Panasonic Underwater Update Available

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Panasonic has released a firmware update for its compact cameras. However, rather than improving their internal operation, the update will bring compatibility with another brand's accessories. More precisely, you'll be able to use the TZ8, TZ10, ZX3 and FT2 with Inon underwater flashes.

Inon is a Japanese manufacturer of diving accessories, such as underwater housing (notably for the EOS 50D and GF1), lenses and waterproof flash units.

Panasonic is providing compatibility with the latter via a 1.1 software update for the ZX3 (currently being tested), TZ8, TZ10 and FT2. The new firmware will bring 'Optimization of light amount for INON external flash (S-2000/D-2000/Z-240)'. No other changes will result from the update, except that the TZ10 will gain 'improved stability on start-up'. In other words, unless you plan on using your camera with one of Inon's underwater flash units then you can pretty much ignore the update.

Obviously, only the FT2 can be used underwater as it is (up to 10 metres), but underwater housing is available for the other models (the MCTZ10E for the TZ10 and TZ8, and the MCZX3E for the ZX3). A marine case is also available for the FT2 (MCFT2E), for use at depths of up to 40 m

The new firmware is available to download from the Panasonic global website. It's available in two different versions: an .exe file for Windows and a universal .zip file for all operating systems. Unzip the file on your computer, copy it onto a blank SD card, charge the camera battery to full and then launch the update.

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