Panasonic GH5 firmware update improves AF, adds tethered shooting & new 4:2:2 10-bit ALL-I mode
posted Wednesday, August 30, 2017 at 9:45 AM EDT
Panasonic has announced a firmware update to the popular GH5 that mixes previously-planned enhancements with additional modifications that were suggested by end users to both the photo and video aspects of the camera. Of the new added features, the ones that stick out are improvements to the autofocus system, tethered shooting, and the addition of a new video mode: 4:2:2 10-bit All-Intra 4K/FHD video. Panasonic says that these and other changes to the firmware are "an exceptional upgrade in camera performance to satisfy professional GH5 users."
The firmware update includes the following:
1) Compatibility with "LUMIX Tether" PC software
This new firmware enables GH5 tethered shooting via USB, using “LUMIX Tether” PC software. You will be able to control the camera by connecting it to a PC via USB. The update lets you view the image on a large PC screen while shooting, which Panasonic says "is helpful in commercial photoshoots of portraits, products and so on, where continuous confirmation is required." Additionally, you can use both 6K and 4K photo modes as well as start and stop video recording with the tethered computer. You can also save image files to the PC while connected. No mention of video being available to save to PC was noted.
2) Improved autofocus performance
Panasonic did several updates to the autofocus system to improve it, especially when following subjects in low contrast during photo shooting. The firmware also improves the tracking autofocus performance in video, and a customized AF area can be continuously displayed in Multi AF and Custom Multi AF modes during live-view. The AF area in Multi AF can be moved to the other edge (side, top or bottom) when it reaches one edge. The start point of AE lock can be set on the live view screen in advance while AF tracking. Finally, the AF area can be moved while the shutter button is half-pressed or while recording in Burst Mode, 6K Photo and 4K Photo.
Speaking of 6K and 4K photo...
3. Improved performance in 6K Photo and 4K Photo
Panasonic has improved the waiting time to start the next burst shooting sequence after 6K Burst and 4K burst, saying that it has been shortened to less than half the previous wait time. Loop Record is now an option available in 6K Photo. For this mode, Panasonic recommends an SD card with a video speed class of 90 or above.
4. An additional ALL-Intra Video Recording mode
Panasonic has added another video mode: 4:2:2, 10-bit ALL-Intra video recording mode has been added to 4K/FHD video recording. For this mode, Panasonic recommends a memory card with speed class 60 or above, and they have confirmed operation with a Panasonic SD Memory Card with video speed class 90.
The new DC-GH5 firmware Version 2.0 is scheduled to be released at the end of September 2017 at the LUMIX Customer Support website.