Panasonic has announced new firmware updates for its LUMIX S and G Series cameras. These updates will be available to download on the 24th of November and will be free of charge. Additionally, a further firmware update (v2.0) will be available for LUMIX S1 in 2021.
Firmware Update Improvements for LUMIX S Series
These firmware updates will add 5.9K, 4K, and Anamorphic (4:3) 3.5K 12-bit RAW Video Data output over HDMI to the S5 so you can record Apple ProRes RAW on Atomos a NINJA V.
The S1R gets 4K 60P/50P 4:2:2 10-bit video output over HDMI as well as 5K (4992×3744 Pixel, 30p/25p/24p, 4.2:0 10-bit, LongGOP, 200 Mbps) internal video recording and 10-bit HDR video recording (Like 2100/HLG).
The biggest part of the updates is autofocus performance.
The LUMIX S1, S1R, and S1H will get the improved autofocus performance that is found in the LUMIX S5. This is a welcome addition as the Achillies heel of these cameras has always been the AF performance. While this update isn’t going to suddenly turn your LUMIX S series camera into an AF powerhouse that rivals some Sony and Canon cameras, it will certainly improve AF performance quite a lot. Apart from better eye, face, and head tracking, this update also adds improvements to the DFD technology which enhances continuous autofocus (AFC), which in turn enables users to better track small or fast-moving subjects. The AF-advancements are available for both photo shooting and video recording.
In addition, the firmware updates also include:
- Human/Animal recognition is available in [1-Area] and [1-Area+] AF mode
- [AF+MF] mode can be used during video recording
- AF-Recognition during V-Log-recording has been improved (S1H/S1/S5)
- [SS/Gain Operation] function has been added to S1R, S1 and S5
- A recording indication frame [Red REC Frame Indicator] has been added to S1R and S1
- Vertical video playback has been added to S1H, S1R and S1
- 4K video files can now be transferred to a smartphone via Wi-Fi (S1H/S1R/S1)
- The monitors of S1H and S5 now can display the images flipped when the free-angle LCDs are rotated and [Horizontal Image Flip(Monitor)] / [Vertical Image Flip(Monitor)] are activated.
- 5K video recording has been added to S1R
- 10-bit HDR video recording has been added to S1R [Like 2100/HLG]
- High-Resolution audio recording and dedicated menu settings for the DMW-XLR1 microphone adaptor have been added to S1R
- The [Luminance Level] function in S1R now supports 10-bit recording
- 4K 60P/50P 4:2:2 10-bit video output over HDMI has been added to S1R.
- C4K (4096×2160) video has been added to S5
- [5.9K] / [4K] / [Anamorphic (4:3) 3.5K] 12-bit RAW Video Data output over HDMI has been added to S5. Also Apple ProRes RAW can be recorded on Atomos NINJA V (S5)
- Vector Scope display has been added to S5
- Master Pedestal Level has been added to S5
- [L.ClassicNeo] and [L.Monochrome S] Photo Styles have been added to S5
The S1 receives some love too
With firmware 2.0, which will be available early in 2021, users will be able to manually switch the Dual Native ISO settings. A paid software update (DMW-SFU2) for the S1 will add V-Log recording, an anamorphic mode, and timecode function. The camera will be able to output 5.9K, 4K, and Anamorphic (4:3) 3.5K 12-bit RAW video data over HDMI that can be recorded as ProRes RAW on an Atomos Ninja V. Internally it will be able to record 4K60/50p 4:2:0 10bit video.
It is good to see Panasonic update the capabilities of the S1 as the recently announced S5 trumped it in a lot of ways. Most camera companies wouldn’t bother updating an older camera with capabilities like these and would rather just move on to the next model.
Firmware Update Improvements for LUMIX G Series
The LUMIX G100 gets compatibility with the LUMIX Webcam Software (Beta) with firmware version 1.1. Additionally, the G100 monitor can now display the images flipped when the free-angle LCD is rotated and [Horizontal Image Flip(Monitor)] / [Vertical Image Flip(Monitor)] is activated.
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