6-Axis Image Stabilization Updates for Most Lumix Lenses
Recently Panasonic introduced updates for most Lumix lenses so they can utilize the amazing new 6-axis Image Stabilization on the recently announced Lumix GX8 camera.
To get the same feature in all other Lumix cameras you have to update your lenses’ firmware. The firmware updates have now been released. To get to the updates you have to go to this page first Firmware Update Instructions and scroll all the way to the very bottom of the page. At the bottom you have to click on ACCEPT to get to the page that actually has the downloads which is here: Lumix lens Firmware Updates. But do the first page first or you won’t be allowed to access downloads. Finding these downloads took me ten minutes to figure out. I’ve talked to my contacts at Panasonic about how difficult this process is. If you find it the same please post your comments in this blog so we can help encourage them to make firmware downloads easier.
If you really want to see how difficult the whole process is, pretend you don’t have the links above, do a google search and try to go through the entire process on your own. It’s not easy to say the least. Wished they would make this easier for all of our Lumix users.
peterOn Nov. 1st, 2016
hello dan, i just found this somehow and i laughed. probably half year ago i bought lumix g7 and yes, without seeing your article i went about to upgrade all firmware, lens and body and OOOH BOY it resulted in such an email to them that i might be ashamed for it now (no ugly words), i just took them EXACTLY through the WHOLE process of confusion and going in circles and clicking, reclicking on links, pulling my hair out… i had to write them about it, because it borders on … well who ever did that part of the website should … whatever. it’s pittiful for such a huge company to have such painfuly bad user interface for upgrades.
JaneOn Sep. 2nd, 2015
Dan, another very useful article. Finally got around to updating my 14-140, 12-35 and 35-100 today in anticipation of the arrival of my GX8 tomorrow. Panasonic/Lumix is making fantastic photo gear but they fall a bit short on documentation. To me it’s not easy to find the needed information online so I appreciate your giving us the link. I’ve now added it to my Bookmarks. Another issue is accessing the actual firmware. The page says “click” but no amount of clicking or double-clicking opens the needed page. Finally figured out to do “Command Click” and voilà all is revealed!
Daniel J. CoxOn Sep. 2nd, 2015
Jane, I agree that Panasonic needs help with web related issues. I’ve mentioned it to them more than once but it’s always great to hear from our readers. Maybe they will eventually get this side of their company figured out. I’ve found software/firmware upstarts to be more than frustrating.
Fred KurtzOn Aug. 29th, 2015
Dan – update on the lens firmware process. Do not do what is stated above as it does not respond. Instead, I entered the address that is stated in the GX8 manual http://shop.panasonic.com/support and followed the instructions and it was a piece of cake. Just took a couple of minutes to update both lenses and it worked flawlessly. I still don’t understand why Panasonic would put out the above when it does not work and the standard method they have does work. Interesting. Oh well – up and running. Now to test the GX8!
Fred
Daniel J. CoxOn Sep. 2nd, 2015
Fred, you are the second person who has reported trouble with this link. I don’t get it either. Strange the Panasonic web site has such issues and I’ve reported them to the Lumix team.
Fred KurtzOn Aug. 29th, 2015
Hi Dan. I just received my GX8 from Bozeman Camera and they were professionals all the way. Thanks for telling me about them. Now for trying to update the lens firmware and your difficulties outlined above. I expected to breeze right through the process and followed your instructions above by clicking on your first link and hit accept. It then took me to the page to download the lens software and when I click on “Click to Download Page” absolutely nothing happens. In fact I tried to click on all the links for all the lenses and cameras and nothing at all happens. So I am stuck in the mud. You are right, their system totally stinks and does not work at all. Hopefully you can apply pressure on them to fix it and I am surprised they don’t know that the links do not work. Very disappointed. I am assuming the links did work for you. Maybe they are down for maintenance or something. Any thoughts? Have you received your GX8 yet?
Fred
Daniel J. CoxOn Sep. 2nd, 2015
Freddy, sorry for the trouble. I have no idea why Panasonic has such ongoing issues with their web site, downloads etc. I’ve mentioned it more than once but I really appreciate you sharing your experience since it’s always good to have additional people adding their voice. I’m still in Alaska and have a GX8 waiting in my office in Montana. Will be taking it to the Pantanal. Hang in there with the Lumix team. I know they are working hard here in the US to get web issues fixed.
John DoyleOn Aug. 28th, 2015
Dan
I received the GX8 yesterday. I did some shots in the back yard this morning. I am very impressed with the camera. Very fast and very sharp pictures.
The Olympus 40-150 worked well on the camera. I was very pleased with the stabilization. The clarity was excellent and sharp.
I also tried the 35-100 2.8, the 12-35 and the 14-140 3.5 and all worked well. Yes, I sold all my sony cameras and lense and purchased the 35-100 and 12-35 used on ebay.
The only issue I had was with my Olympus 12-40 2.8. Through the view finder the background had a blue color. When I took the picture they came out just fine. Will have to do some research on that.
I think you will be pleased with the camera over all.
The on-off button is a little small as well as some of the other buttons. I think they placed a lot of controls on a small body. Will take some getting use to.
I am really pleased with the camera and it will be my main camera in South Africa.
