Panasonic GH2: New firmware adds features, improves performance

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posted Wednesday, December 7, 2011 at 1:19 PM EDT

Panasonic's DMC-GH2 digital camera. Click to read our Panasonic GH2 review!Panasonic has today issued a new firmware version for its Lumix DMC-GH2 compact system camera.

The Panasonic GH2 firmware v1.1 makes quite a range of changes, adding new features and improving overall performance. There's a new high bitrate 24Mbps 1080p 25fps recording mode, and support for power zoom lenses with display of focal length, zoom speed adjustment, preset step zoom function, the ability to resume the last-used zoom position when the camera is powered on, and support for the zoom ring on the LUMIX G X VARIO PZ 45-175mm lens. Additionally, the autofocus area in face detection and point modes can now be moved right to the edge of the image frame, there's a new function that allows image capture with only a half-press of the shutter button, the touch screen can be enabled or disabled, and the Ex. Tele Conv. function can now be set separately for still and video imaging.

Other changes include an increase in burst-shooting depth, and in burst speed when using auto bracketing, an improvement in autofocus performance during video capture, more accurate flash exposures using the built-in flash, better noise performance at high ISO sensitivities, and the low-battery warning now abides by the Beep Volume setting.

More details and the firmware itself can be found on the Panasonic website.