It is exhilarating when you are picking out a camera! Whether it is your first, or fifth, there is always this tingling excitement when you are testing out different cameras, playing with lenses, figuring out your perfect set up. Once it is all said it done, the fun lies within the shooting. Getting to go on adventures with your new buddy. But, there is another exciting moment. The moment you read the words firmware update. Panasonic users, get excited because there is are firmware updates coming for the LUMIX S1R, S1, GH5, GH5S and G9! Let’s take a look at what awesome enhancements our best travel pals are going to be able to get on November, 19th. 

Starting with the S Series, here are the main points Panasonic released that will enhance features of the S1R (firmware version 1.3) and S1 (firmware version 1.3).

1. Expanded media compatibility

• Compatibility with CFexpress Type B card: A CFexpress Type B card boasts a theoretical performance of a maximum of 2,000 Mbps. Realizing an approximately 300% higher transfer speed than that of a conventional XQD card, it supports large-volume photos and videos.

2. Expanded compatibility with Profoto wireless transmitters

• Ability to use Profoto wireless transmitters “Air Remote TTL-O/P” and “Profoto Connect-O/P,” enabling wireless connection and control of external strobes for professional shooting.

* All functions may not be available depending on the situation.

3. Improved compatibility with Sigma interchangeable lenses and mount converter

• Ability to assign functions to the Fn buttons of Sigma L-Mount interchangeable lenses.
• The performance of Body I.S. (Image Stabilizer) when attaching a lens using the Sigma MC-21 mount converter has been enhanced by suppressing roll movement.

4. Improved compatibility with Panasonic interchangeable lenses

• Assignment of functions to the lens Fn buttons when the Panasonic LUMIX S PRO 70-200mm F2.8 O.I.S. (S-E70200) is mounted.

5. Improved AF performance

• [AF+MF] can be used in AFC mode.
• Setting continuous AF on the live view screen in Creative Video mode or other video recording modes when the video recording area is displayed.

6. Improved performance of High-Speed Video

• Ability to manually set the exposure according to the video exposure mode (P/A/S/M) in High- Speed Video mode.

7. Other major improvements*

• Ability to select the card slot to save the JPEG images developed by in-camera RAW processing.
• An Fn button can be used for checking the aperture effect.
• Users can disable any physical operation by assigning the action to an Fn button.
• AF Assist Light is now on the Focus tab of the Video menu.
• The luminance level of photos (including 6K/4K Photo and Post Focus images) can be preset when played back over HDMI output.
• Ability to lock (with the [AF/AE LOCK] button) when ISO Auto is set in M mode.

S1

• Previously, some users experienced a blue clipping effect in V-Log recording. This problem has been improved.
• Afterimages occurred in V-Log recording for some users. This problem has been improved.

Next, we have the G series! These upgrades will greatly improve the GH5 (firmware version 2.6), GH5S (firmware version 1.4) and G9 (firmware version 2.0).

1. Expanded compatibility with Profoto wireless transmitters (All)

• Ability to use Profoto wireless transmitters “Air Remote TTL-O/P” and “Profoto Connect-O/P.”

* All functions may not be available depending on the situation.

2. Improved AF performance

GH5S G9

• [Animal Detect] has been added to AF mode. Utilizing Advanced AI Technology, animals, including cats, dogs and birds, can be detected in addition to humans. The focus frame is automatically set on the target subject by analyzing the size and position of the target subject in the viewing image. The camera continues tracking these subjects even when they turn their back to the camera.
• It is possible to switch the subject to focus on by pressing the joystick in [Face/Eye/Body/Animal Detect] mode.
•  All [AF-ON: Near Shift] and [AF-ON: Far Shift] functions have been added. [AF-ON: Near Shift] preferably focuses on a subject nearby while [AF-ON: Far Shift] preferably focuses on a subject far away. 
• A Focus Peaking function is available in MF and any AF modes.
• Continuous AF capability is available on the live view screen in Creative Video mode or other video recording modes when the video recording area is displayed.

3. Enhanced video functions (G9)

• 4K 30p/25p 4:2:2 10-bit internal recording is supported.
• 4K 60p/50p 4:2:2 10-bit HDMI output is supported.
• Luminance level for 10-bit video is supported.
• VFR (Variable Frame Rate) shooting is supported (FHD 2-180 fps/4K 2-60 fps).
• HDR video recording is supported.
• V-Log L recording and Waveform Monitor (WFM) are available with the Upgrade Software Key DMW-SFU1(sold separately).

4. Other major improvements*

• All [AWBw] has been added to WB mode.
• [Highlight Weighted] has been added to [Metering mode].
• [Exposure Offset Adjust] has been added to the Custom menu, which enables the user to adjust the standard exposure value for all metering modes.
• [0.5SEC] has been added for an option of [Duration Time (photo)] in [Auto Review].
• AE can be locked with the [AF/AE LOCK] button when ISO Auto is set in M mode.
• [MODE1] has been added to the Live View Boost function, which increases the frame rate for smooth image displays to enable easier manual focusing.

G9

• [MODE2] has been added to High-Resolution mode, which reduces the subject’s motion blur.

LUMIX Sync Ver1.0.4

• Wireless connection (operation) with GH5/GH5S/G9 is supported.

That is a lot of updates to come out all at once, but super exciting for S Series and G Series users! So mark your calendars and get ready to give your bestie a well-deserved update!

For more detailed information about these updates, please visit Panasonic Support on November 19th, 2019 and update your Panasonic camera!