V-Log Filmmaker Upgrade SFU2 for LUMIX S1 Installation Procedure
Photo Moment - August 01, 2019
The Panasonic LUMIX S1 V-Log Filmmakers Upgrade (SFU2) is now shipping. Here's how to install it and unlock the full potential of your LUMIX S1! The upgrade is simply a code that is delivered physically (no, not digitally) which you use to unlock features on your camera that were installed in the v1.2 firmware update.
How to get SFU2
If you're reading this before August 2019…
If you purchased your LUMIX S1 in the month of August 2019, then the code should have come with the camera for free. If it did not, go back to your dealer and ask for it.
If you bought the camera before the SFU2 update was released, it is available for free to all existing LUMIX S1 owners until August 31, 2019! Your dealer has the codes and will distribute them to you.
- B&H has sent emails to all customers and will send you the codes directly. If you bought from B&H but haven't heard from them yet… reach out.
- Adorama is sending the codes directly. If you don't receive your code soon… reach out.
- Amazon is sending emails at the end of July to all customers to redeem the code on amazon.com for free. If you don't hear from them soon… reach out.
- For all other dealers, if they haven't called you, then you should… you got it… reach out.
If you're reading this after August 2019…
Then I'm afraid you don't get it for free, but you can still purchase it for $200. Get it here.
How to install SFU2
First off, you have to have already installed the firmware update v1.2 on your LUMIX S1. This SFU2 is simply an unlock procedure to access the features already installed by that update. If you haven't done that yet, I have instructions right here. Go do that first, them come back.
Ready to go? Grab yourself an SD card, and let's get started.
- Format the SD card in the S1. This is good advice for ANY update you run.
- Press the Menu button and navigate to
Setup > Settings (Gear) > Activate > Export Serial Code - Remove the SD card and insert it into your computer, and power off S1
- Open this page: PhotoJoseph.com/SFU2. This redirects to the Panasonic upgrade page. If you want to read more information about the update, visit PhotoJoseph.com/SFU2-about.
- Click “DMW-SFU2” on the web page
- Click the “Choose File” button
- Navigate to your SD card,
PRIVATE > PANA_GRP > PAVC > LUMIX > ACTV > SERIAL.LST, and click Open - Click “Upload”
- Enter the Key Code from your SFU2 Upgrade card
- Click “Register”
- Click “Save to Memory Card” (this just downloads the file)
- Locate the downloaded file, and copy it to the SD card in the the same location as serial number file was, at
PRIVATE > PANA_GRP > PAVC > LUMIX > ACTV - Move the SD card to LUMIX S1 and power on the camera
- Press the Menu button, and navigate to
Setup > Settings (Gear) > Activate > Import Activation Code - Select the SD card, and then process the update
- Power the LUMIX S1 off and back on
- Verify update by pressing the Q button on the camera to open the
Q menu, tapPhoto Stylesand locateV-Log
Download this Panasonic LUT!
Panasonic is providing a LUT that you can use when grading your V-Log files. Open this web page, and scroll to the bottom to download.
What's included in the V-Log Filmmaker Upgrade SFU2?
Here are the features unlocked by the SFU2:
- The video recording modes [MOV] * PAL area only
4K 60p/50p* 4:2:0 8bit LongGOP 150Mbps LPCM 30p/25p* 4:2:2 10bit LongGOP 150Mbps LPCM 24p 4:2:2 10bit LongGOP 100Mbps LPCM FHD 60p/50p* 4:2:2 10bit LongGOP 100Mbps LPCM 30p/25p* 4:2:2 10bit LongGOP 100Mbps LPCM - HDMI 4K60p/50p* 4:2:2 10bit output * PAL area only.
- V-Log is added in Photo Style.
- The [V-Log View Assist] function is added, which enables viewing the V-Log file with LUT (Look Up Table) when recording video in V-Log.
- The [Read LUT File] function is added, which allows users to install and apply their favorite LUT.
- A WFM (Waveform Monitor) display function.
- A [Luminance Level] adjustment function that complies with 10-bit.
- An [XLR Mic Adaptor Setting] function that enables high-res sound recording using the XLR Microphone Adapter DMW-XLR1 (sold separately). * MOV only
🔗 Other links you seek
📄 Full Video Transcript
Easy upgrade… what do you think of the opening shot sample? It's crazy how much latitude is in V-Log!
