New P850 Firmware and Command Dial

[Bryman]

I just updated my P850 to the new firmware. In general, I do think it is an improvement. But I did notice a few things that no longer work or work the same. In particular, the command dial does not work for many of the menu settings available using the Prog button. It used to work in v1.0 firmware. For instance, I use the Prog button in the Capture mode for AF Zone. I used to be able to hold down the Prog button, scroll the Command Dial, release and have my new setting. This no longer works. You are forced to use the joystick to change settings.

Also, speaking of AF Zone, why are the brackets so wide even when I select Center Zone. I would think the brackets should be smaller, like the size they were for v1.0 firmware.

I have found focus speed quicker and more accurate along with low-light focusing to be an improvement in the newer firmware. Also shutter lag seems quicker although I did not think this was an issue to begin with. In fact, I thought the Kodak was one of the faster cameras in this regard when I was doing my research for purchase.

Just a few more tweaks for the next firmware upgarde, especially if macro AF can be improved (close distances using zoom and speed) and then the camera will be perfect

 

[mike051051]

I used to be able to hold
down the Prog button, scroll the Command Dial, release and have my
new setting. This no longer works. You are forced to use the
joystick to change settings.

Bryman,

I'll pass this along to the development team to see if there's anything that can be done to change this function back the way it was.

Also, speaking of AF Zone, why are the brackets so wide even when I
select Center Zone. I would think the brackets should be smaller,
like the size they were for v1.0 firmware.

The brackets are now a better representation of the actual focus zone than they were before. If you'd like a smaller center focus area, you can use Selectable Zone and just leave the zone in the center (in Selectable, the joystick moves the zone).

Mike O'Brien
Eastman Kodak Company

 

[techiechick]

I was just checking this out...it looks like the only settings that the command dial works with is the "focus" and "flash". Anything else you set it to needs to be controlled with the toggle.
--

Diane
-P850-

 

[RayIvey]

I noticed that the "Film Speed" will not stay set, as it did under the previous version. In fact, I conside it a BUG in the program.

Under "Auto" or "SCN", if you set the "Film Speed to F", it will return to "S" when you power-off or change modes. Under "PSAM" and the "C Settings" it will stay at your new setting, but not under "Auto" or "SCN"

Page 43 indicates the "Film Speed" will not change unless you change it for ALL modes

 

[Bryman]

Mike,

Thanks once again for the excellent follow-through. I hope everyone on this forum and Kodak truly appreciate your insights and involvement.

For more accolades, see one of my threads titled "Question for Mike" under Mike's original posting topic: P850 firmware update just went live

Thanks

Bryman

 

[andywong86]

After my firmware upgrade, the command button can still scroll for 'exposure' and 'drive', plus 'focus' and 'flash'. Mine is working the same as it was before.

--
Andy, Canada

 

[Bryman]

Andy,

Some of the settings work fine with the Command Dial using the new firmware.

Try setting your Prog button (for capture) to AF Zone. Then see if your Command Dial allows you to change settings.

 

[mike051051]

I noticed that the "Film Speed" will not stay set, as it did under
the previous version. In fact, I conside it a BUG in the program.

Under "Auto" or "SCN", if you set the "Film Speed to F", it will
return to "S" when you power-off or change modes. Under "PSAM" and
the "C Settings" it will stay at your new setting, but not under
"Auto" or "SCN"

Page 43 indicates the "Film Speed" will not change unless you
change it for ALL modes

Ray, just to clarify, the F, S and B settings are the JPEG type, not the Film Speed. Film Speed equivalent is the ISO setting. And the issue with Auto and SCN modes reverting to Standard (S) JPEG as their default on the P850 where they didn't do that on the previous firmware has been noted by other members here in other threads and has been escalated as a point of customer disatisfaction.

