UPDATE: Just days after it was released, the eagerly anticipated firmware update for the Panasonic Lumix S9 has been pulled by the manufacturer.
The reason cited is the rather nebulous "potential issues", though it appears that they havn't affected everyone who installed the update.
"Please note that release of the latest firmware for DC-S9 version 1.1 download is temporarily suspended, after noticing potential issues," says Panasonic.
"Additionally, firmware updates via Lumix Lab and Lumix Sync have also been suspended. We are working to resume the firmware release as soon as possible. If you have already updated your camera and if operation is fine, there is no concern. We appreciate your understanding".
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ORIGINAL STORY (Oct 08 2024): Panasonic's miniature full-frame camera, the Lumix S9, is getting a major update with a free firmware upgrade which will be available tomorrow, October 9. The camera will also be available in new colors - a smoky white is coming to the UK, whilst in the US there will be new pink and mint gree options.
The biggest news is that the S9 will now be able to record video without any time limitiation - something that Panasonic users have been asking for. At the launch, we were told that this is being referred to as the "winter edition" – as the camera is likely to get warm in use from continuous video shooting. However, the recording will stop automatically if the internal temperature gets too high, even when set to unlimited recording mode that is being added to the menu options.
Previously the S9 limited you to 10 minutes of recording in 6K,15 minutes in DCI 4K/4K UHD and below, and 20 minutes in 1080P.
The new V1.1 firmware for the S9 will also add some significant enhancements for using the camera's open gate video mode.
A display feature for multiple frame markers is being added, which allows for the display of up to three frame markers simultaneously. So, for instance, you could show both vertical and horizontal crops – to facilitate capturing footage for multiple platforms.
Eight new frame formats are being added to the options for these visual markers, increasing the total number of options to 18. Touch screen control for the markers is also added to simplify their use.
The camera's phase hybrid auto focus system has been further improved with enhanced subject detection. A new option is now available to select detection of airplanes and trains (features introduced previously with the Lumix GH7) as well as specific parts of cars and motorbikes
Additionally, the camera's compatibility with the Lumix Lab smartphone app has been expanded to include remote shooting, shutter remote control, and the ability to transfer images selected on the camera. This essentially means that features previously found on the Lumix Sync app are now provides with Lumix Lab.
The updates will be available through Panasonic's firmware update page from October 9.
The new color versions of the Lumix S9 will be available with the newly-announced Lumix S 18-40mm f/4.5-6.3 zoom for $1799.99 / £1,799.
