Panasonic GH3 and G5 firmware update brings low light AF, silent shooting

If you've been spooking subjects or failing to focus on them with your Panasonic Lumix GH3 or G5, you might feel like you got a brand new camera today thanks to a firmware update. Its new features include low-light (-3EV) autofocus and a "silent mode" setting that'll turn off the electronic shutter, all sounds and the flash emission in one go, leaving subjects like deer or golfers undisturbed. You'll also get an exposure compensation shutoff reset option, better AF performance with certain lenses and a WiFi fix for Mac computers. You can grab it at the source, proving it's not only hackers that bring free goodies to pricey cameras.

Version 1.2 for the GH3 adds the 'Low light AF' previously seen on the G6 that works down to -3 EV, a 'silent mode' that turns off operational sounds and flash firing, and an 'Exposure Compensation Reset' function'. Meanwhile version 1.1 for the G5 only corrects wording of the Motion Picture menu on cameras sold in PAL broadcast regions (including Europe and Australasia), and therefore isn't required by US owners. Click below for full details and to download the firmware.

Click here to download the latest firmware for the Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH3 (Ver 1.2)

Click here to download the latest firmware for the Panasonic Lumix DMC-G5 (Ver 1.1)


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Canon 50D gains video recording through Magic Lantern RAW hack

It may be time to dust off that Canon 50D you purchased back in 2008. The folks behind the Magic Lantern firmware add-on have pulled yet another rabbit out the proverbial hat (or is it lantern?) by enabling RAW video recording on the APS-C-based DSLR. What's even more impressive is that the 50D lacks video support out of the box, so this new-found functionality is truly magical. This hack comes hot on the heels of the Magic Lantern team coaxing the Canon 5D Mark II / III into capturing 24 fps RAW video.

With the firmware add-on installed, the 50D is capable of shooting video up to 1592 x 1062 pixels at 30 fps. There are some caveats, though. First, there's no audio recording since the camera lacks a microphone input and associated electronics. Second, capturing RAW video requires fast CF cards (at least UDMA 6). Third, we now fully expect to see the 50D skyrocket in value on the used market. Hit the break for a few sample videos.

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RAW 24fps DNG video hits the Canon EOS 5D Mark III via Magic Lantern!

It's no secret that Canon's 5D Mark III is the go-to DSLR for videographers the world over, but things are about to become a whole lot more interesting. The people behind Magic Lantern have successfully coaxed the 5D Mark III into shooting 24 fps RAW video at resolutions up to 1,920 x 820 pixels using 1000x speed cards. If you're not familiar with Magic Lantern, it's an open source firmware add-on that brings additional functionality to Canon EOS cameras. The ability to capture RAW video at 24 fps improves dynamic range and resolution -- it also provides extra flexibility during post-production. According to the team at Magic Lantern, more work is required before the feature is ready to be deployed. So until then, you're invited to follow the via link below and watch the RAW vs. H.264 videos after the break, or if you're feeling brave, check the source for download locations.

Yes, thoungh initially the Magic Lantern team didn’t even think it was possible, they’ve now enabled 24fps RAW HD video (without sound) on the Canon EOS 5D Mark III! 

This is HUGE news. The dynamic range is now in the range of what people are so excited about with the Blackmagic Cinema Camera and Alexa and other cams. 

So what does this mean? As I mentioned above, the dynamic range of the video is stunning and is on par with the Blackmagic Cinema Camera and other cameras.  

Update: We just received news from Magic Lantern that Canon's Mark II is now also a go for 24 fps with the new firmware. Nic from the development team said "After some further testing it is clear the older, cheaper Mark II should be able to record at least resolutions of 1880x840 in full-frame mode (with line skipping)."

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