 |
| Image: Panasonic |
In case two cameras and a lens weren’t enough for Panasonic fans, the company has also announced new firmware and software updates. The star of the show is the firmware update for the Panasonic Lumix S1RII, which will unlock quite a few new (and already promised) features. Unfortunately, though, that update isn’t available quite yet. A more immediate release is updated firmware for its S series lenses and new Lumix Flow and Lumix Lab app versions.
Panasonic LumiX S1RII firmware updates
 |
| Image: Panasonic |
When Panasonic launched the Lumix S1RII, it promised a firmware update that would make it possible to capture 7.1K and 8.1K open gate video footage. That remains the plan, though Panasonic still isn’t providing a date for the release, simply saying it’s planned for 2025.
Regardless of when it comes, Panasonic will have additional updates for the S1RII firmware beyond 8.1K open gate. You’ll be able to purchase an upgrade key to add support for Arri LogC, enabling users to match colors to Arri cinema cameras. It will also support capturing stills as 4:2:0 10-bit HEIFs, which should display with higher dynamic range than traditional JPEGs.
The upcoming firmware for the S1RII adds an “Urban Sports” recognition feature to its human detection capabilities, which is already available on the two newly released Lumix cameras, the S1II and S1IIE. Panasonic says it will allow for better autofocus when capturing activities like breakdancing, skateboarding and parkour. More customization options will be added, too, including the ability to use a lens’s focus ring as a control ring. and the option to choose the rotation direction for manual focus when using that ring for focusing purposes. Users will also be able to use up to three different aspect ratio guides, a feature that was launched with the Panasonic S9 but has since become available for other cameras in the company’s lineup.
Some workflow improvements are coming, too. That includes the ability to directly transfer stills and videos from a CFexpress Type B or SD memory card to an external SSD, and for the camera to record proxy files to the internal memory card while simultaneously outputting Raw video data over HDMI. It also gains compatibility with Atomos’ UltraSync Blue Bluetooth timecode synchronization devices and Bluetooth compatibility with DJI gimbals.
Additional updates
 |
| Image: Panasonic |
Firmware updates are also coming to three S series lenses: The Lumix S 20-60mm F3.5-5.6, Lumix S 24-105mm F4 Macro OIS and Lumix S Pro 50mm F1.4. Firmware version 2.0 for all three lenses will enable more customization. The focus ring can now be used as a control ring, allowing users to assign functions like aperture control and exposure compensation instead of manual focus capabilities. Should users want to keep it for focus purposes, they will be able to choose the direction of rotation when using manual focus.
Finally, Panasonic has also updated the Lumix Flow and Lumix Lab apps. Lumix Flow Version 1.1 adds compatibility for the newly released S1II and S1IIE cameras and a monitor mirroring function that lets you share the live view to another device. Lumix Lab Version 1.5 also adds compatibility with the two new cameras. It also now supports editing for HEIF images taken with Lumix cameras, unlocking easier editing of HDR images.
The lens and app updates are available on May 14 at 1:00 am UTC.
Panasonic Announces New Firmware Updates for LUMIX S1RII / LUMIX S Series Lenses (S-X50, S-R24105, S-2060) / LUMIX Flow / LUMIX Lab
Newark, N.J. (May 13, 2025) – Today, Panasonic announces a new firmware update for the LUMIX S1RII, the release of workflow-supporting applications LUMIX Flow and LUMIX Lab, and updates for S Series lenses. These updates are designed to seamlessly integrate advanced features from the latest models—the LUMIX S1II and S1IIE—into the LUMIX S1RII, enhancing its capabilities and providing creators with a versatile toolset to support their creative aspirations
In line with LUMIX’s ongoing commitment to supporting creators, the latest firmware update for S1RII is scheduled to be available for download free of charge in 2025. In the meantime, the LUMIX Flow and LUMIX Lab applications, along with the lens firmware update, will be available on May 14 at 1:00 AM UTC.
LUMIX S1RII Firmware Update (Planned for 2025)
- Advanced Recording Formats
- 8.1K / 7.2K (3:2) Open Gate recording and RAW data video can be output via HDMI for external recording.
- ARRI LogC3 will be available by using DMW-SFU3A Software Upgrade Key (sold separately), enabling the colors to match ARRI’s digital cinema cameras (*1).
- Supports HEIF recording in 4:2:0 10-bit format.
- Improved Shooting Assistance Tools
- Urban Sports recognition will be added to the existing human detection capabilities for eyes, faces, and bodies, accurately capturing dynamic movements like breakdancing, skateboarding, and parkour.
- The frame aspect ratio options will be expanded from 10 to 17 and enable simultaneous display of up to three frames.
- Expanded Workflow Capabilities
- Direct transfers from the CFexpress Type B or SD memory card to an external SSD can be made to allow for more workflow options and flexibility.
- Supports recording proxy files to the internal memory card during HDMI RAW video data output.
- Compatible with timecode synchronization via Bluetooth®.
- Connectivity with UVC/UAC devices is supported.
- Compatible with Bluetooth® connectivity with DJI’s gimbals.
- HLG View Assist will be available to enable gradation and exposure checks on the camera’s monitor or viewfinder, in addition to external monitors that do not support HLG.
- Enhanced customization
- The focus ring can be used as a control ring (*2), enabling the assignment of key functions. Additionally, the focus rotation direction can be selected in MF mode.
- The AF frame color can be chosen from 10 colors for better usability.
LUMIX S Series Lenses (S-X50 Version 2.0, S-R24105 Version 2.0, S-R2060 Version 2.0)
- The focus ring can now be used as a control ring*, enabling the assignment of key functions. Additionally, the focus rotation direction can be selected in MF mode (*3).
LUMIX Flow Version 1.1
- Compatibility with the LUMIX S1II and S1IIE.
- Added shooting assist features (*4).
- Added mirroring monitor function to wirelessly transfer live view from the external monitor (USB) to another device (*4).
LUMIX Lab Version 1.5
- Compatibility with the LUMIX S1II and S1IIE.
- Editing of HEIF images taken with LUMIX cameras is now supported.
*1 ARRI LogC3 is a Log gamma developed by ARRI and used in ARRI digital cinema cameras. Please note: ALEXA 35 uses ARRI LogC4. DMW-SFU3A Software Upgrade Key (sold separately) is required.
*2 Compatible lens models as of May 2025: S-E2460, S-X50, S-R24105, S-R2060
*3 Compatible camera models as of May 2025: DC-S1M2, DC-S1RM2, DC-S1M2ES
*4 Compatibility with the LUMIX S1RII is scheduled for 2025.
Our DPREVIEW Tribute:
After nearly 25 years of operation, DPReview closed on 10 April 2023. This difficult decision was part of the annual operating plan review that parent company, Amazon, shared earlier this year.
Over the course of 25 years, DP Review built up a reputation as being one of the most informative places to go for information about that new camera or lens you’re after. DP Review began as an independent reviews site based in the UK in 1998, the brainchild of Philip and Joanna Askey, but it was eventually purchased by Amazon in 2007 and relocated over to Seattle in the USA in 2010.
Cheers DPReview – thanks for the great work and content that guided photographers, videographers and techno junkies the world over!
Panasonic unveils new fast standard zoom for its Lumix cameras