Firmware Friday: Canon EOS R, Fuji T3 and T30 get new features; Ricoh and Sigma improve existing ones

After a bit of a breather with last week's smaller-than-average roundup, our regular Firmware Friday roundup returns this time around with a whole lot more to discuss. There are three mirrorless cameras from Canon and Fujifilm receiving a raft of new features and tweaks between them, plus ten Sigma lenses and two mount converters gaining improved performance, and several of Ricoh's software utilities receiving bug-fixing updates as well.

With lots to talk about it, we'll nix the preamble and get right down to what's new!

Canon EOS R

Starting off with Canon's EOS R, the company has released firmware version 1.2.0 (download here), which brings two new features and three fixes. Firstly, there's eye-detection autofocus support in servo AF for still-image capture, and regardless of the servo mode chosen for movie capture. There's also a new small autofocus point size, again either for still-image servo AF or when in movie mode. Bug fixes include solutions for incorrect electronic level display or incorrectly-oriented overlays in the electronic viewfinder, and failure to update firmware of an attached WFT-E7 wireless file transmitter.

Fujifilm X-T3 and X-T30

Next up, we've got firmware version 3.00 for the Fuji X-T3 (download here), and firmware version 1.01 for the X-T30 (download here). As the version numbers would suggest, the X-T30 update is relatively minor, while that for the X-T3 is a biggie. With ten bullet points on the changelog for that camera, we'll let Fuji do the talking. Here's what's new in the X-T3:

1. Strengthened the accuracy of face / eye detection AF performance
   The AF algorithm has been improved along with the accuracy of face / eye detection AF. The ability to detect faces in the distance has been enhanced by approximately 30% and AF tracking is now more stable, even when an obstacle appears in the way. The improvements in AF are applicable to both still photos and video recording.

2. New Face Select function
   The Face Select function has been introduced to provide priority auto-focus, tracking and exposure on a selected subject when multiple faces have been detected. The priority face can be selected by using the touch screen or focus lever.

3. Faster AF speed for subjects at a distance
   A Double Tap Setting and Touch Function has been added to the touch screen settings*. The two settings must be set to off to provide a better touch screen response. These new settings allow a more intuitive touch operation when shooting, AF and focus area select.

4. Intuitive operation of touch screen
   A Double Tap Setting and Touch Function has been added to the touch screen settings(*1). The two settings must be set to off to provide a better touch screen response. These new settings allow a more intuitive touch operation when shooting, AF and focus area select.
   *1：By default, Touch Screen Setting, Double Tap Setting and Touch Function are set to all off. Touch Screen Setting must be set to on to use the touch screen function.

5. Focus frame when eye detection setting
   When using eye detection setting, only focus frame on eye is displayed.

6. Improvement of AF/AE area tracking when using EVF
   When using the EVF, tracking function for AF/AE area movement by touch screen is improved.

7. Push function of the Focus stick when interval timer shooting
   The push function is disabled when interval timer shooting.

8. Flicker reduction function
   The options are changed from on/off to all frames/first frame/off. And when choosing first frame, the speed of CH continuous shooting is improved.

9. Message when image transfer order
   If there is no image of transfer order when turing on a camera, no message appears.

10. Fix of slight defects.

The sole change for the X-T30, meanwhile, is an increase to the button time required to activate the quick menu, to prevent it being opened accidentally.

Ricoh Digital Camera Utility 5 (Mac / Win) and Image Transmitter 2 (Mac only)

Ricoh doesn't have any camera firmware for us this week, but it does have bug-fixing updates for some of the software bundled with its cameras. Digital Camera Utility 5 has been upgraded to version 5.8.3 for Windows (download here) or MacOS (download here). Corrections are shared between both platforms, and provide fixes for the following three issues:

1. The parameter information is not correctly described in image file that is selected [Cross Processing] for image finishing of Custom image and saved [Develop and Save].

2. When displaying RAW data shooting under the condition that lens aberration correction is disabled,　the image with vertical line is displayed under the condition that the simple RAW development image is displayed.

3. Mac OS only: The folder display order is not in order in Mojave or later.

Although Image Transmitter 2 is also available for both Mac and Windows platforms, the new version 2.4.2 update (download here) is only available on MacOS, with no Windows equivalent yet offered. (We're not yet certain whether one is on the way, or whether both changes are specific to the MacOS platform, however.) There are fixes for two problems in this release:

1. Focus fine adjustment does not work with some lenses.

2. The version information dialog is not displayed in Mojave.

Sigma MC-11 SA-E and EF-E; 12-24mm, 14mm, 24-70mm, 85mm, 100-400mm, 135mm and 500mm lenses (EF, F and/or SA mounts)

Which brings us to Sigma. The company closes out this week's roundup with by far the most news of all, shipping updates for ten different lenses and mount converters, between their different mount variants. Firmware version 1.17 for the SA-E MC-11 mount converter and firmware version 1.24 for its EF-E mount equivalent both simply add support for lenses running on the new firmware. The juicy details come in the lens firmware updates themselves.

In all, there are three changes made by these new updates, although not all lenses require all three of the changes. Changes and the lenses / mounts / firmware versions they apply to are as follows:

1. Improved the AF speed and quality when the lens is used with the SIGMA MOUNT CONVERTER MC-21 SA-L

   • 12-24mm F4 DG HSM A016 for Sigma v1.01

   • 14mm F1.8 DG HSM A017 for Sigma v1.01

   • 24-70mm F2.8 DG OS HSM A017 for Sigma v1.05

   • 85mm F1.4 DG HSM A016 for Sigma v1.02

   • 100-400mm F5-6.3 DG OS HSM C017 for Sigma v1.03

   • 135mm F1.8 DG HSM A017 for Sigma v1.01

   • 500mm F4 DG OS HSM S016 for Sigma v1.01

2. Improved the stability of the image in the viewfinder, making it easier to confirm composition, thanks to the updated control algorithm of the Optical Stabilizer.

   • 100-400mm F5-6.3 DG OS HSM C017 for Canon v2.05

   • 100-400mm F5-6.3 DG OS HSM C017 for Nikon v1.03

   • 100-400mm F5-6.3 DG OS HSM C017 for Sigma v1.03

3. Corrected the phenomenon whereby it may occasionally show overexposure when narrowing down the aperture from F3.5 while shooting.

   • 135mm F1.8 DG HSM A017 for Canon v2.02
     (problem occurs only when using the lens in combination with the Canon EOS R and either Mount Adapter EF-EOS R or Control Ring Mount Adapter EF-EOS R.)

   • 135mm F1.8 DG HSM A017 for Sigma v1.01

To update your lenses, you'll need Sigma's USB dock accessory and its Optimization Pro software, which you can download here. Those of you who own the mount adapters can update them using the same software and your supplied USB cable.

And that's all for this week. Check back next time for more firmware news!

 

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(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.)