Panasonic S1 Will Soon Shoot 10 bit 5K (Updated)

UPDATE: The firmware update for the Panasonic S1 and S1R is about to drop, and when it does, will also include improved image stabilization up to 6 stops, or dual IS up to 6.5 stops. There’s also improved Autofocus performance, with tracking and also focusing on nearby subjects.  There’s also Live View display during autofocus.

Here’s a complete breakdown of the Panasonic S1, S1R, and even the GH5S:

LUMIX S1 Firmware Version 1.2

1. Improved performance of the Body Image Stabilizer

• The correction performance of the Body Image Stabilizer has been improved from a maximum of 5.5 stops to a maximum of 6.0 stops.*1
• The correction performance of the Dual I.S.2 has been improved from 6.0 stops to 6.5 stops.*2
  *1 Based on the CIPA standard [Yaw/Pitch direction: focusing distance f=50mm, when S-X50 is used.]
  *2 Based on the CIPA standard [Yaw/Pitch direction: focusing distance f=105mm, when S-R24105 is used.]
  Based on the CIPA standard [Yaw/Pitch direction: focusing distance f=200mm, when S-R70200 is used.]

2. Improved AF performance

• [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.
• The tracking performance when using [Tracking] AF mode in video recording has been improved.
• Live view display during auto focusing is now easier to see.

3. Function Enhancement with Upgrade Software Key DMW-SFU2

• An [Activate] function has been added which enables the use of extended functions using the Upgrade Software Key DMW-SFU2. The following functions will be added by activating the Upgrade Software Key.

4. Improved operational stability

• Operational stability when using an XQD memory card has been improved.

LUMIX S1R Firmware Version 1.2

1. Improved performance of the Body Image Stabilizer

• The correction performance of the Body Image Stabilizer has been improved from a maximum of 5.5 stops to a maximum of 6.0 stops.*1
• The correction performance of the Dual I.S.2 has been improved from 6.0 stops to 6.5 stops.*2
• Based on the CIPA standard [Yaw/Pitch direction: focusing distance f=50mm, when S-X50 is used.]*2
• Based on the CIPA standard [Yaw/Pitch direction: focusing distance f=105mm, when S-R24105 is used.]
• Based on the CIPA standard [Yaw/Pitch direction: focusing distance f=200mm, when S-R70200 is used.]

2. Improved AF performance

• [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.
• The tracking performance when using [Tracking] AF mode in video recording has been improved.
• Live view display during autofocusing is now easier to see.

3. Improved operational stability

• Operational stability when using an XQD memory card has been improved.

GH5 Firmware Version 2.5

1. Improved compatibility with the Panasonic LEICA DG VARIO-SUMMILUX 10-25mm / F1.7 ASPH. (H-X1025) digital interchangeable lens.

• Smooth aperture control is available during video recording.
• [Aperture Ring Increment] has been added with which users can choose the control method of the aperture ring from [SMOOTH] or [1/3EV] in photo shooting.

2. Improved compatibility with the Panasonic Remote Shutter DMW-RS2.

• The video REC switch on the Remote Shutter can be disabled in the camera’s custom menu.

GH5S Firmware Version 1.3

1. Improved compatibility with the Panasonic LEICA DG VARIO-SUMMILUX 10-25mm / F1.7 ASPH. (H-X1025) digital interchangeable lens.

• Smooth aperture control is available during video recording.
  [Aperture Ring Increment] has been added with which users can choose the control method of the aperture ring from [SMOOTH] or [1/3EV] in photo shooting.

2. Improved compatibility with the Panasonic Remote Shutter DMW-RS2.

• The video REC switch on the Remote Shutter can be disabled in the camera’s custom menu.

Updates will be available for download on July 9, 2019 at 1:00 UTC.

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Users of the Panasonic S1 4K mirrorless camera will soon have something to be seriously excited about, and it’s an ideal excuse to get an anamorphic lens. That’s because hidden deep inside the menu system there will soon be a mode that will enable you to shoot 5K, 10 bit video at over 200 MBps.

Everyone knows that shooters can take 6K photos with the Panasonic S1, and can even do brief 6K bursts which can sort of be translated into video. But there’s also a 10 bit mode in the  6K Photo menu that can not only capture 5K video, but do it in a 30fps burst for up to 10 minutes.  The video mode captures video at 200MBps, and there’s also a 3K Mode. Here’s what the menu reads:

• 5184 x 3456 (3:2) – 10bit – 200Mbit (400Mbit*) – 30p
• 3840 x 2160 (16:9) – 10bit – 72Mbit (144mbit*) – 24p/25p/30p

* H.264 equiv. quality.

The 10 Bit 5K mode will be part of a paid upgrade that will be coming soon and will also feature a higher bitrate, full V-Log, and 10bit 4:2:2 for 4K mode. Panasonic added basic V-Log capability for $99 and I would imagine that the added 5K mode, along with expanding V-Log and adding 4:2:2 could be a little bit more.

And sure, you’ll have to pay for the privilege, but that’s not a bad thing. Not everyone needs to shoot 5K, or even V-Log for that matter. Though everyone should. Add to that the S1’s current Hybrid Log Gamma, and it’s easy to see just how deep the capability is of the S1’s 24MP full frame CMOS sensor. In fact, the S1 is the only full frame mirrorless camera that can shoot HLG in full frame.

That alone sets it apart. but add everything else that’s coming, and it’s easy to see why Panasonic users are so obsessed with this plucky mirrorless platform.

In other Panasonic S1 news, DIY Photography has noticed that a french website has leaked an image of the Panasonic S1H, a model that would be capable of shooting 6K video at 30fps, along with Vlog, V-Gamut, DCI 4K at 60fps, and have a dynamic range of 14 stops. I would imagine that all the features we mentioned above would also be available.

This 3rd box, very oriented cinema and video (more than the S1) announces a world premiere of shock: the video recording in 6K / 24p (in format 3: 2) or 5,9K / 30p (in format 16: 9) . It also announces the C4K / 4K (the famous DCI) in 60p in 10 bits. It also adapts to 4: 3 anamorphic mode. Rumors were running about the arrival of the 8K, or even a GH6, but it will be 6K in Full Format. Not bad… – Magazine Video, Google Translated

The report also states that Panasonic has done some journeyman’s hard work to get the heat dissipation of the S1 down to a minimum in order to make 6K capture have no time limits. That’s exciting.

No word on when the S1H will launch, but the report goes on to say it’ll be the “autumn of  2019.” There’s no price mentioned just yet, either. But I would imagine it’ll be in the same ballpark, under $2,500-3,000. DIYP also states that a mockup of the S1H will be on display this weekend at the Panasonic Booth over at CineGear 2019, in the Paramount Studios in Hollywood. If anyone is there this weekend, snap a pic and send it to us. Or post to twitter with the hashtag #PanasonicS1H and we’ll find it.

Hat Tip – EOSHD

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