Update Contents

Model Number DMC-LX3
Update Version Ver 2.1
Update File Name/
Size

For Windows:
LX3_V21.exe / 6,165,130 bytes (After self-extract, LX3__210.bin)

For Macintosh:
LX3_V21.zip / 6,097,034 bytes (After self-extract, LX3__210.bin)
Update Date 2009/10/21

Improvements

Date/Version Description
2009/10/21
Ver 2.1
  1. Correction of custom mode.
2009/9/28
Ver 2.0
  1. Improved auto white balance performance.
  2. Auto Focus speed-up.
  3. Recording function with an aspect ratio of 1:1 has been added.
  4. A white balance (WB) bracket function has been added.
  5. [HIGH DYNAMIC] has been added to scene mode.
  6. [LENS RESUME] has been added to the [SETUP] menu.
  7. [MENU RESUME] has been added to the [SETUP] menu.
  8. The exposure compensation and the auto bracket compensation can now be set up to ±3EV.
  9. Position of the guide line can now be set.
  10. It is now possible to display the highlights in playback mode.
  11. It is now possible to record the user’s name in the picture.
  12. Digital red-eye removal has been modified.
  13. Items saved in the custom set have changed.

Concerning the DMC-LX3 Firmware UpdateExternal Site
PHOTOfunSTUDIO 2.1 Update ProgramExternal Site
2009/6/1
Ver 1.3
  1. Improved auto white balance performance.
  2. Improved auto white balance performance in sunset mode.
  3. Improved recovery operation from unremoved lens cap.
  4. Improved operation of MF ASSIST/AF area selection.
  5. Improved display of Manual Exposure Assistance.
2009/1/15
Ver 1.2
  1. Improved white balance flash mode setting when DMW-FL220 is connected.
  2. Proper setting of shutter speed on iA mode and Scene mode when OIS is turned ON.
  3. Proper Exif information in the JPEG picture file.
2008/12/15
Ver 1.1
  1. Compatibility update for the DMW-FL220 flash unit.
  2. Improved auto white balance performance.
  3. Improved auto focus performance.

Firmware Update Procedures (Overview)

  • STEP 1. Check the current version of firmware used by your camera.
  • STEP 2. Download an updated version of the firmware and double click the downloaded file to decompress it.
  • STEP 3. Copy the firmware file onto an SD Memory Card.
  • STEP 4. Install the firmware update.
Caution:
Please do not turn off your camera, or do not remove the SD Memory Card while updating your camera's firmware.
Doing so can cause serious damage to your camera.
If the camera malfunctions after the firmware updating, please contact the dealer where you purchased the camera or the Global Service Center Network.

Actual installation steps

STEP 1: Reading the current firmware version.
  Panasonic recommends that you update the firmware in your camera if either of the following conditions exists:
  If the firmware version indicated is older than the version being offered, please update firmware.
The firmware update is not necessary if the current firmware version on your camera is Version 2.0.
     
 

1.Turn the camera on.

  • A [MENU/SET] button
  • B [REC]/[PLAYBECK] selector switch
  • C:Mode dial [REC]

2.Slide the [REC]/[PLAYBACK] selector switch to []

3.Set the mode dial to []
     
 

4.Press [MENU/SET] to display the menu.

  • You can switch menu screens from any menu item by rotating the zoom lever.
     
 
  • Press [] to select the [SETUP] menu
    icon []
     
 
  • [][VERSION DISP.]

    It is possible to check whitch version of firmware is on the camera.
     
STEP 2. Download the updated version of the firmware with the following procedures, and self-extract it.
 

Download of any file for Panasonic firmware update requires your agreement with the [software agreement]. You may proceed to the next step only once you have agreed. Please make sure to confirm all terms and conditions in advance to proceed to download.
  For Windows Users
  1. Make a temporary folder on your PC for downloading the file,e.g. C:/Temp.
  2. Download and save the firmware in the folder you created in the above step.

    LX3_V21.exe / 6,165,130 Bytes

  3. Double click the downloaded file
    You may see following screen after you have double clicked the downloaded file, please ignore it and just click "Run" button and move to the next step.
    <Fig. 1 Security Warning>
    		 

  4. The self-extracted file LX3__210.bin will appear.
    The file size for LX3__210.bin should be 6,096,384 Bytes.
    If the file size is not the same, please download and double click the file again. The file size can be checked by right-clicking on the file and selecting properties.
  For Macintosh Users
  1. Make a temporary folder on your Mac for downloading the file.
  2. Download and save the firmware in the folder you made in the above step.

