Yesterday we reported
about the new firmware version 2.0 for the Leica Q. As it turned out, this is a much more
comprehensive update than the usual new firmware versions. It promises to make the Leica Q an even more formidable
camera within the lineup of Leica cameras.
Our friends at Leica Store Miami just published the following
report. It is by far the most
comprehensive explanation of what is new.
LEICA Q (TYP 116) FIRMWARE
VERSION 2.0 – A LOOK AT WHAT’S NEW
By Josh Lehrer, Leica Store Miami
Leica has released a major
new firmware update for the Leica Q (Typ 116): Version 2.0. This firmware
incorporates a host of new features and improvements, many of which are based
on direct requests from users. Before we dive into all the details, you can
click this link to download the firmware:
The official list of
features and improvements, from Leica:
- DNG-only now available
- EVF “Extended mode” allows menu control and playback on rear LCD
- Longer shutter speeds added up to 120 seconds (ISO-dependent)
- User Profile menu now programmable to FN button
- Virtual horizon display remains visible when shutter is pressed
- 1-point AF field size is now changeable with Delete button (three sizes available)
- 1-point AF field no longer goes outside the crop lines in 35/50mm zoom modes
- Face detection AF improved: camera switches automatically to multipoint AF if no face is detected
- Additional display screen added with only lower bar of shooting parameters displayed
- Image playback touch zoom changed: double tap calls up maximum zoom or full view
- Long exposure/noise reduction countdown added
- Thumb wheel control – 3 modes available – Off/Auto/Exposure Compensation
- Model lock for video button now available, giving the user the option to deactivate the video recording button
- Wi-Fi password setting is changed and all characters entered for the password remain visible during entry process
- Leica flash units SF 40 and SF 64 now supported
With so many new features,
we felt it necessary for a more detailed breakdown:
DNG-Only Mode
By far the most-requested
feature for the Q has been the ability to shoot a DNG file only without a
companion JPEG, and firmware 2.0 finally brings that feature. Please note that
if you are using the Leica Q phone app for iOS or Android, you will not be able
to download or share DNGs remotely from the camera. You will still be able to
capture images in Remote Control mode. If you want to retain full
functionality, we suggest sticking to DNG+JPG.
EVF Extended Mode
Another useful function is
EVF Extended mode, which maintains the live view in the electronic viewfinder,
but shows the menu and image playback on the rear LCD screen when their
respective buttons are pressed.
Longer Shutter Speeds
When you set the shutter
speed dial to 1+, you can use the rear LCD to set shutter speeds up to 120
seconds, depending on your ISO, using the thumb wheel.
User Profile Menu Shortcut
The FN button on the back
of the camera is now programmable to the User Profile menu for quick access to
your bank of user profiles. To change the function of the FN button, press and
hold to bring up the available settings you can assign to it.
Virtual Horizon While
Shooting
The virtual horizon is now
visible even with the shutter halfway pressed.
Adjustable 1-Point AF
Field Size
You can now control the
size of the auto focus field in 1-point AF mode by pressing the Delete button.
Three sizes are available: small, medium and large (small is shown in the above
photo).
1-Point AF Field Inside
Crop Marks
When using the Q in either
35mm or 50mm crop mode with your AF set to 1-point, the auto focus point will
stay within the crop marks.
Face Detection AF Improved
When your AF mode is set
to Face Detection, but no face is detected in the scene, the camera will switch
over to Multi Point AF mode to ensure your preferred subject stays in focus.
Additional Shooting
Display Mode
An additional shooting
display mode has been added with only the bar at the bottom of the screen
showing essential shooting information. You can cycle through the camera’s
various display modes by pressing the Menu/Set button in the center of the
directional pad.
Image Playback Touch Zoom
Double-tap an image during
playback with your finger to zoom to 100%, then double-tap again to bring the
image back into full view.
Long Exposure Noise
Reduction Countdown
After a long exposure, the
camera will show a noise reduction countdown timer so you know when you will be
ready for the next shot.
Thumb wheel Control
There is now a menu which
allows you to control the behavior of the thumb wheel during shooting. Set to
Off, the thumb wheel will not change any settings while shooting (it will still
work to adjust menu and playback settings). Set to Auto, the thumb wheel will
change its function based on your shooting mode. For example, in Shutter
Priority or Manual mode, the thumb wheel will adjust your shutter speed in
finer increments beyond the dial’s control. Or when in Program mode, the thumb
wheel activates Program Shift for advanced exposure adjustment. When set to
Exp. Comp, the thumb wheel adjusts exposure compensation regardless of shooting
mode. Note that you will not be able to access Program Shift, shutter speeds
longer than 1 second or faster than 1/2000th when in Exp. Comp mode for the
thumb wheel.
Mode Lock for Video Button
With Mode Lock Photo/Video
set to On, the red video recording button on the top of the camera is disabled,
preventing you from activating it unintentionally.
Wi-Fi Password Entry
When entering a Wi-Fi
password, the entire password is now visible during entry.
With so many new features
and functions in firmware 2.0, we will be continuing to test the camera to see
how the improvements are in real-world shooting. If you have any questions
about the new firmware or the Q-system, please don’t hesitate to give us a call
at 305-921-4433 or email us.
________________________________________________________________________________________
To comment or to read comments please scroll past the ads below.
All ads present items of interest to Leica owners.
To comment or to read comments please scroll past the ads below.
All ads present items of interest to Leica owners.
For rare and collectible cameras go to: http://www.tamarkin.com/leicagallery/upcoming-shows
For rare and collectible cameras go to: http://www.tamarkin.com/leicagallery/upcoming-shows
Click on image to enlarge
Order: info@gmpphoto.com
Click on image to enlarge
Order: info@gmpphoto.com
Click on image to enlarge
Order: info@gmpphoto.com
Click on image to enlarge
Order: info@gmpphoto.com
Please make payment via PayPal to GMP Photography
Click on image to enlarge
Order: info@gmpphoto.com
Please make payment via PayPal to GMP Photography
Click on image to enlarge
Order: info@gmpphoto.com
Please make payment via PayPal to GMP Photography
No comments:
Post a Comment