Panasonic Releases Firmware Update Programs for the LUMIX S Series Camera S1, S5 and S1R

Newark, NJ (June 22, 2021) – Panasonic is proud to announce that the company will release the firmware update programs for the LUMIX S Series full-frame mirrorless cameras to enhance functionality and usability. The firmware program version 2.1 for DC-S1, version 2.3 for DC-S5 and version 1.9 for DC-S1R will be available at LUMIX Global Customer Support website https://av.jpn.support.panasonic.com/support/global/cs/dsc/ at 9:00pm EDT on July 12, 2021. A plug-in software to manage HLG photos shot with S Series cameras on Adobe Photoshop CC will also be released at the same time.

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

S1 Firmware Version 2.1

1. New functions and options to be available with the Upgrade Software Key DMW-SFU2

*Users who already have DMW-SFU2 do not need to purchase extra DMW-SFU2. There is no need to upgrade the camera with DMW-SFU2 if upgrading with DMW-SFU2 was previously done.

  • RAW video data output over HDMI to Blackmagic Video Assist 12G HDR [5.9K] / [4K] / [Anamorphic (4:3) 3.5K] 12-bit RAW video data can be output over HDMI to Blackmagic Video Assist 12G HDR, to be recorded as Blackmagic RAW.
Area Resolution Frame Rate Aspect HDMI Output
Full-frame 5.9K (5888×3312) 29.97p/25p/23.98p 16:9 12-bit
APS-C 4K (4128×2176) 59.94p/50p/29.97p/25p/23.98p 17:9 12-bit
APS-C Anamorphic 3.5K (3536X2656) 50p/29.97p/25p/23.98p 4:3 12-bit

*All functions may not be available depending on the situation.

*DaVinci Resolve or DaVinci Resolve Studio is required to play back the Blackmagic RAW files. DaVinci Resolve or DaVinci Resolve Studio is required to edit the Blackmagic RAW files.

2. Other added functions

  • [L.ClassicNeo] and [L.Monochrome S] have been added in [Photo Style].

S5 Firmware Version 2.3

1. Added function

  • RAW video data output over HDMI to Blackmagic Video Assist 12G HDR [5.9K] / [4K] / [Anamorphic (4:3) 3.5K] 12-bit RAW video data can be output over HDMI to Blackmagic Video Assist 12G HDR, to be recorded as Blackmagic RAW.
Area Resolution Frame Rate Aspect HDMI Output
Full-frame 5.9K (5888×3312) 29.97p/25p/23.98p 16:9 12-bit
APS-C 4K (4128×2176) 59.94p/50p/29.97p/25p/23.98p 17:9 12-bit
APS-C Anamorphic 3.5K (3536X2656) 50p/29.97p/25p/23.98p 4:3 12-bit

*All functions may not be available depending on the situation.

*DaVinci Resolve or DaVinci Resolve Studio is required to play back the Blackmagic RAW files. DaVinci Resolve or DaVinci Resolve Studio is required to edit the Blackmagic RAW files.

S1R Firmware Version 1.9

1. Added function

  • [L.ClassicNeo] and [L.Monochrome S] have been added in [Photo Style].

LUMIX HLG Photo for Adobe Photoshop (For all S Series Cameras)

Panasonic will also release a plug-in software for Adobe Photoshop CC. By installing this plug-in software in the PC, the HLG photo (HDR still image) shot by LUMIX S Series cameras can be read, edited and saved with Photoshop CC. It is possible to play back the saved image files as HDR photos on the HLG-corresponding monitor over an HDMI connection with the LUMIX S Series camera.

For the specifications and details, please refer to the following download page. https://panasonic.jp/support/global/cs/soft/download/lumix_hlgphoto.html

  • ‘Blackmagic Design’, ‘Blackmagic RAW’ and ‘DaVinci Resolve’ are registered trademarks of Blackmagic Design Pty. Ltd.
  • Other trademarks and trade names are those of their respective owners.
  • All functions may not be available depending on the situation.
  • Design and specifications are subject to change without notice.

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Sigma fp L initial review update: Studio scene analysis by Dpreview

Preorders: Sigma FP-L at BHphoto. Adorama.

Dpreview published the Sigma FP L Studio scene analysis and writes:

We’ve put the Sigma fp L up next to the Sony a7R IV first and foremost, since they share a similar sensor design and resolution of 61MP. At first glance, the Sigma looks just slightly softer than the Sony, though looking closely reveals similar levels of fine detail. We ran the files through an MTF analysis and found that this difference is within the realm of the impact of an anti-aliasing filter – and Sigma has chosen to include one on the fp L, while Sony has left one off its a7R IV. For reference, an anti-aliasing filter helps suppress moiré, while leaving one out results in an increase in perceived sharpness. (It’s worth noting that the Canon EOS R5 has an anti-aliasing filter while the Nikon Z7 II foregoes one.)

Indeed, when we look at areas where moiré can be problematic, we can see the Sigma controls it a little better than the Sony does. Overall, the Sigma fp L gives you plenty of detail and the files should respond well to a bit of extra sharpening should you so desire.

At higher ISO values, the Sigma continues to perform well, and actually shows less noise than the Sony and similar noise levels to the Nikon by ISO 51200. The very highest setting should really be reserved for emergencies, as with all the other cameras here. However, the Sigma does show some banding (visible along the right edge of the full test chart), due to the interaction of its full-time electronic shutter and the tungsten light we use for this test.