Today Panasonic released the specifications and release date for the big firmware update that includes the 4:2:2 10bit All-Intra video recording mode. GH5 firmware 2.0 will be released via Panasonic’s website at the end of September, so still a month away but getting closer.
Same GH5, different camera?
I have to tip my hat to Panasonic here. As they developed Version 2.0 they also took the time to listen to users and implemented some changes and features. The GH5 is a product of this approach. It truly is a much better camera than the other GH models before it in part because Panasonic is listening to their customers and pushing the envelope on features and higher quality codecs.
The new codec choices are what we all have been waiting for. Very exciting to see so many frame rate and resolutions in the All-I 400 Mbps and 200 Mbps formats. No 4K 60p unfortunately in All-Intra so we will have to be happy with the 4:2:0-8bit Long GoP at 150 Mbps. It’s pretty good so I can live with it. Hey I guess you can’t have it all in such a small affordable hybrid camera right? We also now have confirmation on the SD cards that will be needed: hopefully cards with the new V90 rating will be coming down the pipe soon.
GH5 Firmware 2.0 updates are as follows:
Improved autofocus performance
- Auto focus performance for subjects with low contrast in photo shooting is improved.
- Tracking auto focus performance in video recording is improved.
- The customized AF area can be continuously displayed in [Multi AF] and [Custom Multi AF] during live-view.
- The AF area in [Multi AF] can be moved to the other edge (side, top or bottom) when it reaches one edge.
- The start point of AF lock can be set on the live view screen in advance in [AF Tracking].
- The AF area can be moved while the shutter button is half-pressed or while recording in [Burst Mode], [6K PHOTO] and [4K PHOTO].
I hope the auto focus update in video modes does the trick when shooting in 24p. Lots of room for improvement in this area. In 60p AF in video mode is pretty good because the GH5 has twice as many frames to work with. I wouldn’t expect DPAF type improvement but it’s good to see Panasonic is trying to make it better even with AF tracking performance as well.
Bitrates and Codecs
No real new news as far as the ALL-I codecs in V2.0 but at least we know exactly what we are getting. Some will be disappointed that no All-I 10bit 4:2:2 4K 60p is available but hey come on! It’s a hybrid camera.
- Video Speed Class 60 or higher is recommended for 4K ALL-Intra video recording. Operation is confirmed with Panasonic SD Memory Card with Video Speed Class 90.
Enhancement of the Anamorphic video recording mode
This is a big one! The Anamorphic feature has a 6K 4992×3744 at 24p will be 200 Mbps 10 bit Long Gop option. Very impressive. It will probably be best to edit with proxies unless you have a stronger computer but 6K from a hybrid camera is crazy.
Here is Heirloom trailer that was captured in High resolution Anamophic, using 10 bit video and V-LOG L to capture all of the color and dynamic range that the GH5 has to offer. In order to see all of the Dynamic range and color of Heirloom, it was upload as an HDR10 HDR release.
If you want ALL-I you drop to 4K 3328×2496 at 24p with 400 Mbps 4:2:2 10 bit ALL-I. Now that’s also pretty impressive, plus the GH5 will have “Anamorphic Desqueeze Display” setting. Now you can see the image on the LCD in the proper aspect ratio. In a pinch you could pull focus and frame shots without a monitor that has the Anamorphic Desqueeze function.
- *1 “High Resolution Anamorphic Mode” records motion picture with an aspect ratio suited for an anamorphic lens, 4:3. The effective picture size for this mode is equivalent to the number of pixels produced by 6K (approx. 6,000 (horizontal) x 3,000 (vertical)) images (approx. 18 megapixels).
*2 High resolution Anamorphic mode- [Anamorphic Desqueeze Display] was added, which lets you view an enlarged image in Cinescope size while recording with 2.0x and 1.33x Anamorphic lens.
- [Video Guide Line] is added to display the image in a variety of aspects, such as 2.39:1, 2.35:1, 16:9, and 1:1 while recording video. This can be used not only in Anamorphic mode but also in other video recording modes.
