When you use DPReview links to buy products, the site may earn a commission. Image: Panasonic Panasonic has announced new firmware for its Lumix S1RII (Ver. 1. 3), S1II (Ver. 1. 2 ) and S1IIE (Ver.
1. 2) cameras. The updated firmware promises an improved shooting experience and enhanced functionality with changes to autofocus performance, thermal control and more.
The most notable change Panasonic is bringing to its full-frame S1 series cameras is improved autofocus features. Panasonic states that the new firmware for all three models will provide enhanced autofocus tracking stability in their generic tracking modes due to algorithm improvements.
On the left is how Panasonic has handled the display for eye detection autofocus. On the right is the new option, which uses a rectangle over the eye.
Screenshots: Mitchell Clark
The updates add an option to only display the autofocus frame on your selected subject, rather than on it and every other possible subject in the frame, providing a cleaner UI. Panasonic has also added an option to change how the autofocus frame is displayed when tracking a human eye, letting you choose to use a standard rectangle outline. Previously, the camera would place a square over the entire face with a target over the eye. That option is still available for those who like it, but the update makes the eye recognition AF display more similar to what other brands do.
Another important update comes from an improved thermal control algorithm. Panasonic says the update makes the camera react less to environmental factors, such as direct sunlight or a sudden swing in temperature, like you may see when moving from an indoor to an outdoor location. The company says the cameras should be able to achieve longer record times in their most demanding modes; for example, you can now expect double the record time when shooting DCI 4K in 120p, recording to a CFexpress card, and an even bigger increase when recording to an SD card.
The company has also made it so that the front-plate record button won't do anything in photo mode.
There's a healthy list of other changes, too. Panasonic added a lower-speed burst option to its electronic shutter burst mode (SH burst shooting) on the S1RII (20 fps) and S1II (30 fps). All three cameras get MP4(Lite), a low-bitrate video format that records 3:2 Open Gate at 30p or 25p with a 50 Mbps data rate. It promises to deliver files that are approximately 41% smaller than standard MP4 clips at similar settings. The company has also made it so that, by default, the front-plate record button won't do anything in photo mode, which should cut down on the number of accidental clips people take. (If you've already reassigned the button, don't worry; your setting should be preserved through the update. )
The company has also included a few new options to help manage your ISO. You can now set one of your dials to switch directly between manual and auto ISO mode, when previously you had to scroll through the entire range to get back to auto mode. If you prefer, you can also assign a button to toggle between auto and manual ISO as well. The ISO display for video mode also gets an update that makes it clear when your camera is using its sensor's low or high gain step, if you have it set to switch between them automatically.
If your ISO is in the blue region, it uses the low-gain step, and if it's in the red region, it uses the high-gain step. It's a useful indicator, given that different color modes, such as Log or Cinelike A2, will have different base ISOs.
Alongside the firmware updates, Panasonic has also released Version 1. 4 of the Lumix Flow app, which is designed for creators shooting video and filmmakers. It brings changes that the company says have been requested by the app's users, including support for LUT live view within the app, the ability to carry over frame markers from the camera to the app and improved AF frame display.
All of the firmware updates are available for download as of November 25, 2025, at 8:00 pm EST / November 26, 2025, at 1:00 am UTC.
Press release:
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 updNovember 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.
2025-11-25 17:00
