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New firmware update for the Lumix S1Rii, S1ii and S1iie

xaviergut

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Panasonic Announces New Updates for its LUMIX S Series Camera Firmware and LUMIX Flow App​

Newark, N.J. (November 25, 2025) – Panasonic has introduced a series of new firmware updates for its full-frame mirrorless LUMIX S1RII, S1II and S1IIE, aimed at improving the hybrid shooting experience and enhancing functionality. In conjunction with the camera firmware update, an update for the app will also be released. All updates will be available from November 25, 2025, at 8:00pm EST, via the LUMIX Global Customer Support website and app stores.

User feedback has played a key role in shaping this update, such as optimized thermal management, addition of MP4(Lite) recording option, and UI improvements. With support and input from the LUMIX community, Panasonic has further refined the shooting and workflow experience. The company remains dedicated to this approach, providing ongoing firmware updates and product enhancements with a commitment to supporting creators and delivering the best possible tools for their craft.

LUMIX S1RII Firmware Ver. 1.3 / S1II Ver. 1.2 / S1IIE Ver. 1.2 Updates

  • Improved Thermal Control Algorithm for Longer Recording Time:
    • The thermal control algorithm has been improved to make the recording time less affected by environmental factors.
  • Addition of Lower-Speed Option for SH Burst Shooting:
    • A lower-speed option has been added to SH burst shooting, including pre-burst shooting. (*1)
  • AF Improvements:
    • Auto-recognition frames for only the main subject can now be set for display while using autofocus.
    • AF frame display for human eye recognition can be set to 'rectangular' while using autofocus.
    • Enhanced tracking AF stability through algorithm improvements.
  • Added Video Features:
    • The option for the low-bitrate video format "MP4(Lite)" can now be selected.
      *3.8K (3840x2560) 29.97p/25.00p 50Mbps
  • Improved compatibility:
    • Compatibility with our interchangeable lens S-R100500 and teleconverter (DMW-STC14/STC20) has been improved.
  • Support for LUMIX Smartphone App, LUMIX Flow Ver.1.4:
    • External monitor function allows applying LUTs to live view, displaying multiple frame markers, and showing focus frames.
  • Other Functionality Improvements and Enhancements:
    • An icon indicating that the preview effect is disabled will be displayed on the shooting screen when [Constant Preview] is set to [OFF].
    • ISO Auto can be set in the [ISO Displayed Setting] menu in the Custom Menu.
    • A bug where the live view quality differed between standby mode and video recording mode when applying false color has been fixed.
    • Added a 1.6x display option for the Anamorphic Desqueeze Display.
    • The base ISO sensitivity can now be visible on the ISO sensitivity setting screen when Dual Native ISO is set to AUTO.
    • The default setting for functions registered to the sub video rec. button has been changed to “No Setting” in both Photo Mode and Playback Mode.
    • The processing time for focus stacking has been improved through algorithm enhancements.
    • A menu that allows you to display the live view with the same quality during both standby and video recording modes has been added. (*2)
  • LUMIX Smartphone App, LUMIX Flow Ver.1.4:
    • Support for LUT view assist - LUT live view is available in the app and can be toggled ON or OFF.
    • Support for multiple frame marker display - The same frame markers shown on the camera is output to the app as live view.
    • Improved AF frame display for various recognition in Automatic Detection
*1 S1II and S1RII only. *2 S1II only.
 
So, mostly video features then ?
 
Happy to see the lower frame-rate option for SH. Probably 20 FPS (on the S1RII), which is a nice bridge between 10 fps and 40, and will hopefully stretch out the buffer-fill time. Maybe 30 fps on the S1II?

Also, the box-mode for eye AF detect is something many people have asked for. I don’t often use eye-detect but those that do have complained quite a bit about the current overlay, which does look busy and detracting to me.

It will be interesting to see how obvious the improvements to the AF tracking will be.
 
So, mostly video features then ?
I don't own any of these camera's, but I see a lot of improvements for the photographer too?
  • Addition of Lower-Speed Option for SH Burst Shooting:
    • A lower-speed option has been added to SH burst shooting, including pre-burst shooting. (*1)
  • AF Improvements:
    • Auto-recognition frames for only the main subject can now be set for display while using autofocus.
    • AF frame display for human eye recognition can be set to 'rectangular' while using autofocus.
    • Enhanced tracking AF stability through algorithm improvements.
  • Improved compatibility:
    • Compatibility with our interchangeable lens S-R100500 and teleconverter (DMW-STC14/STC20) has been improved.
  • Other Functionality Improvements and Enhancements:
    • An icon indicating that the preview effect is disabled will be displayed on the shooting screen when [Constant Preview] is set to [OFF].
    • ISO Auto can be set in the [ISO Displayed Setting] menu in the Custom Menu.
    • Added a 1.6x display option for the Anamorphic Desqueeze Display.
    • The base ISO sensitivity can now be visible on the ISO sensitivity setting screen when Dual Native ISO is set to AUTO.
    • The processing time for focus stacking has been improved through algorithm enhancements.
I would say a very good update, and no hints that it was coming.
 
I’m fairly certain the 1.6x anamorphic support - at least for preview - is video-only. Anamorphic preview isn’t supported for stills on the S1II* bodies.
 
I’m fairly certain the 1.6x anamorphic support - at least for preview - is video-only. Anamorphic preview isn’t supported for stills on the S1II* bodies.
Oo so also no stabilization for anamorphic photos. That's unfortunally.
 
