Panasonic S1 Firmware Update, LUMIX S Teleconverters and 10-25mm F/1.7 Lens Announced

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by Jeff LochMay 31^st, 2019

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Following the announcement of the Panasonic LUMIX S1H, Panasonic has also announced the release of a firmware update for the LUMIX S1 to expand its video capabilities. Part of the announcement are also 1.4x and 2x teleconverters for LUMIX S telephoto zoom lenses. Finally, for Micro-Four-Thirds shooters, there is a new LEICA DG VARIO-SUMMILUX 10-25mm F/1.7 ASPH lens.

Panasonic Firmware Update for LUMIX S1

We have already reported about the Panasonic LUMIX S1 paid firmware update and the wait is over.

Screen grab from Panasonic’s press event @ Cine Gear 2019.

The upgrade software key (codename: DMW-SFU2) unlocks following features:

• V-Log recording with up to 14+ stops of Dynamic Range. V-Log and V-Gamut are compatible with Cinema VariCam Look
• 4:2:2 10-bit 4K MOV up to 30 frames per second internal video recording
• 4:2:2 10-bit 4K up to 60 frames per second via HDMI output
• In-camera LUT application enabling playback of V-Log while or after recording (LUT Display with Custom Function)
• A Waveform Monitor to help you judge your exposure
• High-res 48-kHz/24-bit or 96-kHz/24-bit sound can be recorded in MOV using the XLR Microphone Adaptor DMW-XLR1

The DMW-SFU2 upgrade software key will be available in July 2019 and will cost $199.

New Teleconverters for LUMIX S Telephoto Zoom Lenses

Panasonic has also introduced a 1.4x teleconverter (codename: DMW-STC14) and 2x teleconverter (codename: DMW-STC20). Both are compatible with S series telephoto lenses and especially the LUMIX S PRO 70-200 F/4.0 OIS. Indeed, they are also compatible with the 70-200mm F/2.8 S series lens that should come out later this year.

Screen grab from Panasonic’s press event @ Cine Gear 2019.

The new 1.4x teleconverter transforms your 70-200mm lens into a 98-280mm, while the 2x version converts it to a 140-400mm glass. The teleconverters are dust/splash-resistant and the autofocus continues to work even with the teleconverter.

Like every teleconverter, a light loss of 1 stop or more is to be expected, but we don’t have more information on that.

LEICA DG VARIO-SUMMILUX 10-25mm F/1.7 ASPH

Last but not least, Panasonic doesn’t forget Micro Four Third shooters. The new 10-25mm is a standard zoom lens with a constant F/1.7 aperture (35mm camera equivalent to a 20-50mm). See our initial report here.

Screen grab from Panasonic’s press event @ Cine Gear 2019.

Could this lens become the new standard zoom lens, instead of the LUMIX X 12-35mm F/2.8 ASPH? Except for the price – the LUMIX 12-35mm currently costs around $990.00, and the LEICA 10-25mm will be way above that, see details below.

The LEICA DG VARIO-SUMMILUX 10-25mm F/1.7 ASPH is a premium lens, perfectly suitable for day to day shooting situations and run-and-gun scenarios.

The lens features 17 elements in 12 groups, with three aspherical lenses and four extra-low dispersion lenses to reduce axial, spherical and chromatic aberrations.

The autofocus mechanism is internal; it should be quick and accurate. By pulling the focus ring towards you, you can switch to manual focus quickly. Note that the manual focus ring is not electronic like with the 12-35mm, and there is a manual focus clutch. Also, Panasonic claims that there is a “mechanism that suppresses focus breathing” inside the lens.

For filmmakers, the aperture ring is step-less for precise adjustments, and the 9 aperture blades should provide pleasing, round bokeh. The filter diameter is 77mm. The lens is dust/splash-resistant and you can even use it in cold environments, at up to -10 degrees Celsius.

The first zoom lens in that range that comes to my mind is the famous Sigma 18-35mm f/1.8 (or F/1.4 with a Metabones Speedbooster on a Micro Four Thirds camera). Pricing and performance cannot be compared of course, but this new LEICA DG VARIO-SUMMILUX 10-25mm F/1.7 ASPH seems impressive.

In terms of price and availability, the 10-25mm F/1.7 ASPH will retail for around $1.800 and will be available mid-July this year.

What do you think of these new announcements from Panasonic? Do you consider upgrading your S1? Do you think you’ll get the 10-25mm as your standard zoom lens? Let us know in the comments down below!