Panasonic GH5 Firmware v2.3 and GH5S Firmware v1.1 Are Coming May 30th!

Panasonic are getting ready to release a series of new firmware updates for their Lumix GH5, GH5S and G9 cameras on May 30th. However, a few days ago it looks like Panasonic Japan dropped the ball and leaked the details of the new firmware so Panasonic had to come up with a new press release announcing the new firmware updates, but not giving the details.

The new firmware updates for the DC-GH5 (Firmware Version 2.3), DC-GH5S (Firmware Version 1.1) and DC-G9 (Firmware Version 1.1) add new features and include improvements to autofocus  and usability. The firmware will be available on May 30, 2018.

PRESS RELEASE

The new firmware includes following upgrades:

LUMIX DC-GH5 Firmware Ver.2.3

1. Improvement of AF performance
2. Improvement of Body I.S. (Image Stabilizer) performance
3. Improvement of sound recording performance
4. New functions5. Other improvements

LUMIX DC-GH5S Firmware Ver.1.1

1. Improvement of AF performance
2. Improvement of sound recording performance
3. New functions
4. Other Improvements

LUMIX DC-G9 Firmware Ver.1.1

1. Improvement of AF performance
2. Improvement of Body I.S. (Image Stabilizer) performance
3. Improvement of High Resolution Mode
4. Improvement of sound recording performance
5. New functions
6. Other improvements

The new firmware programs will be available at the LUMIX Support Site on May 30, 2018 (link here).

Screen grab from “Horizons” BTS by Mystery Box

Firmware details according to Panasonic Japan leak and 43rumors:

• L Monochrome D – (GH5 / GH5S and G9)
  • “L. monochrome D” Photo Style – Emphasize highlights and shadows, you can take pictures of tasty monochrome photos that exquisite detail
  • Vectorscope can be displayed during WB setting.
• “Grainy” Photo Style mode that can express the texture of an analog-like film Monochrome film – “Granular” mode that expresses the texture of the photo is installed in the image quality adjustment of the photo style. Analog-like random noise can be reproduced and new accent can be added to monochrome photograph. The graininess can be selected from 3 levels, and it can be finished in black and white photography according to preference and world view. Apparently this grainy mode can be adjusted with “monochrome” “L. monochrome” “L. monochrome D”.
• Added “Focus ring lock” function to disable the focus ring operation and fix the focus position on the custom menu.
• Added a function that allows you to change the setting while “pressing” the WB / ISO / exposure compensation button.
  • Users can choose from the custom menu.
• “Dial” was added to “Operation lock setting” of the custom menu.

Improvement of autofocus performance

• Improved AF performance under low light environment and low contrast environment.
• When using shutter speed in angle display, AF speed at 180 ° setting was improved.

Improved audio performance

• Optimized the noise reduction performance of the internal reference microphone and improved the voice quality.

As a GH5S owner, I am looking forward to the new monochrome setting although I am not sure if I can use it in video. I mainly shoot in Natural (custom) or V-Log L with third party lenses, however I am keen to try also the new AF improvement as the GH5 and GH5S definitely needs this in video mode.