Acorn 5210A exposure tests - Firmware Upgrade - Part 2.

Fig 1: Still image sequence time lines, pre and post upgrade.
Click on image to view full size

Following on from my last post on this subject, the image on the left shows an analysis of the issue, before and after the firmware upgrade.

This post refers specifically to the upgrade for the 5210A; but a bin file is also available for the 5210M, which will increase the size of the file sent by MMS from 320 x 240 pixels up to 640 x 480 pixels, as well as correcting the exposure issue.

These files are not available to download directly because both bin files are named 5210A. If you use the wrong file it will disable the camera; so I
need to be certain which camera you are upgrading.

Correction to this post 31.07.12.  I've just changed one image and removed another which I posted by mistake. I also forgot (tired and in a hurry - thank you Nicklas for waking me up) to explain how to tell the difference between pre and post update images which is as follows:
The image data bar changes with the upgrade. If you look at the time lapse sequence and also figures 2 and 3 below, you will see that the bar is broken. This is how it appears before the update. Figures 4 and 5 have a continuous data bar which is how it appears after the update.

Image EXIF file. If you look at the image EXIF information you will see that the camera software version is V1.48 prior to the update and is V1.60M afterwards.

Update 01.10.12.  Current 5210A and M models should have software V1.83V - This information is obtained from recent cameras we have in stock.

Send me a request by email and I will mail you the correct file for your camera. Also note that if you have a clone version of this camera this upgrade will not be suitable. The camera must be a genuine model manufactured by Ltl Acorn and I will soon be writing a post about how to identify these cloned cameras which are manufactured by a company called 'Shenzhen MHC Technology'.

The video below is of the top timeline in Fig1 above, and shows how the exposure pre-upgrade, varies as the camera hunts for the right setting. After the upgrade this is no longer an issue.

Fig 2.

Figures 2 and 3 show under-exposed images pre-upgrade. Very often they would be so dark that no detail could be seen in parts of the image

Figures 4 and 5 are typical of images taken after the upgrade.

I use several of the 5210 cameras, all have been upgraded, and all show consistently improved results with no post upgrade issues.

See how to upgrade.

Fig 3:

Fig 4:

Fig 5: