The Panasonic Lumix GH5 has a new a firmware 2.3 update but it won’t be released until Wednesday, May 30th. The 2.3 update has some interesting features added as well as fixes. An interesting one is improved autofocus tracking in video mode as well as improved autofocus speed when set at 180° shutter. This might do the trick. The AF performance has been an issue when shooting in 24p since release and while some have found changing the frame rate and shutter speed helps it’s really not practical to do so only for autofocus.
Another improvement is with the IBIS as well as audio recording quality. IBIS had a bug that would cause peripheral distortion during video capture while walking with two specific lenses. The Lumix G Vario 7‑14mm F/4.0 and Panasonic Leica DG Vario-Elmarit 8-18mm f/2.8-4 ASPH. While these two are the only lenses listed it is possible that other lenses will see improved performance if the issue is present.
The internal audio recording has been improved with better noise reduction performance of the internal noise-cancelling microphone.
A Vector Scope can be now also displayed on the screen while adjusting white balance.
If you like shooting in Monochrome the GH5, GH5s and G9 have a new L.Monochrome D setting. The setting captures darker tones and greater contrast. With the new grain effects available in camera looks could be fun to play with.
Improvement of AF performance
- AF tracking performance in video recording has been improved.
- AF speed at 180d (180°) has been improved when displaying the shutter speed in degrees in [SS/Gain Operation]>[ANGLE/ISO].
Improvement of Body I.S.(Image Stabilizer) performance
- There were cases where peripheral distortion occurred in video recording while walking when used with Panasonic wide zoom lenses (H-F007014, H-E08018). This bug has been fixed.
Improvement of sound recording performance
- Sound quality has been improved by optimizing the noise reduction performance of internal noise-cancelling microphone.
New functions
• [L.Monochrome D] has been added to Photo Style.
• [Grain Effect] can be added and adjusted in Photo Style.
• [Live View Boost] has been added, which makes it easy to check the composition on the monitor in low-light environment.
• [Night Mode] has been added, which reduces glaring on the screens when recording in low-light environment.
• Maximum 20x enlarged view is available in [MF Assist].
• [Focus Ring Lock] has been added to [Custom] menu, which disables focus ring operation to lock the focus.
• [WB/ISO/Expo. Button] has been added, which enables adjustment of WB/ISO/Exposure only while the exposure compensation button is pressed. This can be set [Custom]>[Operation].
• [Dial] has been added to [Custom]>[Operation Lock Setting].
• [Power/Wireless Indicator] has been added in [Setup] menu, which enables turning off the status indicator and wireless connection lamp.
Other improvements
• [Like 709],[V-LogL*] and [V-LogL View Assist*] in Photo Style can be used in photo shooting.
• [LUT Monitor Display*] and [LUT HDMI Display*] can be used in playback mode.
* Upgrade Software Key DMW-SFU1(sold separately) is required.
• [Focus Ring Lock], [E-Stabilization(Video)], [Mic Rec Level Disp.], [Live View Boost],[Night Mode] and [L.Monochrome D] can be assigned to the Fn button that works in recording mode.
• [LUT Monitor Display*],[LUT HDMI Display*] and [Night Mode] can be assigned to the Fn button that works in playback mode.
* Upgrade Software Key DMW-SFU1(sold separately) is required.
• Vector Scope can be displayed on the screen while adjusting white balance.
• It is possible to choose images from group display such as burst shots in [RAW Processing] mode.
• Restarting time from sleep mode has been shortened while using Image App and Bluetooth connection.
You can choose to shorten the time of remote operation and image transfer or remote shutter control in [Setup]>[Bluetooth]>[Returning from Sleep Mode].
• Remaining battery status is indicated by 1/4-gauge, indicating approximately 25% per gauge.
• There were cases where folder name was garbled when connecting wirelessly with Windows10-based PC. This bug has been fixed.
While the update isn’t a big one it improves the functionality of the cameras with a few added new features. No RAW out over HDMI yet folks. That will take some work if it’s even possible. ProRes RAW will have to wait. The update will be available on May 30th.
Did the update fix any nagging issues with your GH5 or G9 cameras? What would like to see in the next version?
