Automatic focusing on human features, e.g. eyes and faces, has been significantly improved through AI-assisted models.
The tracking algorithm automatically adjusts the size and shape of the focus field during subject tracking. This results in more stable and reliable performance over extended periods of time.
The AF mode was revised and the menu structure was simplified. Multi-Field and Spot were combined into one menu (Zone/Multi-Field and Field/Spot). A new AF Acquisition menu is now available in both the FN list and the Control Center. Expanded subject recognition: humans (eye/face/body) and animals – including birds, dogs, wolves, cats, and big cats.
Quick selection for digital zoom levels. Favorite focal lengths can now be set and recalled via a function button.
Video profiles have been integrated. The menu structure was adapted to suit the new Leica user interface. All video modes can now be scrolled through and selected directly.
The design of Live View, Control Center, and Menu was updated to suit the new Leica user interface. Additionally, touch operation features were expanded. The menu is now fully controllable via touch. Some menu items were rearranged or consolidated (e.g. Leica Looks, Display Settings).
A new Battery Condition menu now displays the overall condition of the BP-SCL6 battery.
The Leica Looks menu was optimized. A new Intensity setting option was added.
The Info bar displays in Live View rotate with the camera. The display automatically adapts to operation in portrait or landscape orientation.
IMPROVEMENT
Q3 / Q3 43
Improved L-Log video quality: Optimized color rendering and more natural skin tones
Q3 / Q3 43 / Q3 MONOCHROM
Improved connection to the Leica FOTOS app: Faster media loading and searches
A simultaneous use of the WLAN connection and a USB microphone is now possible.
RED – EU Cybersecurity Requirements: When updating from version 3.1.1 or earlier, the camera must be re-paired with the app.
Default settings adjusted in Control Center: AF Detection is now enabled by default.
Improved enlargement function in Review mode. When enlarging the image via the dial or the function button in Review mode, the zoom now automatically centers on the AF position. The AF frame will not be displayed. A double-tap on the display zooms into the tapped area. If no AF position is known, magnification begins at the center of the image, and then the last used position will be stored.
Change to the default flash setting: The default for Flash mode is now On instead of Auto
Improved L-Log video quality with improved noise behavior
Standardized Control Center icon position: A single connection icon is displayed depending on priority (Bluetooth/Wi-Fi/Cable)
Automatic settings restore after firmware update. When updating from version 3.1.1 or higher to firmware 4.0.0, the camera automatically saves all current settings and user profiles and restores them after the update. Language, date, and time remain unchanged – no new input required.
Improved display of grayed-out settings: Current values will now always be shown in Live View and in the menu.
Faster Start Time (after extended inactivity): The camera starts up significantly faster.
New Control Center icons and basic settings.
The menu items File Format and Compression were consolidated and are now available via the single menu item (File Format)
Way stickier from my testing this morning, huge improvement. And my favorite new feature not mentioned in the release notes is no more black bar at the bottom of the LCD when composing. Woo hoo!
Don't forget to update the FOTOS app to the new version. On iOS it's now v.5.8.0. Leica added a new Leica Looks style today, "Silver". *Loading the camera's preview files to the iPhone Fotos app seems much faster in v5.8.0.
gregfountain wrote:
I like the new interface and haven't tested the improved focus updates yet, but I'm disappointed about losing the customizable "favorites" menu.
The SL3 cameras never had a Favorites menu. Are you referring to the SL2 cameras that do have a Favorites menu?
gregfountain wrote:
No, my Q3-43 had a favorites menu. And yeah, my SL2 has one as well, but the Q3 had it as well.
You didn't mention which camera til now and I had SL3 on my mind haha. Seems you are the first to mention this from what I've read so far--but maybe I missed some comments. Any chance access to this feature was rearranged in v4.0 menu rather than removed? I don't have the Q3 camera to check for myself either way.
gregfountain wrote:
I like the new interface and haven't tested the improved focus updates yet, but I'm disappointed about losing the customizable "favorites" menu.
Give it time. I was beta-testing the Favorite-less new menu before SL3 came out, and objected to the removal of Favorites. However, after a while with SL3, I like it much better than the old Favorite-based menu.
You can customize the main menu now, which actually gives you more options in one screen without having to scroll like you might have had to in the previous favorites menu.
Tarekith wrote:
You can customize the main menu now, which actually gives you more options in one screen without having to scroll like you might have had to in the previous favorites menu.
Saw that - nice addition....you can also touch (long touch) the icons on the main shooting display and access those settings - also nice!
Updated my SL3 using the Fotos App. All went smooth. Also had to update Fotos and re-link with the camera. Also had to re-customize a couple of buttons and User Profiles. Again everything was simple and appears to work well.
I have not had time to do extensive testing, but the camera is much faster and responsive. Start up/wake up times are now basically instant.
This is very exciting for AF on the Q3. Coming from Sony, the Q3 tracking af is abysmal. I rarely use af because it’s so inconsistent, and when I do use it, I use the focus point method and don’t allow the camera to do any tracking. When I am able to update I will definitely test this out as it has not been good for photos of the little ones who don’t stay still.
I did see in the YouTube video comments that there are some bugs though. Some are saying that portrait photos no longer show full screen when reviewing in camera. Other say that peaking is now active when using af, and it’s not separate from mf. So if you turn off af peaking it also turns off your mf peaking. That must be a bug because no one wants to see peaking when they’re using af. The way it works now is perfect. One you rotate the focus barrel it activates peaking for mf.
no flash support at all for multi-shot? I would expect reduced flash sync...but no flash? this makes it almost useless for me for hi-res product shots since I use strobes.