    LX3_V21.zip / 6,097,034 Bytes

  3. Extract downloaded file
    • - Depending on your Macintosh setting the file maybe automatically extracted.
    • - If your OS is earlier than Mac OS X 10.3, please use Extract software. If your Macintosh OS is equal or later than Mac OS X 10.3, double click the file, LX3_V21.zip.
  4. The extracted file LX3__210.bin should be 6,096,384 bytes if the file size is not the same, please download and double click the file again. To check the file size, view "File in Finder" then check the information window.
STEP 3. Copy the firmware file onto an SD Memory Card. Prepare an SD Memory Card with the extracted file from STEP 2 above.


Preparation of the SD Memory Card

8 MB or more must be free on the SD Memory Card and use an SD Memory Card which has already been formatted for the DMC-LX3. Please refer your instruction book for mode details. (Use DMC-LX3 for formatting the SD Memory Card.)
When formatting the SD Memory Card, all data, including protected data, will be erased and can not be recovered. Please make sure to back up your important data so you don't loose it.

Insert your formatted SD Memory card to your SD slot of your PC.

Copy the downloaded file onto the SD Memory Card.
If your PC does not have an SD slot, use an external USB SD Reader/Writer device.

Copy the file into the Root directory (*1) of the SD Memory Card.
(*1) Root directory = The first or top-most directory in the hierarchy.
STEP 4. Install the firmware update


For customers who do not have an AC adaptor. (DMW-AC5, separately sold optional parts)

  1. Charge the battery fully.
  2. Make sure to turn off the power switch.
  3. Insert the fully charged battery to the body.
    If the battery is not full, the Fig.3 will not appear.

For customers who have an AC adaptor. (DMW-AC5, separately sold optional parts)

  1. Make sure to turn off the power switch.
  2. Connect the AC adaptor's power cord to a wall outlet. <Fig. 2>
  3. Using the AC adaptor, connect the DC output on the adaptor with the DC input terminal on the DMC-LX3.


    <Fig.2 Connecting the camera to the AC adaptor>

  4. Insert the SD Memory Card prepared in STEP 3 into the DMC-LX3.
  5. Set Playback/Recording switch to playback mode.
  6. Turn on the power switch.
  7. After the message of "PLEASE WAIT ..." is displayed, the following display will continuously be shown on the LCD (Fig.3).

    Version number varies according to the updated firmware used.
    <Fig. 3 The initial setup of the firmware updating process>

    If newer version or same version of firmware has already been installed, the initial setup screen(Fig. 3) will not be displayed. And the DMC-LX3 will display that "NO VALID PICTURE TO PLAY". Please turn off your camera and use the camera as is. About SD Memory Card, please refer to the Note below.

  8. Press the Up button to select YES. The update process will start (Fig. 4 and Fig. 5).

    <Fig. 4 To start the update, select YES.>

    <Fig.5 Location of MENU/SET and cursor buttons.>

  9. At the above screen(Fig.4), press the MENU/SET button(Fig.5) and the screen will change to Fig. 6.
    The DMC-LX3 will start the update process.
    The firmware update will take about 1 to 2 minutes.
    Please do not attempt the following operations before completion of next step 10.

    • * Turning the power off and on
    • * Opening the SD Memory Card compartment
    • * Removing the SD Memory Card
    • * Removing the AC adaptor cord
    • * Removing the DC cable

     
    <Fig.6 Version up on Going>

  10. Once the firmware update process is completed, the DMC-LX3 will turn off the power and turn on again then the camera will be reset to initial mode automatically.
  11. To verify the version number, follow Step1 at the beginning, the camera version number indicates 2.1, the process is completed.
  12. Turn off the power switch.
  13. Remove the SD Memory Card.

Note:
About the SD Memory Card after it has been used for a firmware update.
Please format the SD Memory Card used for the firmware update before taking photos, otherwise it may cause the DMC-LX3 to malfunction and/or decrease the number of pictures that can be taken.