Panasonic announced a significant firmware update for the LUMIX G9II camera, named Ver.2.0. This update, which became available on December 20, 2023, enhanced the camera’s video recording capabilities, especially in the realm of RAW video recording.
Integration with Blackmagic Design External Recorders
The Firmware Version 2.0 allowed the LUMIX G9II to output 12-bit RAW video data in various formats, including [5.7K], [C4K], [5.8K(4:3)], and [4.4K(4:3)]. This data could be transmitted over HDMI to compatible Blackmagic Video Assist devices, like the 5″ 12G HDR and 7″ 12G HDR models, for recording in Blackmagic RAW format. For playback and editing of this RAW data, users were required to use DaVinci Resolve or DaVinci Resolve Studio. The update included specific bitrate recommendations for SSD and SD card recordings, though it was noted that not all functions might be available in every context.
Compatibility with ATOMOS External Recorders
The firmware also enabled RAW video data output over HDMI to various ATOMOS recorder models, such as the “NINJA V,” “NINJA V+,” “NINJA,” “NINJA ULTRA,” “SHOGUN,” “SHOGUN ULTRA,” and “SHOGUN CONNECT.” These devices could record the output in Apple Pro Res RAW format. However, some restrictions applied, as not all recorder models supported every type of RAW video data. For editing the RAW video, software supporting Apple ProRes RAW was necessary. Panasonic also provided a LUT (Lookup Table) specifically designed for RAW video, to facilitate color grading similar to V-Log/V-Gamut.
This update represented a significant advancement for Panasonic’s LUMIX G9II, expanding its compatibility and enhancing its video recording capabilities, albeit with some limitations depending on the recording situation and equipment.
News source: https://www.panasonic.com/global/consumer/lumix/firmware_update.html#G9II
