Panasonic Announced new LUMIX Firmware Updates – Multiple Frame Markers, MP4 Lite, Crop Frame and More

Panasonic has released free firmware updates for its LUMIX S5II, S5IIX, GH7, G9II, S1, and S1R cameras. These updates introduce new features like frame markers, improved autofocus detection modes, MP4 Lite codec support, crop zoom, hybrid zoom, and expanded compatibility with LUMIX Lab.

Panasonic just announced new firmware updates that include almost all the recent LUMIX cameras. New firmware is available for the following models:

• LUMIX S5II (version 3.2)
• LUMIX S5IIX (version 2.2)
• LUMIX GH7 (version 1.3)
• LUMIX G9II (version 2.3)
• LUMIX S1 (version 2.4)
• LUMIX S1R (version 2.1)

For the older models, such as the LUMIX S1 and S1R, the latest firmware primarily introduces compatibility with Panasonic’s new collapsible lens, the LUMIX S 18-40mm f/4.5-6.3. This update includes a pop-up notification when the lens is in use. Additionally, Panasonic claims the firmware enhances the overall operational stability of the cameras.

Now, let’s dive into the more substantial updates for the newer LUMIX models.

New firmware updates – LUMIX S5II, S5IIX, GH7, and G9II

A feature I find particularly useful is the new multiple-frame markers. These seem especially beneficial when shooting in 3:2 open-gate mode. Panasonic mentions that up to three markers can be displayed at once, allowing users to enable both 9:16 and 16:9 markers simultaneously to visualize what fits within the cropped areas.

I’m also curious to try out the new hybrid zoom and crop zoom options. On top of that, Panasonic has introduced new MP4 Lite settings, which are great for reducing data usage. The cameras also gain additional functionality through the LUMIX Lab app (just make sure to update the app to access these features).

Comprehensive List of Upgrades – LUMIX S5II and S5IIX

1. Enhanced Subject Detection
   • New detection modes now include [AIRPLANE] and [TRAIN].
   • A [Target Parts] option has been added for enhanced detection in [CAR] and [MOTORCYCLE] modes.
2. Multiple Frame Marker Display
   • Up to three frame markers can now be displayed simultaneously for improved composition and framing flexibility.
3. Crop Zoom Feature
   • Extract the central portion of an image to achieve a zoom effect without compromising image quality.
4. Hybrid Zoom Feature
   • Seamlessly integrates optical and electronic zoom for greater convenience during shooting.
5. MP4 (Lite) Recording Format
   • A new low-bitrate MP4 (Lite) format has been added, offering 3.8K (3840×2560) at 29.97p, 50Mbps.
6. Picture Size [XS] Option
   • A new [XS] image size option allows for smaller file sizes, ideal for efficient storage and sharing.
7. LUMIX Smartphone App Compatibility
   • Compatible with LUMIX Lab (Ver.1.3 or higher), enabling remote shooting, shutter control, and selective image transfers.
8. Wi-Fi Security Enhancements
   • Password authentication is now required for direct camera-to-smartphone Wi-Fi connections (the [Wi-Fi Password] menu has been removed).
   • [TKIP] encryption and [No Encryption] options are no longer supported when connecting via access points.
   • Image transfer to a PC via Wi-Fi has been discontinued (European models only).
9. Other Improvements
   • Enhanced operational stability for smoother performance.

Summary of Improvements – LUMIX GH7 and G9II

Features Exclusive to G9II

• Enhanced Subject Detection: New detection modes for [AIRPLANE] and [TRAIN] have been added. Additionally, the [Target Parts] option is now available for [CAR] and [MOTORCYCLE] detection modes.
• Crop Zoom Feature: This feature allows users to magnify the central part of an image, enhancing the zoom effect without compromising image quality.
• Picture Size [XS]: A new [XS] image size option has been introduced, enabling smaller file size outputs.

Shared Features

• Multiple Frame Marker Display: Users can now display up to three selected frame markers simultaneously.
• MP4 (Lite) Recording Format: A low-bitrate video format “MP4 (Lite)” has been added, offering 3.8K (3840×2880) at 29.97p and 50Mbps for efficient storage and playback.
• LUMIX Smartphone App Compatibility: The LUMIX Lab app (Version 1.3 or higher) now supports new features, including remote shooting, shutter remote control, wireless IP streaming, and transferring selected images directly from the camera.

Security Enhancements

• Wi-Fi Connection Updates: Password authentication is now required for direct Wi-Fi connections between the camera and smartphone. The following changes have also been made:
  • The [Wi-Fi Password] menu has been removed.
  • [TKIP] encryption and the [No Encryption] options are no longer supported for Wi-Fi access points.
• Removed Features:
  • Wired LAN streaming (RTP/RTSP).
  • Image transfer to PCs via Wi-Fi (for European/Ukrainian models).
  • Streaming via RTMP (for European/Ukrainian models).

General Improvements

• Operational Stability: Overall stability of camera operations has been enhanced for a smoother user experience.

As always with Panasonic, all of the above-mentioned firmware updates can be downloaded now from the Panasonic support website free of charge.

Do you use any of these LUMIX cameras for your productions? What do you think about the recent firmware update? Let us know your thoughts in the comment section underneath the article.