Is The Panasonic Lumix G9 II Getting 12-bit RAW HDMI Out?

A major upgrade to the Lumix G9 II is on its way, here’s what you need to know.
<p>Featuring a powerful new sensor and updated processing engine, the <strong>Panasonic Lumix G9 II Mirrorless Camera</strong> is designed for content creators needing strong stills performance and sophisticated video options. </p>

According to the reports, Panasonic has shared that the goal for this update is to give the Lumix G9 II the ability to be more flexible and adaptable to different and more diverse workflows.

With this 12-bit RAW HDMI out update, the G9 II will be able to send a RAW signal directly to an external recorder, most likely a Blackmagic Design or Atomos one, for BRAW or ProRes RAW, respectively.

Here are the current full specs of the Lumix G9 II:

25.2MP Live MOS Micro Four Thirds Sensor
C4K/4K 60p 4:2:2 10-Bit Video Recording
100MP Handheld High-Res Mode
5-Axis Sensor Stabilization; Dual I.S. 2
3.68m-Dot 0.8x-Magnification OLED LVF
3.0 1.84m-Dot Free-Angle Touchscreen
779-Point Phase-Detection AF System
ISO 25600 and 75 fps Continuous Shooting
Dual UHS-II SD Slots; Wi-Fi & Bluetooth
Weather-Sealed Design

What this means for the G9 II’s workflow is that creatives will be able to get 5.7K, 5.7K, C4K, 5.8K (4:3), and 4.4K (4:3) 12-bit RAW resolution footage, which should unlock some far more advanced and useful footage for your high-end video projects.

Also, with this upcoming firmware update, Panasonic has shared that when recording in Cinema 4K resolution at 120p or 100p—or in 5.7K resolution at 60p or 50p—it's recommended that a constant bitrate of 5:1 or less should be used for SSD recording.

In addition, it sounds like the Lumix G9 II will also be able to send the same resolutions and framerates in 12-bit RAW via HDMI to one of the Atomos recorders like the Ninja V, Ninja V+, Ninja, Ninja Ultra, Shogun, Shogun Ultra or Shogun Connect too, further unlocking a lot of higher-end recording options in addition to Apple ProRes RAW support.

On top of that, it looks like Panasonic will be adding some additional functionality along with a new LUT exclusively designed to use with this RAW video to allow for a better color grade workflow using V-Log.

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With a 25.2MP Live MOS sensor and new engine, LUMIX G9II also offers the first Phase Detection Autofocus in the LUMIX G series. Shoot continuously with speed and precision. This flagship model has improved high-speed performance and mobility to create still images to capture the decisive moment. AFC burst shooting of up to approximately 3 seconds, with the viewfinder staying blackout-free, as well as incredible slow-motion video.