Firmware updates: What’s new for the S9, S5 II and S5 IIX?

Panasonic has released significant firmware updates across several models in its LUMIX camera lineup. These updates bring new features, enhancements, and improvements to the LUMIX S9, S5 II and S5 IIX, all aimed at delivering more flexibility and creative control for photographers and videographers alike. Let’s break down what each camera gains from these updates.

Panasonic LUMIX S9 - Firmware 1.1

08/10/2024

The LUMIX S9 is already known for its high-end video and photography capabilities, and firmware 1.1 takes things to a new level by removing limitations and adding more customisation features.

No video recording time limit

Many cameras have capped video recording times to protect against overheating or due to storage. With this new update, Panasonic gives you more flexibility by allowing you to remove the video recording time limit. Now, selecting "OFF" in the recording time menu allows the S9 to record continuously, meaning you can use the S9 for longer shoots like extended interviews.

OpenGate upgrade

If you’re not aware, Open Gate is a video mode that allows you to capture the entire frame of a video without cropping, and then crop the video later to your chosen aspect ratio. In this firmware, Panasonic has stepped it up several notches:

• Three simultaneous frame markers:
  You can now display up to three frame markers on the screen simultaneously, which means there’s more guidance and flexibility when composing shots in different aspect ratios.
  
  
• Eight new aspect ratios:
  Speaking of aspect ratios, there are eight new aspect ratios to its already versatile set, bringing the total to 18. This means you have even more creative possibilities for different social platforms etc.
  
  
• New touchscreen control:
  The touchscreen controls have also been enhanced, making navigation and settings adjustments easier and more intuitive.

Autofocus recognition enhancements

Panasonic is already well-known for its AF and subject-detection technology but it’s been pushed that bit further with this firmware update. 

• AEROPLANE and TRAIN subject detection:
  The S9 can now detect and lock onto aeroplanes and trains. Admittedly, this isn’t something entirely new in the world of camera AF but it is a welcome addition for the S9.
  
  
• TARGET PARTS option for CAR and MOTORCYCLE detection:
  This is an especially interesting upgrade. You can now specify which part of a car or motorcycle to focus on. This means you can achieve precise tracking and creative control in motorsport photography or videography.

Lumix Lab App functionality

You can now make use of the Lumix Lab App (for iOS and Android) to remotely control your camera, triggering the shutter and sending images directly from the camera to the app for editing and sharing on socials. 

Here's the red version but we also stock green, black, blue and white versions, all of which can be found here.

Panasonic LUMIX S5 II - Firmware 3.1 & LUMIX S5 IIX - Firmware 2.1

08/10/2024

Both the Panasonic LUMIX S5 II and Panasonic LUMIX S5 IIX are getting the same set of updates with their respective firmware versions, improving their versatility and connectivity.

Leica Monochrome Photostyle

Everyone loves a bit of Leica. And now, the S5 II and S5IIx get the Leica Monochrome Photo Style. This gives you a refined monochrome filter that emulates the distinct look of Leica's monochrome cameras. 

Compatibility with DMW-XLR2 microphone adapter

You can now use the DMW-XLR2 microphone adapter with your S5 II and S5IIx cameras. This adapter offers a big step up into the world of high-end audio recording, giving you broadcast-quality sound and ultimately improving your footage. As the great George Lucas once said "Sound is half of the picture...".

Real-Time LUT function upgrade

We see an upgrade to the Real-Time LUT function which should give you more accuracy and customisation when applying colour grading directly in-camera. 

5GHz Wi-Fi Option

5GHz Wi-Fi is a much-needed upgrade to the S5 II and S5 IIx’s connectivity options. This addition will provide faster and more stable connections for transferring files, streaming or controlling the camera remotely. 

Lumix Lab App Compatibility

Just like the LUMIX S9, the S5 II and S5 IIX are now fully compatible with the Lumix Lab App. 

You can find all available Panasonic S5 II and S5IIx kits here.

All in all, these are some significant upgrades to what are already impressive cameras. Aside from the obvious improvements to functionality and performance, these upgrades show us that Panasonic is committed to improving its kit. And, whether you're a photographer or filmmaker, you’ll likely find a way to use these upgrades to level up your work.

About the Author

Leo White has been a member of the Wex Photo Video team since 2018, working in a variety of roles ranging from the contact centre to the product setup team. With both a photography BA and MA, Leo has a wealth of knowledge he's ready to share.