Page 1 of Panasonic Camera`s - Software Upgrade Blocks Third Party Battery Packs

Quote:
Panasonic has used a firmware update to prevent punters using batteries bought from other suppliers in its digital cameras.

The update, which applies to 16 cameras which between them use three models of Panasonic battery, was posted this week.

Courtesy of http://www.reghardware.co.uk/2009/06/25/panasonic_battery_drm/"" target="_blank">El Reg.



I consider myself an optimist, albeit an optimist with cynical tendencies and a dark side that Lucifer himself would find a little creepy. (Perhaps you've noticed.) You don't normally associate cynicism with an upbeat pov. But I have exactly that combination and will defend it.

Heartily glad that I don`t have to learn how to spell Chiwetel Ejiofor.


AdTelly

That`ll make them popular. It`ll also mean they start getting cameras sent back as broken because they won`t work with the battery.

With any luck it`ll backfire big time on Panasonic.

J Mark Oates

I didn`t even realise you could update cameras!

Nick

I didn`t even realise you could update cameras!


There are updates for most modern cameras, it is surprising what they can do.

As I have said several times I am very happy with my Panasonic camera, but this would stop me both buying one, & recommending them anymore.

This item was edited on Thursday, 2nd July 2009, 08:48

I expect the Chinese will soon figure out how to `chip` their clone batteries. A pain for anyone who has already got one though.

as far as i know the compatible batteries will work with firmware versions, 1.00 and 1.1, but if you upgrade to version 1.2 then this will stop you using compatible batteries, there is no need to upgrade to 1.2 as this upgrade is simply to stop you using compatibles, therefore there is no need to do it, i upgraded my tz6 to 1.1 and it works fine on compatible batteries, hth.

as far as i know the compatible batteries will work with firmware versions, 1.00 and 1.1, but if you upgrade to version 1.2 then this will stop you using compatible batteries, there is no need to upgrade to 1.2 as this upgrade is simply to stop you using compatibles, therefore there is no need to do it, i upgraded my tz6 to 1.1 and it works fine on compatible batteries, hth.

But this is the thin edge of the wedge. The next time they do something to improve the camera they will include the disable battery in it. So you are stuck with the last firmware. I expect other manufactures to follow suit soon. :(

My barely-used (under 200 photos) Panasonic FX35 has just been the first digital camera I`ve owned that`s gone wrong.
P***ed me right off.
Prior to the Panasonic, I`ve had Kodak, Sony and Casio cameras.
None went wrong, I only changed them for upgrade`s sake.
It`ll be sold as soon as it`s repaired and I won`t own another Panasonic camera.

You know as well as I do that Panasonic is noted for reliability, but nothing can be guaranteed. The makes you mention I`ve known to go wrong & produce inferior photos to the Panasonic. We had a student a few years ago who bought 2 Casio cameras & both went wrong in the time she was here, I advised her to go for a Canon & it served her for years. The Panasonic at the time was too big for her. I had a Kodak & it was the worst digital camera I`ve ever had. Panasonic cameras are regarded as one of the best nowadays. My only gripe is the new firmware stopping third party batteries from working, & if true is the only reason I would not buy another.

I bought a Panasonic DMC S3 in May, really happy with it, updated the firmware to a revision from April no problem.

Just bought a "Powerplant" battery for £12 rather than £50 for a proper Panasonic and it seems to work ok. Will be interesting to see what happens if there is another firmware upgrade for the camera ;)