Zoom H4N – Firmware Update 1.70

FIRMWARE UPDATE 1.70

If you have followed our blog since a while ago, you already know that we always encourage and support all kind of improvements via firmware updates. In fact we encourage every possible improvements to already existing cameras or every kind of device, because that increases the product competitivity and value.

On November 18th, Zoom Corporation (an innovative japanese company) has released a new “system update” (which is a firmware update) that gives the user independent level controls on the two XLR inputs available on the device, adding a new level of versatility to the most popular handheld recorder on the market.

The Zoom H4N became the popular affordable solution for most HDSLR shooters. Chek its great features and specs clicking here!

This new functionality available thanks to the firmware update is especially useful for serious audio recording and will be very much appreciated for those who use it with HDSLRs for video or filmmaking purposes.

Download link: http://www.zoom.co.jp/english/download/software/h4n.php

RELATED COMMENTS & REMINDER

This is another demonstration that firmware updates can bring more or enhanced features and versatility to already designed and in production devices. That means no really big costs since firmware updates are in fact software updates, no hardware changes are required to the current production line.

Of course, we keep on requesting Canon to improve the EOS line of HDSLRs, which has a huge potential inside, not fully exploited yet.

As a reminder we mention very few examples of features that CAN be improved on many current Canon DSLR cameras:

  • “Clean” HDMI / AV output (function to enable/disable the white focus square in Live View mode)
  • Auto ISO limiters (in normal and Live View mode) (1*)
  • Manual Audio gain control (2*)
  • More frames available on Bracketing mode (for HDR photography)
  • Capability to “Edit” movie/video clip in camera (3*)

NOTES: Some of these simple features are already available in some specific DSLRs, while they are not in other models (many times MUCH more expensive). In most cases there is no hardware limitation, it’s only a matter of firmware (software), which controls the camera.

It’s even ridiculous to find some of these functions in P&S compact cameras that cost less than $500 (lens included), but not in thousand of dollars more expensive DSLRs cameras (body-only).

(1*): This function is already available in EOS 60D and EOS T2i/550D, but not in much more expensive models like EOS 5D Mark II or EOS 7D.

(2*): This function is only available on EOS 5D Mark II and the new EOS 60D

(3*): This feature is only available on EOS 7D, EOS 60D and EOS T2i/550D.

? This inconsistency and incoherence is indeed something that Canon SHOULD fix.

For more possible enhancements, check our List of Fixes & Improvements.

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