In March of 2017 I had the opportunity to use the new Panasonic GH5 for a day. I was impressed by all the great features this successor to the GH4 sported and was excited to hear they would add even more via firmware. On August 30th, about six months after my initial article, Panasonic has announced a firmware update that will be available at the end of September adding to the already great list of features in this tiny powerhouse.
Panasonic states that while many of the features in firmware update Version.2.0 for DC-GH5 were previously planned, some “additional modifications were suggested by end users that specialize in both photography and cinematography.”
Here’s a breakdown of some of the key additions and updates in this firmware release.
Tethering support:
This is a big one for me and many other still photographers who work commercially. Whether working with intricate product set-ups or shooting portraits, working tethered is a great way to let the client know you got the shot every time. Tethering will be accomplished via USB and the “Lumix Tether” software. Not only will you be able to instantly see your images on the computer while shooting, and control which folders you save to, you will be able to control the camera from the software. I’m excited to try using the 6K PHOTO and 4K PHOTO feature as you will be able to start and stop video recording while tethered.
Improved autofocus performance:
In the short time I used the GH5 I thought the auto-focus did a fine job, but Panasonic has added features and modifications to make it even better. Autofocus tracking in video has been improved as well as performance for low contrast subjects. Not only can the customized AF area be continuously displayed in Multi AF and Custom Multi AF during live-view, The start point for AF lock can be set on the live view screen in advance in AF Tracking. The AF area can now be moved to the other edge (side, top or bottom) when it reaches one edge in Multi AF and the AF area can be moved while the shutter button is half-pressed or while recording in Burst Mode, 6K PHOTO and 4K PHOTO.
Improved performance in 6K PHOTO and 4K PHOTO:
With this update, starting the next burst shooting sequence after 6K Burst and 4K Burst is shortened to less than half the time and Loop Recording is available in 6K PHOTO.
ALL-Intra Recording:
4:2:2,10-bit ALL-Intra video recording (requires SD Memory Card with Video Speed Class 60 or higher). mode is will create 400Mbps 4K files for the highest possible quality in your projects. 200Mbps Full HD files in All-Intra can be used for high quality FHD projects as well.
4K HDR video recording:
With the addition of Hybrid Log Gamma you can now shoot HDR 4K video with the GH5 to reproduce the the brightest and darkest parts of the image allowing your footage to reflect more closely what the human eye sees by recording video with a designated gamma curve compatible with ITU-R BT.2100. Panasonic also added the HEVC for HLG to enable playback on AV equipment compatible with the HEVC compression format, such as Panasonic 4K HDR TVs.
Enhancement of the Anamorphic video recording mode:
If you are a fan of 2.0x and 1.33x anamorphic lenses, the Anamorphic Desqueeze Display setting is for you. In addition, you’ll be able to preview your footage in 2.30:1, 2.35:1, 16:9, and 1:1 aspect ratios in all modes, not just anamorphic. You have a few choices when recording anamorphic video “High Resolution Anamorphic Mode” produces Long GOP Compressed 6K / 4992 x 3744 / up to 30p / 200Mbps 4:2:0 10-bit files. If you prefer ALL-Intra 4K / 3328 x 2496 / 400 Mbps 4:2:2 10-bit footage, the GH5 has you covered.
Enhancement of Body I.S. (Image Stabilizer):
This update adds a I.S. Lock for video to compensate for handshake when the viewing angle is fixed and a new handshake correction mode for use with 2.0x and 1.33x Anamorphic lens.
Correction of white balance setting:
This is a bug fix. Currently when the K (Kelvin) value is changed the 2-axis white balance compensation will reset. This will no longer be the case.
Improved usability of Time Lapse Shot:
The GH5 will now provide some more useful information on the standby screen during time lapse shooting: The time to finish shooting and the number of recordable pictures.
Improved usability of Power Save LVF:
Power Save LVF can now be used during all stand-by display options.
Wireless functions:
The Panasonic Image App which will be updated at the same time as the GH5 Firmware release will have a compatible bluetooth remote control function. When the auto transfer function is turned on, the GH5 will restart transmission (when turned back on) if it was not completed before the camera was turned off.
Other improvements:
A few more tweaks and improvements such as the ability to lock the DISP. Button, assign a number of new functions to the Fn Buttons and rating your images using a Fn button in Playback Zoom and Multi Playback.
All in all, Panasonic has added a bunch of new features in the is firmware update that will both improve your image quality and allow you to use the GH5 for even more projects.
