Panasonic has announced a new firmware update that promises direct recording to SSD drives as part of its new feature set. Firmware v2.2 will enable GH6 users to record Apple ProRes 422 HQ with a maximum rate of 1.9 Gbps or 4:2:2 10-bit All-Intra directly onto an external SSD drive through USB.
The update brings a similar functionality that the Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 6K has enjoyed since its release. It enables users to be able to plug the SSD drive directly into a computer and begin editing files without the need of transferring or uploading the files or preparing them for ingesting. It’s just plug-and-play.
The Panasonic Lumix GH6 is very popular with content creators, chiefly YouTubers and TikTokers, because of its high resolution, yet more compact and light form factor.
The smaller lenses alone have made the GH platform a viable alternative to full-frame mirrorless cameras, with the ability to capture up to 5.7K images from its 25MP Live MOS Micro Four Thirds Image Sensor.
Though the ability to record to an external SSD will likely affect a user’s mobility when capturing 6K video, it will be of great benefit in situations where the camera is locked down on a tripod for extended video recording.
The new external recording feature does have a few limitations, however. Support is limited to frame rates no faster than 60 frames per second, and users must use an SSD drive whose storage capacity is no larger than two terabytes.
Panasonic will also be publishing a list of compatible drives on their support website in short order.
Lastly, the Lumix GH6 will be unable to record to both the internal CFExpress card and the external SSD drive simultaneously in this configuration.
Users will have to choose one or the other until Panasonic can address that in a future firmware update, if at all.
Other improvements include ISO can now be selected between 8000/10000/12800 when HDMI Raw Data Output and Dynamic Range Boost are set to [ON].
Firmware version 2.2 for the Panasonic GH6 can be downloaded from Panasonic’s GH6 driver support site beginning September 27th.
[source: Panasonic]
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- Panasonic Lumix GH6 Mirrorless Camera (B&H)
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