how to upg the firmware for S3pro??

[Azure]

Hear Reflection out - "if it aint broke, don't fix it".

Auto-Rotate is useless to me. Have no issues with AFS lenses when changing, so it don't affect me, though before firmware upgrade, it does go ERR when I hot-swap from other lens to my 24-120VR. I rarely use the VR, so it does not bother me. Now I'm mostly using wides, so again no issue. Slow reviewing, I'm not complaining except for the occasions when I need to search for a particular pic on the fly.... that's about once a month, and I can live with it. So there.

And yes, I upgrade the firmware. On hindsight, shouldn't have bothered. :bsmilie:

Colours, yeah, the S3 Pro is drop-dead-beautiful in that department, esp if you do flowers and scenery on F2. ISO1600 is very clean too (trashes every other IMO). Shadows and Highlights (and DR) and blowouts, let's just say I'm happy not having to waste time doing post-processing... or shooting RAW files.

I guess that makes me a faithful follower of Fuji's SuperCCD? You betcha. :devil:
BTW, my backup is a S2 Pro and a Coolpix4500 for fun. :sticktong :angel:

 

[Azure]

Oops forgot to add :-

For the thread-starter, unless you are using VR lenses, don't bother with the upgrade.

 

[rebbot]

Oops forgot to add :-

For the thread-starter, unless you are using VR lenses, don't bother with the upgrade.

azure does the upgrade helps with VR in any way? hmmm~

 

[nad]

Oops forgot to add :-

For the thread-starter, unless you are using VR lenses, don't bother with the upgrade.

Azure, how do you find the 24-120VR lens with the S3pro? Is the image quality good and sharp?

 

[Azure]

I'm only using the 24-120VR. And even then very sparingly for the few low-light cases when I need the slightly longer range (85-120mm). I personally do not see the difference in performance, but that's probably because I do not have anything else to compare it with.

BTW, I only use this lens for shooting stray cats at dusk (6.30-7.45pm) as I won't flash them. Attached a couple below for you to see (resized and border only, no post-proc)
http://barnie.photonx.org/albums/userpics/10002/1009.jpg (S3+VR@120mm, 7.20pm, ISO200)
http://barnie.photonx.org/albums/userpics/10002/1003.jpg (S3+VR@85mm, ISO100, in vet's operating room)
No flash used. Std sharpening in camera. Ambient lighting at f5.6-6.7 range.

 

[tao]

Azure, how much of a difference in terms of image quality and ISO performance do you find between your S2pro and S3pro?

 

[Azure]

I think we've OT from firmware upgrade to "VR lens" to "S3 Pro - others". May I suggest a separate thread be started to hold all the S3 Pro issues? Anyone?

For image output, rather than I give you all the empty talk, I'd suggest you make a visit to my regular lab - TripleD, at Burlington Square (it's the FDI lab facing Bencoolen Street). There are a pair of black folders on the store counter with sample images from various photographers. One of them contains an array of S2 Pro, S3 Pro and Coolpix images printed to A4 size. The Fuji-cam prints are almost exclusively out-of-camera.

Sorry, folks, I'll be away and mostly offline for the next 2 days. Will respond when I'm back.

 

[khkoh]

just updated my s3pro firmware.

1. Auto white balance with nikon external is improved, very nice colour!
2. don't need to switch off camera when i change my AFS lens, much use to it this way.

 

[Reflection]

just updated my s3pro firmware.

1. Auto white balance with nikon external is improved, very nice colour!
2. don't need to switch off camera when i change my AFS lens, much use to it this way.

Any before and after comparison for #1?

 

[zedd]

Would advise anyone upgrading thier S3Pro firmware to be reeeeeeally careful. Power adaptor is a must and leave everything on the table before pressing the ok button.

Why ? because I held mine in my hand when I pressed the ok button. Something happened when i was placing the camera onto the table (while firmware is upgrading ) and everything just went blank !!! and nothing works anymore.
Brought it Fuji workshop and was told there's nothing they can do but change the whole board !!! Major Ouch !!

 

[nice_user]

Good advice..
in fact, s3pro would NOT allow firmware upgrade if u do not have the power adapter connected..

flashing firmware for ALL electronic devices has the same 'danger'.. most common is power cut during flashing...

So zedd, will fuji replace the board free for u?

Would advise anyone upgrading thier S3Pro firmware to be reeeeeeally careful. Power adaptor is a must and leave everything on the table before pressing the ok button.

Why ? because I held mine in my hand when I pressed the ok button. Something happened when i was placing the camera onto the table (while firmware is upgrading ) and everything just went blank !!! and nothing works anymore.
Brought it Fuji workshop and was told there's nothing they can do but change the whole board !!! Major Ouch !!

 

[Azure]

That is why I don't want to bother myself with the risk nor the hassle of upgrading the firmware. Honestly, I have yet to see any diff in the output after upgrading my firmware in Feb this year. Since then, won't bother.

OT/self-plug - heheh... my outing this Sunday (full) will be a good time to explore the DR of the S3... lotsa old old structures.

 

[zedd]

Good advice..
in fact, s3pro would NOT allow firmware upgrade if u do not have the power adapter connected..

flashing firmware for ALL electronic devices has the same 'danger'.. most common is power cut during flashing...

So zedd, will fuji replace the board free for u?

Kudos to Fuji and MS color...I got a new set

 

[29tim05]

Kudos to Fuji and MS color...I got a new set

good for you...

 

[jOhO]

to upgrade or not to upgrade.. :think:

cos i'm using VR.. and i DO have the problem of accidentally swapping lenses without offing the cam.

pardon the bad english. :bsmilie:

 

[Azure]

Go for the firmware upgrade then. I did upgrade it in Feb. And still swap lenses, though I tend to power off the cam first... it's a habit.

 

[29tim05]

FYI, new firmware 2.18 up for download...