Panasonic's second-gen S1 cameras get major firmware boosts

When you use DPReview links to buy products, the site may earn a commission. The addition of 8.1K open gate shooting will allow us to complete the video section of our S1RII review, shortly. Image: Panasonic Panasonic has released firmware v1.2 for its Lumix S1RII high-res hybrid mirrorless camera, bringing the promised video enhancements along with a range of additional features. S1II and S1II users get several of these features in firmware v1.1 for their cameras. S1RII additional features The S1IIR gains 8.1K open gate recording capability, along with the ability to output a Raw data stream that can be encoded by BlackMagic or Atomos external recorders. At launch the camera downsampled its open gate output to 6.2K resolution. The new firmware allows the full sensor area output Panasonic said it would add. It also gains the 'Urban Sports' subject recognition autofocus mode introduced on the S1II models, along with the ability to output 10-bit HEIF images, including HDR images using the HLG response curve. The update also includes an HLG View Assist mode for previewing the effect. A significant suite of other feature tweaks and enhancements includes additions such as file transfer from internal cards to an SSD, UVC/UAC compatibility and the option to use the focus ring on some lenses as a control ring. Upgrades for S1RII, S1II and S1EII The update also includes a range of features that also come to the S1II and S1IIE, as part of their firmware v1.1. These include an in-camera focus stacking mode, that combines images focused at different distances, to increase depth-of-field, and the abilitly to change the color of the AF focus frame. Users of all three cameras will be able to install a paid upgrade to shoot ARRI LogC3 Users of all three cameras will also be able to install a paid upgrade enabling the shooting of footage using ARRI's LogC3 color and luminance response, allowing its use alongside ARRI cameras and using LUTs designed for those cameras. The new firmware also adds seven extra aspect ratio guides and allows up to three to be shown at the same time, to help when composing for output in multiple aspect ratios. All three cameras also gain the ability to communicate via Wi-Fi or wired LAN (via a USB adapter) with Capture One software. Firmware v1.2 for the Panasonic Lumix S1RII and firmware v1.1 for the Panasonic Lumix S1II and S1IIE will be available from June 24th on Panasonic's Global Customer Support website. Press Release: Panasonic Introduces Extensive New Firmware Updates for its LUMIX S Series Cameras: S1RII, S1II and S1IIE Newark, N.J. (June 23, 2025) – Panasonic LUMIX has introduced a series of new firmware updates for its full-frame mirrorless LUMIX S1RII, S1II and S1IIE, aimed at improving the hybrid shooting experience and enhancing functionality. Aligned with LUMIX’s ongoing commitment to supporting creators, the latest firmware updates will be available to download free of charge from the LUMIX Global Customer Support website on June 24, 2025. LUMIX S1RII Firmware Version 1.2 Updates 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. Focus stacking function introduces the ability to synthesize images taken at multiple focus positions to produce a single image with deep depth of field and sharpness throughout. Expanded Workflow Capabilities Direct transfers from the CFexpress Type B or SD memory card to an external SSD can be made, giving more workflow options and greater flexibility. Supports recording proxy files to the internal memory card during HDMI RAW video data output. Supports data transfer via Wi-Fi and wired LAN (USB-LAN conversion) with Capture One. Compatible with timecode synchronization via Bluetooth®. Connectivity with UVC/UAC devices is supported. Compatible with Bluetooth® connectivity with DJI's gimbals (2). HLG View Assist will be available for accurate gradation and exposure checks on the camera's monitor or viewfinder, as well as on external monitors that do not support HLG. Enhanced customization he focus ring can be used as a control ring (*3), enabling for assigning 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 S1II and LUMIX S1IIE Firmware Version 1.1 Updates ARRI LogC3 will be available by using DM

Jun 23, 2025 - 15:14

Panasonic's second-gen S1 cameras get major firmware boosts

When you use DPReview links to buy products, the site may earn a commission.

The addition of 8.1K open gate shooting will allow us to complete the video section of our S1RII review, shortly.

Image: Panasonic

Panasonic has released firmware v1.2 for its Lumix S1RII high-res hybrid mirrorless camera, bringing the promised video enhancements along with a range of additional features. S1II and S1II users get several of these features in firmware v1.1 for their cameras.

