Q3/Q3 43: Firmware update v.3.0.0 improves black out times and much more

[Leon_B.]

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Leica has released the firmware update v.3.0.0 for the Leica Q3 and Q3 43 with many improvements.

The firmware is already available on the official Leica website, slight availability delays via the FOTOS app can be possible. 

Downloads:

• Leica Q3
• Leica Q3 43

New:

• USB Audio:
  New supported USB audio products by RØDE:
  • VideoMic GO II
  • VideoMic NTG
  • Wireless GO II
  • Wireless ME
  • and compatible USB microphones

Improvement:

• Capture mode:
  Blackout time for single shots was improved from approx. 310 ms to around 250 ms.
• Firmware:
  Bugfixes in the firmware.
• Connecting to Leica FOTOS App:
  The problem of Leica FOTOS being unable to connect if another smartphone was already connected to the camera via Wi-Fi was remedied.
• Continuous Shooting:
  The start delay for the setting 15 fps was reduced by 700 ms.
• Autofocus:
  The iAF performance was improved. Focus delay and tracking output were improved.
• AF/AE-Lock:
  The AF Lock function will now be permanent after activation, until the relevant assigned button is pressed again or the AF Field is shifted. That applies to the settings AF-L + AE-L and AF-L. The AE Lock function maintains AE-L after activation, even if the AF Field is shifted.
• AF Field size:
  Configured AF Field sizes will now be saved to the user profile (on the SD card and the camera memory).
• Touch AF:
  Via Leica FOTOS app is now possible, even if the focus ring is set to MF.
• USB Mode:
  The factory setting of the camera was changed to Select on Connection.
• Exif 3.0:
  Support for Exif 3.0 and the GPS version 2.4.0.0 was added.

[LocalHero1953]

Updated Q3 43 via SD card - no problems. The only stated improvement that is relevant to me is to iAF and tracking. I'll have to wait for a future opportunity for this.

[TheLaird]

Updated via SD card without any issues. Not sure any of the updates are strictly required for me as shoot manual focus most of the time and AF only the rare occassion. Never used tracking on Q3 (plenty of time on OM Systems for wildlife and sport) as that ice not what the camera was bought for by me. But there could be other bits hidden some place in the code that I have not encountered.

 

[Tseg]

Also, they have added the "Brass" jpeg look.

[TheLaird]

54 minutes ago, LocalHero1953 said:

Updated Q3 43 via SD card - no problems. The only stated improvement that is relevant to me is to iAF and tracking. I'll have to wait for a future opportunity for this.

Paul - just had a look at your site. Some great images. I really am moving towards a "body of work" rather than single images. Really enjoyed the Belgian Bikes as I lived there for many years.

[SrMi]

Updated via the Fotos app. AF Lock is still not permanent . The focus is lost once you change the aperture or turn LPC on or off.

[coleica]

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Updated via latest Fotos app version using iPhone 14Pro.  Update proceeded as expected.  A quick reminder, first to keep image count correct take a picture before starting the update process, and don't forget to save your profiles prior to update.  

[Smogg]

51 minutes ago, SrMi said:

Updated via the Fotos app. AF Lock is still not permanent . The focus is lost once you change the aperture or turn LPC on or off.

I have permanent AF-L  with the new firmware. This is great news and the most important thing in this firmware for me.

[jjroroek]

AF tracking is better and  I love the permanent AF-L.  I assigned it to the top button so I kan switch very fast with one finger . But I still miss the real zoom in the viewfinder

 

Edited December 12, 2024 by jjroroek

[Pelu2010]

1 hour ago, Tseg said:

Also, they have added the "Brass" jpeg look.

Have to be careful with that look! It may wear out. Never trust the „Brass“

[SrMi]

17 minutes ago, Smogg said:

I have permanent AF-L  with the new firmware. This is great news and the most important thing in this firmware for me.

After pressing AF-L does changing the aperture or turning LPC on release or keep the lock?

[Guest]

12 minutes ago, SrMi said:

After pressing AF-L does changing the aperture or turning LPC on release or keep the lock?

I agree with you. Any change to aperture, shutter speed, exposure compensation, digital zoom, LPC etc will cancel the focus lock.

At least it does maintain lock after shutter release now, so that might be enough for a lot of folk.

[Smogg]

16 minutes ago, SrMi said:

After pressing AF-L does changing the aperture or turning LPC on release or keep the lock?

Changing the aperture or exposure compensation unlocks AF-L. This is still not very good. But now the shutter button does not unlock after the first frame, and this is a huge step towards meeting the requests of users for many years.

[Smogg]

Ideally, it would be nice to have a focus lock that would not be interrupted even when turning the camera off/on. But you can't ask for too much, you need to be satisfied with what you've been given😀

[LocalHero1953]

2 hours ago, TheLaird said:

Paul - just had a look at your site. Some great images. I really am moving towards a "body of work" rather than single images. Really enjoyed the Belgian Bikes as I lived there for many years.

Thank you - that's very kind! Good luck with the project work.

Edited December 12, 2024 by LocalHero1953

[Pelu2010]

I installed the update via app. 
no problems > can someone explain why on earth we need that blackout? 
And why it can’t be solved to be removed? 
is this a file size thing? 
From the beginning of the testing of the Q3 I reported that its very annoying. 
It takes away the orientation when I am shooting. I feel like holding my hands infront of my eyes. I shoot a lot while moving my body and the blackout is very concerning to me. 310 ms to 250 ms , I don’t feel it. Maybe if its reduced to 100 ms. 

[SrMi]

30 minutes ago, Smogg said:

Changing the aperture or exposure compensation unlocks AF-L. This is still not very good. But now the shutter button does not unlock after the first frame, and this is a huge step towards meeting the requests of users for many years.

It is a slight improvement, though I wonder whether it will make any difference in practice. The proper solution is to allow focusing only with a button other than the shutter release.

[Smogg]

5 minutes ago, SrMi said:

It is a slight improvement, though I wonder whether it will make any difference in practice. The proper solution is to allow focusing only with a button other than the shutter release.

You are right, but Leica probably doesn't want to give this functionality to the entry level camera in their camera line.

[SrMi]

12 minutes ago, Smogg said:

You are right, but Leica probably doesn't want to give this functionality to the entry level camera in their camera line.

I do not consider Q cameras as entry level, like D-Lux 8 😁. I think the problem is more philosophical nature, after all, SL cameras do not have real BBF neither. With SL you need to turn off AF to simulate BBF. That does not work for Q cameras or for Panasonic lenses with AF/MF clutch.

[Advertisement]

Hallo,

Look here: Leica Q

[aficionados]

32 minutes ago, Pelu2010 said:

I installed the update via app. 
no problems > can someone explain why on earth we need that blackout? 
And why it can’t be solved to be removed? 
is this a file size thing? 
From the beginning of the testing of the Q3 I reported that its very annoying. 
It takes away the orientation when I am shooting. I feel like holding my hands infront of my eyes. I shoot a lot while moving my body and the blackout is very concerning to me. 310 ms to 250 ms , I don’t feel it. Maybe if its reduced to 100 ms. 

I use 2 fps continuous shooting mode to shoot single picture. Just press the shutter once and one picture is taken even with the 2-fps.

And you don't have blackout at all.

I know it's not a solution to the blackout of single shot, but you have it.