Lumix GH6 Development Announcement & G Series Firmware Updates

In addition to the release of the Lumix GH5M2 camera, Panasonic also announced the development of their next “flagship” MFT camera, the Lumix GH6 as well as new firmware updates for three of their G-Series cameras, the Lumix GH5S, Lumix G9 and Lumix G100.

Keep reading below for more information about the GH6 development announcement and firmware updates.

From the Lumix GH6 press release

Panasonic Corporation is proud to announce the development of the LUMIX GH6 that combines the new Micro Four Thirds sensor and a new image processor. This flagship camera of the LUMIX G Series will be commercialized for its release to world markets by the end of 2021.

In the growing needs of video streaming, creators are more keen on the quality and uniqueness of the video contents they provide. High resolution, wide dynamic range, realistic texture, impressive effects like slow motion, undefined shooting angle made possible with small camera size – all of these are demanded for the ideal camera to meet the creators’ expectations.

Against such a backdrop, the development of the LUMIX GH6 is underway. It is absolutely the flagship of the LUMIX G Series and the latest model of the GH line, which is renowned for its stunning mobility and innovative video performance.

Combining the high-speed sensor and Venus Engine image processor, the new GH6 realizes next-generation video expression. Providing 4:2:2 10-bit DCI 4K/60p recording capability, the LUMIX GH6 achieves unlimited video recording when the camera is used under the certified operating temperature. It is reliable enough to record continuous footage for a desired duration.

It also provides a 10-bit 4K 120p High Frame Rate (HFR) and Variable Frame Rate (VFR) for high resolution slow/quick motion video.

Moreover, the GH6 records 10-bit 5.7K 60p video by taking full advantage of the newly developed Micro Four Thirds sensor.

Accommodating a variety of recording modes and shooting assist functions, the GH6 enables photo/video hybrid-use for various purposes including films, music videos, documentaries and short clips for social media to meet the creators’ needs.

In addition to the camera, the new interchangeable lens will be added to expand the G Series lineup, and the LEICA DG 25-50mm f/1.7 is also under development.

It covers from 10mm to 50mm (35mm camera equivalent: 20-100mm) together with the LEICA DG VARIO-SUMMILUX 10-25mm / f/1.7 which is available on the market and has been highly acclaimed by the creators.

These two lenses have common aperture, high descriptive performance, shape and operability so that it is easy to make the creator’s own unique image product using these two lenses with minimal workflow.

Lumix GH5S, Lumix G9 & Lumix G100 Firmware Updates

The firmware updates for each camera will be available via the LUMIX Global Customer Support website beginning at 9:00 p.m. EST (UTC 1:00) on 9 June, 2021.

Find out what’s new and improved for each camera below.

GH5S Firmware Version 2.0

• Improved AF performance
  • It can detect the eyes / face at a 2x faster recognition cycle speed and human / animal at a 5x faster recognition cycle speed. These subjects can be detected even they appear in approximately half the size. *Comparison between before and after updating the firmware.
  • Tracking and recognition performance of AF have been improved with an addition of head recognition.
  • Human/Animal recognition can be set ON or OFF when the AF mode is set to [1-Area].
• RAW video data output over HDMI function
  • The Apple ProRes RAW can be recorded on Atomos NINJA V.
  • [4K] / [Anamorphic (4:3) 3.7K] 12-bit RAW video data can be output over HDMI.
  • A LUT (Lookup table) exclusively designed for RAW video recorded on NINJA V is available on the following customer support website to make the same color grading as V-Log/V-Gamut. It is easy to match colors between the footages recorded with Panasonic Varicam, EVA1 cameras to combine them. https://panasonic.jp/support/global/cs/dsc/download/lut/s1h_raw_lut/index.html

*Atomos Ninja V Ver.10.66 will be required to support the RAW video data output function of the LUMIX GH5S.
*Software that supports Apple ProRes RAW is required to edit RAW video recorded with Ninja V.
*All functions may not be available depending on the situation.

• Added video functions
  • [Red REC Frame Indicator] function has been added.
  • It is possible to play back vertical videos vertically.
  • Users can choose to add or not to add camera orientation information in [Vertical Position Info (Video)] menu to prevent unintended image rotation in playback.
  • [Video Guide Line] function has been upgraded with more options.
• Other added functions
  • [Power Save Mode] can be selectable while the camera is powered with an AC adaptor (DMW-AC10, sold separately).

G9 Firmware Version 2.4

• Improved AF performance
  • It can detect the eyes / face at a 2x faster recognition cycle speed and human / animal at a 5x faster recognition cycle speed. These subjects can be detected even they appear in approximately half the size. *Comparison between before and after updating the firmware.
  • Tracking and recognition performance of AF have been improved with an addition of head recognition.
  • Human/Animal recognition can be set ON or OFF when the AF mode is set to [1-Area].
• Added video functions
  • [Red REC Frame Indicator] function has been added.
  • It is possible to play back vertical videos vertically.
  • Users can choose to add or not to add camera orientation information in [Vertical Position Info (Video)] menu to prevent unintended image rotation in playback.
• Other added functions
  • [Frame Maker] function has been added.
  • [Power Save Mode] can be selectable while the camera is powered with an AC adaptor(DMW-AC10, sold separately).
  • The camera can be recognized when it is connected to the PC via the USB power supply port.

G100 Firmware Version 1.2

• Added functions
  • Users can choose to add or not to add camera orientation information in [Vertical Position Info (Video)] menu to prevent unintended image rotation in playback.
  • The camera can be recognized when it is connected to the PC via the USB power supply port.

Image Credits: Panasonic