Panasonic Gx8 software update
Jun 11, 2017 10:30:34 #
For Gx8 with Leica/Panasonic 100-400 mm lens users: It seems that since I updated to the latest lens and camera software (which was to improve sharpness among other things) my images aren't as sharp and clear. My technique hasn't changed. Anyone else experiencing this or seen any other complaints about this? I'm really wishing I hadn't been so diligent about updating. Thanks.
Jun 11, 2017 10:47:10 #
It's entirely possible they changed a default setting, or that you were using something different from default settings when you updated.
Check both the entire range of menu settings AND review any documentation regarding changes in the update.
Check both the entire range of menu settings AND review any documentation regarding changes in the update.
Jun 11, 2017 11:12:53 #
burkphoto wrote:
It's entirely possible they changed a default setting, or that you were using something different from default settings when you updated.
Check both the entire range of menu settings AND review any documentation regarding changes in the update.
Check both the entire range of menu settings AND review any documentation regarding changes in the update.
Good idea. It's time to go through everything anyway. Thanks.
Jun 11, 2017 11:30:10 #
Mine didn't seem to change when I updated the firmware. Are you shooting RAW or JPEG?
Jun 11, 2017 12:08:45 #
bsprague wrote:
Mine didn't seem to change when I updated the firmware. Are you shooting RAW or JPEG?
Raw plus fine JPEG.
I did a reset of the camera and reentered in my preferences. Interestingly enough when I went to shutter type it was totally grayed out (before I did the reset) - after I did the reset I was able to set one of the options which I set to the new "auto" choice. Other than that I didn't see any peculiarities.
Jun 11, 2017 12:50:47 #
Shoot some tests in a controlled environment on a tripod with a timer or remote release.
Jun 11, 2017 13:03:14 #
suntouched wrote:
Raw plus fine JPEG.
I did a reset of the camera and reentered in my preferences. Interestingly enough when I went to shutter type it was totally grayed out (before I did the reset) - after I did the reset I was able to set one of the options which I set to the new "auto" choice. Other than that I didn't see any peculiarities.
I did a reset of the camera and reentered in my preferences. Interestingly enough when I went to shutter type it was totally grayed out (before I did the reset) - after I did the reset I was able to set one of the options which I set to the new "auto" choice. Other than that I didn't see any peculiarities.
I'm gradually learning that using the lens stabilization MAY have a slight negative effect when hand holding at high shutter speeds. It may be that the lens stabilization is meant for slower shutter speeds.
There is a dandelion across the street at the base of a well textured telephone pole. A few weeks ago I used it for some "sharpness" test shots. Anything posted here probably gets processed somehow. I've deleted the dandelion shots. But, if you need something to compare too, tell me the camera settings you want "tested". I'll shoot the dandelion again and put the files on dropbox. (I have the GX8 and the 100-400 Lumix/Leica.)
Jun 11, 2017 13:49:22 #
The GX8 has very mild "shutter shock" when using the conventional shutter between about 1/60 and 1/320 second. This can affect sharpness. Using the electronic shutter eliminates it.
The lens stabilizers are supposed to work best at longer focal lengths. In-body image stabilization works best at shorter focal lengths.
The lens stabilizers are supposed to work best at longer focal lengths. In-body image stabilization works best at shorter focal lengths.
Jun 11, 2017 15:00:50 #
Clint and Bill-
I have some images I shot for sharpness when I first got the camera and lens combo. They are on an external drive (somewhere)- think I can find them and do a comparison shot. I have been pretty happy with this combo and hope this is just a passing concern.
And Bill B. The software upgrade was to correct the shutter shock by putting the camera on "auto" shutter mode which automatically shifts it from electronic to mechanical shutter between your aforementioned range (which you probably already knew). I rarely ever shoot anything between that range but I put the shutter on auto anyway.
Thanks for all your tips.
But anyway before I jumped into tests I just wanted to know if anyone else had concerns after the upgrade.
I have some images I shot for sharpness when I first got the camera and lens combo. They are on an external drive (somewhere)- think I can find them and do a comparison shot. I have been pretty happy with this combo and hope this is just a passing concern.
And Bill B. The software upgrade was to correct the shutter shock by putting the camera on "auto" shutter mode which automatically shifts it from electronic to mechanical shutter between your aforementioned range (which you probably already knew). I rarely ever shoot anything between that range but I put the shutter on auto anyway.
Thanks for all your tips.
But anyway before I jumped into tests I just wanted to know if anyone else had concerns after the upgrade.
Jun 11, 2017 15:02:30 #
Bill S. by the time we get this all figured out the camera will be obsolete :) And it would be interesting to do a comparison between the two cameras. I'll PM you when I find something out here.
Jun 11, 2017 15:25:46 #
suntouched wrote:
Clint and Bill- br I have some images I shot for ... (show quote)
It wouldn't be the first time I've heard of something not working quite right after a firmware update...but I've not heard of any issues with the update you did. Perhaps an email to Panasonic might be your next step after you do some more tests.
Jun 11, 2017 15:44:39 #
suntouched wrote:
Bill S. by the time we get this all figured out the camera will be obsolete :) And it would be interesting to do a comparison between the two cameras. I'll PM you when I find something out here.
Yes, the update was the workaround fix for the shutter shock issue. I really don't understand how that would affect sharpness at long focal lengths --- it was designed to improve it. I would probably do comparison tests of electronic and conventional shutters with and without lens IS on...
Jun 16, 2017 00:36:20 #
I did an informal test with the 100-400mm lens and all is ok. I did on tripod with iS off, on tripod with IS on and handheld with IS on.
Not really much difference at all but if I had to pick a winner I would say handheld with IS on followed by on tripod with IS on. Surprising how slow the speed can be and still handhold- 1/80 seconds is still good. I think there are more particles in the air in Oregon which affects the clarity in the field. And clarity is affected by how far away the subject is, especially here in Oregon. I should have done the testing before I posted the question here in UHH.
Not really much difference at all but if I had to pick a winner I would say handheld with IS on followed by on tripod with IS on. Surprising how slow the speed can be and still handhold- 1/80 seconds is still good. I think there are more particles in the air in Oregon which affects the clarity in the field. And clarity is affected by how far away the subject is, especially here in Oregon. I should have done the testing before I posted the question here in UHH.
Jun 16, 2017 05:44:39 #
Jun 16, 2017 08:10:47 #
suntouched wrote:
I did an informal test with the 100-400mm lens and... (show quote)
As I rediscovered last night, sometimes cleaning dust and fingerprints off of a lens is a remedy for flare and fuzziness.
My weekend was spent schlepping all over the Davidson College campus at my 40-year class reunion. My 12-35 took a couple of greasy fingerprints, a hair, and a lot of dust on the front element. Only the last few images were soft, so I know where it got fingerprinted and dirty... at an outdoor lunch event.
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