Panasonic firmware update for LCD Flip.

F

filmie

Member
I want to buy a M2 but don't want to buy a Marshal 7 inch monitor which is twice as much as the M2. I'm really hoping Panasonic will come out with some sort of firmware update for the HVX that will allow the image on the LCD screen and the recorded image to be flipped. I read that the new JVC HD200 has a function to do just this. Who can second my request for Panasonic to include this?
 
If you're getting an M2, the Marshall is a must --- not just because of the flip, but because the shallow depth of field makes critical focus that much more important. This is not something you can afford to cheap out on.
 
I agre with the above. If you are shooting a indie, You are saving so much by not shooting film that it makes sense to spend right, because you can use on another project, and so on.
 
If you're shooting an indie - post is probably going to need to be cheap - hence having the footage rightside up would be a great thing. It's a great headache in post to have to unflip the footage - my clients hate it.

So having a firmware update would be great. To the Englishman - why isn't it possible- the jvc hd200 does it.
 
Sorry, I couldn't find a thread that specifically said whether it was possible or not. Well, until I make some more money I will have to live with something cheaper. The cheapest solution is facing the opposite way and looking down into the viewfinder and then twisting my head the other direction to see the action. Or I will have an AC hold up a Sony 14 inch LCD studio monitor upside down and have him follow me around with the camera.
 
It's been high on my list to ask for too. But so far there has never been a firmware update. It's not like they know we want it and just aren't giving it to us, it's that there hasn't been one of any type yet. So maybe when there is one, this will be included? If it's possible, that is. There are only certain things that firmware can do, and there are some things that it'd be impossible to do in a firmware update (such as adding AVC-HD support). So if it's possible, they know we want it...
 
Steve Shovlar said:
Not possible and discussed at length. Do a search.
Click to expand...
You know... if it's not possible... then how is it possible to NOT flip the image when you fold it over for self-portrait/self-record? If there's a firmware option to stop this from happening... why wouldn't there be firmware programming to make it happen automatically when the sensor isn't tripped?

In fact, if there was a way to actually tap the HVX settings much like Barry tapped the VFR's and everything... I bet you could find the code for that specific line. And, like the 1/2/3 switches in most strands, you could figure out which one means "invert" and "don't invert".
 
Steve Shovlar said:
Here you go.

http://www.dvxuser.com/V6/showthread.php?t=53456&highlight=flipping
Click to expand...

There's not a single place in that thread saying it CAN'T be done. In fact, nobody even started a petition for it. It was all talk.

Maybe this is the time to start a petition to get the firmware update going? Talk to Jan, etc.

I say if you can get a normal/mirror option, then there's DEFINITELY a way to program a flip+Mirror option into that same line.
 
Kholi said:
There's not a single place in that thread saying it CAN'T be done. In fact, nobody even started a petition for it. It was all talk.

Maybe this is the time to start a petition to get the firmware update going? Talk to Jan, etc.

I say if you can get a normal/mirror option, then there's DEFINITELY a way to program a flip+Mirror option into that same line.
Click to expand...

This was asked for but I am sure Panasonic (Jan C?) said it couldn't be done with a firmware update. The get around was to take the cover off where the switch is, and wedge something like a paper clip in there to stop the switch from flicking and therefore jamming it inverted, so giving a flipped image.

Rather than do that myself, I found it easier to buy a Marshall 7 inch monitor and mount it upside down on an Noga arm.

The Marshall is so superior to the small lcd screen on the HVX it makes it a "must have" anyway. Obviously this is a large extra expense to go with the M2, but really its almost impossible to do critical focus using the M2 and the onboard lcd that it becomes essential to go and get one.

This is getting away from the topic in question though. Panasonic could have built a flip screen feature into the camera easily enough but chose not to. marshall could have built a flip feature into the 7 inch monitor but chose not to.

You caould always buy DVRack and use your laptop as a monitor through firewire, and record your footgae through it at the same time. And DVRack does have an M2 flip feature!
 
I just wish someone could flip the viewfinder.. I like to operate looking through it.. Let my 1st have the marshall.. Any ideas? besides turning my head upside down? or purchasing that onboard viewfinder from rowe.. which I'm still considering..
 
From a business standpoint, Panasonic will most likely include this update in the next revision of the HVX. How do you get people to buy more cameras? You include a feature in a model that everyone wants, that's how.

