Panasonic has unveiled a new G Series camera – the LUMIX GH5M2 – demonstrating the company’s continued commitment to the G Series Micro Four Thirds mirrorless camera system by delivering key new enhancements for G Series aficionados: including wireless live streaming capability; C4K[i]/4K 60p[ii] 4:2:0 10-bit video recording and simultaneous output of 4:2:2 10-bit over HDMI during 4K 60p 4:2:0 10-bit internal recording; V-Log L pre-installed; and unlimited recording in all video modes.
James Choi, Product Marketing Manager, Imaging, Panasonic, said: “With the GH5M2 we are proud to introduce industry-leading live streaming capabilities for modern content creators – including direct to platform wireless live streaming, with wired IP streaming and tethered mobile streaming to be available in the future. This will allow today’s content creators to take advantage of the acclaimed image quality and usability of the GH line, such as 4K 60p 10-bit internal recording, unlimited recording modes, and robust ergonomics, while also being able to live stream wherever and whenever they desire.”
Key Features
The LUMIX GH5M2 is the first G Series model to offer high quality wireless live streaming – with simply the camera and a smartphone – using the LUMIX Sync app. The camera complies with H.264 in RTMP/RTMPS protocol, allowing streaming directly to platforms such as You Tube or Facebook without the need for a paid cloud streaming server. In addition, 1080p Full HD at up to 60 frames per second 16Mbps[iii] maximises video quality.
For wired live streaming, the LUMIX Webcam Software download allows the GH5M2 to act as a high quality webcam, connecting directly to a PC via USB. With a future firmware update, the camera will support wired IP streaming (RTP/RTSP) with the benefit of high image quality and greater stability, which will provide greater flexibility for live production and multi-camera setups.[iv]
The GH5M2 delivers up to 6.5-stops slower shutter speeds[v] for impressively stable handheld shooting and video panning, via the advanced Body I.S. (Image Stabiliser) and the latest algorithm developed for the S1H – an improvement over the GH5 by 1.5 stops. The camera also incorporates a 20.3-megapixel Digital Live MOS Sensor with a new Anti-Reflective (AR) coating for maximum lens performance, and an updated image processor with the latest high-speed Venus Engine. The AF improvements first introduced with the S Series for more accurate subject detection and precise focusing – particularly for faces and heads, as well as animals and moving objects – enhance both video recording and still shooting.
Other capabilities that will be welcomed by G Series users include 4K 60p 10-bit internal recording, external output via HDMI and V-log L profile pre-installed in the camera.
The GH5M2 boasts a rugged field-ready design. As well as having a magnesium alloy full diecast front/rear frame, it is splash[vi] and dust-resistant and also freeze-resistant down to -10 degrees Celsius. Dual SD card slots offer further flexibility with relay recording and backup support. To enhance shooting ergonomics, a versatile free-angle 3.0-inch LCD rear monitor (3:2 aspect, 1840K-dot) features a higher luminosity than the GH5, plus superior colour reproduction for better visibility in outdoor shooting situations.
The GH5M2 includes Bluetooth 4.2 and Wi-Fi 5GHz (IEEE802.11ac)[vii]/ 2.4GHz (IEEE802.11b/g/n). Conveniently, most GH5 accessories, such as the XLR microphone adaptor, the shutter remote control and the battery grip, can also be used with the GH5M2.
To further enhance performance and usability, GH5M2 firmware updates are scheduled for June 8, 2021. They will include Live View Composite, USB Tethering, and RTP/RTSP Wired IP Streaming. In addition, when LUMIX G / LEICA DG lenses are used with the GH5M2, users will be able to choose between linear or non-linear control of the focus ring, allowing for more precise and repeatable focus transitions when using manual focus.
High quality video and advanced editing
The GH5M2 features outstanding video performance for professional videography and is capable of unlimited video recording in all video modes. In addition, the camera can record C4K/4K 60p 4:2:0 10-bit; and also offers simultaneous output of 4:2:2 10-bit over HDMI during 4K 60p 4:2:0 10-bit internal recording. With no crop when recording in 4K 60p, the user can capture video in the original viewing angle of the lens.
V-Log L comes pre-installed in the camera, delivering high dynamic range with broad colours, and renders a very flat image while maintaining all of the color information within the image. Designed with consistent colour management and an easier post production workflow in mind, the recorded footage is easily matched with V-Log L footage recorded by the LUMIX S1/S1H/S5 or LUMIX GH5/GH5S/BGH1. 35 conversion LUTs for VariCam cinema cameras can be downloaded free of charge for use in the LUMIX GH5M2.
Like the S1H – the S Series video flagship full-frame mirrorless camera – the LUMIX GH5M2 includes the HLG gamma profile and has two types of Cinelike gamma presets selectable in Photo Style. HLG allows for high dynamic range video shooting with minimal need for editing, thanks to its broadcast-ready colour gamut format. With the included Cinelike modes, impressive warm skin tones or delicate nuances of light and shadow can be reproduced even without colour grading over V-Log L footage. The Cinelike D2 setting gives priority to dynamic range and the Cinelike V2 prioritises contrast. MonochromeS and L.ClassicNeo Photo Styles, which were first introduced on the LUMIX S5, have also been added. All these modes can be used for Anamorphic video recording. For VFR (Variable Frame Rate) recording, C4K/4K 60fps, Anamorphic 50fps and FHD180fps are available. AF can be set before starting VFR recording. The GH5M2 also incorporates cinema-standard practical video assist tools such as Waveform Monitor and V-Log L View Assist.
