Panasonic enhances the Lumix S1R II and introduces a set of S-series lenses with a steroid injection
In a significant move for photographers and videographers, Panasonic has announced a major firmware update for its Lumix S1R II camera, scheduled for release in May 2025. The update will bring a multitude of new features and improvements across video, autofocus, and workflow capabilities.
Starting with video capabilities, the Lumix S1R II will now support 8.1K and 7.2K Open Gate (3:2) recording, expanding its ultra-high resolution video capture options. Additionally, the camera will be able to output RAW video via HDMI when connected to an external recorder, offering greater flexibility for professional video workflows.
In a move that will appeal to users in cinematic production environments, the firmware update will introduce ARRI LogC3 color space support (via a paid upgrade key). This feature enables better color matching between S1R II footage and ARRI cameras.
Autofocus enhancements include the addition of Urban Sports recognition, which improves autofocus performance for detecting fast-moving humans engaged in activities like breakdancing, parkour, and skateboarding. Other autofocus customisation options include assignable key functions, selectable focus ring direction in manual focus, and up to 10 customisable autofocus frame colours.
Photography features see the addition of focus stacking, allowing photographers to combine multiple images taken at different focal distances into one with a greater depth of field—particularly beneficial for macro photography.
Workflow improvements include direct file transfers from internal SD or CFexpress cards to external SSDs, streamlining backup and data handling. Proxy recording can occur on internal media while simultaneously outputting RAW video via HDMI. The update also adds support for Capture One tethering via Wi-Fi or wired LAN (using a USB adapter), improving tethered shooting workflow. Bluetooth timecode synchronization support and compatibility updates for DJI wireless control and UVC/UAC devices are also included.
The update will also bring changes to HLG View Assist parameters and multi-frame marker display for improved monitoring. The frame aspect ratio options will be expanded, enabling simultaneous display of up to three frames.
In addition to the firmware update, Panasonic will also release updates for the Lumix Flow app and Lumix Lab on May 14. These updates will make the app compatible with the Lumix S1II and S1IIE, and will support editing of HEIF images taken with Lumix cameras. The Lumix Flow app update will also add a mirroring monitor function to wirelessly transfer live view from the external monitor (USB) to another device.
The focus ring on the Lumix S Pro 50mm f/1.4 (S-X50), Lumix S 24-105mm f/4 Macro OIS (S-R24105), and Lumix S 20-60mm f/3.5-5.6 (S-R2060) lenses can now be used as a control ring, enabling the assignment of key functions.
Panasonic has also announced two new full-frame cameras: the Lumix S1II and S1IIE. The focus rotation direction in MF mode can be selected on these lenses. Urban Sports recognition will be added to the existing human detection capabilities on the Lumix S1RII.
The Lumix S Pro 50mm f/1.4 (S-X50), Lumix S 24-105mm f/4 Macro OIS (S-R24105), and Lumix S 20-60mm f/3.5-5.6 (S-R2060) lenses will receive the same firmware updates as the newly announced Lumix 24-60mm f/2.8. A new trinity lens remix, the Lumix 24-60mm f/2.8, has also been introduced.
The firmware update for the Panasonic Lumix S1R II is expected to be available for download in 2025. The update will support HEIF recording in 4:2:0 10-bit format and will allow the camera to support 8.1K / 7.2K (3:2) Open Gate recording and RAW data video output via HDMI for external recording.
With these updates, the Lumix S1R II is set to become a far more powerful tool for both photographers and videographers, enhancing image quality, autofocus precision, and professional-level video workflow integration.
- The Lumix S1R II camera's firmware update in May 2025 will introduce support for 8.1K and 7.2K Open Gate (3:2) recording, expanding its video capture options.
- The update will also enable the camera to output RAW video via HDMI when connected to an external recorder, offering greater flexibility for professional video workflows.
- In cinematic production environments, the update will introduce ARRI LogC3 color space support (via a paid upgrade key), enabling better color matching between S1R II footage and ARRI cameras.
- The firmware update will improve autofocus performance with the addition of Urban Sports recognition, which enhances detection of fast-moving humans engaged in activities like breakdancing, parkour, and skateboarding.
- In photography, focus stacking will be added, allowing photographers to combine multiple images taken at different focal distances into one with a greater depth of field, particularly beneficial for macro photography.
- Workflow improvements include direct file transfers from internal SD or CFexpress cards to external SSDs, streamlining backup and data handling, and support for Capture One tethering via Wi-Fi or wired LAN.
- The update will bring changes to HLG View Assist parameters and multi-frame marker display for improved monitoring, and the frame aspect ratio options will be expanded.
- The focus ring on select Lumix lenses, such as the Lumix S Pro 50mm f/1.4, Lumix S 24-105mm f/4 Macro OIS, and Lumix S 20-60mm f/3.5-5.6, can now be used as a control ring, enabling the assignment of key functions.
