The new cards will be displayed at the NAB show and be soon available for reorder on their official storefront at Amazon and BHphoto.

Press text:

Lexar’s new Rugged Series includes the ARMOR GOLD SD UHS-II V60 Card. This card offers a max read speed of 280MB/s and a max write speed of 210MB/s,¹ features an IP68 rating, and supports seamless 6K video capture. The ARMOR SILVER PRO SD UHS-II V60 Card also clocks in at a max read speed of 280MB/s and delivers a write speed of 160MB/s.¹ It is also rated IP68 and supports 6K video as well. In the SSD category, the ARMOR 700 Portable SSD leverages USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 to provide max read/write speeds of 2000MB/s¹ and an IP66 rating lets users know that its design protects against both water and dust² and is built to withstand up to 3-meter drops and falls.²

Reminder: The Silver Lexar cards are on discount at Amazon and BHphoto:

Full specs and preorder at BHphoto (Click here).

List of features (courtesy CineD).

• 36 x 24mm full frame 6K 6048 x 4032 sensor.
• Open gate 3:2, full height 6:5 anamorphic and Super 35 for creating cinematic content.
• Choice of models with L-Mount, PL or locking EF lens mounts.
• Records full resolution up to 36 fps or 120 fps windowed.
• Built-in 4″ HDR 1500 nit LCD screen.
• Records Blackmagic RAW and H.264 proxies.
• Extremely fast dual CFexpress card recording.
• Ethernet or mobile data for mobile remote streaming.
• Optional Blackmagic URSA Cine EVF.
• Features 12G-SDI for monitoring with status overlay.
• Professional mini XLR input with 48 volt phantom power.
• Complete streaming solution for YouTube, Facebook, Twitter and more.
• High capacity BP-U series batteries.

They also launched a Full Frame 12k camera and teased the launch of a stunning 17K 65mm(!) camera later in the year.

Dpreview published the full S5II review. It earned the Gold Award and this is the conclusion:

The Panasonic S5II is a capable full-frame mid-range camera with the right balance capabilities to serve those who want to shoot both photos and video. It offers outstanding image quality with pleasing colors, the best toolset in its class to support video shooters. The AF system is competitive, though it’s not quite as good as the best cameras in its class. It’s an excellent all-around camera and is a great option for those who need to do a bit of everything.

Panasonic S5II at Amazon, BHphoto, Adorama.

Western Digital this week is previewing the industry’s first 4 TB SD card. The Sandisk 4TB SD card is being showcased at the NAB trade show for broadcasters and content creators and will be released commercially in 2025. No info about the pricing yet…

A couple of youtuber reports about the new firmware update

Today Panasonic issued a major firmware update for the Lumix S5II and Lumix S5IIx.

Press text:

Panasonic Announces Firmware Update to Improve the Shooting Experience and Sharing Functionality of LUMIX S5II and S5IIX

Newark, NJ (April 10, 2024) – Panasonic is pleased to announce a significant firmware update for its full frame mirrorless LUMIX S5II and S5IIX cameras that improves the shooting experience and enhances sharing functionality for both images and videos.

Listening to creators needs, S5II Firmware V3.0 and S5IIX Firmware V2.0 delivers efficiency in both production and post-production workflows, providing important time (and therefore cost) saving benefits.

In line with LUMIX’s continuous commitment to supporting creators, the firmware will be available to download free of charge from the LUMIX Global Customer Support website https://panasonic.jp/support/global/cs/dsc/ at 9:00 pm EDT April 21, 2024.

S5II Firmware Version 3.0 / S5IIX Firmware Version 2.0

1. Enhancement of Production Workflows

New Native Camera to Cloud Integration with Adobe’s Frame.io
Compatibility with Frame.io Camera to Cloud is now supported, enabling images and videos to be automatically uploaded, backed up, shared, and worked on jointly via the cloud. Recorded content is sent to the Frame.io platform through an internet connection via Wi-Fi or USB tethering, enabling seamless sharing of captured photos (JPEG/RAW) and Proxy videos. This empowers creators to receive remote real-time feedback during capture and enables collaborative editing among production teams using their preferred creative software. Frame.io Camera to Cloud streamlines the workflow from shooting to editing, enhancing overall efficiency in the creative process.

Proxy Video Recording
This new feature records a low bit-rate proxy file when recording video. Simultaneously recording a proxy file that is linked with the original video recording enabling a faster delivery from production to post.

2. Improved Basic Performance

Real-time Auto-focus Recognition (Animal Eye, Car, Motorcycle Recognition)
The improved real-time auto-focus system enhances the highly accurate Phase Hybrid auto focus of the S5II and S5IIX, efficiently recognizing people amongst multiple subjects. It also features an animal eye recognition function, to focus on and follow animal eyes, as well as a car and motorcycle recognition function, which is ideally suited for shooting motorsports.

Enhanced E.I.S. Performance
In addition to Standard, High mode is newly added to E-Stabilization (Video) function, which electronically corrects large shakes when shooting on the move. A perspective distortion correction has also been added to correct distortion that tends to occur during video shooting when using a wide-angle lens. Combined with Active I.S. Technology, it is now possible to achieve even more stable footage when shooting on the move.

3. Expanding Creative Options

SH Pre-burst Shooting
The newly introduced SH pre-burst shooting function records bursts before shooting begins. When set to the SH PRE mode, the camera begins burst shooting from the moment the user half presses the shutter button, allowing retroactive burst shooting up to the moment the shutter button is pressed down fully.