Other shooting assist functions include Frame Markers for checking composition during recording. A wide range of aspect ratios are supported, including those for popular social media platforms – 16:9, 4:3, 1:1, 4:5, 5:4 and 9:16. In addition, the REC Frame Indicator allows the user to check at a glance if the camera is recording or not.
High-precision AF
The GH5M2 features high-speed, high-precision AF. In addition to the eye, face and body, the head is also separately recognised by real-time detection technology to provide even more precise focusing. The camera keeps tracking subjects when they move quickly, turn away, tilt their head or move far away from the camera. Also, improvements to DFD technology have enhanced AFC, which allows the camera to keep tracking small or fast-moving subjects and capture them in crisp focus. The GH5M2 detects the eye and face at a 2x faster recognition cycle speed than the GH5, even if they are around 50% smaller in the frame.
Reliability and versatility in the field
The camera is highly reliable in the field, with secure construction and a sealing for every joint, dial, and button. The shutter unit also has a life of around 200,000 cycles. For outdoor use, the GH5M2 uses the DMW-BLK22 2200mAh high capacity battery first launched with the LUMIX S5. The battery complies with USB PD (Power Delivery), convenient when travelling and using a USB power bank, and can also be recharged via AC or USB. The GH5M2 has a double SD Memory Card slot compatible with high-speed, high capacity UHS-II for Relay, Backup or Allocation Recording.
Content sharing with smartphones is streamlined using Bluetooth 4.2 Low Energy connection, Wi-Fi 5-GHz (IEEE802.11ac) and 2.4GHz Wi-Fi® (IEEE 802.11b/g/n). With an always-on Bluetooth connection, a smartphone can act as the camera’s remote control via the LUMIX Sync app. The settings of a GH5M2 camera can also be copied and transmitted to other GH5M2 cameras when shooting using multiple cameras (either via LUMIX Sync or SD Card).
The camera is compatible with the LUMIX Tether applications which enable tethered shooting via USB. Users can control the camera by connecting it to a PC and view images on a large PC screen while shooting, useful in situations where continuous confirmation is required.
A number of GH5 optional accessories can be used with the GH5M2. They include a Microphone Adaptor (DMW-XLR1) for professional XLR microphones to record high-quality stereo sound, as well as switchable Mic, Line and Condenser Microphones. The Battery Grip (DMW-BGGH5E) extends battery life and provides controls for portrait oriented shooting, and the camera is also compatible with the Shutter Remote Control (DMW-RS2) and a Tripod Grip (DMW-SHGR1).
Future Firmware updates
Firmware Update for GH5M2 – by the end of 2021
- Live View Composite
- USB Tethering(4G/5G Smartphone Link) Compatible Streaming Distribution for more stable connection with smartphones
- RTP/RTSP wired IP streaming – by connecting the camera to the PC via wired LAN, high quality video with sound can be stably streamed to social streaming platforms. A USB Ethernet adaptor is required.
Firmware update for LUMIX G / LEICA DG lenses
- Users will be able to choose linear or non-linear control over the focus ring when lenses are used with the GH5M2. For Non-Linear, focus is shifted according to the rotation speed of the focus ring, and for Linear, focus is shifted according to the rotational quantum of the focus ring. Sensitivity (the amount of focus shift per rotational quantum) can be selected from 90 to 360 degrees in 30-degree increments.
- Compatible lenses: H-E08018, H-X1025, H-ES12060, H-ES50200, H-RS100400, H-XA025, H-ES200, H-HSA12035, H-FS12060, H-HSA35100, H-FSA45200 and H-FSA100300.
The firmware program for the above G Series lenses will be available at the LUMIX Global Customer Support site https://av.jpn.support.panasonic.com/support/global/cs/dsc/download/index.html on June 8, 2021
LUMIX GH5M2 Pricing and Availability
LUMIX DC-GH5M2GN: Body only: RRP $2699
LUMIX DC-GH5M2LEICA: Kit with 12-60mm LEICA DG lens (H-ES12060E): RRP $3799
LUMIX DC-GH5M2PRO: Kit with 12-35mm LUMIX G lens (H-HSA12035E): RRP $3799
LUMIX DC-GH5M2M: Kit with 12-60mm LUMIX G lens (H-FS12060E): RRP $2999
The GH5M2 will be available in July 2021 from leading photographic specialists.
For further information, please visit www.panasonic.com.au or call 132 600.
[i] Corresponding to 4K (4096×2160) as defined by Digital Cinema Initiatives (DCI).
[ii] On condition that the camera is under the environment where the operation is guaranteed and is running on the battery. Recording time depends on the capacity of the battery and the SD Memory Card. Recording may stop in C4K/4K 60p 10-bit and Anamorphic mode automatically to protect the camera.
[iii] 16Mbps cannot be selected when the RTMPS URL is set.
[v] Based on the CIPA standard [Yaw/Pitch direction: focusing distance f=60mm (35mm camera equivalent f=120mm) when H-ES12060 is used.
[vi] Splash Resistant is a term used to describe an extra level of protection this camera offers against exposure to a minimal amount of moisture, water or dust. Splash Resistant does not guarantee that damage will not occur if this camera is subjected to direct contact with water. To avoid damage when using the camera under these conditions, it must be used in accordance with associated instructions in the manual. Dust and Splash Resistant does not guarantee that damage will not occur if this lens is subjected to direct contact with dust and water. To avoid damage when using the camera under these conditions, it must be used in accordance with associated instructions in the manual.
[vii] 5GHz Wi-Fi is not available in some countries.