Panasonic Lumix GH5 Adds 6K Anamorphic Video

Panasonic’s promise that its Lumix GH5 mirrorless camera would feature 6K video proved misleading, disappointing many. Before release, the GH5 seemed to be a great budget alternative to RED’s range of ultra-HD cinema cameras. Those hopes, sadly, were dashed upon the camera’s release. However, Panasonic is preparing a new firmware update for the GH5, bringing with it 6K, 30fps, 10-bit anamorphic video. In addition, the camera is getting intra-frame 10-bit 4K at a 400Mbps data rate.

Panasonic Lumix GH5 Firmware 2.0

Key to the GH5’s new capabilities is Panasonic’s new recording format, ALL-Intra. In fact, “Intra” refers to intra-frame encoding. Intra-frame compresses individual frames. This differs to inter-frame, which locks groups of pictures together. Intra-frame is available for available for up to 4K 23.98p in either 400Mpbs or 200Mbps.

Meanwhile, the 6K anamorphic shoots at 4,992 x 3,774. Of course, that looks more like 5K on paper, but the 3:2 18.9-megapixel images convert to 2:1 6K anamorphic (6,144 x 3,072). To achieve this, though, you’ll need an anamorphic lens.

Panasonic Lumix GH5 – New Features

Amongst the host of revisions brought by firmware 2.0, the highlights include:

Improved Auto Focus Performance

• Auto focus performance for subjects with low contrast in photo shooting is improved.
• Tracking auto focus performance in video recording is improved.
• The customized AF area can be continuously displayed in Multi AF and Custom Multi AF during live-view.
• The AF area in Multi AF can be moved to the other edge (side, top or bottom) when it reaches one edge.
• The start point of AF lock can be set on the live view screen in advance in AF Tracking.
• The AF area can be moved while the shutter button is half-pressed or while recording in Burst Mode, 6K PHOTO and 4K PHOTO.

Improved Performance in 6K PHOTO and 4K PHOTO

• The waiting time to start the next burst shooting sequence after 6K Burst and 4K Burst is shortened to less than half the time.
• Loop Rec is available in 6K PHOTO
  • Use of Panasonic SD Memory Card with Video Speed Class 90 is recommended for Loop Rec of 6K PHOTO. 

An Additional ALL-Intra Video Recording Mode

• 4:2:2, 10-bit ALL-Intra video recording mode is added to 4K/FHD video recording.
  • Use of SD Memory Card with Video Speed Class 60 or higher is recommended for 4K ALL-Intra video recording. Operation is confirmed with Panasonic SD Memory Card with Video Speed Class 90.

4K HDR Video Recording

• HLG (Hybrid Log Gamma) is added to Photo Style. HDR (High Dynamic Range) is a mode to reproduce both bright part and dark part in an image, making it look just as human eyes see. The camera records video with a designated gamma curve compatible with ITU-R BT.2100, and you can now choose Hybrid Log Gamma (HLG) in Photo Style.
• A low-bit-rate recording mode 4K HEVC for HLG was added. This enables playback on AV equipment compatible with the HEVC compression format, such as Panasonic 4K HDR TVs.

Enhancement of the Anamorphic Video Recording Mode

• High-Resolution Anamorphic mode, which enables video recording in 18-mega effective pixels, is added. *Recorded in HEVC

Availability

The Panasonic Lumix GH5 Firmware 2.0 is out at the end of this month.