4K HDR video recording
- [HLG] (Hybrid Log Gamma) is added to [Photo Style]. HDR (High Dynamic Range) is a mode to reproduce both the brightest and darkest part in an image, making it look just as human eyes see. The camera records video with a designated gamma curve compatible with ITU-R BT.2100, and you can now choose Hybrid Log Gamma (HLG) in [Photo Style].
- A low bit-rate recording mode 4K HEVC for HLG was added. This enables playback on AV equipment compatible with the HEVC compression format, such as Panasonic 4K HDR TVs.
HDR is starting to catch on but you have to have a HDR monitor or TV to enjoy the content. The GH5 will have a HLG (Hybrid Log Gamma) with 4K video recording. As of now it’s going to be rough editing with HLG footage as the main NLE’s are not supporting it yet, but they will soon. As with most new features on cameras it takes some time for the editing software to test and release updates to be compatible. Below is a sample of HDR capture with the GH5.
Enhancement of Body IS (Image Stabilizer)
- [I.S. Lock(video)] is added. This powerfully compensates for handshake when the viewing angle is fixed.
- A new handshake correction mode is added, which provides optimum correction when using 2.0x and 1.33x Anamorphic lens.
Correction of white balance bug
- When the K (Kelvin) value was changed after adjusting the color temperature with two-axis white balance compensation, the setting was reset. This bug has been fixed.
Improved usability of Timelapse mode
- The time to finish shooting and the number of recordable pictures are displayed on the stand-by screen.
Improved performance in [6K PHOTO] and [4K PHOTO] modes
- The waiting time to start the next burst shooting sequence after [6K Burst] and [4K Burst] is shortened to less than half the time.
- [Loop Rec] is available in [6K PHOTO]
- Use of Panasonic SD Memory Card with Video Speed Class 90 is recommended for [Loop Rec] of [6K PHOTO].
Improved usability of Power Save LVF
- Power Save LVF can now be used during all stand-by display options.
Wireless functions
- The Bluetooth Remote Control function can be used with Image App, which will also be updated at the same time as the GH5 firmware release.
- If the camera has not completed image transmission when it is turned off, it restarts transmission when it is turned on with the [Auto Transfer] function.
Compatibility with LUMIX Tether PC software
- This new firmware enables GH5 tethered shooting via USB, using LUMIX Tether PC software. Users can control the camera by connecting it to a PC via USB. It lets you view the image on a large PC screen while shooting, which is helpful in commercial photoshoots of portraits, products and so on, where continuous confirmation is required. You can use [6K PHOTO] [4K PHOTO] and start and stop video recording with the tethered shooting. It is also possible to choose the folder to save the image files on the PC.
Other improvements
- A rating function using a Fn button is available in Playback Zoom and Multi Playback.
- The following functions can be assigned to Fn buttons – [Constant Preview] [6K/4K PHOTO Bulk Saving] [Min. Shtr Speed] [RAW Processing] [Rec/Playback Switch] [Destination Slot] and [Mic Level Adj.].
- The DISP.Button can be locked.
- In Relay Rec, there were cases where the video file number was not able to be reset. This bug has been fixed.
- In Relay Rec, there were cases where the video file number was reset after formatting the SD Memory Card. This bug has been fixed.
- In Backup Rec, there were cases where the file number was not reset even after applying resetting. This bug has been fixed.
- The image quality when applying the following settings is improved: Extended low ISO, [i.Dynamic] (Intelligent D-range Control) and Highlight Shadow.
GH5 Firmware 2.0 final thoughts
If you’re a GH5 user or just interested in this new firmware you should check out Andrew Reid’s site. He’s had a pre-release version of the firmware and has been testing it for some time now. His thoughts on the new Ver 2.0 firmware are very interesting.
Looking forward to installing this GH5 firmware 2.0? Let’s talk in the comment section below.
