Panasonic has today announced firmware updates for its two Micro Four Thirds cameras, the LUMIX DMC-GH1 and G1, as well as the LUMIX G VARIO HD 14-140mm f/4-5.8 ASPH.

According to Panasonic, the updated Version 1.1 firmware for the GH1 allows faster burst shooting and ‘improves control of shutter speed and stability of AF in movie recording’ as well as further, unspecified performance improvements. The Version 1.3 firmware for the G1 improves compatibility with Micro Four Thirds lenses.

The firmware upgrades also prevent the G1 and GH1 from working when third party batteries are installed. According to Panasonic, this feature was added because of issues with some third-party batteries that ‘do not meet Panasonic’s rigid safety standards’.

Firmware version 1.1 for the Panasonic LUMIX G VARIO HD 14-140mm lens improves the performance of Mega O.I.S (optical image stabilisation) and also includes unspecified compatibility improvements with micro Four Thirds cameras.

More detailed information, including instructions for downloading and installing the firmware updates, can be found on Panasonic’s Global website