Panasonic has released an update to its LUMIX Lab control app. The company has also announced some major firmware updates for several of its mirrorless cameras. New firmware is now available for the LUMIX S9, S5II, S5IIX and G9II.
LUMIX Lab update
Panasonic’s dedicated LUMIX Lab app now supports the LUMIX S5II, S5IIX and G9II cameras, as well as the S9 and GH7. The app also now includes shutter remote control and remote shooting. One neat feature is that you can change between P, S, A or M exposure modes using the app. It effectively overrides the camera’s control dial until you disconnect the app. Note that you will need to update your camera’s firmware to the latest versions to use the S5II, S5IIX and G9II with LUMIX Lab.
Using LUTs
With the latest version of LUMIX Lab, you can now use the app’s LUT features with the LUMIX S5II, S5IIX and G9II cameras. This means you can create your own LUTs or download LUTs designed by popular creators. You can also transfer the LUTs to your camera via the app. In addition, you can now select which images to send to the app on your camera. This is a great time saver as previously you had to wait for the app to download the thumbnails from your camera first.
LUMIX S9 firmware update 1.1
The new firmware version 1.1 for the LUMIX S9 adds a recording time limit menu. This means you can choose to shoot video without any time limitation. Previously, this was restricted to 10 minutes for 6K video and 15 minutes for 4K video. However, the camera will still shut down if it overheats. You can also now display up to three frame markers at the same time. This is great for when you need to shoot video for different online platforms. In addition, the autofocus system has been improved so it will now detect airplanes and trains, as well as specific parts of cars and motorcycles.
LUMIX S5II, S5IIX and G9II firmware updates
The new firmware versions are 3.1 for the S5II, 2.1 for the S5IIX and 2.2 for the G9II. In addition to compatibility with the LUMIX Lab app, you can now use Panasonic’s DMW-XLR2XLR microphone adapter with the cameras. You can also assign a real-time LUT to the cameras’ Fn buttons. Finally, the cameras now support the 5 Ghz Wi-fi frequency as well as the 2.4 Ghz option. Another update for the S5Ii and S5IIX is that the cameras have gained Leica Monochrome as a new Photo Style. This is already available on the G9II.
What we think
Users of the LUMIX S9, S5II, S5IIX and G9II will be pleased to know that they can now use Panasonic’s LUMIX Lab app. It offers some great options for remotely operating your cameras as well as adding LUT functionality. The individual camera firmware options are also welcome. Limits on how long you can record with a camera are frustrating, though S9 shooters will still need to be wary of their cameras overheating. In addition, the ability to use multiple frame guides is invaluable to anyone shooting content for multiple social media channels. The S5II, S5IIX and G9II add fewer new features, but compatibility with the LUMIX Lab alone is reason enough to update your camera’s firmware.
Pricing and availability
The latest version of the LUMIX Lab app and the firmware updates for the LUMIX S9, S5II, S5IIX and G9II are available now.
