The latest Camera 4.4 update from Blackmagic Design unlocks Bluetooth camera control and adds new lens compatibility. With the latest Camera 4.4 update, Bluetooth camera control of the URSA Mini Pro is now possible. This allows users to remotely control the camera via an iOS app, and access settings including white balance, aperture, shutter angle, record stop/start, as well as adding metadata through the digital slate, and more. This is a completely free update, as is the Camera Control app which can be downloaded form the Apple App Store. The Camera Control app can operate the camera from a distance of 30 feet, which is useful for remote or multiple camera setups. Blackmagic Design have built the app as an open protocol so that developers can create their own camera control interface. The Camera 4.4 update also offers improved digital slate functionality and improved zebra stripe overlays for the URSA Mini 4K. For the URSA Mini Pro cameras, the Bluetooth functionality adds a new preset timecode option, as well as compatibility with the Canon 18-80mm T4.4 for iris control, record triggering and focusing. Improved PL, EF and B4 support has also been included too. To download the Blackmagic Camera 4.4 update, follow the link to Blackmagic Design Support HERE. Will you be using the new Camera Control App for the URSA Mini Pro? Let us know in the comments.

This new firmware update for Sigma lenses introduces some performance improvements that are particularly useful for video shooting. The update, which Sigma released last week, targets a selection of their EF mount lenses, namely the Sigma 17-70mm F2.8-4 DC MACRO OS HSM Contemporary, Sigma 18-200mm F3.5-6.3 DC MACRO OS HSM Contemporary, Sigma 18-300mm F3.5-6.3 DC MACRO OS HSM Contemporary and the Sigma 24-105mm F4 DG OS HSM Art. This firmware update for Sigma lenses — which you can carry out via the Sigma USB Dock — improves auto-focus performance when shooting video or on Live View mode on Canon DSLRs. In addition, the update reduces the noise of the diaphragm blades when adjusting the aperture, resulting in less obtrusive audio when recording with an on-camera mic. It also makes the lenses fully-functional with the Canon C300 Mark II. The performance improvements are not limited to native use in Canon cameras, but extend to adapted use in Sony E-mount cameras when using the Sigma MC-11 EF-E Mount Converter. The Sigma MC-11 Mount Converter Please note that firmware on both the Sigma USB Dock and the Sigma MC-11 EF-E Mount Converter also need to be updated before updating the lenses themselves. In addition, another recent firmware update for the E-mount Sigma 30mm F1.4 DC DN Contemporary enhances performance when used with the Sony a6300. Specifically, it improves peripheral performance, namely brightness correction at f/1.7 and autofocus. The Sigma Global Vision lenses have been very well-received among video shooters, particularly the APS-C Sigma 18-35mm f/1.8 Art and Sigma 50-100mm f/1.8 Art whose optical design, along with that of other primes in the Art line and the full-frame Sigma 24-35mm f/2, recently graduated to the new range of Cine lenses from Sigma. For more information regarding the firmware update and details regarding each lens, follow THIS LINK to Sigma’s website. Do you use Sigma lenses with your EF or E-mount camera? Will this update enhance your setup? Let us know in the comments!

The Canon C300 Mark II firmware update V1.0.7.1.00 that was just released today allows you to completely bypass the in-camera noise reduction to achieve an artefact-free image. Sharpness and noise reduction are some of the features that manufacturers include in camera software in order to make it easier to create a pleasing image out of the box. However, more advanced users quickly learn to do away with these features, reducing their effect whenever possible or bypassing them altogether to achieve a better image that is easier to work with in post. Though there is an OFF position in the noise reduction menu of the Canon C300 Mark II, this feature would still affect the image and create artefacts under certain circumstances. Firmware update V1.0.7.1.00 now introduces a -1 setting, which completely bypasses the effects of in-camera noise reduction. The new -1 setting. More Off than “Off”. Photo Credit: Patrick Zadrobilek Patrick Zadrobilek from gadgetflux.net already carried out a test of the new firmware, and you can see his results in the images below. Note the motion artefacts around the shoulder. Photo Credit: Patrick Zadrobilek   Artefacts gone when Noise Reduction is set to -1. Photo Credit: Patrick Zadrobilek As you can see in Patrick’s test, the motion artefacts caused by the noise reduction algorithm in the Canon C300 Mark II are completely gone with the new -1 setting. While noise reduction can be a useful tool, a proper understanding of exposure and post workflow can go a long way to providing a noise-free image. There are various software-based noise reduction solutions available should you need to process further, such as Neat Video, Red Giant’s Denoiser III or within the paid version of DaVinci Resolve. This Canon C300 Mark II firmware update also addresses other minor improvements to the overall system performance. Firmware update V1.0.7.1.00 also fixes a potential crash when using a particular combination of CFast cards, as well as the panel light control mechanism of the viewfinder. You can download this Canon C300 Mark II firmware update from this link. Make sure you read and follow the instructions carefully in order to safely install the firmware onto your camera. Did you ever find that Noise Reduction was a problem with your Canon C300 Mark II? Let us know in the comments below! via GadgetFlux