Daniel J. CoxOn Sep. 2nd, 2015
John, did you get the blue background figured out. Was the lens on manual focus by chance and fi so did you have “Focus Peaking” turned on? Focus peaking shows up blue on all my other Lumix cameras and maybe that is what you were seeing. Let me know if you got this figured out. Thanks.
john DoyleOn Sep. 4th, 2015
Thanks Dan
Focus peaking was on. Once I set it to off, the blue tinge was gone. Everything worked properly.
Thanks again
John
Daniel J. CoxOn Sep. 4th, 2015
John, If focusing peaking was on you must have also been in manual focus? I’ve never seen focus peaking when I had the camera in AF mode. Make sure you are in AF and not manual focus mode. By the way, I just opened the box of my new GX8 and I’m even more impressed than when I used it month ago. This camera is so silky smooth. AF is so incredibly fast, frame rates in continues is like a mini machine gun, etc. etc. etc. Can’t wait to try it in the field in Brazil and South Africa.
John DoyleOn Sep. 4th, 2015
Thanks Dan
The camera is not in manual mode. As you found, it locks on super fast. I will look forward to your pictures in South America.
i’m afraid I may be selling my Olympus bodies:+).
So far, it has been a delight to use. Easy to get around the settings.
Of course, I am not a Pro, like you.
One thing I played with. I shot several pictures in priority mode and set the ISO. I shot the same pictures in the IA mode. I cannot tell the difference. The auto mode is really sharp. I have not found this to be true in previous cameras I have owned.
Have a safe trip and see you in South Africa.
Daniel J. CoxOn Sep. 4th, 2015
John, glad you are enjoying the GX8. Your comment ” easy to get around the settings” on the Olympus bodies intrigues me. Will be interested in hearing how you feel about the settings on the GX8 which I find to be far superior to all the Olympus cameras in ease of use.
john DoyleOn Sep. 4th, 2015
Dan
I did mean the Olympus was easier to use. I think you misunderstood my comments or I did not make it clear.
No, The Olympus settings are not as user friendly. as the GX8.
I find the GX8 much like Carols FZ1000.
I also really like the level bar.
I trust you will give the camera a good work out.
Daniel J. CoxOn Sep. 5th, 2015
Good to know John. Thanks for the clarification since I’ve been pretty outspoken about how difficult Olympus cameras are to operate compared to the Lumix line. I thought maybe you had a much different experience than I have. Either way, Panasonic seems to really be firing on all cylinders with their new releases. The G7 is also a great little camera with even more technology in it than the GH4.
Ray HirschOn Aug. 25th, 2015
Thanks Jay & Dan,
I am thinking seriously about getting a GX8 to try the new 20 megapixel sensor. Some of the Lumix 4/3 lens I have, like the Summilux 15mm f1.7, are some of the best lenses I have ever owned on any system. Would like to try them on the GX8. Dan, any negatives that you detected relative to GH4 image quality?
Hope all is well with both of you guys and look forward to seeing you on NE trips.
All the best,
Ray
Daniel J. CoxOn Aug. 25th, 2015
Haven’t had a lot of time with the GX8 yet Ray. should have one at the office in Montana when I arrive home. Will be taking it to Pantanal and South Africa to use with the Olympus 40-150mm F/2.8. Will let you know how it goes.
John DoyleOn Aug. 31st, 2015
Ray
If you want to try the GX8 with your 1.7, let me know and we can meet.
My email is jwd46@cox.net
Olga IrizarryOn Aug. 25th, 2015
Good report , I am following the GX8 . I wonder, the 20megapixeles quality and sensor how they compared with GH4? How are those extras 4 megapixel are seen in quality of thephoto, specialy in low light. How much can be recover from the raw file? 🙂 Many questions…
Daniel J. CoxOn Aug. 25th, 2015
Hopping to find out more Olga. I should have mine in hand in another couple of weeks. Will be taking it to the Pantanal in Brazil and South Africa for a serious test. Stay tuned.
JayOn Aug. 20th, 2015
Dan,
Thank you. That brings clarity to my issue and helps my decision making.
Jay
Daniel J. CoxOn Aug. 20th, 2015
Happy to help Jay. Let me know if you have any further questions.
jayOn Aug. 12th, 2015
Dan, I am following the incredible product development in the microfourthird world and I am looking to combine the Olympus 40-150 /2.8 with 1.4x and Panasonic 100/400 with a new camera. For a long lens solution capable of shooting fast action , I cannot decide between G7 ( image extraction from video) vs Gx8 or just hold off for Gh5. You have seen my shooting style and I don’t “baby” the gear. I would love to hear your comments/ advice.
Best,
Jay
Daniel J. CoxOn Aug. 18th, 2015
Jay, as far as I know, the GX8 has all the same video extraction tools as the G7 which is officially called 4K Photo Mode. So no reason to decide on either camera based on that. The G7 is a stellar performer but it’s definitely not built to the same durability standards as the GH4 and the new GX8. That said, I’ve been extremely impressed with all Lumix cameras and their ability to take a pounding in the field. As far as waiting for the GH5, that really depends on how much shooting you will be doing between now and maybe 6-8 months. I have not heard when we will see the new GH5 but based on typical release times I’m guessing we’ll see it in next year some time. If it were me and planning to buy the 40-150mm Olympus I would definitely go for the GX8 since it will give you reasonable IS since it’s the first Lumix camera with serious built in camera IS. That’s actually my plan. A GX8 for my Olympus 40-150mm F/2.8 zoom sooner rather than later.