Panasonic Announced New Firmwares for S1H, S1, S1R, S5, BGH1

Panasonic today has announced a series new firmware for their L-mount mirrorless cameras: Lumix S1H, Lumix S1, Lumix S1R, Lumix S5, Lumix BGH1. You can take a look at details of new firmwares:

Panasonic Lumix S1H

Firmware version 2.4 for the Panasonic S1H will be released, for free, on March 31. The new firmware update will add 5.9K Blackmagic RAW recording capabilities when the S1H is connected via HDMI to a Blackmagic Video Assist 12G HDR. This is an addition to the Apple ProRes RAW recording capabilities of the S1H when connected to an Atomos Ninja V monitor/recorder.

Below is a full chart of the Blackmagic RAW recording modes:

Area Resolution Frame Rate Aspect HDMI Output
Full-frame 5.9K (5888 x 3312) 29.97p/25p/23.98p 16:9 12-bit
Super 35mm 4K (4128 x 2176) 59.94p/50p/29.97p/25p/23.98p 17:9 12-bit
Super 35mm Anamorphic 3.5K (3536 x 2656) 50p/29/97p/25p/23.98p 4:3 12-bit

Other changes in firmware version 2.4 include the ability to choose whether or not you want to include camera orientation information into the file and a new ‘Power Save Mode’ has been added for when the camera is plugged in via an optional AC adapter.

Panasonic Lumix S1

First and foremost, it’s worth noting firmware version 2.0 for the S1, due on out April 6, will offer exclusive features for S1 owners who have purchased the Filmmaker Upgrade Software Key (DMW-SFU2) for their camera bodies. But before we discuss the exclusive features, let’s cover what all S1 users will receive with the 2.0 firmware update.

In addition to adding the same ‘Power Save Mode’ function and camera orientation setting it included in the S1H update, Panasonic has also added a ‘Dual Native ISO Setting’ to the S1.

If you have the Filmmaker Upgrade, the update will include a number of new and improved shooting modes, including 5.9K, 4K and anamorphic (4:3) 3.5K 12-bit Blackmagic RAW video output over HDMI to a Blackmagic Video Assist 12G HDR.

It’s also now possible to shoot 6K / 24p 4:2:0 10-bit video at 200Mbps in the MOV format (with a maximum record time of 15 minutes). If dropped to 5.9K, you can get the same footage at 30 frames per second (fps). Below is a more comprehensive chart of the supported MOV recording modes:

Resolution Frame rate Bit-depth Chroma Bitrate Format
6K
(5952 x 3968)
24p 10-bit 4:2:0 200Mbps Long GOP
.MOV
Linear PCM Audio
5.9K
(5888 x 3312)
30/25/24p
5.4K
(5376 x 3584)
30/25p
DCI 4K
(4096 x 2160)
60/50p
60/50p 8-bit 150Mbps
30/25/24p 10-bit 4:2:2
UHD 4K
(3840 x 2160)
60/50p 4:2:0 200Mbps
Anamorph. 4K
(3328 x 2496)
50p
50p 8-bit 150Mbps
30/25/24p 10-bit 4:2:2

Panasonic Lumix S1R and S5

Firmware version 1.8 for the S1R and firmware version 2.2 for the S5 are both minor updates, with the only changes being the inclusion of the new camera orientation function and ‘Power Save Mode’ function added to both the S1H and S1. Both of these updates should be out by April 6.

Panasonic Lumix BGH1

Firmware version 2.0 for the box-style Panasonic LUMIX BGH1 will be released on March 24 and include a number of new IP streaming options and the addition of Apple ProRes RAW recording.

Specifically, Panasonic says IP streaming with the PC port can now be done at a maximum 4K / 60p (3840 x 2160 pixels) in the H.265 codec at 25MBps, with additional options for 4K / 30p, FHD / 60p and FHD / 30p. Panasonic has also enabled Apple ProRes RAW recording over HDMI when paired with Atomos’ Ninja V monitor/recorder. ProRes RAW capture modes include 4K (4096 x 2160 pixels) 12-bit recording at up to 59.94 fps at a 17:9 aspect ratio and a 3.7K (3680 x 2760 pixels) 12-bit recording at up to 59.94 fps at a 4:3 aspect ratio.

Other improvements in firmware version 2.0 include V-Log or Rec.709 selection options on the Live View monitor during Raw video output, new shooting assist functions and a LUT designed exclusively for BGH1 footage recorded on Atomos Ninja V monitor/recorder units that will match the color grading to V-Log/V-Gamut. It’s now also possible to show the Genlocking status display and format SD memory cards over the PC connection.