Panasonic Firmware Updates for LUMIX S-Series and G-Series Cameras Announced

News

by Florian MilzNovember 4^th, 2020

Panasonic has announced firmware updates for their LUMIX S-Series and G-Series cameras today, which will introduce new features and enhancements. The biggest new feature being external recording of ProRes RAW from the LUMIX S5.

The most striking feature that will be added is ProRes RAW output over HDMI from the Panasonic LUMIX S5 (our review here). You will be able to record 5.9K, 4K and 3.5K Anamorphic (4:3) in 12-bit ProRes RAW to Atomos Ninja V recorders.

This update will also enable DCI 4K (4096 x 2160) recording. Shooting assist functions, such as Vectorscope and Master pedestal adjustment and new Photostyles L.Monochrome S and L.Classic Neo will be added as well.

LUMIX S1R Firmware Update

The Panasonic LUMIX S1R gains 5K video recording (4992 x 3744) in 30p/25p/24p 4:2:0 10-bit LongGOP 200 Mb/s LPCM audio.

Additionally, you can also output 4K 60p/50p 4:2:2 10-bit over HDMI to external recorders, such as the Atomos Ninja V.

Internally, you can record videos in 10-bit HDR in “Like 2100″/HLG color. Further improvements include 10-bit recording support for the “Luminance Level” function and support for high resolution audio recording, when using the DMW-XLR1 microphone adapter with a new dedicated menu.

General Performance Updates

All S-Series cameras will get AF-tracking improvements, such as head recognition performance for the S1, S1R and S1H to get them on par with the S5.

The autofocus algorithms have been changed due to reviewers’ requests. You should gain from autofocus performance when using V-Log on the S1, S1H and S5. AF+MF is now also available in video mode on all models.

Additional enhancements for S-Series cameras are:

• SS/gain operation settings added to S1, S1R and S5
• Red frame video recording indicator added to S1 and S1R
• Monitoring support for vertical video added to S1, S1R and S1H
• 4K video transfer to smartphone is added to S1, S1R and S1H
• When free-angle monitor is rotated, the image can also be flipped (S1H, S5)

S1 Future Expansion

In the first half of 2021, Panasonic will also release a firmware update for the LUMIX S1, which will allow manual switching of Dual Native ISO on all cameras, as well as the following features with the purchase of the LUMIX S1 Filmmaker Upgrade Software Key DMW-SFU2:

• Added Timecode
• Added Anamorphic mode
• V-Log can be added
• 5.9K/C4K, 4K60/50p 4:2:0 10-bit internal video recording
• 5.9K/4K/3.5K Anamorphic RAW video output over HDMI for recording 12-bit RAW on Atomos Ninja V.

If you have already purchased and installed the LUMIX S1 Filmmaker Upgrade Software Key DMW-SFU2 you will not have to purchase it again.

G9, GH5, GH5S and G100/110 Firmware Updates

You can now use the new DMW-BLK22 batteries that were introduced with the S5 with your G9, GH5 and GH5S cameras. These new batteries offer a lot more capacity (3050 mAh 2200 mAh – after consultation with Panasonic this is the official capacity) compared to the standard DMW-BLF19 batteries (1860 mAh).

You can also charge the BLK22 batteries inside the G9 and GH5S. The GH5 is not able to charge the new batteries, so you will need an external charger like the DMW-BTC15.

As a side note: you cannot use the old DMW-BLF19 batteries with the LUMIX S5 (they don’t physically fit), so to future-proof yourself, the new DMW-BLK22 batteries are your best option.

The G100/G110 cameras receive compatibility with the LUMIX Webcam Software (Beta) with Version 1.1. Also, with this new firmware, when you rotate the monitor the image can also be flipped. You can check our Panasonic G100 review here.

Availability

The firmware updates for LUMIX S1H, S1R and S5, as well as the G9, GH5, GH5S and G100/110 will be available on November 24th, this year.

Firmware Update 2.0 for the LUMIX S1 will be available in the first half of 2021 and will require the purchase of the LUMIX S1 Filmmaker Upgrade Software Key DMW-SFU2, which costs $199.99.

[UPDATE: NOW AVAILABLE]
https://av.jpn.support.panasonic.com/support/global/cs/dsc/download/index4.html

https://av.jpn.support.panasonic.com/support/global/cs/dsc/download/index.html

What do you think about these firmware updates? Is it making the decision regarding what camera to purchase from the Panasonic lineup a bit harder or easier? And do you think those LUMIX S cameras firmware updates are giving the Sony a7S III a good fight? Share your thoughts with us in the comment section below.