Panasonic Announces BRAW Compatibility for S5IIX and S5II Cameras
The Panasonic Lumix S5IIXfull-frame mirrorless camera has received updated information regarding its video capabilities, and the Lumix S5II has received a software upgrade as well.
Panasonic unveiled the S5II and S5IIX cameras at this year’s Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in early January, stating that the S5IIX would be capable of RAW video output and All-Intra ProRes recording through a connected USB-C SSD.
Those functions are still present, but according to Panasonic, the S5IIX will also support Blackmagic RAW recording. According to Panasonic, the camera will also support the Atomos Nina V, Atomos Shogun Connect, and the Atomos Ninja V+ and will have increased compatibility with external devices.
Panasonic has also detailed the S5IIX’s recording modes: when employing a full-frame image area, the camera captures 12-bit 5.9K resolution 16:9 video (5888 x 3312 pixels) at 23.98p, 25p, and 29.97p.
12-bit video recording at up to 59.94p is supported for APS-C video at 4.1K (17:9 aspect ratio and 4128 x 2176). 3.5K APS-C video (4:3, 3536 x 2656) at up to 29.97p is available. Later this month, the S5IIX is expected to start shipping.
Panasonic also stated that Blackmagic RAW would be supported in the S5II firmware upgrade that provides RAW data output through HDMI. Furthermore, the new firmware upgrade will include Live View Composite, which comes pre-installed on the S5IIX. It’s important to note that the S5II’s RAW data output functionality requires the $200 Software Upgrade Key DWW-SFU2.
The S5II cannot directly record to an SSD or perform IP streaming, even with this update key, which makes it possible to transmit RAW footage over HDMI. These functions are only available on the S5IIX, regardless of the firmware. The Panasonic S5II is on the market, but the latest firmware upgrade won’t be accessible until June 13.
Phase detection is finally added to Panasonic’s mirrorless Lumix cameras with the S5II and S5IIX. Despite variations in high-end video features, the long-awaited AF technology promises the same autofocus performance throughout the S5II and S5IIX. After years of user demand, Panasonic finally added PDAF to its cameras, and so far, the change has been favorably accepted. Panasonic said shortly after the S5II’s unveiling that preorders exceeded company projections and, regrettably, its capacity to satisfy the unforeseen high demand.
