Panasonic is planning to release a new firmware update for the Lumix DMC-GH4 compact system camera. Version 2.2 adds a new [Anamorphic(4:3)] mode which enables video recording in 3328 x 2496 pixel resolution with an anamorphic lens at a frame rate of either 23.98, 24, 25 or 29.97 fps. Anamorphic lenses are used to create a cinemascope aspect such as 2.39:1 or 2.35:1. Panasonic discovered that cinematographers had been experimenting with the 4K PHOTO mode 4:3 aspect ratio in the LUMIX GH4 and vintage anamorphic cine lenses to achieve the classic Hollywood look of anamorphic film capture. Thanks in part to its Micro Four Thirds format and 4K recording ability, firmware Ver.2.2 for the LUMIX GH4 enables videographers to capture and un-squeeze a 3356x2496 image in post-production. In addition, 4:2:2 / 10 bit HDMI output is also available. A further enhancement of the new firmware is the addition of a very high shutter speed of 1/16,000 sec. when using the GH4's electronic shutter. The new firmware is scheduled to be released in late April.

Panasonic Press Release

Panasonic Announces the Release of Firmware Update Program for LUMIX DMC-GH4

Panasonic announces the release of new firmware update program for the LUMIX G Compact System Camera DMC-GH4 (Ver.2.2), to enhance the video recording performance.

With the firmware, [Anamorphic(4:3)] mode is available which enables video recording in 3328 x 2496 pixel (equivalent to approx. 8.3-megapixel) resolution with an anamorphic lens such as 2x*1. Anamorphic shooting is a cinematography method to gain a cinemascope aspect like 2.39:1 or 2.35:1. The 4:2:2 / 10 bit HDMI output is also available*2.

In addition, the firmware also makes it possible to set 1/16000 sec shutter speed manually when using [Electronic Shutter].

The new firmware is scheduled to be released in late April, 2015 at the following website:

LUMIX DMC-GH4 Firmware Ver.2.2

http://panasonic.jp/support/global/cs/dsc/

*1 To convert the footage to a cinemascope aspect for playback, corresponding software and device are required.

*2 If you use the HDMI output when [Bit Mode] in [HDMI Rec Output] is set to [4:2:2 10bit], black bars appear on the right and left sides of the image. As a result, the image will appear on the screen in a smaller size (2880x2160). In addition, you cannot record motion pictures while using the HDMI output.

Specifications are subject to change without notice.

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