Firmware Friday: Bug fixes for Nikon AW120, AW130, Ricoh Theta V; new features for Panasonic Varicam

by Mike Tomkins

posted Friday, July 6, 2018 at 10:09 PM EDT

After an action-packed June with dozens of updates from most of the main camera brands, our first Firmware Friday roundup for July arrives as a rather more compact affair. This week, we only have news of three still cameras and three video cameras either receiving new updates in the past seven days, or slated to do so imminently.

If you're a Nikon, Panasonic or Ricoh shooter, you'll want to read on for the full story below.

Nikon Coolpix AW120 and AW130

Nikon has this week issued firmware version 1.1 for the Coolpix AW120, and firmware version 1.2 for the Coolpix AW130. Both closely-related cameras share the same single entry on the changelog: A problem with inaccurate, unreliable or missing GPS data in "some locations" has been resolved. Download the firmware at the previous links.

Panasonic Varicam HS, LT and 35

New firmware hasn't yet arrived for the Panasonic Varicam HS, LT and 35, but it's scheduled to do so any day now, with firmware version 8.0 for the Varicam HS and 35, plus firmware version 7.0 for the Varicam LT all expected to land on July 10th. Again, there's just one change on the list for each model, but this time it's a new feature: a custom splash screen function which is intended to serve as a theft deterrent. Watch this space for more in next week's roundup!

Ricoh Theta V

And finally for this week, firmware version 2.31.1 for the Ricoh Theta V follows on from last week's version 2.30.1. It retains the same tweaks from last week's v2.30.0 update as below, but also resolves further unspecified bugs.

You can save shooting conditions set with a smartphone on the camera.
Shooting conditions registered in My Settings will be enabled when you turn the camera on while not connected to a smartphone.
You can only use My Settings for still images.
*Requires the latest version of the smartphone app (iOS 2.1.0 or above, Android 1.19.0 or above).
It is now possible to use Developers Mode.
*The basic app for PC needs to be updated to the newest version (Version 3.5.0 or higher).
Implemented minor improvements
Bug fixes