Panasonic S1H Firmware Release Program – RAW Video Data Output via HDMI

April 21^st, 202013

Panasonic S1H Firmware Release Program - RAW Video Data Output via HDMI

by Johnnie BehiriApril 21^st, 2020

Panasonic is moving full steam ahead with enhancing the video capabilities of its full frame sensor flagship camera, the LUMIX S1H. What was already announced during August 2019 has been finally materialised into a firmware update version 2.0. This update is promising to bring RAW Video Data Output over HDMI, but not only…Interested? Please continue reading for more details.

Panasonic S1H and Atomos Ninja V. Image source: Panasonic

If you search the term “Panasonic S1H” on our site, you will find quite A LOT of information about that camera. From the product announcement, to test footage and all the way to our “Bored @ Home 1 minute filming competition” (YES, this Panasonic camera is the 1st prize in our competition!).

But articles aside, our hat off to Panasonic’s engineers who seem to be committed to bringing the most out of this “Netflix approved” full frame sensor mirrorless camera. Yet sometimes, it takes two for tango, and although I’m yet to see Jeromy Young of Atomos dancing, his products gain a name of being the perfect fit for manufacturers who are seeking higher recording specifications by enabling RAW recording output via HDMI.

Panasonic S1H – Resolution and Aspect Ratio of RAW out

Firmware version 2.0 – What is new?

(Taken from Panasonic’s press release)

1. RAW video data output over HDMI

・[5.9K] / [4K] / [Anamorphic (4:3) 3.5K] 12-bit RAW video data can be output over HDMI. The Apple ProRes RAW can be recorded on Atomos Ninja V.

・V-Log or Rec.709 is selectable on Live View monitor during RAW output.
・Shooting assist functions including WFM (Wave Form Monitor), Vector Scope, Luminance Spot Meter, Zebra Pattern can be used during RAW output.

Panasonic S1H – HDMI Output Functionality

2. Enhanced video functions / improved performance

・Downconverted output over HDMI during [6K]/[5.9K]/[5.4K] video recording is available.
・In Creative Video mode, it is possible to disable the operation of starting/stopping video recording by pressing a shutter button.
・In Creative Video mode, it is possible to set [Rec Quality(My List)] from the control panel.
・The value of noise reduction in [V-Log] in Photo Style has been expanded to [-1]. It suppress afterimages previously occurred in some situations. (?)
・It is possible to prevent the enlarged view window of MF Assist to be output over HDMI.
・There were cases where color banding appeared in 4:2:0/10-bit video recording in some situations. This bug has been minimized.
・There were cases where the REC RUN time code did not count up when the video was not recorded on an SD Memory Card but was recorded on an external device over HDMI. This bug has been fixed.

3. Other added functions / improvements

・It is possible to set [AF+MF] in AFC mode.
・It is possible to assign functions to the lens’ Fn buttons when the Panasonic LUMIX S PRO 70-200mm F2.8 O.I.S. (S-E70200) is mounted.
・It is possible to assign function to the Fn buttons of Sigma L-Mount interchangeable lenses.
・When attaching a lens using the Sigma MC-21 mount converter and [Image Stabilizer] > [Lens] is set to ON , Body I.S.(Image Stabilizer) suppresses roll movement.
・[Backlight Illumination Period] has been added to the menu of Status LCD. [ON1] prevents the LCD backlight to be turned off.
・It is possible to select the card slot to save the JPEG images developed by in-camera RAW processing. ・[0.5 SEC] has been added for an option of [Duration Time (photo)] in [Auto Review].
・[Off (Disable Press and Hold)] can be assigned to the Fn button. It disables operation when the button is long-pressed.
・Fn button can be used for checking aperture effect while the button is pressed.
・To prevent improper operation, touch-control is disabled for [Delete All] operation in playback mode. Only cursor buttons can be used for [Delete All] operation.
・There were rare cases where the camera froze during [Segmented File Recording] or during recording at 400 Mbps under a particular set of conditions including the type of SD Card used. This phenomenon has been improved.
・Aperture and shutter speed can be controlled using front/rear dials when the rear monitor is set to OFF.

・There were cases where F value control failed depending on the maximum F value when non-Panasonic L-Mount lens is mounted. This bug has been fixed.

S1H users will receive this firmware free of charge. The program will be available at LUMIX Global Customer Support website on 25 May, 2020.

Final thought

It is truly nice to see how the Panasonic S1H is evolving into a better and more capable camera. This is also the place to write that the Nikon equivalent offerings (RAW recording over HDMI to the Ninja V out of the Z 6 and Z 7), will require you to send the cameras for the update. On top, you will have to say goodbye to $199 for the pleasure of updating it.

On the other hand, the Panasonic firmware update is free of charge and very easy to implement. Just download and install FW version 2.0, and voilà, you have a camera that can send a signal via HDMI to an external recorder for RAW recording. Now, all of this would have been extremely attractive, but now with Canon exposing some additional information about their upcoming 8K camera, the EOS R5, I’m really curious to see where the competition is headed to.

What are your thoughts about recording RAW on an external device. Do you have the Panasonic S1H? If yes, Please share your thoughts on how it is to work with this camera.

Ninja V monitor/recorder RAW recording Panasonic S1H S1H Panasonic atomos ninja external recording