Firmware Friday: Big upgrade for Panasonic VariCam LT; Ricoh Theta V and Fuji X-H1 updates, too

Our regular Firmware Friday roundup took a brief hiatus last week, and so this week's roundup is actually going to include firmware from the last fortnight. In all, we have news of updates for four cameras this week, although one of the three hasn't yet been released. And we've also learned of updates for some related gear and software, too.

Working alphabetically, let's start things off with Fujifilm.

Fuji GFX 50S and X-H1, H Mount Adapter G, X Raw Studio and Tether Plugin Pro

Last week, Fuji released firmware version 3.0 for the GFX 50S, and it looks set to follow with an update for the X-H1 soon. The GFX 50S update adds up to 999-frame focus bracketing, a 30.5-megapixel 35mm cropped mode, and support for updated firmware for the H Mount Adapter G. (That firmware, meanwhile, adds compatibility with the HTS 1,5 Tilt and Shift adapter.)

As for the X-H1 firmware, well, that's yet to be released. Slated to arrive near the end of the month, it's intended to fix two problems: A warning to "TURN OFF THE CAMERA AND TURN ON AGAIN" when shooting with electronic first-curtain shutter and flicker reduction enabled, and an unintended defaulting of the ISO Auto function when using the Custom setting.

Alongside the new firmware, Fuji has also released version 1.8 of its Tether Plugin PRO for GFX for Adobe Photoshop Lightroom Classic CC / 6, and version 1.1.1 of the Fujifilm X Raw Studio application. The Windows update for X Raw Studio version 1.1.1 adds "compatibility when changing the “display” setting of Windows OS" -- your guess is as good as ours what that means -- while the Mac version corrects a problem that prevented v1.0 profiles being used in v1.1. The Tether Plugin PRO update for both platforms, meanwhile, adds support for the new 35mm cropped mode of the GFX 50S.

The Fuji GFX 50S firmware version 3.0 update can be downloaded here, and the H Mount Adapter G v1.10 update here. You can download Fuji's software updates here. Watch for the news of the X-H1 update in a future roundup!

Panasonic VariCam LT, Remote Operation Panels and Master Control Unit

Panasonic has recently updated its VariCam LT video camera to firmware version 28.01-00-0.00, and it's a biggie. The list of new features is as follows:

• Enhancement of usability in the state of being connected with ROP (AK-HRP1000/1005/HRP200 *)

  • AK-HRP1000/1005 (It will be supported by updating Ver.4.50-.)

  • AK-HRP200 Ver.4.01.00 or higher

•   On the premise that the camera is used at live events, specifications and functions are added.

  • Items are added to MENU.

    • SHADING is added to GRADING in V-Log mode selected for MAIN COLOR.

    • SHADING is added to MAIN COLOR.

  • Some of the specifications related to the connection with ROP are changed.

    • GAIN, PED, GAMMA, BLACK GAM, KNEE, SCENE FILE etc.

    • Support for ROP 5600K SW
      If 5600K SW is turned on, W/B works as PRESET 5600K regardless of its list.

    • Specification change of the camera’s GUI

  • To simplify the setup process of connecting AK-HRP1000, this ROP’s IP connection account is added to the default account settings.

  • Support for RETURN input

  • TALLY light up according to the commands from ROP On AU-VCVF10.

• The time required for displaying GUI at boot-up is reduced.

• SYSTEM MODE can be changed by selecting the preset item.

• ISO BASE ([800B] / [5000B]) is displayed. (VF, MON OUT, LCD (VIEW))

• Support for the playback of multiple clips in succession as well as in order of selection

• RESTART button is added so that the camera can be rebooted, after NETWORK SEL is changed.

• For the following settings where VFR is possible, VFR ON/OFF Switching feature is provided.
  REC FORMAT: LT codec
  PIXEL: CROP mode

• The function of changing TCP/UDP port for IP control by ROP is added.

• The setting value for the fan’s rotational speed reduction is added.

• The following compatible wireless LAN module is added.
  D-Link DWA171 (Australia)

• The following compatible EF lenses are added.　 　　
  CANON CN-E70-200mm T4.4L IS KAS S 　　
  CANON CN-E18-80mm T4.4L IS KAS S

• Support for SHADING RAW output

• LongGOP50 and LongGOP25 are added to the supported formats for HD CROP mode.

• The initial value of PROXY CODEC is changed to OFF. Even if the sub slot is empty, you can start recording.

There are also two bug fixes included. An intermittent Error 36 when stopping recording, or when inserting, removing or formatting a memory card is said to have been resolved. So has an issue with the image being shifted rightwards for raw video capture. You can download the new VariCam LT firmware here.

Panasonic has also simultaneously updated its AK-HRP1000 and AK-HRP1005 series remote operations panels and its AK-MSU1000 Master Control Unit to System 4.50-00-0.00.

Ricoh Theta V and Image Sync

Finally, we come to Ricoh. Firmware version 2.11.1 is a minor bug fix release for the Ricoh Theta V 360-degree spherical camera, while the Image Sync app is also a minor release adding support for the new Pentax K-1 Mark II body. Ricoh Theta owners can update using their Theta S app for Android phones and tablets, or using the Theta for Windows / Mac apps. Image Sync users can get their update in the Play Store or iTunes Store.

(Camera parts image courtesy of Kelly Hofer / Flickr; used under a Creative Commons CC-BY-2.0 license. Image has been modified from the original.)