Panasonic has announced firmware updates for its full-frame mirrorless Lumix S5II and S5IIX cameras, as well as its Micro Four Thirds mirrorless GH7 and G9II cameras.
Panasonic’s Lumix S5II to be issued with firmware updates to improve performance and functionality. (Source: Panasonic.)
The new firmware for the two full-frame S5II and S5IIX cameras will provide the following benefits:
- Compatibility with the LUMIX Lab smartphone app has been expanded to include remote shooting, shutter control, image transfer directly from the camera, and a wireless live streaming feature (S5IIX only) for enhanced functionality.
- The highly accurate phase hybrid auto focus system has been further improved with enhanced subject detection. A new option is now available to select detection of aeroplanes and trains, as well as specific parts of cars and motorcycles.
- A display feature for multiple frame markers has been added, allowing for the simultaneous display of up to three frame markers. The size and position of each frame marker can be adjusted, adding versatility for content creators framing for different aspect ratios or planning shots with multiple compositions. This further enhances the unrivalled convenience of shooting in Open Gate.
- Hybrid Zoom and Crop Zoom features have been introduced, offering higher magnification without the need to exchange lenses. Hybrid Zoom achieves this magnification using only the zoom ring by combining optical zoom with Crop Zoom. Crop Zoom extracts the central part of an image and enhances the zoom effect without degrading image quality. These features provide greater flexibility for precise framing and capturing shots, catering to a variety of shooting scenarios.
- MP4(Lite) compatibility has been added, enabling video recording in Open Gate mode with reduced data consumption without compromising resolution. This new smartphone-optimised format makes it easier to quickly share content on social media.
- Operational stability has been improved.
The new firmware for the GH7 and G9II cameras will also expand compatibility with the LUMIX Lab smartphone app to include remote shooting, shutter control, and the transfer of images selected on the camera as well as improving operational stability. In addition, Firmware Version 1.3 for the GH7 will provide the following:
- A display feature for multiple frame markers has been added, allowing for the simultaneous display of up to three frame markers. The size and position of each frame marker can be adjusted, adding versatility for content creators framing for different aspect ratios or planning shots with multiple compositions. This further enhances the unrivalled convenience of shooting in Open Gate.
- MP4(Lite) compatibility has been added, enabling video recording in Open Gate mode with reduced data consumption without compromising resolution. This new smartphone-optimised format makes it easier to quickly share content on social media.
Firmware Version 2.3 for the GH9II includes the following updates:
- The highly accurate phase hybrid auto focus system has been further improved with enhanced subject detection. A new option is now available to select detection of aeroplanes and trains, as well as specific parts of cars and motorcycles.
- A display feature for multiple frame markers has been added, allowing for the simultaneous display of up to three frame markers. The size and position of each frame marker can be adjusted, adding versatility for content creators framing for different aspect ratios or planning shots with multiple compositions. This further enhances the unrivalled convenience of shooting in Open Gate. • The Crop Zoom feature has been introduced, enabling the extraction of the central part of an image and enhancing the zoom effect without degrading image quality. This feature also allows prime lenses to be used as if they have a longer focal length, enhancing the versatility of existing lenses in different shooting scenarios.
- MP4(Lite) compatibility has been added, enabling video recording in Open Gate mode with reduced data consumption without compromising resolution. This new smartphone-optimised format makes it easier to quickly share content on social media.
The latest firmware updates will be available to download free of charge from the LUMIX Global Customer Support website after AEDT 12:00 (noon) on Thursday 23 January 2025:
LUMIX S Series: https://av.jpn.support.panasonic.com/support/global/cs/dsc/download/index4.html
LUMIX G Series: https://av.jpn.support.panasonic.com/support/global/cs/dsc/download/index.html