Firmware updates for Panasonic cameras and lenses and Sony α9

Firmware Version 2.7 for the Panasonic GH4 fixes a problem where the image stabilization did not operate when non-Panasonic interchangeable lens is used. Firmware Version 2.0 for the Panasonic GH5   camera provides the following improvements:

1. Enables GH5 tethered shooting via USB, using “LUMIX Tether” PC software so users can control the camera by connecting it to a PC via USB.

2. Improves auto focus performance with low contrast subjects and for video tracking. The customised 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].

3. Improved performance in [6K PHOTO] and [4K PHOTO]. The waiting time to start the next burst shooting sequence is cut by more than half.  [Loop Rec] is available in [6K PHOTO].

4. A 4:2:2,10-bit ALL-Intra video recording mode is added to 4K/FHD video recording.

5.  Hybrid Log Gamma is added to [Photo Style]. HDR (High Dynamic Range) makes the scene look just as human eyes see. The camera records video with a designated gamma curve compatible with ITU-R BT.2100.  A new low-bit-rate recording mode 4K HEVC for HLG enables playback on AV equipment compatible with the HEVC compression format, such as Panasonic 4K HDR TVs.

6. A new High-Resolution Anamorphic mode, which enables video recording in 18-mega effective pixels, is added.

7. Enhancement of Body I.S. (Image Stabiliser) adds I.S. Lock(video) to compensate 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. The new firmware also fixes a bug where the image stabilisation did not operate when non-Panasonic interchangeable lens is used in VFR (Variable Frame Rate) shooting mode.

8. Correction of white balance resetting when the K (Kelvin) value was changed after adjusting the colour temperature with 2-axis white balance compensation.

9. Improved usability of Time Lapse Shot. The time to finish shooting and the number of recordable pictures are now displayed on the stand-by screen.

10. Improved usability of Power Save LVF, which can now be used during all stand-by display options.

11. Wireless functions. The Bluetooth Remote Control function can be used with Image App, which will also be updated at the same timing with 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.

12. 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. Bugs in the Relay Rec and Backup Rec modes have been fixed. The image quality when applying the following settings is improved: Extended low ISO, [i.Dynamic] (Intelligent D-range Control) and Highlight Shadow.

Panasonic has also released firmware updates for its H-HS030 30mm f/2.8 Macro lens and H-NS043 Leica DG Noctiron 42.5mm f/1.2 lens, in each case making Dual I.S.2 available.
The new firmware for each product can be downloaded from  http://av.jpn.support.panasonic.com/support/global/cs/dsc/download/fts/index2.html.

Sony’s release of Firmware Version 1.10 for the flagship α9 camera provides the following improvements and bug fixes:
1. Support for the “Eye AF” function for A-mount lenses which can adapt to 8 or 10 fps (maximum) tracking AF-C shooting, via the LA-EA3 mount adapter

2. Fixes an issue where RAW files may disappear when SDXC or microSDXC memory cards are used in certain smartphones.

3. Improves the image quality and overall stability of the camera.

The new firmware is available for Windows and Macintosh operating systems as a download from

https://www.sony.com.au/electronics/support/e-mount-body-ilce9-series/ilce-9/downloads/00145153.