Panasonic LUMIX GH5S Firmware Update V2.2 Brings External Blackmagic RAW Recording

Firmware Update

by Jakub HanNovember 4^th, 2021

The Panasonic LUMIX GH5S gets a new free firmware update v2.2 that brings compatibility with Blackmagic Video Assist 12G recorders. These can now record the raw HDMI video output from the camera as 12-bit Blackmagic RAW. This will be available in up to DCI 4K 60fps or 3.7K anamorphic 4:3 60fps. Additionally, the update adds Focus Ring Control with select Panasonic lenses.

Announced almost four years ago, the Panasonic LUMIX GH5S joined its sibling – the popular GH5 – offering an alternative with better low light performance without the IBIS. Exactly in the manner of other Panasonic cameras, the GH5S too received numerous firmware updates over the years. Earlier this year, a significant firmware update v2.0 unlocked raw video output over HDMI for the camera. In connection with the Atomos Ninja V or Ninja V+, it was possible to record the raw video from the GH5S as 12-bit ProRes RAW. Today, the camera gets compatibility with the Blackmagic RAW format as well.

Panasonic LUMIX GH5S Firmware V2.2

As mentioned above, the main new feature of the newly released firmware update v2.2 for the LUMIX GH5S is the compatibility with Blackmagic Video Assist 12G 5″ and 7″ recorders. These recorders can save the raw video output from the camera’s HDMI port as 12-bit Blackmagic RAW in the following formats:

• DCI 4K (4096 x 2160, 17:9) in 23.98p/25.00p/29.97p/50p/59.94p
• Anamorphic 3.7K (3680 x 2760, 4:3) in 23.98p/25.00p/29.97p/50p/59.94p

Panasonic says that the V-Log L or Rec.709 is selectable on the Live View monitor during RAW output. Shooting assist functions including V-Log L View Assist, WFM (Wave Form Monitor), Vector Scope, and Zebra Pattern can be used during RAW output.

Why is this beneficial? First and foremost, ProRes RAW is still not natively supported in DaVinci Resolve, so if this happens to be your NLE of choice, Blackmagic RAW is a more suitable compressed raw format. This can also be good news for people who prefer the Video Assist recorders over a Ninja V. Please keep in mind, however, that the Blackmagic RAW you get from Panasonic cameras behaves a bit differently than Blackmagic RAW recorded internally in Blackmagic cameras. For more information, take a look at our ProRes RAW versus BRAW article.

On top of the BRAW compatibility, the new update also brings the Focus Ring Control function to the GH5S. This is available with select compatible Panasonic lenses: H-XA025, H-ES200, H-E08018, H-X1025, H-HSA12035, H-ES12060, H-FS12060, H-X2550, H-HSA35100, H-FSA45200, H-ES50200, H-FSA100300 and H-RS100400

Price and Availability

The new firmware update v2.2 for the GH5S can be downloaded now free of charge from the Panasonic Support website. The camera itself currently sells for $1,800 and the Video Assist 12G 5″ costs $795. Aside from that, you will, of course, need a lens, NPF batteries, a fast HDMI cable, and media (preferably USB-C SSD).

Do you use the LUMIX GH5S for your work? Is DaVinci Resolve your main post-production software? Does BRAW from the GH5S sound interesting to you? Let us know in the comment section below.