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| Image: Panasonic |
Panasonic has announced an update to its Lumix Lab app, along with a slew of firmware updates for the Lumix S9, S5II, S5IIX and G9II. The S9’s 1.1 update, in particular, adds quite a few new features that make it a more powerful video camera, but all the cameras should be getting a decent bump in usability.
Lumix Lab updates
Let’s dive into the Lumix Lab app first since it involves all the cameras above, which is actually the first big change. When Panasonic launched the app alongside the S9, it was only compatible with that camera and the GH7. Owners of other cameras had to continue using the older Lumix Sync app, as did S9 or GH7 owners who wanted to use features like remote shooting or shutter control.
That’s no longer the case: Lumix Lab now supports the S5II, S5IIX, and G9II and has shutter remote control and remote shooting features. The remote shooting mode even lets you change whether you’re using the P, S, A, or M exposure modes without touching the dial on the camera; of course, when you disconnect the app, it reverts back to the setting on the dial.
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| The updated Lumix Lab app will let you remotely control your camera via Wi-Fi, or use your phone as a remote shutter over Bluetooth. |
The update also lets you use your camera to select which images to send to the app, instead of waiting for the app to download all the thumbnails from the camera, then using it to select which ones to pull onto your phone.
S5II, S5IIX, and G9II owners can now also use the LUT features in the Lumix Lab app, creating their own looks or downloading ones from creators to send to their cameras. Panasonic says that when it launched the app earlier this year, it had 80 LUTs in the community tab; it says there are over 100 now.
Lumix S9 updates
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The 1.1 update for the S9 mainly focuses on video features but also adds support for two new subjects to the subject-tracking autofocus system. The update will let the S9 recognize trains and planes, and users can determine whether they want to prioritize the driver’s cabin or nose, respectively, versus the entire train or plane. The update also adds part priority to the S9’s existing motorcycle and car tracking modes, letting you ask the system to focus on a driver or rider’s helmet versus the vehicle as a whole.
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| You can now target specific parts of vehicles. The ability to target trains and planes at all, as well as their cockpits, is altogether new to the S9. |
Panasonic has also addressed a major complaint video creators had with the S9 by letting you bypass the video record time limits. Initially, you could only record up to 15 minutes of 4K video and 10 minutes of 6K video, which Panasonic says was a bid to avoid the camera ever overheating and displaying a cooldown message. Now, it’s adding a video record limit setting, and flipping it off makes the camera record until it reaches its temperature limit.
Once that happens, you won’t be able to record again until the camera has sufficiently cooled down – you also won’t have access to certain features while it’s overheated, though it does helpfully list which features are currently disabled on the screen. The company does recommend that you use a tripod if you flip the limit off, as the camera can get quite warm to the touch.
The update also adds the ability to have multiple frame markers if you plan on delivering a video in several aspect ratios. Originally, the S9 let you have a single one, but with the 1.1 update, you can have up to three color-coded markers. There are also presets for four new aspect ratios: 17:9, 9:17, 7:6 and 6:7.
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| You can have up to three frame guides, each set to its own color. You can also mask out areas not captured by any of your selected aspect ratios. |
Depending on your settings, you can adjust the frame markers from the live view screen. Tapping on them will let you resize and reposition each marker you have activated. The feature can also be used in conjunction with frame masks, which can darken or black out the areas outside your frame markers; when adjusting your markers, the mask updates in real-time.
Lumix S5II, S5IIX and G9II updates
Panasonic is releasing firmware update 3.1 for the S5II, 2.1 for the S5IIX, and 2.2 for the G9II. Beyond adding compatibility for Lumix Lab, it also lets you use Panasonic’s XLR adapter with the cameras and assign the Real Time LUT feature to function buttons.
The updates also add support for 5Ghz Wi-Fi, in regions where the standard is allowed. The S5II and IIX technically already had support for 5Ghz Wi-Fi when using the Frame.IO integration, but now you can use it with the Lumix Lab app to transfer images and photos to your phone faster than you can with 2.4Ghz Wi-Fi.
The S5II and S5IIX are also getting the Leica Monochrome photo style that debuted with the G9II
Panasonic says that the features added to the S9 in version 1.1, such as the new autofocus subjects and multiple framing guides, will be coming to the Mk. II cameras, but that they’re not included in this round of updates.
The updates also add compatibility with the 18-40mm F4.5-6.3 lens the company also announced today. If the lens is retracted, the cameras will pop up a message saying that it needs to be extended before you can use it.
The company is also releasing an update for the original Lumix S5, though it’s substantially smaller. It adds ‘improved operational stability,’ as well as the ‘extend lens’ message for the 18-40mm.
Press Release:
Panasonic Announces New Firmware Updates for its LUMIX S and G Series Cameras: S9, S5II, S5IIX, G9II
Newark, N.J. (October 8, 2024) – Panasonic has announced a host of new firmware updates for its full frame mirrorless LUMIX S9, S5II, S5IIX cameras and Micro Four Thirds mirrorless G9II camera that improve the shooting experience and enhance functionality.
In line with LUMIX’s continuous commitment to supporting creators, the latest firmware updates will be available to download free of charge from the LUMIX Global Customer Support website on 9th October 2024. Firmware updates include:
LUMIX S9 Firmware Version 1.1
- A recording time limit menu has been added with a new option to record without time limitation.1
- A display feature for multiple frame markers has been added, which now allows for the display of up to three frame markers simultaneously. This adds further versatility for content creators framing for different aspect ratios or planning shots with multiple compositions, further enhancing the unrivalled convenience of shooting in Open Gate.
- The highly accurate phase hybrid auto focus system has been improved with enhanced subject detection. A new option is now available to select detection of airplanes and trains, as well as specific parts of cars and motorcycles.
- Compatibility with the LUMIX Lab smartphone app has been expanded to include remote shooting, shutter remote control, and the ability to transfer images selected on the camera.
- Operational stability has been improved.
LUMIX S5II Firmware Version 3.1 and LUMIX S5IIX Firmware Version 2.1
- LEICA Monochrome is now available as a Photo Style, providing a strong and dynamic monochrome shooting option.
- Compatibility with the LUMIX Lab smartphone app is now supported.
- The latest Panasonic XLR microphone adapter, DMW-XLR2, is now supported.2
- 5GHz Wi-Fi frequency option now available and has been added to the existing 2.4GHz option.3
- Real Time LUT can now be assigned to the Fn button, allowing creators to easily enjoy a range of popular, classic or bespoke color styles in-camera.
- Operational stability has been improved.
*1 – The recording time varies depending on the environment and operating conditions.
Recording will stop automatically if the internal temperature gets too high, even when set to unlimited recording mode.
*2 – 32 Bit Float recording is not available on the S5II, S5IIX or G9II
*3 – Depending on the region, local regulations, etc. may prohibit you from using the 5GHz frequency band outdoors. If this is the case, when outdoors, connect to the smartphone using [2.4GHz] for the Wi-Fi connection.