Panasonic LUMIX Firmware Updates Announced – Multiple Frame Markers, MP4 Lite, and More

Firmware Update

by Jakub HanToday

Panasonic LUMIX S5II, S5IIX, GH7, G9II, S1, and S1R cameras just got new free firmware updates. The recent cameras get new features such as frame markers, enhanced AF detection modes, MP4 Lite codec options, crop zoom, hybrid zoom, and new LUMIX Lab compatibility options.

Panasonic just announced new firmware updates that include almost all the recent LUMIX cameras. New firmware is available for the following models:

• LUMIX S5II (version 3.2)
• LUMIX S5IIX (version 2.2)
• LUMIX GH7 (version 1.3)
• LUMIX G9II (version 2.3)
• LUMIX S1 (version 2.4)
• LUMIX S1R (version 2.1)

With older models – LUMIX S1 and S1R – the new firmware only adds compatibility with Panasonic’s new collapsible lens – the LUMIX S 18-40mm f/4.5-6.3. The firmware adds a pop-up message when using the lens. Furthermore, the operational stability of the cameras has been improved, according to Panasonic.

Now, let’s take a look at the more significant updates for the recent LUMIX cameras.

New firmware updates – LUMIX S5II, S5IIX, GH7, and G9II

One of the new features I find quite useful is the new multiple-frame markers. I think these will help the most when filming in 3:2 open-gate mode. Panasonic says up to three markers can be displayed simultaneously, so it will be helpful to have, for instance, both 9:16 and 16:9 turned on to see what fits in the cropped areas.

I am also interested in seeing what the new hybrid zoom and crop zoom options will be like. Additionally, Panasonic adds new MP4 Lite options for smaller data consumption. The cameras add new functionality with the LUMIX Lab (please make sure to update the app as well).

Full list of improvements – LUMIX S5II, S5IIX

1. Enhanced subject detection – [AIRPLANE] and [TRAIN] have been added to subject detection modes, [Target Parts] option has been added for [CAR][MOTORCYCLE] detection modes.
2. Multiple frame marker display feature has been added – up to 3 selected frame markers can be displayed simultaneously.
3. Crop Zoom feature has been added – The Crop Zoom feature allows for the extraction of the central part of an image and enhances the zoom effect without degrading the image quality.
4. Hybrid Zoom feature has been added – The Hybrid Zoom offers enhanced convenience by seamlessly combining optical zoom with electronic zoom.
5. Compatible to the recording format “MP4(Lite)” – The option for the low-bitrate video format “MP4(Lite)” can now be selected – 3.8K (3840×2560) 29.97p 50Mbps
6. Picture size [XS] option has been added – The option to select the smaller file size image [XS] is now available.
7. Compatible with the new features on the LUMIX smartphone app “LUMIX Lab (Ver.1.3 or higher),” – remote shooting, shutter remote control, and transferring images selected on the camera are now available.
8. Feature changes due to security enhancements – When directly connecting the camera and smartphone via Wi-Fi, the connection has been changed to always require password authentication. (The [Wi-Fi Password] menu has been removed.). The [TKIP] encryption method is no longer supported when connecting to Wi-Fi via an access point. The [No Encryption] option in network authentication is no longer supported when connecting to Wi-Fi via an access point. The image transfer feature to PC via Wi-Fi has been removed. (Only European models)
9. Other improvements – Improved operational stability.

Full list of improvements – LUMIX GH7, G9II

1. (Only G9II) Enhanced subject detection – [AIRPLANE] and [TRAIN] have been added to subject detection modes. [Target Parts] option has been added for [CAR][MOTORCYCLE] detection modes.
2. Multiple frame marker display feature has been added – up to 3 selected frame markers can be displayed simultaneously.
3. (Only G9II) Crop Zoom feature has been added – The Crop Zoom feature allows for the extraction of the central part of an image and enhances the zoom effect without degrading the image quality.
4. Compatible to the recording format “MP4(Lite)” – the option for the low-bitrate video format “MP4(Lite)” can now be selected – 3.8K (3840×2880) 29.97p 50Mbps
5. (Only G9II) Picture size [XS] option has been added – the option to select the smaller file size image [XS] is now available.
6. Compatible with the new features on the LUMIX smartphone app “LUMIX Lab (Ver.1.3 or higher)” – remote shooting, shutter remote control, wireless IP Streaming feature, and transferring images selected on camera is now available.
7. Feature changes due to security enhancements – When directly connecting the camera and smartphone via Wi-Fi, the connection has been changed to always require password authentication. (The [Wi-Fi Password] menu has been removed.) The [TKIP] encryption method is no longer supported when connecting to Wi-Fi via an access point. The [No Encryption] option in network authentication is no longer supported when connecting to Wi-Fi via an access point. Wired LAN streaming feature (RTP/RTSP) has been removed. The image transfer feature to PC via Wi-Fi has been removed. (Only European / Ukrainian models). The streaming feature via RTMP has been removed. (Only European / Ukrainian models).
8. Other improvements – Improved operational stability.

As always with Panasonic, all of the above-mentioned firmware updates can be downloaded now from the Panasonic support website free of charge.

Do you use any of these LUMIX cameras for your productions? What do you think about the recent firmware update? Let us know your thoughts in the comment section underneath the article.