On Tuesday, 9 July, Panasonic will release firmware updates to improve the performance of its Lumix S1R, S1, GH5, GH5S, G9, G95, G85 and GX9 interchangeable-lens cameras.


Panasonic’s flagship mirrorless camera, the Lumix S1R is just on of a series of models that gain worthwhile improvements through the latest firmware releases. (Source: Panasonic.)

Firmware Version 1.2 for the Lumix S1R and Lumix S1 cameras gives a half-stop improvement to the shake correction performance of the Body Image Stabiliser, taking it from a maximum of 5.5 stops to a maximum of 6.0 stops. The correction performance of the Dual I.S. 2 has also been improved from 6.0 stops to 6.5 stops. Improvements to autofocusing performance adds the AF-ON: Near Shift and AF-ON: Far Shift functions. AF-ON: Near Shift prioritises near subjects, while AF-ON: Far Shift puts a preference on focusing on a distant subject. The tracking performance when using [Tracking] AF mode in video recording has been improved and the live view display during autofocusing is now easier to see. Operational stability when using an XQD memory card has also been improved.

For the S1 camera, the new firmware will also include an [Activate] function, which has been added to enable the use of extended functions using the Software Upgrade Key DMW-SFU2 (sold separately). The following functions will be added:
– The video recording modes [MOV]

4K 60p/50p* 4:2:0 8bit LongGOP 150Mbps LPCM
30p/25p* 4:2:2 10bit LongGOP 150Mbps LPCM
24p 4:2:2 10bit LongGOP 150Mbps LPCM
FHD 60p/50p* 4:2:2 10bit LongGOP 100Mbps LPCM
30p/25p* 4:2:2 10bit LongGOP 100Mbps LPCM

* PAL area only.

– HDMI 4K60p/50p 4:2:2 10bit output and V-Log will be added in Photo Style.

– The [V-Log View Assist] function will be added, which enables viewing the V-Log file with LUT (Look Up Table) when recording video in V-Log.

– The [Read LUT File] function will be added, which allows users to install and apply their favourite LUT.

– A WFM (Waveform Monitor) display function.

– A [Luminance Level] adjustment function that complies with 10-bit.

– An [XLR Mic Adaptor Setting] function that enables high-res sound recording using the XLR Microphone Adapter DMW-XLR1 (sold separately).

Australian customers who purchase a Panasonic LUMIX S1 between 01/04/2019 – 30/09/2019 can claim a bonus valued at $299. Firmware Version 2.5 for the GH5 camera provides improved compatibility with the Panasonic LEICA DG VARIO-SUMMILUX 10-25mm f/1.7 ASPH. (H-X1025) lens, adding smooth aperture control during video recording and the ability to choose the control method of the aperture ring from [SMOOTH] or [1/3EV] in photo shooting. Improved compatibility with the Panasonic Remote Shutter DMW-RS2 enables the video REC switch on the Remote Shutter to be disabled in the camera’s custom menu.

Improved compatibility with the Panasonic LEICA DG VARIO-SUMMILUX 10-25mm f/1.7 ASPH. (H-X1025) lens has also been added in Firmware Version 1.3 for the GH5S, G9, G95, G85 and GX9, while the improved compatibility with the Panasonic Remote Shutter DMW-RS2 has been added for the GH5S, G9 and G85 cameras. Firmware Version 1.3 for the G95 enables the  Fn button on the DMW-BGG1 Battery Grip to be customised in the camera’s custom menu.

The new firmware will be available for download at the LUMIX Global Customer Support website at 11:00am AEST on 9 July, 2019.