Panasonic has announced an upcoming firmware upgrade for its Lumix DC-S1 full-frame mirrorless camera. Officially referred to as DMW-SFU2, the upgrade adds a number of high-end video features and capabilities, many of which are similar to those found in the company’s GH5 series of cameras, which have often been class-leading when it comes to video.
Most prominent is the addition of Panasonic’s V-Log gamma profile, which promises to deliver 14+ stops of dynamic range. Notably, this is not the truncated V-Log L profile found on the GH-series, which capture a bit less dynamic range due to their smaller sensors. Rather, it’s the same gamma profile used by the company’s VariCam cinema cameras, which should allow the S1 to deliver the same look as VariCam models using the same V-Gamut color space.
Additionally, the upgrade adds 4:2:2 10-bit 4K/30p internal recording, 4:2:2 10-bit 4K/60p recording using an external recorder via HDMI, and 48 kHz/24-bit or 96 kHz/24-bit audio when used with Panasonic’s DMW-XLR1 adapter.
Videographers will be excited to hear that Panasonic is also adding very useful tools like a waveform monitor and in-camera LUTs, which can be used when shooting in V-Log to approximate the look of graded output.
Who should consider this upgrade? If you’re primarily a stills-shooter, or even a video-shooter who mostly shoots casually, it’s possible that none of these new features will be important to you. However, if you’re a serious video shooter who understands the advantages of Log video, or who needs to match footage with other pro video cameras from Panasonic, this is probably an upgrade you’ll want to consider.
The DMW-SFU2 software key will be available in July at a cost of $199 in the US, €199 in Europe and £179 in the UK. Panasonic US says the update will be made available free to any existing S1 owners that have registered their camera, and for anyone who buys an S1 before July 31st. In Europe (including the UK) the offer runs until the end of September.
Panasonic to Release the Upgrade Firmware Key DMW-SFU2 for LUMIX S1 in July 2019 to Expand Its Video Performance
Newark, NJ (May 31, 2019) – Panasonic has announced that the company will release an Upgrade Firmware Key DMW-SFU2 for the full-frame mirrorless camera LUMIX S1 in July 2019. This paid software program will further expand the video performance of the LUMIX S1 for advanced video recording. As announced separately, the new LUMIX S1H features 14+ stops of full V-Log, which is equivalent to the V-Log of high-end cinema cameras such as the Cinema VariCam. The user can experience the 14+ stops of V-Log on the LUMIX S1 with the firmware update program provided by the Upgrade Software Key DMW-SFU2, prior to the release of the LUMIX S1H.
Functions available with the upgrade program are as follows.
- 14+ stops of V-Log recording
- World’s first 4:2:2 10-bit 4K MOV 30p/25p*1 internal video recording*2
- World’s first 4:2:2 10-bit 4K 60p/50p*1 HDMI output*2
- V-Log and V-Gamut compatible with Cinema VariCam Look
- In-camera LUT (Look Up Table) application enabling playback of V-Log while or after recording (LUT Display with Custom Function)
- A WFM (Waveform Monitor) displays brightness level while recording
- High-res 48-kHz/24-bit or 96-kHz/24-bit sound can be recorded in MOV using the XLR Microphone Adaptor DMW-XLR1
The Upgrade Software Key DMW-SFU2 will go on sale in July 2019.
Source: dpreview.com
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