Those are features reserved for the S1H. Frankly I’m surprised this much capability was added to the S1. Remember this really is more like a G9 (that got V-Log).
Yeah, just got my upgrade and really impressed with full V-Log on the S1 as well.
It's a real shame some quite standard features like "Shutter Angle" are not available in the so called filmmaker update. As an ambassador, are there channels for you to pass on thoughts regarding missing features ? (especially small tweaks like this).
It's a real shame some quite standard features like "Shutter Angle" are not available in the so called filmmaker update. As an ambassador, are there channels for you to pass on thoughts regarding missing features ? (especially small tweaks like this).
hi joseph, i just installed the update on my s1, but I can't find the official panasonic lut to install on premiere.
can you help me?
thank you.
can you help me?
thank you.
This link in the description takes you to a page with everything: https://photojoseph.com/ep483
Where to buy an upgrade so S1 Firmware 2.0?
Firmware updates are free. This video was about the SFU2 which is a paid update to add V-Log, however you can get to the current firmware, 2.2, for free from this page https://av.jpn.support.panasonic.com/support/global/cs/dsc/download/index4.html
Where and how to buy the software key?
Same place you buy the camera — B&H, amazon, any LUMIX dealer camera store
Initially it was a bit tedious but I started over and got it right. Thanks Joseph
Hi Joseph,
I'm in Vietnam, I bought Lumix S1 but no V-Log. I want to buy V-Log but my country don't have, I ordered it on Amazon, BH camera. They said they would send the parcel to my address but I just need them to provide the code via my email. What should I do?
I'm in Vietnam, I bought Lumix S1 but no V-Log. I want to buy V-Log but my country don't have, I ordered it on Amazon, BH camera. They said they would send the parcel to my address but I just need them to provide the code via my email. What should I do?
So ask them to send you the code by email…
WARNING! When you input the key in the website, be careful not to include hyphens! They do not support it! Thank you @PhotoJoseph for all these videos about the S1/S1H, extremely useful.
how much does it cost today to upgrade vlog to s1?
THANK YOU for keeping this quick and spot on! just installed.
Just bought an S1 and installed it! These instructions were perfect. THANK YOU! Also, if you buy the camera from Samys Camera ask the manager if you can have a free code and they should give it to you for free. B&H has that deal too so just tell them their competitor is doing that.
Hello! For some reason I don't have an ACTIVATE option on the settings menu. Do you know why that is? Or is there another way to install the V-Log?
I have this same problem. No ACTIVATE option on the settings menu. Has anyone else dealt with this, or found a work around?
Joseph i installed it but the [Read LUT File] function is not enable in my Lumix S1.
THANK YOU for keeping this quick and spot on! just installed.
Just wondering if the s1r has v-log or is the s1r more stills focused. If not then do you know if they’ll be adding it? Thank you. :)
S1R does not have V-Log, and correct, it is more stills-focused.
if you having trouble finding the activate thing update the firmware of the cam
Thank you so much this is so helpful
You're welcome! I'm working on another V-Log video now, you'll definitely want to see that so if you're not already… sub and hit that 🔔!
PERFECT INSTRUCTIONS! Thank you SO much for doing this video. I was able to complete this in about 10 minutes with your help. These kind of things always make me nervous hoping the camera doesn't crash or that the camera rejects the code. Just subscribed.
Helll sir...where to find key code....i have recently bought S1 ...and very excited to upgrade firmware for filming but canfuse what to write on Key code...plz help me...
Did you watch this video? You have to buy it.
Hi @photojoseph I've been scouring the web for hours trying to find out how to find the shutter count on the S1... The regular shutter count websites don't support the jpegs or raw files. "Exiftools" doesn't show the shutter count, it shows everything else but not the shutter count. Do you know of a way to figure this out? Is there some procedure like the Gh5 had? Would help immensely. Thanks in advance.
PhotoJoseph Just a heads up, the same process works on the S1. Thanks for getting me to answer my own question. Again, love the content, keep em’ coming ✌🏼
PhotoJoseph gets a link that describes it better than I can. https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=6vCqqHgpOFk
Sainte Howard How do you see it on the GH5?
