Camera
Panasonic to bring Blackmagic Raw recording and more to the S1H, S1 in forthcoming firmware updates
Panasonic has announced the release of new firmware updates for three of its Lumix S Series full-frame mirrorless cameras as well as its BGH1 box-style camera, bringing 5.9K Blackmagic RAW recording and more.
Since each camera will be receiving slightly different features with each of the updates, we’ve broken down the improvements, updates and fixes by camera model.
Panasonic Lumix S1H
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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
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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 6K / 24p 4:2:0 10-bit recording 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 chart of the supported 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
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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.