S1RII additional features

The S1IIR gains 8.1K open gate recording capability, along with the ability to output a Raw data stream that can be encoded by BlackMagic or Atomos external recorders. At launch the camera downsampled its open gate output to 6.2K resolution. The new firmware allows the full sensor area output Panasonic said it would add.

It also gains the 'Urban Sports' subject recognition autofocus mode introduced on the S1II models, along with the ability to output 10-bit HEIF images, including HDR images using the HLG response curve. The update also includes an HLG View Assist mode for previewing the effect.

A significant suite of other feature tweaks and enhancements includes additions such as file transfer from internal cards to an SSD, UVC/UAC compatibility and the option to use the focus ring on some lenses as a control ring.

Upgrades for S1RII, S1II and S1EII

The update also includes a range of features that also come to the S1II and S1IIE, as part of their firmware v1.1.

These include an in-camera focus stacking mode, that combines images focused at different distances, to increase depth-of-field, and the abilitly to change the color of the AF focus frame.

Users of all three cameras will be able to install a paid upgrade to shoot ARRI LogC3

Users of all three cameras will also be able to install a paid upgrade enabling the shooting of footage using ARRI's LogC3 color and luminance response, allowing its use alongside ARRI cameras and using LUTs designed for those cameras.

The new firmware also adds seven extra aspect ratio guides and allows up to three to be shown at the same time, to help when composing for output in multiple aspect ratios. All three cameras also gain the ability to communicate via Wi-Fi or wired LAN (via a USB adapter) with Capture One software.

Firmware v1.2 for the Panasonic Lumix S1RII and firmware v1.1 for the Panasonic Lumix S1II and S1IIE will be available from June 24th on Panasonic's Global Customer Support website.

Press Release:

Panasonic Introduces Extensive New Firmware Updates for its LUMIX S Series Cameras: S1RII, S1II and S1IIE

Newark, N.J. (June 23, 2025) – Panasonic LUMIX has introduced a series of new firmware updates for its full-frame mirrorless LUMIX S1RII, S1II and S1IIE, aimed at improving the hybrid shooting experience and enhancing functionality.

Aligned with LUMIX’s ongoing commitment to supporting creators, the latest firmware updates will be available to download free of charge from the LUMIX Global Customer Support website on June 24, 2025.

LUMIX S1RII Firmware Version 1.2 Updates

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.
- Focus stacking function introduces the ability to synthesize images taken at multiple focus positions to produce a single image with deep depth of field and sharpness throughout.
Expanded Workflow Capabilities
- Direct transfers from the CFexpress Type B or SD memory card to an external SSD can be made, giving more workflow options and greater flexibility.
- Supports recording proxy files to the internal memory card during HDMI RAW video data output.
- Supports data transfer via Wi-Fi and wired LAN (USB-LAN conversion) with Capture One.
- Compatible with timecode synchronization via Bluetooth®.
- Connectivity with UVC/UAC devices is supported.
- Compatible with Bluetooth® connectivity with DJI's gimbals (*2).
- HLG View Assist will be available for accurate gradation and exposure checks on the camera's monitor or viewfinder, as well as on external monitors that do not support HLG.
Enhanced customization
- he focus ring can be used as a control ring (*3), enabling for assigning 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 S1II and LUMIX S1IIE Firmware Version 1.1 Updates

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).
The frame aspect ratio options will be expanded from 10 to 17 and enable simultaneous display of up to three frames.
The AF frame color can be chosen from 10 colors for better usability.
Focus stacking function introduces the ability to synthesize images taken at multiple focus positions to produce a single image with deep depth of field and sharpness throughout.
Supports data transfer via Wi-Fi and wired LAN (USB-LAN conversion) with Capture One.

*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. On the LUMIX S1II/S1IIE, ARRI LogC3 can be used for 10bit recording in video mode.
*2 Compatible models as of June 2025: RS 4 Mini
*3 Compatible lens models as of May 2025: S-E2460, S-X50, S-R24105, S-R2060