Panasonic Unveils Enhanced Performance Updates for Lumix S Cameras
Panasonic has announced firmware updates for the S-series cameras that are set to improve and enhance the performance of the cameras. The updates are video-focused and bring the most features to the S1 and S1H cameras such as Blackmagic RAW support for the S1H and 6K recording to the S1.
Panasonic S1H
In addition to Apple ProRes RAW recording — which is already supported — the S1H complies with 5.9K RAW video data output and recording as Blackmagic RAW on Blackmagic Video Assist 12G HDR. Panasonic says that this is an industry-first for a full-frame mirrorless camera (as of March 18, 2021).
The update will allow for 12-bit RAW capture in full-frame 5.9K (5888×3312) at 23.96p/25p,29.97p, as well as cropped Super35 4K (4128×2176) up to 59.94p. Anamorphic 3.5K (3536×2656) up to 50p is also supported.
Panasonic says that by adding this second alternative for RAW video workflow, the S1H is more flexible for a wide range of use cases. Additionally, with this update, you can choose to add or not to add camera orientation information in vertical orientation to prevent unintended image rotation in playback, and power save mode can be selected while powered with an AC adapter.
Panasonic S1
The Panasonic S1 will be receiving several updates to its video recording format options for those who have paid for the video performance upgrade (DMW-SFU2), namely 6K at 24p 4:2:0 LongGOP recording at 200 Mbps and up to 60 frames per second in Cinema 4K (4096×2160) in MOV format. 12-bit RAW video recording in 5.9K and 4K will also be enabled. Below is the full list of updated recording features:
6K(5952×3968) / 5.9K(5888×3312) / 5.4K(5376×3584) video recording mode in MOV format
- 6K24p, 4:2:0 10bit LongGOP, 200Mbps, LPCM *1
- 5.9K30p/25p/24p, 4:2:0 10bit LongGOP, 200Mbps, LPCM
- 5.4K30p/25p, 4:2:0 10bit LongGOP, 200Mbps, LPCM
C4K(4096×2160) video recording mode in MOV format
- C4K60p/50p, 4:2:0 10bit LongGOP, 200Mbps, LPCM
- C4K60p/50p, 4:2:0 8bit LongGOP, 150Mbps, LPCM
- C4K30p/25p/24p, 4:2:2 10bit LongGOP, 150Mbps, LPCM
4K(3840×2160) 10-bit video recording mode in MOV format
- 4K60p/50p, 4:2:0 10bit LongGOP, 200Mbps, LPCM
Anamorphic(3328×2496) video recording mode in MOV format
- 4K-A50p, 4:2:0 10bit LongGOP, 200Mbps, LPCM
- 4K-A50p, 4:2:0 8bit LongGOP, 150Mbps, LPCM
- 4K-A30p/25p/24p, 4:2:2 10bit LongGOP, 150Mbps, LPCM
RAW video data output over HDMI function
- [5.9K] / [4K] / [Anamorphic (4:3) 3.5K] 12-bit RAW video data output can be output over HDMI.
- Apple ProRes RAW can be recorded on Atomos NINJA V.
It should be noted that for the 6K, 5.9K, and 5.4K recording features, the S1 is limited to 15 minutes of continuous recording time. The other new options are limited to 29 minutes and 59 seconds of continuous recording time.
For those who have not paid for the video upgrade, the S1 will still be getting some benefits in this firmware update: Dual Native ISO Setting has been added, you can choose to add or not to add camera orientation information in vertical orientation to prevent unintended image rotation in playback, and power save mode can be selected while powered with an AC adapter.
Panasonic S1R and S5
The updates to these two cameras are more limited when compared to both the updates to the S1 and S1H, but both are getting the same vertical orientation information and power save mode when connected with an AC adapter.
As noted, the updates to the S1H (Ver.2.4), S1 (Ver.2.0), S1R (Ver.1.8), and S5 (Ver.2.2) will be available at no additional cost, with the S1H update coming on March 31 and the S1, S1R, and S5 updates available on April 6.
