Firmware/Software Update for HPX300 Available

Is this firmware also meant for the HPX301E ? I see that it is not only FCB :_)))

  1. [SIZE=-1]Addition of FBC function[/SIZE]
  2. [SIZE=-1]Noise reduced in 1080/24P, 30P mode[/SIZE]s
  3. [SIZE=-1]Modification of scene file F3 setting[/SIZE]
  4. [SIZE=-1]Addition of DRS (Dynamic Range Stretcher) to 1080/50i, 60i[/SIZE]
  5. [SIZE=-1]Improvement of display flashing momentarily[/SIZE]
  6. [SIZE=-1]Warning information display setting[/SIZE]
  7. [SIZE=-1]Problem with P2 card (E-series)[/SIZE]
Is the noice also reduced in 1080/25p mode?
What is modification 3, 5 and 6 about?
 
Jan,

Is this best accomplished through the SD card? Thanks for putting this up front for us!

e
 
Hi,

It is intended for all but the HPX305, the Japanese version of the camera has its own download. And this is only possible with the SD card. If you have registered your camera please go through the PASS system, I you haven't registered your camera for the extended warranty, what are you waiting for?

Best,

Jan
 
We have registered the 300 - just have to get it back in front of me for a day and we'll be done. Can't wait to see what the FBC function does.

e
 
Here are some quick frame grabs with before/after FlashBand updater.

In each case, I simply set camera on tripod in wife's sewing room and recorded static shot at 1080 24pn AVC-I 100. Then just shot off flash.

Note in image 1 the banding.

I then applied the FlashBand updater to camera and repeated the same shot.

Note how the flash now fills the whole frame.

Of course, these are not well-lit or properly composed shots. Just wanted to experiment quickly with the camera update.

Ned Soltz

WithoutFlashBandUpdate.png




WithFlashBandUpdate.png
 
Wow, that is a major improvement. If we can achieve results that good most of the time, we'll be in terrific shape.

e
 
Cees Mutsaers said:
yes it looks really good, just wonder what will happen if there are more than one flashes in a frame ?
Click to expand...

You might get a white line across the screen, but not nearly as objectionable as the flash band. I have an MXF file that has four clips in it, Single flashes, without FBC and with FBC, then 2 with multiple flasheswithout and with. I will zip them and post them tonight for those that would like to take a look at the native files. If you want a link to that, send me a private message. Keep in mind they probably won't go up unit 8:00pm East Coast USA time. One other note, these files were made about 2 months ago and they have continued to refine it.

Best

Jan
 
Great news! A true step in the right direction, and this update alone puts this camera as a much better proposition for ENG/Event coverage than the EX series...
 
Hey, someone out there, let's see the difference in the noise levels. Shoot a gray bar chart before you upgrade, then upgrade, then shoot the same chart (in the same light, same everything of course) and let's see the improvement! :)
 
I shot a very unscientific noise test against a wall with varying exposures. Shot at 1080p24, AVC-I100. The update is running now (15 minutes in, about half done... quite a process going on in there, it seems) so I'll get the same shot again after the update and post some samples here.
 
Wow, the noise reduction is immediately noticeable and quite significant. It doesn't seem to affect the 'black dot' noise that many people have noticed as much as the general video noise, but still, that reduction is quite welcome.

I have stills from 6 shots, 3 each before and after.

The area in the left of the shot is a balanced gray projection screen, to which I white balanced.

The 3 shots have the gray area exposed to 75%, 50%, and 25%.

The stills are too large to upload here, so I have them on my own site. Please be kind to my bandwidth, feel free to look at and save these or whatever, but don't link directly to it on other sites/forums.

Comparison Stills

So far, very pleased with the results. Can't wait to do some more testing :thumbup:

EDIT-More Info: Shot this with the Panasonic DIGNEG preset at 1080p24, AVC-Intra 100, -3dB Gain. Lens at 10mm, about 10' from the wall, aperture at f2.8, f4, and f5.6 in the respective shots.
 
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