Panasonic has announced significant firmware updates for its LUMIX S5II and S5IIX full-frame mirrorless cameras. The company says that S5II firmware V3.0 and S5IIX firmware V2.0 will improve your shooting experience and enhance the cameras’ sharing functionality for both images and videos.
Native Camera to Cloud integration
Following the firmware upgrades, the LUMIX S5II and S5IIX support native Camera to Cloud (C2C) integration with Adobe’s Frame.io. C2C functionality means that your images and videos can be automatically uploaded, backed up, shared, and worked on jointly via the cloud. Your recorded content is sent to the Frame.io platform through an internet connection via Wi-Fi or USB tethering. You can quickly share captured photos in JPEG or RAW as well as proxy videos.
Proxy video
The firmware upgrades also give the LUMIX S5II and S5IIX a new proxy video recording feature. This means that an additional low bit-rate proxy file is recording alongside the main file when shooting video. Simultaneously recording a proxy file that is linked with the original video recording enables a faster delivery from production to post. It is also used for uploading to Frame.io with the C2C integration.
Improved autofocus
Panasonic says that the firmware upgrades improve the real-time auto-focus system of the LUMIX S5II and S5IIX.  The cameras feature a highly accurate Phase Hybrid autofocus which recognizes people amongst multiple subjects. It also features an animal eye recognition function, to focus on and follow animal eyes. In addition, the cameras’ autofocus can now recognize cars and motorcycles, which is ideal for anyone shooting motorsports.
Enhanced EIS performance
The firmware upgrades also enhance the Electronic Image Stabilization (EIS) of the LUMIX S5II and S5IIX. In addition to Standard mode, the new High mode electronically corrects large shakes when shooting video on the move. There is also a new perspective distortion correction to correct distortion that can when shooting video shooting with a wide-angle lens.
SH pre-burst shooting
With the firmware upgrades, both cameras gain a new SH pre-burst shooting function. This option records still image bursts before you begin shooting. When set to the SH PRE mode, the camera begins burst shooting from the moment you half press the shutter button. This means that you get retroactive burst shooting up to the moment you press the shutter button down fully.
What we think
The new firmware updates for the LUMIX S5II and S5IIX cameras add some great functionality for video shooters. The C2C integration with Frame.io means that you can upload proxy videos as soon as you have shot them. You can then get real-time feedback from your clients and a remote production team can even start editing the clips. In addition, proxy files are ideal for editing on laptops or lower-powered systems to speed up your post-production workflow. The improvements to the autofocus system are also welcome. If you use a Panasonic LUMIX S5II or S5IIX you should download the firmware as soon as it is available.
Availability
S5II Firmware V3.0 for the LUMIX S5II and firmware V2.0 for the S5IIX will be available to download free of charge from the LUMIX Global Customer Support website from April 21, 2024.
