Panasonic Announces New LUMIX GH5M2, development of GH6 and new firmware updates
Pansonic announces the LUMIX GH5M2 achieves C4K*1/4K 60p 4:2:0 10-bit unlimited*2 video recording and can simultaneously output 4K 4:2:2 10-bit over HDMI. The LUMIX GH5M2 is capable of wireless live streaming in FHD/60p via the simple-to-use LUMIX Sync smartphone app, or by connecting directly to a Wi-Fi router. In addition, it will receive a future firmware update to add RTP/RTSP wired IP streaming*3.
The 20.3-megapixel Digital Live MOS Sensor with AR (Anti-Reflective) coating captures details cleanly and drives excellent lens performance. The image processor has also been updated to use the latest high-speed and high-performance Venus Engine.
To achieve stable handheld shooting, the Body I.S. (Image Stabiliser) in the LUMIX GH5M2 is now even more advanced, making it possible to use a 6.5-stop slower shutter speed*4. With the adoption of the latest algorithm developed for the S1H, video recording is smooth and stable even when the camera is in motion.
A 3.0-inch free-angle LCD with a 3:2 aspect ratio and high resolution of 1840K dots provides touch control. Compared to the GH5, the LCD features higher luminosity and superior colour reproduction to ensure high visibility outdoors.
The LUMIX GH5M2 will be available from the end June at £1,499 RRP for body only, £1,699 RRP for GH5M2 M Kit (with 12-60 LUMIX lens), and £1,999 RRP for GH5M2 L Kit (with LEICA 12-60mm lens). From today until the 31st July, Panasonic LUMIX UK are also running a pre-order launch offer of a free 25mm F1.7 lens (H-H025) and battery (DMW-BLK22) by redemption*5.
*1 Corresponding to 4K (4096×2160) as defined by Digital Cinema Initiatives (DCI).
*2 On condition that the camera is under the environment where the operation is guaranteed and is running on the battery. Recording time depends on the capacity of the battery and the SD Memory Card. Recording may stop in C4K/4K 60p 10-bit and Anamorphic mode automatically to protect the camera.
*3 16Mbps cannot be selected when the RTMPS URL is set.
*4 Based on the CIPA standard [Yaw/Pitch direction: focusing distance f=60mm (35mm camera equivalent f=120mm) when H-ES12060 is used.
*5 Offer available between 25th May – 31st July by redemption. UK customers only. Terms and conditions apply, visit the website for further details.
Wireless live streaming with minimal equipment
High-quality live streaming is possible both indoors and outdoors with minimal equipment: just the LUMIX GH5M2 and a smartphone with the LUMIX Sync app. In compliance with the RTMP/RTMPS protocol using the H.264 codec, a maximum resolution/framerate of FHD/60p at 16Mbps*1 is supported.
For wired live streaming, the dedicated LUMIX Webcam Software is available for free download.
Live streaming to the platforms that comply with RTMP/RTMPS is basically possible (Compatibility with all the platforms is not guaranteed.) There may be the cases where the live streaming is not possible when the service of the platform changes. For more information, please refer to the terms and conditions of the platform.
*1 16Mbps cannot be selected when the RTMPS URL is set.
High quality video performance
The LUMIX GH Series features outstanding video performance for professional videography and the LUMIX GH5M2 is no exception, capable of unlimited video recording in a variety of settings. When shooting video, the GH5M2’s entire sensor area is used, enabling the user to record uncropped video from the original viewing angle of the lens. Video recording options are vast, offering internal recording up to 4K 60p and 4:2:2 10-bit 30p, or 4K/6K Anamorphic modes.
To deliver high dynamic range and a broad colour spectrum, V-Log L is pre-installed in the camera, making it easy to match the colour tone with footage recorded in the S1H/S1’s V-Log and the GH5/GH5S’s V-Log L. V-Log L renders a very flat image while retaining all its colour information, which is a great benefit in post-production processing. For users who prefer to have a starting point for post-processing, there are 35 compatible conversion LUTs for VariCam cinema cameras available for free download. Practical tools like a Waveform Monitor and V-Log View Assist are also part of the GH5M2’s on-board video toolkit.
Like the S1H video flagship camera of the S Series, the LUMIX GH5M2 provides two types of Cinelike gamma presets in the Photo Style menu. These modes create impressive looks with warm skin tones or delicate nuances of light and shadow even without colour grading over V-Log footage. The Cinelike D2 preset gives priority to dynamic range, while Cinelike V2 prioritizes contrast. L.Monochrome S and L.Classic Neo have also been added. All these presets are also available in Anamorphic mode.
In VFR (Variable Frame Rate) recording, C4K/4K 60fps, Anamorphic 50fps and FHD 180fps are available. AF can be set before starting VFR recording.
