New: Firmware Update v.4.0 for Leica Q3 / Q3 43 / Q3 Monochrom

[Leon_B.]

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Today Leica has published firmware version v.4.0 for the Leica Q3, Q3M and Q3 43 with significant new features and improvements. Here are the download links and the changes:

Downloads:

• Leica Q3 with v.4.0
• Leica Q3 43 with v.4.0
• Leica Q3 Monochrom with v.4.0

Alternatively, the firmware can be installed via the Leica FOTOS app.

NEW

Q3 / Q3 43

• Automatic focusing on human features, e.g. eyes and faces, has been significantly improved through AI-assisted models.
• The tracking algorithm automatically adjusts the size and shape of the focus field during subject tracking. This results in more stable and reliable performance over extended periods of time.
• The AF mode was revised and the menu structure was simplified. Multi-Field and Spot were combined into one menu (Zone/Multi-Field and Field/Spot). A new AF Acquisition menu is now available in both the FN list and the Control Center. Expanded subject recognition: humans (eye/face/body) and animals – including birds, dogs, wolves, cats, and big cats.
• Quick selection for digital zoom levels. Favorite focal lengths can now be set and recalled via a function button.
• Video profiles have been integrated. The menu structure was adapted to suit the new Leica user interface. All video modes can now be scrolled through and selected directly.
• The design of Live View, Control Center, and Menu was updated to suit the new Leica user interface. Additionally, touch operation features were expanded. The menu is now fully controllable via touch. Some menu items were rearranged or consolidated (e.g. Leica Looks, Display Settings).
• A new Battery Condition menu now displays the overall condition of the BP-SCL6 battery.
• The Leica Looks menu was optimized. A new Intensity setting option was added.
• The Info bar displays in Live View rotate with the camera. The display automatically adapts to operation in portrait or landscape orientation.

IMPROVEMENT

Q3 / Q3 43

• Improved L-Log video quality: Optimized color rendering and more natural skin tones

Q3 / Q3 43 / Q3 MONOCHROM

• Improved connection to the Leica FOTOS app: Faster media loading and searches
• A simultaneous use of the WLAN connection and a USB microphone is now possible.
• RED – EU Cybersecurity Requirements: When updating from version 3.1.1 or earlier, the camera must be re-paired with the app.
• Default settings adjusted in Control Center: AF Detection is now enabled by default.
• Improved enlargement function in Review mode. When enlarging the image via the dial or the function button in Review mode, the zoom now automatically centers on the AF position. The AF frame will not be displayed. A double-tap on the display zooms into the tapped area. If no AF position is known, magnification begins at the center of the image, and then the last used position will be stored.
• Change to the default flash setting: The default for Flash mode is now On instead of Auto
• Improved L-Log video quality with improved noise behavior
• Standardized Control Center icon position: A single connection icon is displayed depending on priority (Bluetooth/Wi-Fi/Cable)
• Automatic settings restore after firmware update. When updating from version 3.1.1 or higher to firmware 4.0.0, the camera automatically saves all current settings and user profiles and restores them after the update. Language, date, and time remain unchanged – no new input required.
• Improved display of grayed-out settings: Current values will now always be shown in Live View and in the menu.
• Faster Start Time (after extended inactivity): The camera starts up significantly faster.
• New Control Center icons and basic settings.
• The menu items File Format and Compression were consolidated and are now available via the single menu item (File Format)

[DavideQ3]

Wow, there’s a lot to dig into with this update! It really feels like so much has changed, especially on the AF side and the whole subject/face detection system, which now seems to be split out and reworked quite a bit.

I’m really curious to test all of this in real‑world shooting and see how the new AF behaviour and tracking actually perform. Exciting times for the Q3!  🥰

Fingers crossed they also listened to the request for a quick face‑detection toggle! Now that the AF and recognition options are structured like this, it actually looks possible… 🤞

 

[Smogg]

Bravo Leica!👏

[DavideQ3]

9 minutes ago, DavideQ3 said:

Wow, there’s a lot to dig into with this update! It really feels like so much has changed, especially on the AF side and the whole subject/face detection system, which now seems to be split out and reworked quite a bit.

I’m really curious to test all of this in real‑world shooting and see how the new AF behaviour and tracking actually perform. Exciting times for the Q3!  🥰

Fingers crossed they also listened to the request for a quick face‑detection toggle! Now that the AF and recognition options are structured like this, it actually looks possible… 🤞

 

Mmm, I’m already playing around with the new firmware and… it really looks like they didn’t add the toggle after all...

I hope I’m wrong. 

[augustusnebulae]

Hi there, thank you for the update. I just wonder how I could find more options in the menu like the old version. I am bit confused about the new UI. I could not find like wifi, or usb or time settings now. I would appreciate if i could get the reply. Thank you!

[hoolyproductions]

I just installed it, really like the updated menus and it is basically the same as SL3 now.

I noticed you can at least set a button to bring up the AF Detection menu (then select off, face or animal)

The only problem I have is that my Capture Assistant settings do not get implemented. E.g for number 1 I set a blank screen but I still see the histogram, even though it is turned off in the settings.

[keithlaban.co.uk]

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Will existing user profiles be maintained after the firmware update? 

[hoolyproductions]

6 minutes ago, keithlaban.co.uk said:

Will existing user profiles be maintained after the firmware update? 

Mine were there, although you still have to do the work to set up the 'control centre' as you want it. I didn't want to do this multiple times (for each profile) so I did it once and used that as a base to rebuild my other ones.

Edited 42 minutes ago by hoolyproductions

[BobsFirstLeica]

I suppose I’ll wait 24 hours to update to make sure all the brave souls who do it immediately don’t brick their cams…. Unless of  course there’s a 100% success rate after a few hours. 😉

[paddycook]

19 minutes ago, BobsFirstLeica said:

I suppose I’ll wait 24 hours to update to make sure all the brave souls who do it immediately don’t brick their cams…. Unless of  course there’s a 100% success rate after a few hours. 😉

Well it's already causing me problems. After the update I cannot re-pair it with the Fotos App

 

[Tarekith]

Hooray, no more black bar at the bottom of the LCD when composing!

[richard371]

I placed it on the  root of the card and get no firmware found on SD card. Q343

[MikeWanderings]

Does anyone experience a lock-up/spinning icon when going from a user profile back to the default profile?

[yren]

• Faster Start Time (after extended inactivity): The camera starts up significantly faster. 

Cannot wait to test this in real-world. Did have multiple experiences of missing shots due to the slow startup. 

[Tarekith]

I updated via the app, no issues with that method or pairing it again afterwards.  

I did have some issues with my profiles though, switching to any of them including the default camera one caused the Q3 43 to hang.  I had exported my profiles to the SD card just in case before the update, and importing those afterwards fixed the issue.

The new AF improvements are noticeably better, MUCH stickier to objects and my dog   Faster start up is nice too.  

Edited 4 minutes ago by Tarekith

[yren]

41 minutes ago, keithlaban.co.uk said:

Will existing user profiles be maintained after the firmware update? 

Basically are still there, I can say more than 90%. Although the Leica Look (again, strangely all removed) and a few other settings (like capture assistance, etc) have to be set up again, as the setting logic have been changed significantly.