Firmware update for Panasonic S1/S1R improves image stabilization and AF performance

Panasonic is releasing a firmware update for its Lumix DC-S1 and S1R full-frame mirrorless cameras, which will be available on July 9th. The new firmware (version 1.1) addresses the following:

Improved image stabilization performance: Panasonic claims that with firmware v1.1, the in-body IS system will reduce shake by an additional 1/2-stop, for a total of 6 stops with non-stabilized lenses and 6.5 stops with Dual IS-compatible glass.

Improved AF performance: Panasonic claims that tracking performance live view display will be improved, and new AF-on options have been added.

Tracking performance during video recording has been improved
Live view display during autofocusing is now 'easier to see'
A new AF-ON: Near Shift biases toward close subjects, while Far Shift does the opposite

Two smaller changes: An 'activate' option has been added to the S1, for entering the key for the optional DMW-SFU2 video feature update. 'Operational stability' when using XQD cards should also be improved on both the S1 and S1R.

The firmware will be available for download on Panasonic's website on the 9th.

On the same day, firmware updates will be made available for six Micro Four Thirds cameras: the Lumix GH5, GH5S, G9, G90/G91/G95, G80/G81/G85 and GX9.

The new firmware addresses various things across those cameras, but the one thing they have in common is adding support for smooth aperture control during video capture when using the Panasonic Leica 10-25mm F1.7 lens. Users can also toggle the aperture ring between 'smooth' and 1/3EV. The minor camera-specific changes can be found in the press release below.

Press Release

Panasonic Releases Firmware Update Programs for the LUMIX S1R, S1, GH5, GH5S, G9, G90/G91/G95, G80/G81/G85 and GX9

Newark, NJ (July 1, 2019) - Panasonic has announced that the company will release the firmware update programs for the LUMIX Digital Single Lens Mirrorless cameras to enhance the functions and usability. All programs will be available at LUMIX Global Customer Support website https://av.jpn.support.panasonic.com/support/global/cs/dsc/ at UTC 1:00 on July 9, 2019.

The cameras and the programs to be updated are as follows:

Full-frame Mirrorless Camera

LUMIX S1R Firmware Version 1.1

1. Improved performance of the Body Image Stabilizer

The correction performance of the Body Image Stabilizer has been improved from a maximum of 5.5 stops to a maximum of 6.0 stops.*¹
The correction performance of the Dual I.S.2 has been improved from 6.0 stops to 6.5 stops.*²

*1 Based on the CIPA standard [Yaw/Pitch direction: focusing distance f=50mm, when S-X50 is used.]

*2 Based on the CIPA standard [Yaw/Pitch direction: focusing distance f=105mm, when S-R24105 is used.]

Based on the CIPA standard [Yaw/Pitch direction: focusing distance f=200mm, when S-R70200 is used.]

2. Improved AF performance

[AF-ON: Near Shift] and [AF-ON: Far Shift] functions have been added. [AF-ON: Near Shift] preferably focuses on a subject nearby while [AF-ON: Far Shift] preferably focuses on a subject far away.
The tracking performance when using [Tracking] AF mode in video recording has been improved.
Live view display during auto focusing is now easier to see.

3. Improved operational stability

Operational stability when using an XQD memory card has been improved.

LUMIX S1 Firmware Version 1.1

1. Improved performance of the Body Image Stabilizer

The correction performance of the Body Image Stabilizer has been improved from a maximum of 5.5 stops to a maximum of 6.0 stops.*¹
The correction performance of the Dual I.S.2 has been improved from 6.0 stops to 6.5 stops.*²

*1 Based on the CIPA standard [Yaw/Pitch direction: focusing distance f=50mm, when S-X50 is used.]

*2 Based on the CIPA standard [Yaw/Pitch direction: focusing distance f=105mm, when S-R24105 is used.]

Based on the CIPA standard [Yaw/Pitch direction: focusing distance f=200mm, when S-R70200 is used.]

2. Improved AF performance

[AF-ON: Near Shift] and [AF-ON: Far Shift] functions have been added. [AF-ON: Near Shift] preferably focuses on a subject nearby while [AF-ON: Far Shift] preferably focuses on a subject far away.
The tracking performance when using [Tracking] AF mode in video recording has been improved.
Live view display during auto focusing is now easier to see.

3. Function Enhancement with Upgrade Software Key DMW-SFU2

An [Activate] function has been added which enables the use of extended functions using the Upgrade Software Key DMW-SFU2. The following functions will be added by activating the Upgrade Software Key.

The video recording modes [MOV]

4K	60p/50p*	4:2:0	8bit	LongGOP	150Mbps	LPCM
	30p/25p*	4:2:2	10bit	LongGOP	150Mbps	LPCM
	24p	4:2:2	10bit	LongGOP	100Mbps	LPCM
FHD	60p/50p*	4:2:2	10bit	LongGOP	100Mbps	LPCM
FHD	30p/25p*	4:2:2	10bit	LongGOP	100Mbps	LPCM

* PAL area only.

･HDMI 4K60p/50p* 4:2:2 10bit output

* PAL area only.

･V-Log will be added in Photo Style.

･The [V-Log View Assist] function will be added, which enables viewing the V-Log file with LUT(Look Up Table) when recording video in V-Log.

･The [Read LUT File] function will be added, which allows users to install and apply their favorite LUT.

･A WFM (Waveform Monitor) display function.

･A [Luminance Level] adjustment function that complies with 10-bit.

･An [XLR Mic Adaptor Setting] function that enables high-res sound recording using the XLR Microphone Adapter DMW-XLR1 (sold separately).*

* MOV only

4. Improved operational stability

Operational stability when using an XQD memory card has been improved.