A reliable tool for professionals
Tough enough to withstand heavy field use, the LUMIX GH5M2’s full die-cast front/rear frame is composed of a magnesium alloy and the body is splash, dust, and freeze resistant* down to -10 degrees Celsius. The shutter unit is also durable for approximately 200,000 cycles.
To further support use outdoors, the camera boasts a new high-capacity 2200mAh battery (DMW-BLK22) that complies with USB PD (Power Delivery) and can be recharged via AC or USB. The LUMIX GH5M2 is equipped with a double SD memory card slot compatible with V90-classified, high-speed, high-capacity UHS-II cards for Relay, Backup and Allocation Recording.
With the advanced free-angle touch LCD, users can utilise the frame marker function to check the composition during recording in various common aspect ratios such as 16:9, 4:3, 1:1, 4:5, 5:4 and 9:16. The red recording frame indicator on the screen and in the EVF clearly signals whether the camera is recording, while a new blue indicator shows when the camera is streaming.
*Splash Resistant is a term used to describe an extra level of protection this camera offers against exposure to a minimal amount of moisture, water or dust. Splash Resistant does not guarantee that damage will not occur if this camera is subjected to direct contact with water.
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Panasonic is also proud to announce the development of the highly anticipated LUMIX GH6, reinforcing its long-term commitment to its Micro Four Thirds line up. The new GH6 camera will be the flagship of the LUMIX GH Series, and will deliver the innovative video performance the GH line up is renowned for.
Equipped with a new high-speed sensor and a newly developed Venus engine image processer, the GH6 will offer 4:2:2 10-bit Cinema 4K/60p recording capability with truly unlimited recording time.
It will also feature 10-bit 4K 120p High Frame Rate (HFR) and Variable Frame Rate (VFR) recording for high-resolution slow/quick motion video. In addition, the GH6 will record 5.7K 60p video, taking full advantage of its newly developed sensor.
Accommodating a wide variety of recording modes and shooting assist functions, the LUMIX GH6 will deliver next-generation video performance built to satisfy a wide variety of creative requirements, redefining the possibilities for video recording in an interchangeable lens camera.
The LUMIX GH6 is currently in development, and will be available by the end of 2021. More information on the latest addition to the Panasonic LUMIX G Series line up will be announced in the coming months.
In addition to the GH6, a new interchangeable lens will be added to expand the G Series line-up: the LEICA DG 25-50mm F1.7 is also under development, further reinforcing Panasonic’s commitment to Micro Four Thirds.
Following the introduction of the LEICA DG VARIO-SUMMILUX 10-25mm F1.7 ASPH (H-X1025) in 2019, creators will soon be able to shoot 10 to 50mm – 20mm to 100mm in 35mm equivalent – with a F1.7 range, using LUMIX G Micro Four Thirds lenses.
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Firmware update for GH5M2
The LUMIX GH5M2 will continue to evolve with a future firmware update scheduled by the end of 2021. The new firmware will include:
- RTP/RTSP wired IP streaming
- Live View Composite
- USB Tethering (linked to a smartphone via 4G/5G), Compatible Streaming Distribution
- Even more stable smartphone connection
Firmware update for LUMIX G / LEICA DG lenses
An upcoming firmware for LUMIX G / LEICA DG lenses will make their use with the GH5M2 more convenient, enabling users to choose a non-linear or linear setting for the focus ring. In the non-linear setting, the focus shifts variably according to the rotation speed of the focus ring. In the linear setting, the focus shifts at fixed intervals according to how far the lens is turned, mimicking a manual lens. The sensitivity in the linear setting can be set between 90 and 360 degrees at 30-degree intervals.
Compatible lenses: H-E08018, H-X1025, H-ES12060, H-ES50200, H-RS100400, H-XA025, H-ES200, H-HSA12035, H-FS12060, H-HSA35100, H-FSA45200 and H-FSA100300.
The firmware programs will be available at the LUMIX Global Customer Support website on 8th June 2021.
Broad range of features and compatible accessories
Bluetooth 4.2 and Wi-Fi 5GHz (IEEE802.11ac) / 2.4GHz (IEEE802.11b/g/n)
The LUMIX GH5M2 integrates Bluetooth and Wi-Fi® connectivity to offer a more flexible shooting experience and enable instant image sharing. Once the camera is connected to a smartphone/tablet with Panasonic's LUMIX Sync for iOS/Android, users can shoot, browse and share photos and videos remotely. Compatibility with Bluetooth 4.2 (BLE, Bluetooth Low Energy) keeps the camera connected to a smartphone with minimal power consumption. The settings on a LUMIX GH5M2 camera can also be copied and applied to other GH5M2 cameras using either the wireless LUMIX Sync or the SD card.
