Suggestions for feature additions in future S2 firmware updates

[David Farkas]

Leica has already added some nice features and optimized existing ones via firmware updates: key lock, long press mode change, overlay histogram, clipping definition, rear thumb button control options, long exposure settings, etc.

What new features would you like to see in future firmware updates?

To get things started, here's a few things I'd like to have:

• A hyperfocal function that would automatically set the lens focus distance to achieve maximum DOF to infinity at any given aperture

• Quick review delete option. Instead of pressing the Play button again to activate review, then deleting, I'd prefer to have a soft button enabled for quick delete. A double press would reduce the chance of accidental deletion.

• Parallel writing of DNG files to both CF and SD cards simultaneously. Currently, this mode writes a DNG to the CF and a JPG to the SD.

• ISO in third or half stops rather than whole stops

[Mark Gowin]

Good suggestions David. I recall asking for a quick delete method back during my first demo of the S2 in the Fall of 2009. The true simultaneous write of DNG to both CF card and SD card is another feature which would be welcome.

I have one other suggestion which may seem trivial, but it's something I would find helpful.

* Provide an user option to change the direction of the thumbwheel for changing aperture value. Currently, the wheel direction necessary to stop down the aperture is in the opposite direction of my Canon dSLRs. This makes it confusing to switch from one camera to the other.

[David K]

I frequently need to lock down my settings and use the DOF button for this purpose. It brings up the menu item which allows this but it's an extra and, in my case, unnecessary step. I prefer the way it works on the Nikon D3s. Don't know if this is firmware fixable or not...

Also, I occasionally lose my custom functions when switching batteries or when the battery goes dead (I think). David and Josh showed me how to export them to the SD card and then import them when that happens. This really shouldn't happen under any circumstances.

[Mark Gowin]

David, your post made me rembember another nuisance I would like corrected in future firmware. Allow the camera to remember the last drive mode when switching the camera off and back on. Currently the drive mode reverts to "single" when powered off and then back on

[David Farkas]

Okay, here is a big one I left off that I've written about before...

Dr. Zimmer, head of digital R&D, explained that noise could be reduced by either dropping the sensor readout from 24Mhz to 12Mhz or by using a dual readout vs. a quad readout from the sensor. Either of these options would cut the continous frame rate in half and double the time from capture to review, but also would deliver a one stop improvement in noise performance. He indicated that it should be possible to make these changes on the fly in firmware. So, here's my suggestion:

Allow the user three modes to choose from:

1. Regular
2. Reduced noise
3. Lowest noise

The regular mode would operate like it is now.

The reduced noise mode would cut the readout rate. ISO 1250 would look as good as 640, 320 would look like 160 and base ISO 160 might been look a little better, too. The trade-off is that the continuous shooting rate would drop to 0.75 fps.

Lowest noise mode would cut the readout rate AND switch the sensor to dual output. The effect should a be 2-stop improvement in noise performance. An extended ISO of 2500 or even 5000 could be offered. ISO 2500 would look as good 640. The drawback to this setting would be a reduction in frame rate to 0.375 fps and probably a good half second to display on the LCD. Pretty slow, but could mean the difference between actually getting a shot and getting nothing.

Compared to pixel binning options like Phase's Sensor+, this solution would offer full resolution not 1/4 res.

[Jack MacD]

David the noise option would be very cool.
There are times when a high frame rate is no big deal, so the optional tradeoff would be very nice. Glad to hear it can be done if Leica wants to do so.

I also agree on wanting the option to switch the direction of setting f stop. My brain is programed the opposite direction, and there is no firmwear adjustment for my brain. So every time I turn on the camera, I have to remind myself.

[Mark Gowin]

Okay, here is a big one I left off that I've written about before...

That is a big one and one I would love to see implemented.

[Atanabe]

+1 on the noise reduction!

How about focus confirmation with the "dot" I know the <> are linked to the lens but at least a confirmation with non Leica lenses.

[Kurt Kamka]

Wow ... this would be a fantastic option. Seriously, how do we start our S2 user group Three Noise Mode Petition?

Kurt

[David K]

I haven't seen Marc post here yet so I'll take the liberty of passing along a comment he made on another forum relating to ISO settings. He feels, and I agree, that having more ISO settings would be a good thing. Something in between the existing options. This would be even more useful if the noise reduction firmware suggestion is implemented. Perhaps they could be bundled together in the next update...

[David Farkas]

I haven't seen Marc post here yet so I'll take the liberty of passing along a comment he made on another forum relating to ISO settings. He feels, and I agree, that having more ISO settings would be a good thing. Something in between the existing options. This would be even more useful if the noise reduction firmware suggestion is implemented. Perhaps they could be bundled together in the next update...

David,

I actually have this in my initial list. It is a big one for me, too.

ISO in third or half stops rather than whole stops

[Doug Herr]

Dr. Zimmer, head of digital R&D, explained that noise could be reduced by either dropping the sensor readout from 24Mhz to 12Mhz or by using a dual readout vs. a quad readout from the sensor. Either of these options would cut the continous frame rate in half and double the time from capture to review, but also would deliver a one stop improvement in noise performance. He indicated that it should be possible to make these changes on the fly in firmware.

