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
- Improvement of AF performance
- Improvement of Body I.S. (Image Stabilizer) performance
- Improvement of sound recording performance
- New functions5. Other improvements
LUMIX DC-GH5S Firmware Ver.1.1
- Improvement of AF performance
- Improvement of sound recording performance
- New functions
- Other Improvements
LUMIX DC-G9 Firmware Ver.1.1
- Improvement of AF performance
- Improvement of Body I.S. (Image Stabilizer) performance
- Improvement of High Resolution Mode
- Improvement of sound recording performance
- New functions
- Other improvements
The new firmware programs will be available at the LUMIX Support Site on May 30, 2018 (link here).
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.
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