If this is what they are thinking of doing then of course they are going to say that it is not possible through a firmware update because they don't want to make people upset when a new model come out with the feature they want.
All just speculation though.
 
Agreed - having the Marshall monitor is a must - but the real problem is that the footage is upside down in post - this is a hassle for the post side of things - JVC just might get a few people on the fence with the FLIP it in camera feature - also if you are using a monitor with two line ins with A and B in and you have the M2 and the other guy doesn't - then it makes it another hassle.
 
I have been getting really used to viewing images upside down. At first it was difficult but your brain adapts and then it isn't so bad. I find that using a 35mm adapter and focusing with the HVX LCD not to be too bad. The focus is so shallow that when your subject IS in focus, you see it clearly, unlike the HVX sans adapter. Try using it upside down for a few days, I'm tellin ya, your brain will figure it out.. I also own the Marshall but sometimes I just like having the lighter weight.

What is that Rowe viewfinder you were talking about Justin?
 
Find someone who could get to the service_menu or whatever and check the strands and options for the camera. There might be a strand for mirror/normal switching.

Or, a few strands that let you align, flip, etc. the LCD or the Viewfinder.
 
According to a certain Panasonic engineer, he believes a "flip" mode should be fairly easy to implement through a firmware update. He mentioned that somebody just has to write the code so the flip occurs at the CCD's. It's not a matter of simply flipping the image for viewing - the image must be flipped for recording.

It is also highly recommended that you do not attempt to flip the LCD image using the paperclip technique. These are very sensitive components that cost approximately $700 to repair, should you cause excessive damage.

Furthermore, the biggest problem with the HVX (in terms of repair services) has been with the rings by the lens. The seal is only a plastic one and is susceptible to clogging by stuff like sand and dirt. This causes grinding and resistance while trying to turn the ring. This is also not covered under warranty and is approx. $1200 to repair. So, if you're planning on shooting at a beach or something, protect your camera with a CamWrap (or the like).

There has actually been one unpublicized firmware update. The update adds a mode to the camera where certain audio frequencies are filtered out from being recorded, specifically to help minimize the noise of the relatively slow zoom mechanism being picked up by the internal mics.

Regarding the aforementioned Panasonic engineer, I'm going to post his name and contact information. He mentioned that we could petition for a "flip" mode by emailing him and he will forward it to the appropriate party.
 
DC said:
According to a certain Panasonic engineer, he believes a "flip" mode should be fairly easy to implement through a firmware update. He mentioned that somebody just has to write the code so the flip occurs at the CCD's. It's not a matter of simply flipping the image for viewing - the image must be flipped for recording.

It is also highly recommended that you do not attempt to flip the LCD image using the paperclip technique. These are very sensitive components that cost approximately $700 to repair, should you cause excessive damage.

Furthermore, the biggest problem with the HVX (in terms of repair services) has been with the rings by the lens. The seal is only a plastic one and is susceptible to clogging by stuff like sand and dirt. This causes grinding and resistance while trying to turn the ring. This is also not covered under warranty and is approx. $1200 to repair. So, if you're planning on shooting at a beach or something, protect your camera with a CamWrap (or the like).

There has actually been one unpublicized firmware update. The update adds a mode to the camera where certain audio frequencies are filtered out from being recorded, specifically to help minimize the noise of the relatively slow zoom mechanism being picked up by the internal mics.

Regarding the aforementioned Panasonic engineer, I'm going to post his name and contact information. He mentioned that we could petition for a "flip" mode by emailing him and he will forward it to the appropriate party.
Click to expand...
That's what I thought. There's no reason why the strand can't be written into the LCD and the recording method. It's all in the programming, anyway, not the hardware. And while flipping it for recording is nice as well, it will still record the right footage, just upside down. So, we'd just have to flip it in post. That's what happens when you view via Marshall Monitor. No big deal.

Also, where is this firmware update for the audio? I'd like to update! LoL. Any little bit helps.
 
Kholi said:
. . . where is this firmware update for the audio? I'd like to update! LoL. Any little bit helps.
Click to expand...

You would have to bring your camera to an authorized Panasonic service center. Panasonic on Ventura Blvd in Studio City, CA is now handling HVX repairs, etc.
 
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