Panasonic has announced a new firmware update programme for the Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH2 / G3 / GF3 / GF2, giving these cameras enhanced functionality when used in combination with the two new power zoom lenses. While the new lenses can be used on any Micro Four Thirds camera - including the above models with current firmware -, these new updates add some extra functions that will only be available on these four cameras (and, presumably, future Panasonic models). The extra functions include the electronic display of the focal length while zooming, an optional step-zoom feature, the ability for the camera to remember and restore the last-used zoom position after being powered off and on again, and the ability to manually select the desired zoom speed. The new firmware updates will be available worldwide from the beginning of October.

Panasonic Press Release

Panasonic Announces the Firmware Update Program for DMC-GH2 / G3 / GF3 / GF2 for Enhancing the Functions of the New Power Zoom Lenses

Panasonic announces the new firmware update program for the digital interchangeable lens system cameras DMC-GH2, DMC-G3, DMC-GF3 and DMC-GF2 of LUMIX G Micro System.
The firmware version 1.1 will be released to enhance the functions when the camera is used with the new power zoom lenses - LUMIX G X VARIO PZ 14-42mm / F3.5-5.6 ASPH. / POWER O.I.S. (H-PS14042) and LUMIX G X VARIO PZ 45-175mm / F4.0-5.6 ASPH. / POWER O.I.S. (H-PS45175).

The following functions will be available with the new firmware:

- Display of the local length When you zoom, the focal distance is displayed and you can confirm the zoom position.
- Step zoom When you operate the zoom, the zoom will stop at positions corresponding to predetermined distances.
- Zoom resume When you switch the power switch [ON], the zoom positions when you last switched [OFF] are automatically restored.
- Selectable zoom speed Users can select the speed of electric-powered zooming.

The new firmware program ver.1.1 will be available worldwide from the beginning of October at http://panasonic.jp/support/global/cs/dsc/.

The power zoom lenses can be used with DMC-GH2, DMC-G3, DMC-GF3 or DMC-GF2 if the firmware is not updated. However, Panasonic recommends all users to update it.

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