Panasonic officially announced it will release a major firmware update for the S cameras on March 31 and April 6. There will be also a LUMIX Tether for Multicam Ver.1.1 to be released on March 24.

PRESS RELEASE:

Newark, NJ (March 17, 2021) – Panasonic is proud to announce the release of firmware updates for the LUMIX S Series full-frame mirrorless cameras DC-S1H (Ver.2.4), DC-S1 (Ver.2.0), DC-S1R (Ver.1.8), DC-S5 (Ver.2.2) and the Micro Four Thirds box-style mirrorless camera DC-BGH1 (Ver.2.0) to further enhance their functions, performance and usability. Firmware updates are a key value-added service provided for LUMIX cameras and Panasonic will continue to improve our cameras and offer updates for our valued customers.

The firmware will be available at LUMIX Global Customer Support Site: https://av.jpn.support.panasonic.com/support/global/cs/dsc/download/index.html along with the following time schedule:

1. LUMIX S1H Firmware Version 2.4 to be released on March 31, 2021

A video-centric flagship camera of the S Series, the LUMIX S1H has been evolved with several firmware updates in the past. Now, in addition to Apple ProRes RAW recording, the S1H complies with 5.9K RAW video data output and recording as Blackmagic RAW on Blackmagic Video Assist 12G HDR. This is an industry-first for a full-frame mirrorless camera*. By providing two alternatives for RAW workflow, the S1H corresponds more to the wide-ranging creative needs. This firmware will be available at no cost to the user. * As of March 18, 2021. ・RAW video data output over HDMI to Blackmagic Video Assist 12G HDR – [5.9K] / [4K] /[Anamorphic (4:3) 3.5K] 12-bit RAW video data can be output over HDMI to Blackmagic Video Assist 12G HDR, to be recorded as Blackmagic RAW.

• V-Log or V709 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.

• *All functions may not be available depending on the situation.
• * Selectable recording mode depends on the firmware version of Video Assist 12G HDR.
• * DaVinci Resolve or DaVinci Resolve Studio is required to play back the Blackmagic RAW data. DaVinci Resolve Studio is required to edit the Blackmagic RAW data.

• Users can choose to add or not to add camera orientation information in [Vertical Position Info (Video)] menu to prevent unintended image rotation in playback.
• Power Save Mode] can be selectable while the camera is powered with an AC adaptor (DMW-AC10, sold separately).

2. LUMIX S1 Firmware Version 2.0 to be released on April 6, 2021

Features and functions available with the Upgrade Software Key DMW-SFU2 include*:

*Users who already have DMW-SFU2 do not need to purchase extra DMW-SFU2. There is no need of upgrading the camera with DMW-SFU2 if upgrading with DMW-SFU2 was once done before.

• 6K(5952×3968) / 5.9K(5888×3312) / 5.4K(5376×3584) video recording mode in MOV format *¹
  • 6K24p, 4:2:0 10bit LongGOP, 200Mbps, LPCM *¹
  • 5.9K30p/25p/24p, 4:2:0 10bit LongGOP, 200Mbps, LPCM *¹
  • 5.4K30p/25p, 4:2:0 10bit LongGOP, 200Mbps, LPCM *¹

• C4K(4096×2160) video recording mode in MOV format – 
  • C4K60p/50p, 4:2:0 10bit LongGOP, 200Mbps, LPCM *²
  • C4K60p/50p, 4:2:0 8bit LongGOP, 150Mbps, LPCM *²
  • C4K30p/25p/24p, 4:2:2 10bit LongGOP, 150Mbps, LPCM

• 4K(3840×2160) 10-bit video recording mode in MOV format 
  • 4K60p/50p, 4:2:0 10bit LongGOP, 200Mbps, LPCM *² ・Anamorphic(3328×2496) video recording mode in MOV format
  • 4K-A50p, 4:2:0 10bit LongGOP, 200Mbps, LPCM *² -4K-A50p, 4:2:0 8bit LongGOP, 150Mbps, LPCM *²
  • 4K-A30p/25p/24p, 4:2:2 10bit LongGOP, 150Mbps, LPCM

    *1 Maximum continuous recording time is 15 minutes.
    *2 Maximum continuous recording time is 29 minutes 59 seconds.

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

*All functions may not be available depending on the situation.
*Software that supports Apple ProRes RAW is required to edit RAW video recorded with NINJA V.
*Apply the LUT (Look up table) available on the following customer supports site to make the same color grading as V-Log/V-Gamut https://panasonic.jp/support/global/cs/dsc/download/lut/s1h_raw_lut/

・[Time Code] function

Features and functions available without the Upgrade Software Key DMW-SFU2 include:

• [Dual Native ISO Setting] function has been added.
• Users can choose to add or not to add camera orientation information in [Vertical Position Info (Video)] menu to prevent unintended image rotation in playback.
• [Power Save Mode] can be selectable while the camera is powered with an AC adaptor (DMW-AC10, sold separately).

