Panasonic LUMIX S9 Firmware 2.1 Brings 4K60 in MP4 Lite Mode, Expanded Lens Fn Button Functions, and More

Firmware Update

by Jakub HanToday

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Panasonic’s upcoming LUMIX S9 firmware version 2.1 adds new MP4 (Lite) recording options, including 4K 60p/50p and Full HD frame rates up to 120p, giving users more flexibility for lightweight video workflows and slow motion. The update also expands the functions that can be assigned to compatible lens Fn buttons, including options such as Crop Zoom, Hybrid Zoom, Focus Peaking and Video Record. In addition, the S9 gains support for LUMIX Flow 1.7.0, while LUMIX Lab 3.1.1 adds compatibility with the new MP4 (Lite) formats and improved LUT management. The free firmware update is scheduled for release on October 13, 2026.

Announced back in May 2024, the LUMIX S9 joined Panasonic’s full-frame mirrorless lineup as one of the most compact camera bodies in its category. As is often the case with LUMIX cameras, they get significantly better with firmware updates over time. While the first few updates focused on fixing the camera’s recording limits and improving thermal performance, the recent updates focus on refinements. As a LUMIX S9 owner, I am pleased to see another update coming down the line. Let’s take a quick look at what exactly will improve.

New MP4 Lite recording modes

One of the main additions is an expansion of the camera’s MP4 (Lite) recording formats. Following the update, the LUMIX S9 will support 4K recording at 60p and 50p as well as Full HD recording at 120p, 100p, 60p and 50p when using the MP4 (Lite) format.

MP4 (Lite) is designed as a comparatively lightweight recording option intended to simplify shooting, transferring and editing video, particularly for workflows involving smartphones and social media. Adding higher frame rates should make the format more practical for users who want to record smoother motion or create slow-motion footage without moving to one of the camera’s heavier recording formats.

Looking at bitrates, at 50 Mbps, the new 4K60p MP4 (Lite) mode uses only half the bitrate of the S9’s standard 4K60p MP4 recording and a quarter of the 200 Mbps MOV option, while retaining 10-bit 4:2:0 H.265 recording.

More functions for the lens Fn button

Firmware 2.1 also expands the number of camera functions you can assign to the Lens Fn button on compatible lenses. The new assignable functions include:

•  Aspect Ratio
• E-Stabilization (Video)
• Boost I.S. (Video)
• Image Area of Video
• Focus Ring Control
• Focus Limiter
• Hybrid Zoom
• Crop Zoom (Including related zoom operation functions)
• Focus Peaking
• Video Record 

For video shooters in particular, this could make it easier to change frequently used settings without having to access the camera menu. Functions such as Crop Zoom, Hybrid Zoom, or switching the video image area could potentially be placed directly on the compatible lens.

LUMIX Flow comes to the S9

The update also introduces support for LUMIX Flow version 1.7.0 or later. Panasonic’s production-oriented smartphone application previously supported several of the company’s other recent cameras, and version 1.7.0 expands compatibility to the S9.

LUMIX Flow is intended to assist with different stages in a video production workflow, rather than functioning simply as a conventional camera remote-control application. Bringing it to the S9 further integrates Panasonic’s small full-frame body into the company’s broader software ecosystem.

LUMIX Lab version 3.1.1

Alongside the S9 firmware, Panasonic is updating the LUMIX Lab application to version 3.1.1. The app will support the S9’s newly introduced MP4 (Lite) recording formats and adds category filtering for LUTs. Panasonic is also introducing downloadable LUT Packs, grouping several LUTs around particular creative themes. The company says the app interface and general usability have also been updated.

Minor updates for LUMIX S1RII, S1II, and S1IIE 

Finally, the other cameras from the new full-frame lineup will also get new firmware updates, which bring the following improvements:

• Improved shutter release responsiveness and burst shooting performance when using an external flash
• Improved operational stability

Price and availability

Panasonic says LUMIX S9 firmware version 2.1, LUMIX Lab 3.1.1, and LUMIX Flow 1.7.0 will all become available on October 13, 2026, free of charge. You can download the camera firmware through the LUMIX Global Customer Support platform, while the updated applications will be distributed through their respective app stores.

Do you use the LUMIX S9 for your video productions? Do you ever shoot in MP4 (Lite) with the camera? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section underneath the article.