I’ve been using this camera for a few months and overall it’s a fantastic piece of kit. I have a few bugbears which I’ll briefly mention at the end.
I’ve compiled this blog post which contains some useful info which may be helpful, I’ll keep updating it. Please feel free to chime in on the comments section if you have any questions, or have anything to add.
DC-S1 latest firmware
Latest firmware notes:
- Click link below for list of notes.
| DC-S1 FIRMWARE | RELEASE DATE |
|---|---|
| 2.1 | 2021-07-13 |
Download page: av.jpn.support.panasonic.com
MC-21 EF-L firmware update
If you use the Sigma EF-L lens adapter, this may be of interest. To my surprise, the 1.1 firmware update enabled me to use my Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS USM lens! Previously this lens wouldn’t work while using the adapter, all my other Canon glass work fine.
Firmware updates may enable other lenses to work, please let me know in the comments if you discover anything.
- Instructions for updating your MC-21 EF-L adapter are given by Sigma on the download page link below.
| MC-21 EF-L FIRMWARE | RELEASE DATE |
|---|---|
| 1.3 | 2020-06-25 |
Download page: sigma-global.com/en/download/lenses/firmware/mount-converter_mc21/ef-l/
Firmware homepage: sigma-global.com/en/download/lenses/firmware/
MENU / SET button behaviour
Pressing menu keeps loading the purple ‘My Menu’ instead of the last item used. This can be annoying! to fix:
- PERSON* > Edit My Menu > Display from My Menu > OFF
*This denotes the icon on the first level menu to the far left of the screen.
Constant Preview while manual focusing
To enable shutter / apeture preview while manual focusing, useful for focusing on stars in the night sky, etc.
- COG > Monitor / Display 1 > Constant Preview > SET
- Preview While MF Assist > ON
Timelapse Exposure Leveling
The Lumix S1 has a great little feature for timelapse photography called ‘Exposure Leveling’. This essentially acts like a ramping tool, automatically letting more-or-less light hit the sensor.
If you shoot in M mode, you need to make sure you set your ISO to ‘Auto’ for this to work.
Filming in 5K
NOTE: Depreciated info. Native 5k+ recording now avaialable with firmware 2.0+.
It’s possible to capture 5k footage with the S1. This is also the only way to get a 4K DCI capture, if that’s your thing.
Features:
- 5184×3456 pixels
- Can capture in VLOG (min. firmware 1.2)
- 200 mbit/s
- 10 bit
Considerations:
- 30fps only
- 3:2 aspect ratio
- 10 min max. recording time
- Cropped frame (in-between full frame and APS-C)
- H.265 container
Here’s how to set this up
First set up the Burst Shot lever (under the dial on the left of the camera):
Nb. you can set this to either 1 or 2, it’s up to you.
- CAMERA > Others (Photo) 1 > Burst Shot 1 Setting > 6K/4K PHOTO
Now configure the 6K burst settings to suit video capture:
- CAMERA > Others (Photo) 2 > 6K/4K PHOTO
- Picture Size / Burst Speed > 6K 18M
- Rec Method > 6K Burst (S/S)
Bugbears
Monitor / Display
It doesn’t seem possible to hide the focus reticule. Panasonic… why?
Updated: Thursday, 23rd July 2020
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