Updating Firmware in the HMC 81e ?

[canavp]

Hi,
I have a HMC 81e and see that there is a firmware upgrade for the HMC 80. Is this upgrade suitable for the 81e or is the HMC 80 a completely different model?

[ChrisHarding]

Hi
Check the release notes that come with the update and you will see that firmware updates relate to the HMC80 series which includes all models!! However unless your camera was bought before 2010 you should already have version 1.07 and the only other update is for DV mode not AVCHD mode stability...I haven't updated as I don't ever use DV mode but if you do, then download the firmware and instructions

Chris

[canavp]

Hi
Check the release notes that come with the update and you will see that firmware updates relate to the HMC80 series which includes all models!! However unless your camera was bought before 2010 you should already have version 1.07 and the only other update is for DV mode not AVCHD mode stability...I haven't updated as I don't ever use DV mode but if you do, then download the firmware and instructions

Chris

Thanks for the info Chris. Don't use DV so will not bother to update. Unfortunately the Panasonic web site was not to clear on this re model sub numbers.

[ChrisHarding]

The DV firmware update was released in February and I haven't updated either as I also don't use DV mode any longer as the files are too big. I actually replaced by HMC82's with a new pair just a month ago so the firmware might already be updated anyway but it's not really important and everything works as it should. Still love the cameras too. I actually bought a pair of AC-130's in March and I quickly on-sold them and replaced them with HMC82's again as the AF was poor and the autoiris doesn't change shutter speed so you have virtually no exposure range! The HMC80's are still the best value for money out there!!

Chris