (FF equivalent) in such a small/light package opens up some interesting new opportunities. It also acts as a 200mm f4 which is handy for portraiture. NB don’t use UV filters (especially cheap ones) on this lens as it ruins the contrast.
ange7
5 months ago |portraits with a 200mm lens? Are these “portraits” taken from bushes outside your ex’s house?
Bob B.
5 months ago |….most fashion “portraits” are shot with long lenses like that…except…at like f/2.8 on full frame.
It is a good way to get bokeh!
ange7
5 months ago |bokeh … never heard it called that before.
yep was messing with him..I don’t think he’s a stalker..should have added the
….I use 135mm f2 on my 7D to get the same but your “except” is a huge one, F4 on 43rds…bokeh?
Bob B.
5 months ago |Ange…If I really want bokeh…I put my 85mm f/1.2 on my FF 5D MarkII. My point is…you are annoying. You can get GREAT gauzy backgrounds using an Oly 45mm f/1.8 or a Pany/Leica 25mm f/1.4 if used with some skill the results are beautiful. The equipment is also 25% (or less) of the price of the big guns…and a hell of a lot easier to carry around and have fun with for the average person.. AND..the bokeh is way better than anything shot on the Nikon V1!!!!! wait..wait…here it is:
ange7
5 months ago |5d? Nikon V1? 45mm 1.8? your all over the shop. We are talking about 200mm f4 portrait pics on a m43rd weren’t we? I’m not sure your as happy as that smiley face suggests.
Mate the joke was the mm length suggested he was taking them from a distance away ie hidden…hence the stalking joke. Lighten the f up.
Bob B.
5 months ago |:-O
Brod1er
5 months ago |It would be crazy to stalk using the lens at 200mm……..that’s what the 600mm setting is for
Diogenes
5 months ago |I tried the link provided and there is no GX1 firmware update listed (not a big deal since I still have my GF1, & haven’t upgraded)
And the latest firmware update for the 100-300 lens (which I have) is from 4 moths ago ( Sept 13, 2011)! Makes me ask why this post is in the “news” here?
Fan
5 months ago |Panasonic announced the availability for later this month.
Will
5 months ago |Where is the firmware updates, I don’t see it on their website?!
Bob B.
5 months ago |The firmware updates will be announced later this month…making a great camera greater.
Panasonic fixed my IS on the 45-175mm X lens with a REALLY fast firmware update…also.
I like the hump. It looks great on my silver one too.
http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7157/6712544549_f1b1afb053_b.jpg
Having an ad-on viewfinder does keep the box small….look at the size of the M9 and the Fuji XP1….now if the Pany sensor could just…….
bean5y
5 months ago |Nice setup you have there
Bob B.
5 months ago |Thanks. Shot with G3 and Pany/Leica 45mm 2.8 macro. Window light. These cameras are FUN!
Aly
5 months ago |I really wish I could get excited about this camera. I know the specs and performance are better than my GF1, but it’s just so blah looking. I see the exciting looking cameras from Fuji and even the EP3 and wonder why Panny can’t give their cameras some pizazz. Even the add-on viewfinder looks lame.
Bob B.
5 months ago |I think it is a great looking camera. Fantastic. Form follows function. I sold my GF1 and bought the GX1 with a VF and also a G3 body for backup. I like the way they both handle but the GX1 has a LOT of changes compared to my GF1…it is kind of like the super-charged, sports-car model of the GF1. I am glad I made the change.
It isn’t retro looking…it is now looking. I gotta like that.
katy
5 months ago |I agree Bob, I also think the GX1 is an excellent looking camera. It handles beautifully and I love to pick it up and take pics with it!
Mar
5 months ago |If Panasonic was fair, they’d build IS switch into all of their lenses.
ange7
5 months ago |or build the IS into the sensor and call it an oly.
gary
5 months ago |When its made available do you just connect the camera to the computer with a lead and download? does it just update the camera automatically? cheers for any info, never updated a camera before
Bob B.
5 months ago |The updates I have done are downloaded to an SD card…you put the card in and hit the play button.
Duarte Bruno
5 months ago |And you say “Yes, I do!!!”
Yun
5 months ago |So fast got firmware update for GX1 !
Does this mean this camera almost come to an end ? New Pana pro camera coming ?
Lanturlu
5 months ago |Didn’t see the 100-300mm update, but E-P3, E-PL3 and E-PM1 firmware got updated to 1.2, Jan 19th 2012. http://www.olympus.co.jp/en/support/imsg/digicamera/download/software/firm/e1/index.cfm
safaridon
5 months ago |One likely reason why the black GX1 is not readily available in US is its rapid rise in sales on the Japanese market. Latest weekly statistics show the GX1 now the 4th best selling mirrorless ILS and ranked #9 among all DSLRs with only 5 Canon and Nikon DSLRs selling any better. Some of the moves Pany has beeb rumored to have made regarding to G3 and GH2 production may be linked by the need to expand GX1 production to meet demand.