The first of the two promised updates for the Panasonic GH5 has finally arrived. Firmware v1.1 enables internal 10-bit full HD 4:2:2 recording at 100Mbps. Later this year, the second update will unleash 4K 4:2:2 10-bit all-i internal recording. Worth a look, I would say! Panasonic GH5 Firmware v1.1 The Panasonic GH5 is a very impressive piece of technology, no doubt about it, and you can read all about it in our early hands-on article about it here. What’s even more impressive, however, is Panasonic’s commitment to releasing several updates for it over the course of 2017, meant not only to squash any potential bugs but also to implement various advanced features. The first of the two promised updates is now out, and it improves the internal recording capabilities by unlocking 10-bit full HD 4:2:2 internal recording. Until now, the Panasonic GH5 was only capable of recording Full HD 8-bit 4:2:0 at 100Mbps, so version 1.1 will really up the game in terms of Full HD resolution. There are some good news for anamorphic shooters, too: the update brings 10-bit 4:2:2 IPB recording to a larger 3328 x 2496 region of the sensor, and is encoded at 150Mbps. Firmware improvement content (taken from Panasonic’s official download link): FHD 4:2:2 10-bit video recording has been added. It can be selected in either FHD [MP4 (LPCM)] or [MOV] recording format. 4:2:2 10-bit video recording has been added to Anamorphic (4:3) mode. There was a problem in which the exposure adjustment did not operate properly during live view standby when the [SS/Gain Operation] display was set to [ANGLE/ISO] while [Variable Frame Rate] was selected for Creative Video mode. This has been fixed. A problem in [V-LogL] of Photo Style mode where afterimages appeared when recording video under high ISO sensitivity settings has been fixed. Future Firmware Updates This is only the first firmware update for the GH5, with more to follow. Later this year, Panasonic will release an update that focuses on the camera’s 4K recording capabilities. The current 4K 4:2:2 10-bit at 150Mbps will be replaced with some more muscle power, namely 400Mbps all-i. The Full HD will also get an update, unlocking 200Mbps all-i. You can wave goodbye to longGOP compression once the update is ready later this year. Very impressive for a camera this small and lightweight! Conclusion I think this update strategy for the Panasonic GH5 can be very reassuring for customers as it gives a little more peace of mind when making a purchase decision. The current HD implementation may not super high-end, but once it’s updated to 10-bit, this camera really should become the benchmark for other manufacturers in this market. So long, 8-bit! Get this new update by heading over to Panasonic and clicking here. Additional beneficial information about this latest update can be viewed by clicking here.  Have you invested in a Panasonic GH5? What are your thoughts about this update, and the next one coming later this year? Tell us in the comments below!

FUJIFILM have released a firmware update to their 4K firstborn, the FUJIFILM X-T2. We knew from the start that the manufacturer had a few kinks to sort out with this camera, so what exactly is new in this FUJIFILM X-T2 firmware update V 2.00? With their first foray into the 4K video-capable mirrorless market, the FUJIFILM X-T2 impressed us with what it had to offer after its release in 2016. After showing promising results while on an initial hands-on test in a documentary shooting environment, and later in a head-to-head lab test against the venerable Sony A7s II, we knew FUJIFILM now had a strong contender in the mirrorless video market. It’s clear that no camera is perfect, especially a one-and-a-half-grand cropped sensor. As always, there were a few cons to the many pros that this camera had to offer. With V 2.00, FUJIFILM has addressed the following issues that we found in video mode. ISO settings are now accessible during recording, meaning you are no longer locked into whatever ISO you selected before hitting record. Similarly, the eye sensor on the EVF now remains active while recording, meaning you can change between EVF and LCD while in the middle of a take. You can now activate Autofocus while recording, either by pressing the shutter release button or the dedicated AF-ON button. The histogram is now available in video mode, providing you key exposure aid while recording video. The default mic input level has been reduced a tad to prevent audio clipping. While these are all welcome additions that add to the overall usability of the camera and are certain to reduce the frustration of existing video users, there was still one key aspect that we had hoped FUJIFILM would address… Unfortunately, there is still no sign of F-Log implementation for internal recording. This option is still exclusive to the HDMI output, which means that if you are searching for a more cinematic-looking image, you are still going to have to resort to the built-in Film Stock Simulations… at least for the time being. That’s right, it is not out of the question yet, as we are told that folks at FUJIFILM are still studying the possibility. They do seem like they are willing to listen to their customers, though. So, for now… fingers crossed! You can get the update and more in-depth information about it HERE. Oh, and stay tuned, as there is a further update planned for May 2017… What do you think of the improvements in the FUJIFILM X-T2 firmware update? Is the lack of F-Log still a deal breaker for you? Let us know in the comments below!

