New SIGMA DP1 Merrill, SIGMA DP2 Merrill and SIGMA DP3 Firmware download.

Sigma (Click here) just issued new firmware updated for the the DP1/2/3 cameras. Benefits of the firmware update:

SIGMA DP1 Merrill firmware [Ver.1.04]
?Improves the stability of operation.
?Improves the precision of bounce flash shooting when ELECTRONIC FLASH EF-610 DG SUPER SA-STTL and ELECTRONIC FLASH EF-610 DG ST SA-STTL are used.
?When you enlarge an image, it used to enlarge the center of the image. However, the new firmware magnifies the image depending on the focusing position.
?It is possible to select the file name of the image either from “SDIM” or “DP1M”.
?It has integrated the color tones of Custom White Balance (Sunlight, Shade, Overcast, Incandescent, Fluorescent, Flash) among the DP Merrill series.
?Corrects the phenomenon that the AEL setting goes back to default if the AEL button is set for “Central AEL + AEL”, and alternate MF to AF or vice versa, while it is still displaying the operation icon.
?Corrects the phenomenon that self-timer shooting whilst using P Mode would cancel the program shift for the customized shutter speed and aperture settings if you press the release button.
?Properly displays the image according to the selected magnification percentage.
?Corrects the phenomenon that the selected exposure is not appropriately applied when an external flashgun is used with Custom Mode.
?Corrects the phenomenon that, in rare cases, images are not recorded properly when the battery level is low.
?Corrects the rare phenomenon that the recording process does not go perfectly when the camera is turned off right after taking the image.
?It displays the size of the file when you select an image and open the Image Info Screen.

SIGMA DP2 Merrill firmware [Ver.1.05]
?Improves the stability of operation.
?Improves the precision of bounce flash shooting when ELECTRONIC FLASH EF-610 DG SUPER SA-STTL and ELECTRONIC FLASH EF-610 DG ST SA-STTL are used.
?When you enlarge an image, it used to enlarge the center of the image. However, the new firmware magnifies the image depending on the focusing position.
?It is possible to select the file name of the image either from “SDIM” or “DP2M”.
?It has integrated the color tones of Custom White Balance (Sunlight, Shade, Overcast, Incandescent, Fluorescent, Flash) among the DP Merrill series.
?Corrects the phenomenon that the AEL setting goes back to default if the AEL button is set for “Central AEL + AEL”, and alternate MF to AF or vice versa, while it is still displaying the operation icon.
?Corrects the phenomenon that self-timer shooting whilst using P Mode would cancel the program shift for the customized shutter speed and aperture settings if you press the release button.
?Properly displays the image according to the selected magnification percentage.
?Corrects the phenomenon that the selected exposure is not appropriately applied when an external flashgun is used with Custom Mode.
?Corrects the phenomenon that, in rare cases, images are not recorded properly when the battery level is low.
?Corrects the rare phenomenon that the recording process does not go perfectly when the camera is turned off right after taking the image.
?It displays the size of the file when you select an image and open the Image Info Screen.

SIGMA DP3 Merrill firmware [Ver.1.02]
?Improves the stability of operation.
?Improves the precision of bounce flash shooting when ELECTRONIC FLASH EF-610 DG SUPER SA-STTL and ELECTRONIC FLASH EF-610 DG ST SA-STTL are used.
?When you enlarge an image, it used to enlarge the center of the image. However, the new firmware magnifies the image depending on the focusing position.
?It is possible to select the file name of the image either from “SDIM” or “DP3M”.
?It has integrated the color tones of Custom White Balance (Sunlight, Shade, Overcast, Incandescent, Fluorescent, Flash) among the DP Merrill series.
?Corrects the phenomenon that the AEL setting goes back to default if the AEL button is set for “Central AEL + AEL”, and alternate MF to AF or vice versa, while it is still displaying the operation icon.
?Corrects the phenomenon that self-timer shooting whilst using P Mode would cancel the program shift for the customized shutter speed and aperture settings if you press the release button.
?Properly displays the image according to the selected magnification percentage.
?Corrects the phenomenon that the selected exposure is not appropriately applied when an external flashgun is used with Custom Mode.
?Corrects the phenomenon that, in rare cases, images are not recorded properly when the battery level is low.
?Corrects the rare phenomenon that the recording process does not go perfectly when the camera is turned off right after taking the image.
?It displays the size of the file when you select an image and open the Image Info Screen.

Fuji entry level camera (X-M1?) coming on June 25.

According to trusted sources Fuji will announce a new X-M1(?) entry level camera on June 25. This will be a sort of little X-E1 sister without viewfinder but with tillable LCD screen. Also two lenses, the 27mm pancake and a new 16-50mm zoom will be announced along the camera.

I have been told the camera is 30% cheaper than the already discounted Fuji X-E1 (priced at $800 now).

 

Reminder: Samsung will announce the NX tomorrow (June 20), Sony will announce the RX1R and RX100MII on June 27.

Fuji announcement day on June 25!

Not only Samsung (June 20) and Sony (June 27) will announce new mirrorless cameras. Also Fuji has planed a big showdown for June 25! FR reports:

FIRMWARE: Fujifilm Philippines announced at their website that there will be a new firmware update for the X-E1 and X-PRO1 on the 25 of June. Let’s see what will be improved (or if it just adds support for the 27mm, which is rumored to be launched soon.)

NEW BODY: The new Asian source (who for first told me that Fuji is about to announce 2 new bodies ) just told me that the first mirrorless interchangeable-lens body could be announced on June 25. I remember you that Fuji is about to launch a new X-Trans body and a new non X-Trans body.  P.S.: Trusted sources told me that the upcoming very cheap non X-Trans X-body will be offered in many colours.

NEW LENS: Also 2 new lenses, on should be a 16-50/55 zoom lens and the 27mm f/2.8 could be finally released too! Source: FR post.

Panasonic, Olympus,Canon and Nikon seem to have no announcements in June. Their big show is coming in August-September!

Mirrorless news roundup…

Yvonne Venegas: The Personal View of Things from Leica Camera on Vimeo.

The State of the Mirrorless Camera Industry – May 2013 by AdmiringLight.
Nikon Coolpix A review at Dpreview.
Fuji X100s, Ricoh GR, Nikon Coolpix A: compared by Mike Kobal.
Fuji X100s review at CameraLabs.
Leica X Vario image smaples at Photographyblog.
Ricoh GR photos at Photographyblog.
Ricoh GRD free mini ebook at F-stopeight.
Ricoh GR: Discussion with 4 phtotographers at F-stopeight.

Sony RX100MII and Sony RX1R specs!

.

Sony will not announce any new NEX stuff this month but they will launch two new RX cameras on June 27. Ok, not really very new:

The Sony RX1R:
It’s exactly the same camera as the current RX1 but it misses the Anti Aliasing filter. That’s why Sony will present it as the “High Reoslution” RX1 version. DOn’t knwo what the price will be. But I guess they will charge you a bit extra for removing the Filter :)

The Sony RX100MKII:
It has an “updated” 20 megapixel sensor with Exmor R technology. The same Zeiss lens as the RX100. But there are plenty of other changes: new tilt screen, longer battery life, ISO 100, Built-in Wifi, 24p recording and Hot Shoe.

I am a bit surprised Sony skipped a possible RX10 release. I guess the APS-C compact market is a bit to full for them?