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Following in the footsteps of Canon, Panasonic has released an additional version of its USB tethering software that allows compatible Lumix cameras to be used for streaming to social media and video conferencing applications. Lumix Tether for Streaming (Beta) works in the same way as the standard version of Lumix Tether, but it includes a button that clears the AF box graphics and the control panel from the Live View pane so can be used for broadcasting.
A third-party broadcasting application, such as OBS, is needed to capture the Live View window as the camera’s feed isn’t detected by the computer. An external microphone built-in or plugged-in to the computer is also needed as the camera’s audio isn’t captured via this beta version of Lumix Tether for Streaming.
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With Live View quality set to Fine, the feed to the window has a resolution of 1280 pixels on the longest edge, and the Lumix Tether control panels allow users to access many of the camera’s features to control the way the image looks.
The idea of the software, as we have seen recently from other manufacturers, is to offer a free way of streaming for Lumix users, and to allow them to improve the quality of their streaming video beyond that which is usually offered by built-in webcams. The idea will have been sparked by the rise in the number of people using video streaming for work and keeping on contact with family during the coronavirus pandemic.
Like the original version of Lumix Tether, this new beta streaming application is compatible with Lumix G9, GH5, GH5s and Lumix S cameras, but this time Windows 10 is required – there’s no Mac version. Lumix Tether for Streaming can be downloaded from the Panasonic support pages.
Press release:
Panasonic releases ‘LUMIX Tether for Streaming (Beta)’ software program for PC integrating new LIVE VIEW mode for live streaming purpose
Panasonic has today released a ‘LUMIX Tether for Streaming’ beta software program for Windows, following the conventional ‘LUMIX Tether’ (Version.1.7). The new beta program includes a new display option designed for live-streaming, and makes it easy for the user to self-stream.
Originally, the ‘LUMIX Tether’ software program was designed for tethered shooting and therefore its GUIs, such as the focus area mark or control panels, are displayed with live view images on the PC monitor during USB tethering. However, in response to feedback from customers that these graphic items become a hindrance when the software is used to capture camera view for live streaming, LIVE VIEW mode has been added on ‘LUMIX Tether for Streaming (Beta)’. This update enables the display of camera-view only, making it easy for the separate streaming software read. Users can now choose to show or hide these graphic items during USB tethering according to the usage purpose.
‘LUMIX Tether for Streaming (Beta)’ is provided as a pre-release version that is currently still under development. Please note that this software is not eligible for operation warranty and customer support.
Compatible models: DC-GH5, DC-G9, DC-GH5S, DC-S1, DC-S1R, DC-S1H
LUMIX Tether for Streaming (Beta) Operating Environment
- OS: Windows 10 (32bit/64bit)
- CPU: Intel CPU of 1 GHz or higher
- Display: 1024 x 768 pixels or more
- RAM: 1GB or more (32bit),2GB or more (64bit)
- HDD: Free space of 200 MB or more for installation
- Interface: USB 3.0/3.1
LUMIX Tether for Streaming (Beta) is now available to download from:
https://www.panasonic.com/global/consumer/lumix/lumixtether.html
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