Panasonic LUMIX S9 Firmware 2.1 Now Available – 4K60 in MP4 (Lite), More Lens Fn Options, and LUMIX Flow Support

Firmware Update

by Johnnie BehiriToday

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The LUMIX S9 firmware 2.1 update is now available to download. It adds 4K 50/60p and Full HD 120p/100p/60p/50p recording to the lightweight MP4 (Lite) format, adds more Lens Fn options, and brings the compact full-frame camera into the LUMIX Flow app. Owners of the S1RII, S1II and S1IIE also get new firmware, although their changes are aimed at photographers who work with flash.

Panasonic has released LUMIX S9 firmware Ver.2.1, LUMIX S1RII Ver.1.6, LUMIX S1II Ver.1.5 and LUMIX S1IIE Ver.1.5, together with the LUMIX Flow smartphone app Ver.1.7.0. All updates are free. The S9 firmware adds 4K 60p/50p and FHD 120p/100p/60p/50p options to MP4 (Lite), expands the list of functions that can be assigned to the Lens Fn button, and adds support for LUMIX Flow Ver.1.7.0 or later. The S1-series firmware improves shutter-release lag and burst-shooting performance with an external flash, plus overall operational stability. We already reported on the S9 update when Panasonic first announced it, and it is now live on the LUMIX Global Customer Support website.

Higher frame rates in MP4 (Lite)

The LUMIX S9 is Panasonic’s smallest full-frame L-Mount camera, and MP4 (Lite) is the low-bitrate format meant for quick sharing and smaller files. With Ver.2.1, it now covers 4K at 60p and 50p, and Full HD at 120p, 100p, 60p, and 50p. This gives S9 users smooth 4K and slow-motion Full HD without moving to the heavier MOV codecs. Panasonic’s changelog does not list bitrates for the new modes, so anyone who plans to cut this footage alongside MOV material should check the file sizes and quality on their own camera first.

Lens Fn button and LUMIX Flow

On lenses with a Lens Fn button, the S9 now accepts more assignments. According to Panasonic, the list includes Aspect Ratio, E-Stabilization (Video), Boost I.S. (Video), Image Area of Video, Focus Ring Control, Hybrid Zoom, Crop Zoom with its related zoom operation functions, Focus Peaking, and Video Record. Because the S9 has few physical controls, an extra button for Video Record or Focus Peaking on the lens is a practical change for handheld work.

The S9 also joins LUMIX Flow, the app for storyboards, shot lists, take ratings and smartphone monitoring over USB or Wi-Fi. Ver.1.7.0 adds S9 support and, in Panasonic’s words, usability improvements for more efficient content production workflows. The S9 needs firmware Ver.2.1 to work with it. Previously, the app supported the S1RII, S1II, S1IIE, S5II, S5IIX and GH7. We covered how Flow connects with the companion app in our article on LUMIX Lab 2.0 and LUMIX Flow 1.3.

S1RII, S1II and S1IIE

For the S1RII, S1II and S1IIE, this is a small maintenance release with no new video features. It follows the much larger update from late 2025, which added MP4 (Lite) recording, a lower-speed SH burst option, and AF tracking improvements.

Availability

All firmware updates are free from the LUMIX Global Customer Support website, and LUMIX Flow Ver.1.7.0 is available on the App Store and Google Play. For more information, please visit the Panasonic LUMIX S9 firmware page.

Do you use MP4 (Lite) on the S9, and will the new 4K60 option change how you work with the camera? Don’t hesitate to let us know in the comments below!