I just learned what my jaw sounds like when it hits the floor.

[Mark Gowin]

Hey Doug, It is good to see you over here. I know you are into shooting birds and have a need for a telephoto lens. I have been been trying out a Pentax 400mm on the S2 and will make a blog post about the experience soon. Previously, I tried a Hasselblad 350mm CF on the S2 (thanks to Al Tanabe) down in the Everglades. Suffice it to say I too am in search of a telephoto lens for the S2 and can't wait for Leica to finally deliver the S 350mm.

Pardon me for getting off topic.

[David K]

Hey Doug... please don't tell us that you're giving up the DMR. You've been making such gorgeous photos with that camera and the 280mm for so long...and I never tire of seeing them. It may be a bit outdated and out-res'd by some of the newer stuff but it can still deliver the goods. Looking forward to seeing you share some images over here... whatever you shoot them with.

[Pete Walentin]

* Provide an user option to change the direction of the thumbwheel for changing aperture value. Currently, the wheel direction necessary to stop down the aperture is in the opposite direction of my Canon dSLRs. This makes it confusing to switch from one camera to the other.

+1

Haha. Good to know that I'am not the only one. I ALWAYS turn into the wrong directions. It would be so easy to add.

[Stuart Richardson]

Hey Doug... please don't tell us that you're giving up the DMR. You've been making such gorgeous photos with that camera and the 280mm for so long...and I never tire of seeing them. It may be a bit outdated and out-res'd by some of the newer stuff but it can still deliver the goods. Looking forward to seeing you share some images over here... whatever you shoot them with.

Yes, agreed! But did you watch that interview with Peter Karbe on Luminous Landscape? I liked the part where he suggested the performance of the 120mm at infinity would be on par with 280mm. It must be a staggeringly good lens...

As for the firmware suggestions, the noise reduction function sounds ideal. So ideal, in fact, that if it was easy to implement I am sure they would have done so already. Did Dr. Zimmer mention why they had not implemented this? It seems to be an obvious benefit to photographers if it is something that is possible to put into firmware.

Same goes for smaller steps in the ISO -- I agree it would be a nice feature, but doesn't each ISO setting require individual tailoring in the camera firmware? I guess that is a lot of work. My suspicion is that they did not offer incremental values because it would have required more programming time, while not being a big issue for most photographers. I agree it would be very convenient, however...For example, I often shoot film alongside digital, and being able to synchronize the meters at 100, 400, or 800 is simply a little less confusing than having one camera at 100 and another at 160.

[Doug Herr]

Hey Doug... please don't tell us that you're giving up the DMR.

Not until there's something better... which is why I'm following the S2 developments very closely From what I can tell I'd have a hard time adjusting to the file quality of mainstream cameras.

These suggested firmware tweaks do not reduce my lust for the S2 in the least, and I'm looking forward to Mark Gowin's long lens blog.

[Mark Gowin]

+1

Haha. Good to know that I'am not the only one. I ALWAYS turn into the wrong directions. It would be so easy to add.

That makes at least three of us - You, Jack, and myself. Hopefully, there are more so Leica will seriously consider this firmware change.

[David Farkas]

Yes, agreed! But did you watch that interview with Peter Karbe on Luminous Landscape? I liked the part where he suggested the performance of the 120mm at infinity would be on par with 280mm. It must be a staggeringly good lens...

I was sitting in the room during the interview. I am the voice to the right of the camera. I've also had private interviews and meeting with Peter on other occasions. He has repeatedly said that the S lenses are the best Leica has ever made. No small statement.

As for the firmware suggestions, the noise reduction function sounds ideal. So ideal, in fact, that if it was easy to implement I am sure they would have done so already. Did Dr. Zimmer mention why they had not implemented this? It seems to be an obvious benefit to photographers if it is something that is possible to put into firmware.

Same goes for smaller steps in the ISO -- I agree it would be a nice feature, but doesn't each ISO setting require individual tailoring in the camera firmware? I guess that is a lot of work. My suspicion is that they did not offer incremental values because it would have required more programming time, while not being a big issue for most photographers. I agree it would be very convenient, however...For example, I often shoot film alongside digital, and being able to synchronize the meters at 100, 400, or 800 is simply a little less confusing than having one camera at 100 and another at 160.

I'm honestly not sure why they haven't done the ISO steps yet. As to the more advanced sensor readout options, this is indeed fairly complicated programming and more core features have taken priority, like continual improvement of AF algorithms.

Feedback on threads like this one are invaluable for making our wishes as users known. Leica product management has repeatedly asked us for user input and suggestions. So, keep 'em coming!

David

[Doug Herr]

As to the more advanced sensor readout options, this is indeed fairly complicated programming and more core features have taken priority, like continual improvement of AF algorithms.

As a potential S2 user the high ISO noise reduction option would be HUGE for me. I am unwilling to sacrifice low-ISO file quality for this feature but I'd gladly go without the faster frame rate for this capability.