It is finally here! Firmware 2.0 for the Panasonic GH5 is a huge update that turns the camera into a 10bit ALL-Intra beast. Some of the highlights of the new firmware update are the addition of a new 400Mbps 10bit 4:2:2 All-Intra codec option in 4K, a new “full height” Anamorphic mode, Hybrid Log Gamma for HDR delivery, as well as improved AF in video mode plus a lot more. Panasonic released the details of Firmware 2.0 at the end of August, and said they were on track in releasing the firmware by end of the Summer.
Semantics aside, as of September 27th, Firmware 2.0 for the Panasonic GH5 is available to download from the link here.
It is worth to point out that the 4K All-Intra 400 Mbps option would require Video Class 60 or 90 SD cards, which are quite fast and tend to be expensive at the moment, with the 128GB Panasonic V90 SDXC UHS-II card reaching $500 USD. An official card compatibility list is yet to be released to it will be a trail and error at the moment for most cards.
Panasonic GH5 Firmware 2.0 Details:
Compatibility with “LUMIX Tether” PC software
- Tethered shooting via USB is now enabled, using “LUMIX Tether” PC software. Users can control the camera by connecting it to a PC via USB.
Click here to the LUMIX Tether Download Program
Improved AF performance
- Auto focus performance for subjects with low contrast in photo shooting is improved.
- Tracking auto focus performance in video recording is improved.
- The customized AF area can be continuously displayed in [Multi AF] and [Custom Multi AF] during live-view.
- The AF area in [Multi AF] can be moved to the other edge (side, top or bottom) when it reaches one edge.
- The start point of AF lock can be set on the live view screen in advance in [AF Tracking].
- The AF area can be moved while the shutter button is half-pressed or while recording in [Burst Mode], [6K PHOTO] and [4K PHOTO].
Improved performance in [6K PHOTO] and [4K PHOTO]
- The waiting time to start the next burst shooting sequence after [6K Burst] and [4K Burst] is shortened to less than half the time.
- [Loop Rec] is available in [6K PHOTO].
ALL-Intra Video Recording mode in 4K and Full HD
- 10-bit 4:2:2 ALL-Intra video recording mode is added to 4K/FHD video recording.
* NOTE: Use of SD Memory Card with Video Speed Class 60 or higher is recommended for 4K ALL-Intra video recording. Operation is confirmed with Panasonic SD Memory Card with Video Speed Class 90.
- 4K HDR video recording
- [HLG] (Hybrid Log Gamma) is added to [Photo Style]. HDR (High Dynamic Range) is a mode to reproduce both bright part and dark part in an image, making it look just as human eyes see. The camera records video with a designated gamma curve compatible with ITU-R BT.2100, and you can now choose Hybrid LogGamma (HLG) in [Photo Style].
- A low-bit-rate recording mode 4K HEVC for HLG was added. This enables playback on AV equipment compatible with the HEVC compression format, such as Panasonic 4K HDR TVs.
Enhancement of the Anamorphic video recording mode
- High-Resolution Anamorphic mode, which enables video recording in 18-mega effective pixels, is added. (* Recorded in HEVC H.265 Long GOP)
- [Anamorphic Desqueeze Display] was added, which lets you view an enlarged image in Cinescope size while recording with 2.0x and 1.33x Anamorphic lens.
- [Video Guide Line] is added to display the image in a variety of aspects, such as Cinescope, 16:9 and 1:1 while recording video. This can be used not only in Anamorphic mode but also in other video recording mode.
Enhancement of Body I.S. (Image Stabilizer)
- [I.S. Lock(video)] is added. This powerfully compensates for handshake when the viewing angle is fixed.
- A new handshake correction mode is added, which provides optimum correction when using 2.0x and 1.33x Anamorphic lens.
- In VFR (Variable Frame Rate) shooting mode, there were cases where the image stabilization did not operate when non-Panasonic interchangeable lens is used. This bug has been fixed.
Bug fixes and other improvements:
- Correction of white balance setting
– When the K (Kelvin) value was changed after adjusting the color temperature with 2-axis white balance compensation, the setting was reset. This bug has been fixed.
- Improved usability of Time Lapse Shot
– The time to finish shooting and the number of recordable pictures are displayed on the stand-by screen.
- Improved usability of Power Save LVF
– Power Save LVF can now be used during all stand-by display options.
- Wireless functions
– The Bluetooth Remote Control function can be used with Image App, which will also be updated at the same timing with the GH5 firmware release.– If the camera has not completed image transmission when it is turned off, it restarts transmission when it is turned on with the [Auto Transfer] function.
- Other improvements
– A rating function using a Fn button is available in Playback Zoom and Multi Playback.– The following functions can be assigned to Fn buttons – [Constant Preview] [6K/4K PHOTO Bulk Saving] [Min. Shtr Speed] [RAW Processing] [Rec/Playback Switch] [Destination Slot] and [Mic Level Adj.].– The DISP.Button can be locked.– In Relay Rec, there were cases where the video file number was not able to be reset. This bug has been fixed.– In Relay Rec, there were cases where the video file number was reset after formatting the SD Memory Card. This bug has been fixed.– In Backup Rec, there were cases where the file number was not reset even after applying resetting. This bug has been fixed.– The image quality when applying the following settings is improved: Extended low ISO, [i.Dynamic] (Intelligent D-range Control) and Highlight Shadow.
Head over to Panasonic’s support page to download firmware 2.0 for the GH5. I also recommend users also download the supporting PDF documentation for the new firmware.
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Dammit I wish Sony would roadmap updates like this.
Seems that 4:3 anamorphic 6k mode can record in VLOG but can’t show viewing LUT. So it’s not really usable as HDMI output also doesn’t work (unless Atomis etc decide to update their firmware to support it)
I’d like to see some more attention to AG-DVX200 and test if it can get some more tricks on compresion, HDR, etc. with SD cards.