3. LUMIX S1R Firmware Version 1.8 and LUMIX S5 Firmware Version 2.2 to be released on April 6, 2021

• Users can choose to add or not to add camera orientation information in [Vertical Position Info (Video)] menu to prevent unintended image rotation in playback.
• [Power Save Mode] can be selectable while the camera is powered with an AC adaptor (DMW-AC10, sold separately)

4. LUMIX BGH1 Firmware Version 2.0 to be released on March 24, 2021

The BGH1 is the LUMIX’s first box-style camera exclusively designed and developed for professional use. To support a growing need of live streaming, the BGH1 will provide an IP streaming function that enables distant, high-quality image transmission to the social streaming platform online with PC connection over wired LAN. Notably, the LUMIX BGH1 is a unique camera that can stream 4K 60p (50p) video in H.265. The H.265 realizes half the bitrate while keeping the image quality the same as H.264, which means it can provide 2x higher image quality at the same bitrate as H.264. Streaming in ultra-high definition 4K at low bitrate is possible even in the cases where the bandwidth is not broad enough.

・IP streaming with PC (RTP/RTSP protocol)

• 4K/60p (3840×2160) H.265 : 50M, 25Mbps　H.264 : 50M, 25Mbps
• 4K/30p (3840×2160) H.265 : 25M, 12.5Mbps　H.264 : 25M, 12.5Mbps
• FHD/60p (1920×1080) H.265 : 20M, 16Mbps　H.264 : 16M, 8Mbps
• FHD/30p (1920×1080) H.265 : 12M, 6Mbps　H.264 : 6M, 3Mbps

• RAW video data output over HDMI function 
  • 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 Luminance Spot Meter, Zebra Pattern can be used during RAW output.
• A lookup table (LUT) exclusively designed for RAW video recorded on NINJA V is available on the following customer support website to make the same color grading as V-Log/V-Gamut. It is easy to match colors between the footages recorded with Panasonic Varicam, EVA1 and GH5 series cameras to combine them. https://panasonic.jp/support/global/cs/dsc/download/lut/s1h_raw_lut/index.html

* Software that supports Apple ProRes RAW is required to edit RAW video recorded with NINJA V.
** All functions may not be available depending on the situation.

• Genlocking status display 
  • Synchronization status can be shown on the external monitor connected with HDMI or SDI when the camera is under Genlock synchronization.
• SD Memory Card formatting via PC connection
  • It is possible to format the SD Memory Card from the camera menu on the live view display of LUMIX Tether while the camera is connected with the PC.
• Users can choose to add or not to add camera orientation information in [Vertical Position Info (Video)] menu to prevent unintended image rotation in playback.

5. LUMIX Tether for Multicam Ver.1.1 to be released on March 24, 2021

• Settings and controls over the BGH1 during IP streaming are available.
• Rec.Quality options corresponding to RAW video data output will be displayed when [Menu]>[Video]>[Image Format]>[HDMI RAW Data Output] is turned ON.
• It is possible to start/stop recording on the external device with the BGH1 during HDMI/SDI output.
• When [HDMI Recording Control] and/or [SDI Recording Control] is/are ON, Rec button is available even if the SD Card is not inserted. The connection method, either HDMI or SDI, is also displayed.

• * For settings and controls over the BGH1 via PC during IP streaming, LUMIX Tether for Multicam PC software should also be updated to Ver.1.1 or higher.
• LUMIX Tether for Multicam Download Program

•Apple and ProRes are trademarks or registered trademarks of Apple Inc. in the United States and/or other countries.
•‘Blackmagic Design’, ‘Blackmagic RAW’ and ‘DaVinci Resolve’ are registered trademarks of Blackmagic Design Pty. Ltd.
•Ninja V / ATOMOS are registered trademarks of ATOMOS Limited. •Design and specifications are subject to change without notice.

Ignore the EXPOSURE –There is no correct Exposure

EVF is the Best Viewfinder –Do you agree? (Matti Sulanto).
Panasonic relocates and renews LUMIX GINZA TOKYO in May (DC.watch)
10 Common Lighting Mistakes and How to Fix Them (Explora).
SIGMA 28-70mm F2.8 DG DN | Contemporary für E- und L-Mount (Krolop&Gerst)
Plenty of L-rumors readers images on our L-mount Facebook Group