Huge Firmware Update for LUMIX S5II & S5IIX

Panasonic has launched its new firmware for the S5II and X, which features loads of new features and upgrades many of us have been waiting for. This current firmware is Version 3.0 for the S5II and Version 2.0 for the S5IIX.

Where Do You Download the New LUMIX S5II & S5IIX Firmware?

You can download the new Panasonic LUMIX S5II & S5IIX firmware on Panasonic’s Website. The firmware is scheduled to come out in Mid-Late April 2024.  So, what’s been upgraded?

Major Phase Detection Autofocus Updates

First, we get updates to the phase hybrid autofocus, bringing it into line with the autofocus options found on the Panasonic LUMIX G9II (my review) and giving us more tracking options than we had previously.   The S5II and X already have Human, Eye, Face, and Body tracking, but the algorithm has been tweaked for better performance. 

A good example of this is looking at the old firmware – as you can see, I have to cover my chin for it to pull focus to the foreground.  The new firmware makes the autofocus way stronger on my eye than before, and I have to cover up more of my face before it shifts focus. 

The biggest difference between the S5II/X and my Sony FX3 Autofocus is that the S5II and X will stay on the object easier once it pulls focus.  On the Sony, if it spots an eye, it’ll snap back immediately.  This feels intuitive, and I stress less about covering up my eyes.

Improved Animal Detection Autofocus

The basic Animal detection of the old firmware has now been upgraded to Animal Eye and Body tracking.  Like all of the tracking modes, you’ll see a yellow box come up if you’re in eye or body tracking for animals.  Furthermore, there’s also car and motorcycle tracking, and it’s very responsive when it sees a vehicle in the frame.  Much like the G9II, this new firmware tracks vehicles well.

To check out the new autofocus modes, hit the autofocus and either the down wheel button for options relating to that mode or the display button to see everything available.  The menu is simple and easy to navigate.

Better Focus Pulls

Lastly, I also noticed how much better the focus pulls are now.  They have a more cinematic feel than just ramping back and forth at top speed.

Car and Motorcycle Tracking Added!

Let’s look at how car tracking modes work in the studio. It will detect a car and stick on it without any issues.  If a new car enters the frame, you’ll see a white box come up.  You can either tap on the white box to switch focus to the new car or use the joystick to select between them.  The same object selection options are found with human, animal, and motorcycle tracking, and it’s very sticky.

What’s Missing

For those wondering, 1080p, 50, and 60p still don’t support PDAF.  I was hoping we’d see that introduced with this firmware update, but knowing Panasonic, if they can do it in the future, they hopefully will.

Improved IBIS Support

This next firmware upgrade is arguably my favorite feature—we get major upgrades to the Active IS or In Body Image Stabilisation system. If you saw my G9II review, you’ll no doubt remember there were a few new e-stabilization modes that improve and remove the corner wobble and overall stabilization of the sensor through a digital crop. We now have this on the S5II and X.

I had always avoided E-stabilization on prior cameras, and the G9II took this to almost all GoPro levels.  The S5II and X both now have three modes “OFF,” which is the standard Active IS, Standard, which gives you a small crop; and High, which crops in more but gives you crazy straight-out-of-camera image stabilization.  If you’re in a bumpy situation, vlogging, walking fast, or running, High Mode is a great choice.   

This does not impact the IS Boost Mode, the IBIS mode best used for stationary tripod-looking shots when shooting handheld.  This update is huge and will no doubt be something I use a lot moving forward.

Check out my video (pinned above) to see the IBIS.  This stabilization is right up there as the best in camera stabilization, along with the G9II now; it’s crazy. Here’s a quick look at the IBIS from my YouTube Shorts Video

Proxy Recording

The next major upgrade is video proxy recordings – this works in the MOV record quality options on the S5II and X and when shooting ProRes on the S5IIX.  You can select between a High, Medium, and Low data rate for 24/25/and 30p or 50 and 60 frames per second.  You can shoot with this feature in standard picture profiles or the real-time LUT feature.

Pre-Burst Photography

Let’s discuss the photographic updates because they are not all just video updates! A new pre-burst recording mode begins shooting up to 1.5 seconds before the shutter is released.  This is especially useful for fast action or sports photography.  The electronic shutter can work up to 30fps in this mode, a new feature! Very cool.

Lastly, there’s Frame I.O. support for people who use the Adobe Cloud, which I don’t use, so I haven’t tested it.  This allows compatibility with the Adobe camera and the cloud facility. If you’re in a situation where you want to do remote checking or editing with a production team, this should be beneficial for you.  Again, it’s not something I have tested, as I don’t own any Adobe products.

Thanks for checking out my review, and if you enjoyed my video, consider subscribing to my channel on YouTube.