skater75 Posted November 15, 2016 Share #1 Posted November 15, 2016 Advertisement (gone after registration) I've been thinking of getting SL for color (as I currently own MM-246 for black & white) after I tried the camera for a couple of days shooting 1000+ images. With new announcement (or rumors that are almost certain) of SL firmware update is it reasonable to wait for this latest SL version to be released by official dealers? Anyone can give me a reason not to do so? How seriously such " firmware updates" affect overall image quality? From prior experience anyway? Is this updated model to be assigned a new product number (as it currently stands as MFR # 10850)? Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Advertisement Posted November 15, 2016 Posted November 15, 2016 Hi skater75, Take a look here A new Leica SL firmware update. I'm sure you'll find what you were looking for!
digitalfx Posted November 15, 2016 Share #2 Posted November 15, 2016 With new announcement (or rumors that are almost certain) of SL firmware update is it reasonable to wait for this latest SL version to be released by official dealers? You are asking if you should wait to buy until new FW is released? Why would you delay a purchase for a FW update? If thats what you are asking, the answer is an absolute no. There is zero reason to wait on FW, the camera is superb as-is. Not to mention Leica's history of very slow FW releases...you might be waiting much longer than you think. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
IkarusJohn Posted November 15, 2016 Share #3 Posted November 15, 2016 I don't understand your question. If you enjoyed the camera with the existing firmware, then buy it. The camera works really well with it, in my view. I do expect either a decimal upgrade, or whole number, at some point in the next few months, as there are a few remaining issues (have a look at the SL firmware 3 thread). These cameras are effectively computers anyway. When the new firmware is released, it is unlikely to be anything other than an improvement (Leica run Beta testing), though sometimes flaws slip through and they are picked top here pretty quickly. You could defer upgrading the firmware until your confident it is an improvement (some here hold off upgrading). I don't understand your reference to product numbers. Firmware is just a version number, not a product number. No new SL is likely to be announced for some years yet. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
skater75 Posted November 15, 2016 Author Share #4 Posted November 15, 2016 I don't understand your question. If you enjoyed the camera with the existing firmware, then buy it. The camera works really well with it, in my view. I do expect either a decimal upgrade, or whole number, at some point in the next few months, as there are a few remaining issues (have a look at the SL firmware 3 thread). These cameras are effectively computers anyway. When the new firmware is released, it is unlikely to be anything other than an improvement (Leica run Beta testing), though sometimes flaws slip through and they are picked top here pretty quickly. You could defer upgrading the firmware until your confident it is an improvement (some here hold off upgrading). I don't understand your reference to product numbers. Firmware is just a version number, not a product number. No new SL is likely to be announced for some years yet. So “firmware updates”, in essence, is a next version of camera software with known bugs fixed? Probably minor bugs, reflecting some edge cases, but still… And I would just be capable of updating/reinstalling this new version once it’s released. Correct? Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
FlashGordonPhotography Posted November 15, 2016 Share #5 Posted November 15, 2016 I've been thinking of getting SL for color (as I currently own MM-246 for black & white) after I tried the camera for a couple of days shooting 1000+ images. With new announcement (or rumors that are almost certain) of SL firmware update is it reasonable to wait for this latest SL version to be released by official dealers? Anyone can give me a reason not to do so? How seriously such " firmware updates" affect overall image quality? From prior experience anyway? Is this updated model to be assigned a new product number (as it currently stands as MFR # 10850)? I think you misunderstand a little. A firmware update is a software update to existing hardware. The hardware won't change and you will be able to update your new camera with the new firmware when it arrives. Any camera with the new firmware will still be exactly the same model number as all the current SL bodies. There have already been several firmware updates and all SL owners are able to enjoy the new firmware. Any current SL will be able to be updated, by their owners, to the new firmware, if they wish. The process takes about 5 minutes and you do it at home. There is no need to take your camera to Leica, although a good dealer should help you if you are unsure about updating the firmware your self. A firmware update *may* improve, slightly, image quality. It may add extra features to the camera. It may fix bugs in the existing firmware. The first firmware update (from 1.0 to 1.2) did give us improvements in image quality with better noise control and less image banding. Firmware 2.0 offered many bug fixes and some great new features. It is likely the SL is still only a 1/3rd of it's way through its image cycle. The current hardware will be around for some time to come. If you like the SL, buy it now. When any new firmware becomes available you'll be able to upgrade your camera, just like the rest of us. Gordon Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
digitalfx Posted November 15, 2016 Share #6 Posted November 15, 2016 So “firmware updates”, in essence, is a next version of camera software with known bugs fixed? Probably minor bugs, reflecting some edge cases, but still… And I would just be capable of updating/reinstalling this new version once it’s released. Correct? yes thats correct. Its a free update that you can easily install Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
IkarusJohn Posted November 15, 2016 Share #7 Posted November 15, 2016 Advertisement (gone after registration) Firmware updates also improve and add functionality. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
MT0227 Posted November 16, 2016 Share #8 Posted November 16, 2016 Correct, FW updates are software updates just like those for your PC/Mac; It's quite simple to do. 1) Download the FW from the Leica site. 2) Make sure your battery is fully charged 3) Save your profiles 4) Copy the FW file directly to your memory card 5) Find the Firmware section in the settings menu 6) Select update and wait for it to finish successfully. As others said, no need to hesitate for a FW update if you enjoyed the camera as is! So “firmware updates”, in essence, is a next version of camera software with known bugs fixed? Probably minor bugs, reflecting some edge cases, but still… And I would just be capable of updating/reinstalling this new version once it’s released. Correct? Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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