News

Panasonic has updated its GH5 and GH4 mirrorless cameras. Firmware version 2.7 for the DMC-GH4 fixes a bug in VFR (Variable Frame Rate) shooting mode, where, in some cases, the image stabilization did not operate when non-Panasonic interchangeable lens was used. Firmware version 2.0 for the DC-GH5 models includes numerous fixes and enhancements, including:



1. Compatibility with "LUMIX Tether" PC software

This new firmware enables GH5 tethered shooting via USB, using “LUMIX Tether" PC software. Users can control the camera by connecting it to a PC via USB. Click here to the LUMIX Tether Program.

2. Improved auto focus performance

- Auto focus performance for subjects with low contrast in photo shooting is improved.

- Tracking auto focus performance in video recording is improved.

- The customized AF area can be continuously displayed in [Multi AF] and [Custom Multi AF] during live-view.

- The AF area in [Multi AF] can be moved to the other edge (side, top or bottom) when it reaches one edge.

- The start point of AF lock can be set on the live view screen in advance in [AF Tracking].

- The AF area can be moved while the shutter button is half-pressed or while recording in [Burst Mode], [6K PHOTO] and [4K PHOTO].

3. Improved performance in [6K PHOTO] and [4K PHOTO]

- The waiting time to start the next burst shooting sequence after [6K Burst] and [4K Burst] is shortened to less than half the time.

- [Loop Rec] is available in [6K PHOTO]. Use of Panasonic SD Memory Card with Video Speed Class 90 is recommended for [Loop Rec] of [6K PHOTO].

4. An additional ALL-Intra Video Recording mode

- 4:2:2,10-bit ALL-Intra video recording mode is added to 4K/FHD video recording. Use of SD Memory Card with Video Speed Class 60 or higher is recommended for 4K ALL-Intra video recording. Operation is confirmed with Panasonic SD Memory Card with Video Speed Class 90.

5. 4K HDR video recording

- [HLG] (Hybrid Log Gamma) is added to [Photo Style]. HDR (High Dynamic Range) is a mode to reproduce both bright part and dark part in an image, making it look just as human eyes see. The camera records video with a designated gamma curve compatible with ITU-R BT.2100, and you can now choose Hybrid LogGamma (HLG) in [Photo Style].

- A low-bit-rate recording mode 4K HEVC for HLG was added. This enables playback on AV equipment compatible with the HEVC compression format, such as Panasonic 4K HDR TVs.

6. Enhancement of the Anamorphic video recording mode

- High-Resolution Anamorphic mode, which enables video recording in 18-mega effective pixels, is added. (Recorded in HEVC.)

- [Anamorphic Desqueeze Display] was added, which lets you view an enlarged image in Cinescope size while recording with 2.0x and 1.33x Anamorphic lens.

- [Video Guide Line] is added to display the image in a variety of aspects, such as Cinescope, 16:9 and 1:1 while recording video. This can be used not only in Anamorphic mode but also in other video recording mode.

7. Enhancement of Body I.S. (Image Stabilizer)

- [I.S. Lock(video)] is added. This powerfully compensates for handshake when the viewing angle is fixed.

- A new handshake correction mode is added, which provides optimum correction when using 2.0x and 1.33x Anamorphic lens.

- In VFR (Variable Frame Rate) shooting mode, there were cases where the image stabilization did not operate when non-Panasonic interchangeable lens is used. This bug has been fixed.

8. Correction of white balance setting

- When the K (Kelvin) value was changed after adjusting the color temperature with 2-axis white balance compensation, the setting was reset. This bug has been fixed.

9. Improved usability of Time Lapse Shot

- The time to finish shooting and the number of recordable pictures are displayed on the stand-by screen.

10. Improved usability of Power Save LVF

- Power Save LVF can now be used during all stand-by display options.

11. Wireless functions

- The Bluetooth Remote Control function can be used with Image App, which will also be updated at the same timing with the GH5 firmware release.

- If the camera has not completed image transmission when it is turned off, it restarts transmission when it is turned on with the [Auto Transfer] function.

12. Other improvements

- A rating function using a Fn button is available in Playback Zoom and Multi Playback.

- The following functions can be assigned to Fn buttons - [Constant Preview] [6K/4K PHOTO Bulk Saving] [Min. Shtr Speed] [RAW Processing] [Rec/Playback Switch] [Destination Slot] and [Mic Level Adj.].

- The DISP.Button can be locked.

- In Relay Rec, there were cases where the video file number was not able to be reset. This bug has been fixed.

- In Relay Rec, there were cases where the video file number was reset after formatting the SD Memory Card. This bug has been fixed.

- In Backup Rec, there were cases where the file number was not reset even after applying resetting. This bug has been fixed.

- The image quality when applying the following settings is improved: Extended low ISO, [i.Dynamic] (Intelligent D-range Control) and Highlight Shadow.

Press Release

Blackmagic Design today announced that DaVinci Resolve Studio has been used throughout production and post production on 20th Century Fox’s “Kingsman: The Golden Circle,” including SDR and HDR delivery. Joshua Callis-Smith was responsible for the onset dailies while the online edit and final DI were completed by Goldcrest Post.

The second installment of the Kingsman comic book adaption saw cinematographer George Richmond reunite with DIT Callis-Smith and Goldcrest senior colorist, Rob Pizzey following their work together on“Kingsman: The Secret Service” in 2014.