Sony have released their latest firmware for the Sony A7r II mirrorless camera which further combats some overheating issues. One of Sony’s biggest issues since the release of the A7r II has been overheating. The new firmware 3.30 adds and adjusts a few features to this already impressive mirrorless camera. It also comes in time for Sony’s win at the TIPA Awards, giving the A7r II the title of ‘Best Mirrorless CSC Professional’. The updates and fixes include: Internal temperature regulated by improved overall stability when shooting still images. Improved operation and stability of the camera. Wireless lighting control for flash devices (Sony FA-WRC1M Wireless Radio Commander). The updated firmware is available for download from Sony here. Let us know if the new firmware solves any shooting issues!

Atomos Firmware Update 7.1 has been announced for the Flame monitor/recorder line. The update brings support for JVC and Red log signals, as well as PQ in/out and improved HDR features.  The Flame line are the latest in-field monitor/recorders from Atomos. Check out our Atomos Shogun Flame review here. Atomos has improved the feature and support list for the flame recorders/monitors with firmware 7.1, with now the entire RED camera range covered as well as J-log from JVC cameras. PQ in/out is now supported meaning the Flame recorders can accept a ST2084 signal from compatible HDR camera or computer, and Color Mapping has been improved, increasing performance in the blacks. In terms of new features, the update mostly surrounds the AtomHDR mode of the Flame recorders. Previously AtomHDR was an on/off function with a slightly ambiguous ‘viewing environment’ slider. This has been replaced with a Scene Brightness Range which is meant to increase/decrease the dynamic range of the HDR view, starting from Rec709 up to full HDR mode (graphics display in percentage how much you are over Rec709). The new slider is accessible in the menu and on full screen view, with the addition of a clipping graticule (yellow line) on the waveform to signify where the additional dynamic range view is placed. You can also hit Auto HDR to set the clipping graticule to the maximum luminance level of your scene. Other additional features include slow motion playback. This is a nice feature and one I hope takes advantage of native higher speed recordings such as 50/60p from the Sony Alpha Cameras and plays them back in smooth slow motion (great when a client asks to watch that back and you have to explain that you can slow it down in post). There are 5 different speeds to this mode. Atomos has added back in a missing feature from their previous recorders; the ability to prioritise your power source (top/bottom battery or DC input). This is great for organising your power mode, specifically if one is powering an accessory like a wireless transmitter and you want to reserve as much juice from that particular battery as you can. Atomos Firmware Update 7.1 is available for download now from the Atomos website.

Both Nikon and Sony have just released firmware updates for popular camera models, the Nikon D5 and the Sony FS7. Nikon D5 Firmware v1.10: Nikon’s firmware update for the D5 brings something that many video shooters have been waiting for: the ability to shoot more than 3 minutes in UHD 4K. Watch our original review by Johnnie here. After the update, the limit is the normal 29 minutes and 59 seconds that we have gotten used to from DSLR and smaller interchangeable lens cameras. Another interesting improvement in the Nikon D5 for video shooters is the introduction of Electronic vibration reduction (VR). Here’s how Nikon describes it: The new firmware has been equipped with an Electronic VR function that reduces the effects of camera shake with hand-held recording of movies in the FX- or DX-based movie formats (image areas)*2. The effects of camera shake in three directions — vertical (up and down), horizontal (left and right), and rotational (around the center of the lens) — are reduced. This function is effective when recording movies in places or situations in which use of a tripod is prohibited or inconvenient, or when there simply isn’t time to set one up. In addition, electronic VR can be used in combination with the optical vibration reduction (VR) built into a NIKKOR lens for more effective reduction of the effects of camera shake. Other enhancements are mostly relevant for photographers. The new Nikon D5 firmware is downloadable here. Sony FS7 Firmware v4: One of the biggest hurdles in using the high speed shooting capabilities of the FS7 is the accessibility of those functions through the menus. While you can press the S&Q button to enable the high speed recording option easily, changing any details about those settings requires some serious digging in the menus. Something I have always criticised even in my first review of the camera is how easily you can accidentally end up shooting slow motion just by hitting that button – which is something that unfortunately hasn’t been enhanced with the update. With the update, it is now also possible to record real 24fps at 4K in the XAVC-I codec. Here’s Sony’s official list of improvements: 1. Support for Flexible Spot in Focus setting. 2. Support for XAVC-I 4K 24.00P. 3. Display for Video Signal Monitor is improved. 4. Operability of S&Q setting by assignable button is improved. 5. Remove Basic Authentication from items saved in all file. 6. Auto knee stability is improved. 7. Overall stability and operability of the camera is improved. The new Sony FS7 firmware can be downloaded here. Sources: DPReview, Newsshooter