Panasonic is improving several of the current cameras through firmware updates, especially the S1, S1H and BGH1. The biggest winner is the full-frame, $ 2,500 Lumix S1, which is about to get 6K 24p 10-bit internal recording, or 5.9K 10-bit at up to 30 fps. You can also record Cinema 4K internally at up to 60 fps (4: 2: 0 10-bit, 200 Mbps) and 4K Ultra HD 10-bit (4: 2: 0) at up to 60 fps. Finally, the S1 supports anamorphic 4K (3,328 x 2,496) recorded internally and up to 5.9 K 16: 9 (5,888 x 3,322) 12-bit video to an Atomos Ninja V recorder.
At the moment, the S1 can only record 4K internally at up to 30 fps and externally at 60 fps, so these are some big updates. The new recording modes have some limitations on the heating, but because the S1 (unlike the S1H) does not have an internal fan. You will only be able to record 6K, 5.9K and 5.4K videos at a time before recording stops, but you do not have to wait as long as you do on other cameras (ie the Canon R5). start again. Internal Cinema 4K, Ultra HD and 4K anamorphic have a maximum continuous recording time of 30 minutes, but there is no limit to external 5.9K RAW recording.
In addition to the resolution changes, Panasonic has added a Dual Native ISO setting to the S1, which would make it better for shooting in low light. Suffice it to say: all these updates make the S1 a much more useful camera, especially for videographers. If you do not have it yet, you will need to purchase the S1 Upgrade Software Key DMW-SFU2 ($ 200) to get the resolution updates, though dealers regularly bring it in for free with the camera.
Panasonic
Panasonic is also updating the $ 3,700 S1H with up to 5.9K 12-bit RAW recording to Blackmagic’s Video Assist 12G HDR recorder in Blackmagic RAW (BRAW) format, giving shooters another option on top of Apple RAW for the Atomos Ninja V. Note that you must have Blackmagic’s Davinci Resolve editing software to use the footage, or the BRAW plug-in for Premiere Pro or Avid.
Finally, Panasonic introduced new firmware for its box-style Micro Four Thirds BGH1 camera ($ 2,000). The product was a success for Panasonic, especially for multi-camera setups, use of drones and live streams. For the latter feature, Panasonic introduced IP streaming via wired LAN using the RTP / RTSP protocol, which enables gamers, businesses and others to do high quality, remote streaming to social platforms. With 4K 60p, it can use the H.264 or more efficient H.265 codes, both up to 50 Mbps.
The BGH1 also gets Apple ProRes RAW recording for Atomos Ninja V recorders (on top of internal SD recording) with up to 12-bit Cinema 4K 60 fps. This should make it more useful for filmmakers doing multiple cameras or other recordings.
These updates will be released at different times, with the S1H firmware version 2.0 appearing on March 31, the S1 firmware version 2.0 on April 6, and the BHG1 update (version 2.0) on March 24. Panasonic also introduced minor updates for the S1R and S5 (on April 6), allowing users to add (or not) vertical camera orientation information and save power with an included AC adapter.