Panasonic plans to release a firmware update for the Lumix G9 II, enabling the camera to support 12-bit files in both Blackmagic RAW and ProRes RAW over HDMI.
The Firmware version 2.0 update will enable the camera to record and save files up to 5.8K with 12-bit RAW color resolution to Blackmagic external video recorders including the Video Assist 12G HDR 5-inch and 7-inch models.
Image Credit: Panasonic
On its own, the Panasonic G9 II can record 4:2:2 10-bit video in C4K or 4K60p from its 25.2 micro four-thirds CMOS image sensor. The update will enable the camera to push the higher-resolution 12-bit video files to an external drive via HDMI.
Images by Blackmagic Design
Panasonic states that the update will make the micro four-thirds mirrorless camera more flexible and able to support a greater variety of workflows.
The 5-inch Blackmagic Video Assist 12G HDR will support ProRes RAW video recording, while the 7-inch 12G HDR model will support Blackmagic RAW. Users can also connect other third-party video recordings, including the Atomos Ninja V, V+ Ultra, Shogun, and Shogun Ultra with the same 12-bit RAW support.
There is a catch, though. The recorded RAW video files must be viewed using software such as DaVinci Resolve, for the Blackmagic RAW, or software that supports ProRes RAW to view and edit them. Moreover, when recording in C4K at 100 fps or 120 fps, as well as 5.7K at up to 60 frames per second, Panasonic recommends a constant bitrate of 5:1 or less when recording to an external SSD, or 8:1 or less when recording directly to an SD card.
It’s kind of a drag that 5-inch 12G Video Assist users will not be able to record in 12-bit Blackmagic RAW, and vice versa for ProRes RAW on the 7-inch model, but that’s not the fault of Pansonic. Perhaps with future updates, the functions will be expanded further on BMD’s 12G Video Assist to provide both with the G9 II platform.
Nevertheless, when the firmware is available, users will be advised to have a dedicated SD memory card and the camera battery completely charged. Copy the firmware to the SD card and extract it from the file that was downloaded.
Insert the card into a powered-off G9 II, turn on the camera, and set it to “P” mode. Press play and the firmware will begin updating. Once the update is complete, reboot the camera, then go to the MENU to verify the update has been installed. The entire update should take 5-10 minutes.
Availability
The version 2.0 firmware is still in development, so there may be changes and other features that Panasonic will bring to the platform.
Panasonic is also making available a custom LUT (look-up table) for RAW video so that the video footage can be color-graded in either V-Log or V-Gamut. Users will be able to download both from the Panasonic Global Support Website.
[source: Panasonic]
Order Links:
- Panasonic Lumix G9 II Mirrorless Camera (B&H)
- Blackmagic Design Video Assist 5″ 12G-SDI/HDMI HDR Recording Monitor (B&H)
- Blackmagic Design Video Assist 7″ 12G-SDI/HDMI HDR Recording Monitor (B&H)
- Atomos Ninja 5.2″ 4K HDMI Recording Monitor with Accessory Kit (B&H)
- Atomos Ninja V+ 5.2″ 8K HDMI H.265 Raw Recording Monitor (B&H)
- Atomos 7″ Shogun Monitor-Recorder with Recording + Accessory Kit (B&H)
- Atomos 7″ Shogun Ultra Monitor-Recorder with Recording + Accessory Kit (B&H)
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