Panasonic Updates Firmware for Lumix S Series & G100 Cameras

Panasonic has announced firmware updates for some of their popular LUMIX S and G series cameras, including the DC-S1H, DC-S1R, DC-S1, DC-S5 and G100.

These firmware updates will be available beginning November 24, 2020 via the Panasonic firmware updates support download page.

Additionally, a further firmware update (v2.0) will be available for LUMIX S1 in 2021 that Panasonic says will further enhance its functions and performance.

Firmware Update Improvements for LUMIX S Series

The biggest improvements you’ll find from this firmware update are centred around the autofocus system and will benefit both still and video shooters.

The S1, S1R and S1H cameras will now be able to take advantage of the improved autofocus technology and performance introduced with the LUMIX S5.

In addition to eye, face and body tracking, heads will now be separately recognised by the real-time detection technology.

This feature will allow the camera to continue tracking the person regardless of if they move quickly, turn their head or back to the camera, tilt their head or move further away.

The update also improves the DFD technology which enhances continuous autofocus (AFC), enabling users to keep tracking small or fast-moving subjects.

New Recording Options

For the S5 camera, the new firmware adds 5.9K, 4K, and Anamorphic (4:3) 3.5K 12-bit RAW Video Data output over HDMI allowing you to record Apple ProRes RAW the the Atomos NINJA V.

The S1R also gets a boost adding 4K 60P/50P 4:2:2 10-bit video output over HDMI, 5K 30p/25p/24p, 4.2:0 10-bit internal recording as well as 10-bit HDR video recording.

Panasonic Lumix DC-S5 Mirrorless Camera (Body Only) – Vistek Canada

The LUMIX S5 is a new hybrid full-frame mirrorless camera that achieves both excellent performance in photo/video and stunning mobility for serious photographers and videographers. (Lens pictured not included)

Full list of improvements for S Series Cameras

• 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
• 2.4GHz Wi-Fi connectivity and Bluetooth 4.2 (BLE)
• 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.
• [AF+MF] mode can be used during video recording
• 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

Panasonic S1 firmware update ver.2.0

As mentioned at the top, the S1 is also scheduled for a free firmware update in the first half of 2021 adding the ability to manually switch the Dual Native ISO settings.

However, the biggest improvements will require the purchase of the separate DMW-SFU2 upgrade software key.

Purchasing the key unlocks access to V-Log recording, and combined with the firmware update adds an anamorphic mode and timecode function, 5.9K/C4K and 4K60/50p 4:2:0 10bit internal video recording and 5.9K/4K/Anamorphic (4:3) 3.5K 12-bit RAW video data recording over HDMI to the Atomos Ninja V.

Firmware Update Improvements for LUMIX G Series

The firmware update for the LUMIX G100 adds compatibility for the LUMIX Webcam Software (Beta) with firmware version 1.1. It also will allow the monitor to display images that are flipped when the free-angle LCD is rotated and Horizontal Image Flip / Vertical Image Flip is activated.