Today, Leica has released a major firmware update for the Q3 family. With the version 3.0.0 update, Leica has added some meaningful improvements, performance enhancements and bug fixes. The big item for video shooters is the new ability to use a range of Røde microphones through the USB-C port on the camera. Since there is no 3.5mm audio jack on the Q3, previously, the only option was to use an external recorder and sync in post.
Improvements range from reduced blackout time to focus tracking speed. See below for the full list of improvements. As always, we recommend staying up to date on all firmware updates. Direct download link and installation instructions below.
NEW
USB-C Audio
New supported USB audio products by RØDE:
- VideoMicGOII
- VideoMicNTG
- WirelessGOII
- WirelessME
- and compatible USB microphones
IMPROVEMENTS
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 relevantly 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.
Download Firmware Files
To download the firmware file, simply click the button below. You'll need to drag and drop the downloaded firmware file onto an SD card which was freshly formatted in the Q3, then insert the card into your camera with a fully charged battery. Navigate to the Camera Information menu to access the firmware update option. Don't try to open the firmware file on your computer – just copy it onto the SD card into the root directory. Full step-by-step instructions are below
Note that while the version numbers are the same, there are two distinct firmware files, one for the Q3 and one for the Q3 43. The firmware files are camera-specific, so be sure to download the correct corresponding file.
Installation Instructions
- Recharge the battery to 100% and insert the battery into the camera.
- Remove the SD card from the camera.
- Prepare a SD card for installation:
a. It is recommended to format the memory card inside the camera.
b. Please make sure that the card contains at least 200 MB of free disk space.
c. Copy the firmware file to the root directory of the SD card.
d. Insert the SD card into the camera. - Switch on the camera.
- Open the “Camera Information” menu item in the main menu. Under “Camera Firmware Version” you can see the version of the currently installed firmware and you can install the new firmware under “Start Update”.
- Confirm the update process if you want to start.
a. The camera will guide you through the process of updating your camera.
b. Please confirm to save your current settings to SD card before proceeding with the update.
c. The camera starts the update process and informs you when finished.
d. Restart the camera; do not eject the SD card.
e. After the welcome video you can select the language.
f. You now can do some settings via the Leica FOTOS App by connecting the camera with the app. If you have already connected the Q3 to the app, delete it from the app and connect the camera again - The update process is completed successfully.
- If you want to load your user profiles go to the menu item “User Profile” in the main menu and then “Manage Profiles”. With “Import Profiles” you can restore your profiles to the camera again.
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