Also, I don't remember exactly, but I think the text on page 43 you mention might have been one of the items that was corrected in subsequent printings of the user guide and on the website:

http://www.kodak.com/global/en/service/publications/urg00422toc.jhtml?pq-path=7549

--
Mike O'Brien
Eastman Kodak Company

 

[andywong86]

I did what you said. I can use the command dial to scroll thru menu in 'exposure', 'drive', focus' and 'flash', but use the the 'set' button to select. The same as the previous firmware.
--
Andy, Canada

 

[Bryman]

Andy,

I think the ones you mentioned do work fine. What I noticed was for another setting specifically for AF Zone and a couple of others that are different from what you indicated. The AF Zone is not the same as the Focus button setting. If you first press the Menu button and then change to the settings tab and select Prog for Capture button. Then select AF Zone. Now, when you press the Prog button, try to use the dial to change settings from Multiple Zone, Center Zone, Selectable Zone. On my camera I can only change these using the joystick.

 

[RayIvey]

Correct. the term "film speed" was wrong, it should have been "File Type". And I just purchased the 850 last week and page 43 clearly states that setting does change until it is changed manually. So I downloaded the online version and it still state the same thing.

 

[andywong86]

I followed your instruction. You're correct that the options in 'prog' button is changeable by joystick only, not the command dial. Mine was actring this way since day 1.

Somehow, I feel that the FW 1.0000 was not acting consistently among cameras.

BTW, I bought mine in HK in the second week of October 2005.

After I returned to Canada, I found numerous problems with my 850 such as hot-pixel, menu 'ext flash vs ext/int flash' , dark objects was always dark, ISO changes across modes, redeye reduction and VERY noisy image at ISO 200 etc. Oh! my Lord, I was upset until the FW 2 became available.

--
Andy, Canada

 

[mike051051]

And I just purchased the 850 last week and page 43
clearly states that setting does change until it is changed
manually. So I downloaded the online version and it still state
the same thing.

Yep, that's what I'm trying to see I we can get changed back to the way the camera worked with v1.00 firmware - for the JPEG setting, Fine, Standard or Basic, to stay the way you set it when you change modes or power down.

--
Mike O'Brien
Eastman Kodak Company

 

[dan93s]

Mike -

There is one thing I do like better about the "new" firmware and the file type settings vs. the old one. I usually shoot in RAW format in P mode. My friends and family like auto mode, and I'd always have to reset it to RAW mode.

With old firmware:
Start out in P mode in RAW.

Change to auto - it will pick JPEG format, as I think that's all that's available in auto.

Change back to P mode - the format is JPEG. (Bad, as it was RAW in P mode before)

With new firmware:
Start out in P mode in RAW.
Change to auto - it will pick JPEG standard format.

Change back to P mode, and RAW is selected again. (Good, that's what I want it to be)

In my mind, the best way to have it is NOT the way it was in the original firmware, as you can see, it didnt remember the RAW/TIFF format in P mode. I think a combination of the two would be best. The manual modes PASM should remember the RAW, JPEG, or TIFF setting, as they do with the new firmware. However, it would be nice if the auto mode would also remember its setting. That being said, I think an more compressed in focus picture with the new firmware is better than a less compressed out of focus one with the old.

 

[Bryman]

dan,

I agree wholeheartedly.

 

[Bryman]

Andy,

Thanks for the follow-up and verification.

With all that is being said, I still believe the 850 to be an excellent camera. This is my 3rd digital camera in as many years. I have had it about 1 month and have received many compliments from others that have far more expensive and larger cameras that, in my opinion, generally underperform this one.

My goal for this camera was something that fits my wife's use (takes outstanding snapshots and is easy to use with nice and clear menus) but allows full control with a large and relatively fast zoom lens when I have the time. And, all of that in a somewhat carry-able size with large LCD screen for review and a viewfinder for picture-taking. Oh, and it must have fast shutter response, i.e., minimal lag. Nothing is more upsetting than framing a shot and pressing the button only to realize that the picture you "though you took" was not taken.