Panasonic will release a firmware update for the Lumix G9 II, enabling the camera to send Blackmagic RAW and ProRes RAW to a compatible recorder via HDMI. The purpose of this upgrade, firmware version 2.0, according to Panasonic, is to give the G9 II the flexibility to be more adaptable and adapt to new workflows. With the upgrade, the Lumix G9 II will be able to send RAW recordings in BRAW and ProRes RAW to either a Blackmagic Design or an Atomos external recorder.

The G9 II will be able to send data in Blackmagic RAW (BRAW) format to the Blackmagic Video Assist 5-inch 12G HDR or the Blackmagic Video Assist 7-inch 12G HDR external recorders in 5.7K, C4K, 5.8K (4:3), and 4.4K (4:3) resolutions. DaVinci Resolve or DaVinci Resolve Studio are required to display the footage recorded in this way, while DaVinci Resolve Studio is necessary to edit Blackmagic RAW data. Panasonic also advises customers to check the software for the Blackmagic Video Assist external recorders to ensure that they can accept the video signal. Furthermore, Panasonic recommends a constant bitrate of 5:1 or less for SSD recording and 8:1 or less for SD card recording while recording in C4K resolution at 120p or 100p or 5.7K resolution at 60p or 50p.

When connected via HDMI to an Atomos Ninja V, Ninja V+, Ninja, Ninja Ultra, Shogun, Shogun Ultra, or Shogun Connect, the G9 II will be able to send the same resolutions and framerates in 12-bit RAW. Panasonic adds that, as with BRAW footage, editing recorded RAW video requires software that supports Apple ProRes RAW. A LUT (lookup table) exclusively built for RAW video is now available on Panasonic’s customer support website, allowing RAW material to be color-graded as V-Log and V-Gamut.

Firmware version 2.0 for the Panasonic Lumix G9 II is still in the works; specifics may change, and Panasonic has not stated when it will be available for download.