“Our goal with ‘The Golden Circle’ was to maintain the same slick, rich overall aesthetic as the first film,’ while also ensuring we gave the sequel its own unique look,” begins Callis‑Smith.

“Building on our use of Resolve on the first Kingsman film, I ran all of the images into 25 inch OLED monitors which were calibrated to match the DI suite at Goldcrest, and used a Smart Videohub to route pictures to the video operator, who would in turn distribute those images to everyone else.”



The onset DIT cart also incorporated a Blackmagic UltraStudio 4K capture and playback device along with multiple SmartScope Duo 4K preview monitors. The first grading pass was subsequently completed in DaVinci Resolve with the help of look up tables (LUT) created ahead of time by the colorist, Rob Pizzey.

“‘Kingsman: The Golden Circle’ was a much bigger proposition than ‘Kingsman: The Secret Service,’ with more ambitious VFX shots as well as an HDR deliverable to consider,“ Pizzey explains. “Along with the fact that we were delivering multiple HDR versions including Dolby Vision for theatrical and HDR10 for domestic viewing, we also had a larger number of VFX set pieces, all of which Resolve handled smoothly.”

The conform and online edit was also completed in Resolve Studio by Goldcrest’s Daniel Tomlinson, which allowed the in house team to turn around any edit changes and visual effects updates that took place quickly and efficiently.



“Working from the RAW rushes gave us maximum flexibility. As for all our deliveries, the HDR grade would originate from the live DI timeline, so we could access any part of the original grade and finesse to achieve the best results in HDR,” adds Pizzey. “Grading the HDR is not just about reproducing the REC 709 version on a HDR monitor. It all boils down to how the original material was shot in the first place. On The Golden Circle we could justify sensitively opening up the contrast ratio as we had the dynamic range to work with. Used in a controlled approach, the results can be stunning.”

He concludes: “Our color pipeline has certainly evolved since the first ‘Kingsman,’ we all worked on together, but one piece of the puzzle has remained the same: DaVinci Resolve. Resolve was central to the successful delivery of post production on ‘Kingsman: The Golden Circle.’ Using it ensured color management remained consistent throughout the entire editorial pipeline, from DIT through to the final results.”

Press Photography
Product photos of all Blackmagic Design products, are available at www.blackmagicdesign.com/press/images.

About Blackmagic Design
Blackmagic Design creates the world’s highest quality video editing products, digital film cameras, color correctors, video converters, video monitoring, routers, live production switchers, disk recorders, waveform monitors and real time film scanners for the feature film, post production and television broadcast industries. Blackmagic Design’s DeckLink capture cards launched a revolution in quality and affordability in post production, while the company’s Emmy™ award winning DaVinci color correction products have dominated the television and film industry since 1984. Blackmagic Design continues ground breaking innovations including 6G-SDI and 12G-SDI products and stereoscopic 3D and Ultra HD workflows. Founded by world leading post production editors and engineers, Blackmagic Design has offices in the USA, UK, Japan, Singapore and Australia. For more information, please go to www.blackmagicdesign.com.

Chaos Group released V-Ray 3.6 for Maya, a major update to its Academy Award-winning production renderer. Used on television and film projects like Guardians of the Galaxy 2, Spider-Man: Homecoming, and Stranger Things, this update introduces a new hybrid rendering system that maximizes GPUs and CPUs on high-end VFX productions. V-Ray's new hybrid rendering technology adds CPU support to its NVIDIA CUDA-powered GPU renderer. Now, with V-Ray Hybrid artists will have greater flexibility to render a scene using GPUs, CPUs or a combination of both. The rendered images will be identical, regardless of hardware. This allows artists to use any and all computing power, from high-performance GPU workstations to CPU render nodes. The new version also adds Maya 2018 compatibility. V-Ray 3.6 for Maya is a free update for all V-Ray 3.x customers. Login at chaosgroup.com to download.

Panasonic has released an official video shot on the upcoming, newly-developed AU-EVA1 digital video camera that combines high-quality technology and a lightweight, compact design, ensuring flexibility and professionalism in every filmmaking situation. Director of Photography Filippo Chiesa, colour grading by Frédéric Savoir, Amazing Digital Studios. Apart from the official video (https://youtu.be/Lgn4deS4huc), Panasonic has also published two short films, "Radio 88" Johnny Derango (https://youtu.be/Hnqq9nAM-3E), and "Near to Superstition" by Elle Schneider (https://youtu.be/vgfCNO9-PBk). All the films and their accompanying Behind the Scenes footage can be seen here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCiTi9owcTE9QbEnt5w2vkDA/featured.

With the release of Mac OS "High Sierra" this month, Apple's Final Cut Pro 7 software will no longer be supported. Final Cut Pro 7 users who are looking for alternative edit software will find that switching to DaVinci Resolve 14 is very easy and only takes a few minutes. DaVinci Resolve 14 can import timelines from Final Cut Pro 7, shares many of the same keyboard shortcuts, uses a similar editing and trimming model, and gives users far greater audio and color tools. For customers looking to make the switch to DaVinci Resolve 14, Blackmagic Design has made a video to help show how quick and simple it is to change from FCP 7 to DaVinci Resolve. See it here.