A number of firmware updates has been recently released by various manufacturers. They improve some of the cameras’ functions and enhance operability, some however include minor changes.

As to Olympus FE series firmware update 1.1 (FE-45, FE-25, FE-35), the changes are not dramatic at all. In the FE-45 and FE-35 the compatibility of NiMH batteries was improved and in the FE-25 low battery indicator has been adjusted.

Olympus also updates their new Stylus Tough 6000:

• The volume during playback increased
• The coloring of images shot with UNDERWATER WIDE 1, UNDERWATER WIDE 2, and UNDERWATER MACRO was improved

Olympus firmware download information page.

Canon DSLR cameras (EOS 50D, XSi/450D and XS/1000D) obtain more substantial update:

Canon EOS 50D Firmware Update Version 1.0.6

• Supports the AF assist beam feature of the new flash, Speedlite 270 EX, which is scheduled to be released in April 2009
• Changes the error indications that are displayed on the camera
• Addresses the vertical banding noise phenomenon

Canon EOS REBEL XSi / 450D Firmware Update Version 1.1.0 - supports the AF assist beam features of the new flash, Speedlite 270 EX, which is scheduled to be released in April 2009

Canon EOS REBEL XS / 1000D Firmware Update Version 1.0.5 - supports the AF assist beam feature of the new flash, Speedlite 270 EX, which is scheduled to be released in April 2009

Casio has released the V1.02 update for the Z100 and Z200 digital cameras. It fixes a problem that causes the wrong month to appear initially when the calendar screen is displayed. In case you missed or did not apply the previous Casio Z100 or Z200 firmware update, you will get V1.00 firmware update version, which corrects on-screen text in certain geographic regions. (Chinese Simplified, Chinese Traditional)

Casio Z200 Firmware Update Page
Casio Z100 Firmware Update Page

Ricoh updates their CX1, a compact camera with HDR shooting. Version 1.16 has corrected a part of the information on a file in the MPO / JPEG format to comply with the Multi-Picture Format and fixed the following bugs:

• If you take pictures with M-Cont. Plus, an MP file may be recorded with missing a partial frame(s).
• In Focus Bracketing, a self-timer feature may not work properly.

Ricoh CX1 Firmware Update Page

Panasonic releases new firmware updates for their compact digital cameras.

Panasonic DMC-FT1 / TS1 firmware update version 1.1 includes:

• Capable of playing back AVCHD motion picture format (1,280 x 720) taken with Panasonic Digital Camera DMC-GH1
• Not capable of playing back Full HD (1,920 x 1,080) motion picture format
• The quality of viewing image (still image) is improved
• This update of firmware is already included in some units depending on the production timing

Panasonic DMC-TZ6 / ZS1 firmware update version 1.1 includes:

• Noise of auto focusing (Quick AF) is reduced during action
• The quality of viewing image (still image) is improved

Panasonic DMC-TZ7/ ZS3 firmware update version 1.1 includes:

• Capable of playing back AVCHD motion picture format (1,280 x 720 ) taken with Panasonic Digital Camera DMC-GH1
• Not capable of playing back Full HD (1,920 x 1,080) motion picture format
• Noise of auto focusing (Quick AF) is reduced during action
• This update of firmware is already included in some units depending on the production timing

Panasonic has also updated the firmware of the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FS15 compact digital camera. Version 1.2 promises “improved image quality”.

Download pages:
* Panasonic Lumix DMC-FS15 Firmware Update Service

* Panasonic DMC-TZ7 / ZS3 Firmware version 1.1

* Panasonic DMC-TZ6 / ZS1 Firmware version 1.1

* Panasonic DMC-FT1 / TS1 Firmware version 1.1

Ricoh updates their Ricoh GR Digital II professional digital compact camera. Version 2.30 gives it several significant functional enhancements, including the following:

• It is now possible to manually set the flash amount - you can select from 12 levels ranging from full flash to 1/45. This results in a relatively short time lag since there is no need to do a pre-flash to get exposure information.
• It is now possible to set the flash timing. It can be selected from the choices “1st Curtain” (immediately after exposure begins) and “2nd Curtain” (immediately before exposure ends).
• It is now possible to register white balance compensation in My Settings. You can select whether to save in My Settings the value set for white balance compensation.
• The TODAY’S SHOTS display function has been added. The number of images recorded during the current day can be displayed on the LCD monitor when the power is turned off.

Ricoh Firmware Download Page

And I remind you - be careful when updating your camera yourself. Make sure the battery is full, and don’t switch off your camera till the end of the operation.

Update your digital devices – firmware update versions were released for Canon G10, Canon SD880 / IXUS 870 IS, Olympus E-3 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-G1.

Canon G10 firmware update version 1.0.2.0

This update corrects a phenomenon when RAW images are captured by continuous shooting under the ISO 1600 setting, abnormal data is recorded and a magenta cast appears in the second and subsequent RAW images. This phenomenon also occurs in the second and subsequent recorded RAW images captured by single shooting, but only if the LCD monitor display mode is set to the OFF position.

New firmware version 1.0.1.0 for Canon SD880 / IXUS 870 IS

This firmware update corrects a phenomenon that when the following settings are used in combination, if the shutter button is pressed halfway to focus during shooting (AND the AF frame magnifies), but the shutter button is released without taking the picture, the camera will lose power.
Setting details:

1. The shooting mode switch is set to Special Scene Mode (SCN), Kids&Pets.
2. AF Point-Zoom on the menu is set to On. (When the AF frame is in Face Detect or Center, and the Servo AF is OFF, the AF Point-Zoom can be set to On.

Please note that, if the shutter button is pressed halfway, and the picture is then taken, this phenomenon will not occur. If loss of power does occur, pressing the power switch will restore the camera to its normal operation.

Olympus E-3 firmware update version 1.3. This version incorporates the following upgrades:

• Improved sequential shooting speed when using C-AF
• Improved AF accuracy for large aperture lenses
• Added [FUNCTION] menu that switches the AF point using arrow pad in [Custom Menu 1] [BUTTON/DIAL]
• Enhanced the accuracy of the battery check when using the Power Battery Holder HLD-4

Panasonic Lumix DMC-G1 Firmware Update 1.2. It improves:

• The performance in the Auto White Balance and the colour reproduction
• The reliability on the flash operation in low temperate environments
• Enables file write back from PC to the camera for models shipped for Europe

Be careful while performing this operation by yourself, ’cause if something goes wrong (e.g.  the battery suddenly goes flat) the camera may become inoperable. Note that firmware update can also be performed at service centers.