- XLR Microphone Adaptor (DMW-XLR1)
The Microphone Adaptor DMW-XLR1 is a plug-in adaptor for XLR microphones for recording high-resolution 96kHz/24bit stereo sound and is ideal for lip-sync recording. Dedicated switches provide quick and direct access to the controls. MIC, LINE and Condenser/Phantom Power are switchable.
- PC Software LUMIX Tether
With LUMIX Tether, users can control the camera on a PC via USB. The software lets both the user and other viewers see images on a PC screen while shooting is in progress, assisting in commercial photoshoots of portraits, products, etc. The software supports 6K and 4K photos*, can be used to start and stop video recording, and allows the user to choose the save folder.
*6K PHOTO’ is a high speed burst shooting function that cuts a still image out of a 4:3 or 3:2 video footage with approx.18-megapixel (approx. 6000 x 3000 effective pixel count) that the 6K image manages.
Panasonic has announced that it will release new firmware update programs for its LUMIX GH5S, G9 and G100 cameras to enhance the functions and usability.
Further to announcing the release of its new LUMIX GH5M2 and the development of the LUMIX GH6, Panasonic is committed to further enhancing its current G Series line up performance through free-of-charge firmware updates.
The new firmware programs detailed below will be available from the LUMIX Global Customer Support website on 9th June 2021.
LUMIX GH5S Firmware Version 2.0
RAW video data output over HDMI
Firmware 2.0 will enable the GH5S to capture Apple Pro Res RAW video recording over HDMI to the Atomos Ninja V.
- Apple ProRes RAW can be recorded on an Atomos Ninja V.
- 4K / Anamorphic (4:3) 3.7K, 12-bit RAW video output via HDMI.
|
Area |
Resolution |
Frame Rate |
Aspect |
HDMI Output |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Micro Four Thirds |
4K (4096x2160) |
23.98p/25.00p/ |
17:9 |
12-bit |
|
Micro Four Thirds |
3.7K (3680X2760) |
23.98p/25.00p/ |
4:3 |
12-bit |
- A LUT (Look up table) exclusively designed for RAW video recorded on Ninja V is available on the Panasonic customer support website to enable the same colour grading as V-Log/V-Gamut. It is easy to match colours between the footage recorded with Panasonic Varicam and EVA1 cameras to combine them.
* Atomos Ninja V Ver.10.66 will be required to support the RAW video data output function of the LUMIX GH5S.
* Software that supports Apple ProRes RAW is required to edit RAW video recorded with Ninja V.
* All functions may not be available depending on the situation
* Apple and ProRes are trademarks or registered trademarks of Apple Inc. in the United States and/or other countries.
* Ninja V / ATOMOS are registered trademarks of ATOMOS Limited.
Improved AF performance
The GH5S will inherit the improved autofocus technology and performance of the LUMIX S5.
- Eyes and face are detected at a 2x faster recognition cycle speed and humans and animals at a 5x faster recognition cycle speed*.
- Tracking and recognition performance of AF have been improved with an addition of head recognition.
- Human/animal recognition can be set ON or OFF when the AF mode is set to [1-Area].
*Comparison between before and after updating the firmware.
Further added functions
- [Red REC Frame Indicator] function has been added.
- It is possible to record and play back vertical videos vertically, the camera automatically detects the vertical orientation of the video.
- Users can choose to add camera orientation information in [Vertical Position Info (Video)] menu to prevent unintended image rotation in playback.
- [Video Guide Line] function has been upgraded with more options.
- [Power Save Mode] can be selectable while the camera is powered with an AC adaptor (DMW-AC10, sold separately).
LUMIX G9 Firmware Version 2.4
Improved AF performance
The G9 will inherit the improved autofocus technology and performance of the LUMIX S5.
- Eyes and face are detected at a 2x faster recognition cycle speed and humans and animals at a 5x faster recognition cycle speed*.
- Tracking and recognition performance of AF have been improved with an addition of head recognition.
- Human/animal recognition can be set ON or OFF when the AF mode is set to [1-Area].
*Comparison between before and after updating the firmware.
Further added functions
- [Red REC Frame Indicator] function has been added.
- It is possible to record and play back vertical videos vertically, the camera automatically detects the vertical orientation of the video.
- Users can choose to add camera orientation information in [Vertical Position Info (Video)] menu to prevent unintended image rotation in playback.
- [Frame Marker] function has been added.
- [Power Save Mode] can be selectable while the camera is powered with an AC adaptor (DMW-AC10, sold separately).
- The camera is recognised when it is connected to a PC via the USB power supply port.
LUMIX G100 Firmware Version 1.2
- Users can choose to add camera orientation information in [Vertical Position Info (Video)] menu to prevent unintended image rotation in playback.
- The camera is recognised when it is connected to a PC via the USB power supply port.