There is already a video out there where they run an S1RII for 90 minutes, recording 8k open gate, at temps up to 45c (heated room with a tungsten lamp nearby and directed at the camera). It’s just one video, but it looks promising.

It will be interesting to see if these thermal management improvements pay off for long exposure photography as well, or for extended sports/wildlife scenarios with lots of H+ or SH bursts.
 
I didn't think it would be a software issue but if the thermals could be fixed by a software update... kinda wondering what took so long. Now, I am genuinely happy, but as someone who wants Lumix to do well because I like the "underdog brand", the launch could've probably done without all the negative press.
Maybe there was some time pressure to launch and they just couldn't get all scenario tests done and tuned the camera to act more conservatively and now after some real life data came in, they were able to better judge the operational envelope of the camera which allowed them to significantly extend recording time?
 
I didn't think it would be a software issue but if the thermals could be fixed by a software update... kinda wondering what took so long. Now, I am genuinely happy, but as someone who wants Lumix to do well because I like the "underdog brand", the launch could've probably done without all the negative press.
Maybe there was some time pressure to launch and they just couldn't get all scenario tests done and tuned the camera to act more conservatively and now after some real life data came in, they were able to better judge the operational envelope of the camera which allowed them to significantly extend recording time?
Yes, I’m wondering that as well. Of course, they could do a few things, like increasing the fan’s peak speed. Would be interesting to do some before and after tests, to see if the fan (when set to max) gets louder/changes frequency after the update. MAYBE there are things they can do in firmware that minimize the heat generated by the CFe card, or even the battery? Not sure. Doesn’t sound all that likely, however.

Probably, like you said, they now have more data that allows them to be more comfortable with allowing higher internal temps.
 
I didn't think it would be a software issue but if the thermals could be fixed by a software update...
Exactly, I thought that too, that the overheating was a hardware issue.

I just saw this video from Media Division and now I am impressed :



Torture Test Results for S1RII (Moderate Temp):

The camera achieved "No Limit" (over 2 hours) recording 8K, 24 fps, H.265 to an SD card in standard thermal management, significantly outperforming Panasonic's 25-minute prediction [10:43].

When recording 8K to a CF Express card, it ran for over 1 hour (40 minutes until a warning, but kept recording) [12:05].

In Cinema 4K, 60 fps, with high thermal management, it reached "No Limit" (over 2 hours) [14:08].

In 5.8K ProRess HQ RAW, it was limited by the 27-minute file size limit, not heat, achieving a "No Limit" heat rating [16:03].

Torture Test Results for S1RII (High Temp - 40° C/105° F):

Recording 8K Open Gate with high thermal management, the camera ran for 1 hour and 40 minutes before a heat warning and continued to record for 2 hours before the card filled [19:03].

S1II Test:

The only limited format on the S1II, Cinema 4K at 120 fps, achieved a "No Limit" rating (over 2 hours) with the new firmware [22:05].

Conclusion/Tips: The firmware is an impressive fix. To avoid overheating, set thermal management to High and the internal vent to Auto 1, avoid heat-producing features (like crop zoom, estabilization), and use SD cards over CF cards for H.264/H.265 recordings [23:14].
 
I didn't think it would be a software issue but if the thermals could be fixed by a software update... kinda wondering what took so long. Now, I am genuinely happy, but as someone who wants Lumix to do well because I like the "underdog brand", the launch could've probably done without all the negative press.
Maybe there was some time pressure to launch and they just couldn't get all scenario tests done and tuned the camera to act more conservatively and now after some real life data came in, they were able to better judge the operational envelope of the camera which allowed them to significantly extend recording time?

They're not the only brand to release a camera that overheats then release firmware to address much later. As has been shown by the varied reviews/feedback, some people don't experience overheating at all. Some CFExpress cards get hotter than others. SD card-only shows even less susceptibility. So yeah, it's not possible to account for all the variables and at the end of the day you'd rather have a product that limits use than a camera that burns the user or other combustion and face a major lawsuit. Given the degree of complexity in modern cameras user feedback is critical. It's the company's response that matters.
 
Put it on my S1RII as well. Looks great so far, no issues. Gotta say, I am an instant convert to boxy-eye AF, really didn't realize how much clutter the crosshairs added. Kinda glad that Panasonic even considers such minor changes and implements them.
Unfortunately it's another week until I go shooting again, but can't wait to put the camera through its paces.
 


Sounds like if Panasonic nailed it with this FW update. Not just the overheating problem with some CFexpress cards.

For my kind of photography, these new "features" are a benefit:

  • improved AF tracking
  • boxy AF for the eyes
  • additional 20fps burst option instead of only 10fps & 40fps
 
Media Division's test of the new firmware is worth a watch. They subject the S1RII to 38C/100F direct heat from lamps in their studio. No thermal shutdown at all.
 
Gotta say, I am an instant convert to boxy-eye AF, really didn't realize how much clutter the crosshairs added.
Yes, I like the box style for eyes -- happy Panasonic finally has this.
 
Things I like about FW 1.3 for the S1RII so far:

20 FPS SH Burst. This was something that seemed missing before, and it makes higher speed burst practical for this camera.

Improved thermal control for video. This makes the S1RII a true hybrid camera.

Smaller things I like. 1.6x anamorphic desqueeze -- since I shoot 1.6x. The quick Auto ISO switch -- this will be very handy. About the box style for eyes, I also shoot Sony with box style so this makes it more consistent. Improved compatibility with the 100-500mm lens -- this lens is rumored to be on its way for Christmas!

I'm sure as I get into it there will be several more FW 1.3 things I use.
 
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