Panasonic recently announced an upcoming firmware update version 2.0 for its LUMIX G9II MFT mirrorless camera that will add support for HDMI RAW data output. With this free firmware update, you’ll be able to record externally in 12-bit RAW in either BRAW if you have a Blackmagic Design monitor/recorder, or Apple ProRes RAW if you have a compatible Atomos monitor/recorder. So, let’s take a closer look at it!
The Panasonic LUMIX G9II was released in September 2023 and was initially targeted as a flagship stills camera. However, even if it is not designed to compete with the more capable LUMIX GH6, the LUMIX G9II has excellent video capabilities, including 5.7K 30p external recording in ProRes HQ via its USB-C port and C4K 60p in 10-bit/4:2:2 All Intra internally. If you want to learn more about it, you can watch our review of the camera here and even compare it with a thousand other cameras, as it was recently added to our CineD Database.
Panasonic now has a long track record of adding features to its camera via firmware updates for free (compared to other camera manufacturers), such as the GH6 that recently got the addition of BRAW external recording and 4K at 120p. This time, the smaller LUMIX G9II will see its full potential unleashed via the upcoming firmware update version 2.0, which will add support for HDMI RAW data, an excellent addition for filmmakers.
Panasonic LUMIX G9II firmware update 2.0 – features
On the right side of the LUMIX G9II, there is a full-size HDMI output port next to a USB-C port that was already capable of recording externally onto SSD. Via the upcoming firmware update version 2.0, Panasonic will enable 12-bit RAW video output over HDMI for the LUMIX G9II.
According to Panasonic, you’ll be able to record in various resolutions, including 5.7K, C4K, 5.8K(4:3), and 4.4K(4:3). Regarding frame rates, you should be able to record in C4K at 120p/100p, and 5.7K 60p/50p.
If you have a Blackmagic Design Video Assist 5″ or 7″ 12G HDR, this update will allow you to capture footage in 12-bit BRAW.
For Atomos users, you’ll be able to record externally in Apple ProRes RAW on the Ninja V, Ninja V+, Ninja, Ninja Ultra, Shogun, Shogun Ultra, and Shogun Connect monitors/recorders. However, the company mentions that the “Ninja V, Ninja, Shogun does not support some RAW video data,” so you must check here for compatible firmware versions of external recorders.
Price and availability
There is no exact date when the firmware update version 2.0 for the Panasonic LUMIX G9II will be available, but it will be available free of charge on Panasonic’s support website.
What do you think about this firmware update? Do you often shoot in RAW externally? Did you get yourself a LUMIX G9II? Don’t hesitate to let us know in the comments below!
