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Panasonic has announced minor firmware updates for half-a-dozen of its G Series mirrorless cameras and announced the upcoming release of new software for Windows and macOS computers that will give its mirrorless cameras the ability to be used as a webcam without the need for a capture card.
The firmware updates are for Panasonic’s GH5, GH5S, G9, G95, G85 and GX9 camera systems. The respective updates improve compatibility with Panasonic’s new Tripod Grip DMW-SHGR1 and add ‘operational stability’ with the LUMIX G VARIO 12–32mm / F3.5–5.6 lens. The new firmware updates will go live on Panasonic’s support page on July 21.
Panasonic has also announced the release of LUMIX Streaming (Beta) for macOS. Like the Windows version released back on June 9, the macOS version allows select Panasonic mirrorless cameras to be used as webcams through a derivative version of Panasonic’s LUMIX Tether utility that removes unnecessary interface elements to create a clean output for using as a webcam feed.
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| A screenshot of the Windows version of LUMIX Streaming (Beta). |
At this time, the LUMIX Streaming (Beta) supports Panasonic’s S1H, S1R, S1, GH5S, GH5 and G9 mirrorless cameras. It requires at least macOS 10.11 (El Capitan), 2GB of RAM for 64-bit systems and 200MB of space. You can download the utility for free on Panasonic’s website.
Beyond the LUMIX Streaming (Beta) for macOS and Windows, Panasonic is also developing LUMIX Webcam Software. Unlike LUMIX Streaming (Beta), which is effectively a tweaked version of its tethering utility, LUMIX Webcam Software ‘[will make] it possible to use an applicable LUMIX camera as a webcam over a USB connection not only for live streaming, but also for video conferencing, etc.’ Panasonic says the software will be compatible with its S1H, S1R, S1, GH5S, GH5, and G9 camera systems, and is due for a September release on Windows and an October release for macOS.
Press release:
Panasonic Announces the Release of Firmware Update Programs for LUMIX G Series Cameras, “LUMIX Streaming (Beta)” for Mac and the Development of “LUMIX Webcam Software” for Windows/Mac
Newark, NJ (July 14, 2020) – Panasonic is pleased to announce the release of firmware update programs for the LUMIX G Series of Digital Single Lens Mirrorless Cameras and software programs “LUMIX Streaming (Beta)” for Mac and the development of “LUMIX Webcam Software” for Win/Mac.
The firmware update programs are for DC-GH5,GH5S, G9, G95, G85 and GX9 to improve compatibility with the new Tripod Grip DMW-SHGR1 and operational stability with LUMIX G VARIO 12-32mm / F3.5-5.6 ASPH. /MEGA O.I.S.(H-FS12032) lens. Meanwhile, “LUMIX Streaming (Beta)” and “LUMIX Webcam Software” enhance work-at-home activities using LUMIX cameras.
1. Firmware update programs for DC-GH5, GH5S, G9, G95, G85 and GX9
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Model Firmware Version |
?Tripod grip DMW-SHGR1 can be used. |
?Improved operational stability with the Panasonic LUMIX G VARIO 12-32mm / F3.5-5.6 ASPH. /MEGA O.I.S.(H-FS12032) |
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DC-GH5 Firmware Version 2.7 |
Yes |
Yes |
|
DC-GH5S Firmware Version 1.6 |
Yes |
– |
|
DC-G9 Firmware Version 2.2 |
Yes |
Yes |
|
DC- G95 Firmware Version 1.2 |
Yes |
Yes |
|
DC- G85 Firmware Version 1.5 |
Yes |
Yes |
|
DC-GX9 Firmware Version 1.5 |
– |
Yes |
The firmware program will be available at LUMIX Global Customer Support website https://av.jpn.support.panasonic.com/support/global/cs/dsc/ on July 21, 2020.
2. LUMIX Streaming (Beta) for Mac
Followed by the release of “LUMIX Streaming (Beta)” for Windows, the “LUMIX Streaming (Beta)” for Mac has also been released. It is derived from conventional “LUMIX Tether (Ver.1.7)” with an additional display option for the cases where this software is used for live streaming purposes. It may help user convenience in the growing self-streaming opportunities.
As “LUMIX Tether” is a software program originally designed for tethered shooting, GUIs such as a focus area mark as well as control panels are displayed with live view images on the PC monitor during USB tethering. However, these graphic items become a hindrance when the software is used to capture camera view for live streaming. In response to the demands of customers to resolve this issue, LIVE VIEW mode has been added on “LUMIX Streaming (Beta)”. It enables displaying camera view only, making it easy for the separate streaming software to read it. Users can choose to show or hide these graphic items during USB tethering according to the usage purpose.
“LUMIX 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-S1H, DC-S1R, DC-S1, DC-GH5S, DC-GH5, DC-G9
LUMIX Tether for Streaming (Beta) for Mac Operating Environment
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OS |
Mac OS X 10.11, Mac macOS 10.12, macOS 10.13, macOS 10.14 *Operation with macOS 10.15 Catalina is under verification but some issues are reported. https://av.jpn.support.panasonic.com/support/global/cs/dsc/info/macos_tether.html (When to officially support macOS 10.15 Catalina is yet to be fixed.) |
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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) web page with download link
https://www.panasonic.com/global/consumer/lumix/lumixtether.html
3. LUMIX Webcam Software
While the “LUMIX Streaming (Beta)” is basically a software for tethered shooting that can also be used to capture camera views for live streaming, the upcoming “LUMIX Webcam Software” makes it possible to use an applicable LUMIX camera as a webcam over a USB connection not only for live streaming, but also for video conferencing, etc.
Compatible models: DC-S1H, DC-S1R, DC-S1, DC-GH5S, DC-GH5, DC-G9, DC-G100 *
Release Date*: End of September (for Windows) / End of October (for Mac), 2020
*The release date of LUMIX Webcam Software for DC-G100 is yet to be decided.
Panasonic is committed to continuous improvement with its LUMIX product line, including the Full-Frame S Series and the Micro Four Thirds G Series, by providing customers with valuable products and services, a part of which are these firmware and software update programs.
Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)