Panasonic GH5 Firmware 2.0: 6K 4:3 Anamorphic and HLG

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by Richard LackeyAugust 31^st, 2017

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Panasonic GH5 Firmware 2.0 brings a host of new photo and video capabilities, including 6K true anamorphic (4:3) video and HLG support.

As if Panasonic hadn’t rocked the boat hard enough, the powerful GH5 has a few more tricks up its sleeve. GH5 Firmware update 2.0 is a major update that includes some expected and unexpected new features. It’s due for release at the end of September 2017.

Panasonic GH5 Firmware 2.0

1. Compatibility with “LUMIX Tether” PC software
2. Improved auto focus performance
3. Improved performance in 6K PHOTO and 4K PHOTO
4. An additional ALL-Intra Video Recording mode
5. 4K HDR video recording
6. New High-Resolution Anamorphic Mode
7. Enhancement of Body I.S. (Image Stabilizer)
8. Correction of white balance setting
9. Improved usability of Time Lapse Shot
10. Improved usability of Power Save LVF
11. Wireless functions
12. Other improvements

Video Highlights

ALL-Intra Video Recording

4:2:2, 10-bit ALL-Intra has been added to the 4K/FHD video recording mode. Available in 4K and C4K 24p/25p at a healthy 400Mbps, this should satisfy the needs of most color and post work. An ALL-Intra bit rate of 200Mbps is available in FHD.

HDR

The GH5 records video with a designated gamma curve compatible with ITU-R BT.2100, and you can now choose Hybrid Log Gamma (HLG).

6K Anamorphic Mode

“High Resolution Anamorphic Mode” records video with a 4:3 aspect ratio suitable for 1.33x and 2x anamorphic lenses. The “6K” pixel size for this mode is 4992×3744. Before you get too excited, this mode records Long GOP HEVC at 200Mbps only. However, ALL-Intra at 400Mbps is available in 4K Anamorphic (3328×2496).

Anamorphic Desqueeze lets you view a corrected image in Cinescope size while recording with 2.0x and 1.33x Anamorphic lenses.

Video guide lines offer a variety of aspects, such as 2.39:1, 2.35:1, 16:9, and 1:1 while recording video. These can be used in all video recording modes.

I.S. Lock

I.S. Lock (video) compensates for handshake when the viewing angle is fixed. A new handshake correction mode provides optimum correction when using 2.0x and 1.33x Anamorphic lenses.

Auto Focus

Tracking auto focus performance while recording video has been improved.

Panasonic Taking The Lead

It really feels like Panasonic is taking professional video very seriously and I hope Sony feels some pressure to up its game in the video department of its mirrorless range. The hard fact is that 8-bit long-GOP doesn’t cut it. As I’ve written before in What’s the Deal With 10-bit Color? Wide Gamuts, HDR and The Future, 10-bit color with ALL-Intra options at significantly higher bit rate needs to become the new minimum, and so far Panasonic are the only player in the game making this a reality in the mirrorless world.

To find out more, click here for the full press release on the GH5 Firmware 2.0.

So what do you think? Let us know what you are looking forward to most in the new update.