Panasonic has done something with a simple firmware update that Adobe can't seem to manage with a team of engineers and a few years of work: Improving the performance of flash (rimshot). Joking aside, those who use the GF1, the GH1 or the G1 cameras to shoot video will be pleased with the new firmware update, issued today.
For all three of the Four Thirds (and Micro Four Thirds) bodies, the updates improve autofocus performance with third-party lenses. The G1 and GH1 both receive "improved modulation accuracy of flash," and the GH1 alone gets the ability to use AF while shooting HD video with compatible lenses, and better AF performance when using the 45mm ƒ2.8 Leica Four Thirds lens while recording movies.
In the interests of safety, I downloaded and installed the new firmware on my GF1. It went smoothly, and nothing has broken (yet). For me, without any third-party lenses, it isn't nearly as awesome the feature-adding v1.1 update from November last year, but at least I know I'm up to date. Available now, links below.
Firmware v1.2 for Lumix DMC-GF1 [Panasonic Japan via DP Review]
Firmware v1.2 for Lumix DMC-GH1 [Panasonic Japan]
Firmware v1.4 for Lumix DMC-G1 [Panasonic Japan]
Photo: Jon Snyder/Wired.com
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