PhotoJoseph hi, yeah the lifetime shutter actuations. For some reason I can’t see it and other softwares that read exifdata won’t display it.
Huh, interesting. I honestly don’t even know how to get that on the GH5; tell me please? You’re talking about lifetime shutter actuations, right?
For some reason my camera keeps saying "no activation code"! I'm following all the steps correctly. Any suggestions?
Zack Paris Scroll down in the comments and look for one from “Hollywood’s best drone crew”. They had a similar problem and found a solution. Let me know if that helps.
great video, I followed step by step and I'm receiving a "No activation code" when trying to complete final step. Any suggestions? The card was formatted beforehand and battery full.
@@photojoseph Hey so I figured it out. My Mac was running on High Sierra operating systems. I tried from my other Mac which was running Mojave and bam it worked.
@@photojoseph yes, I copied the file on same folder as exported id. Hopefully I can figure it out. Thanks for your quick replies
Hollywood's best drone crews hm, and you copied the file to the root level of the SD card? I’d try generating the file again. Haven’t heard of this problem.
@@photojoseph yes when trying to import code
That’s happening when you select “Import Activation Code”?
Sir do you have any idea when vlog L code start to sell. I couldnt take it from my dealer and i need .move 10bit full hd 🤞🏻
Omg thanks for your interest 🙏 i know you are busy and you are giving your time to me thank you. I live in Turkey/istanbul. I bought my camera from dubai i call them and send mail but nobody have idea about vlog code. I give up i can pay for it but i cant find a wat to buy or order.
Sorry about my english. Dealer company; Bidarian general ( panasonic dealer i checked from panasonic website)
I miss my gh5-gh5s rich codecs and 10bit options. I will wait.
Thank you sir thank you for help
Sorry about my english. Dealer company; Bidarian general ( panasonic dealer i checked from panasonic website)
I miss my gh5-gh5s rich codecs and 10bit options. I will wait.
Thank you sir thank you for help
If you’re in US, you can get it for free right now. Why buy? Who did you buy the camera from?
Thank you so much. I tryed to buy from amazon, b&h but there is no stock yet. Thank you i will wait with my all heart 🙂 so exciting
In the Us, it is available now; it has been since this video was released. If you’re international unfortunately I don’t know, but I thought it was everywhere at the same time.
Bad news - The S1 has an absolutely severe blue color clipping issue in VLog in low light situations. Blue LED lights in shadows will literally notch out the green and red channels wherever blue light is reflecting on. This absence of green and/or red will literally leave a HOT blue "blob" isolated and left on it's own. Sony sensors have shown this in the past but this problem in the S1's VLog is horrendous! Important - This artifact only happens in VLog but HLG and rec709 are PERFECTLY fine. I have already contacted Panasonic about it and they are investigating. See this problem demo here. https://youtu.be/1hFBnAGahFM
FYI, Purchased the S1 from Amazon.com (shipped and sold by Amazon) on July 30. Reached out to Amazon for upgrade key and they no nothing about it! Reached out to Panasonic - no help, it has to come from merchant.
@@photojoseph UPDATE: Reached out again to Amazon and quoted the responses here, they sent it to the "promotions" department and ALL IS GOOD - THANK YOU! Here is their response: I understand Panasonic confirms you should have gotten a $199 promotion on order #xxxxxxxxxxxxx for your purchase of Panasonic LUMIX S1 Full Frame Mirrorless Camera with 24.2MP MOS High Resolution Sensor, 24-105mm F4 L-Mount S Series Lens, 4K HDR Video and 3.2" LCD - What I have done to get you this promotion is to refund you this amount. You will see the $199 back on your original payment method in three to five business days.
Utopis Design — you mean from amazon right? That’s how it is supposed to work. Can you share perhaps the subject of that email so Charlie can search his inbox for it? Maybe it went to his spam. Thanks!
i got mine!
they sent my a promo code to purchase it
they sent my a promo code to purchase it
Hmm, that’s not supposed to be how it works. You’re the first to tell me about the amazon experience. First question; amazon USA or are you elsewhere?
Jo,who makes an adaptor for Nikon lens to Lumix S1?
Check here; I did a whole video on this, and have links to a ton of adapters: https://photojoseph.com/moment/not-enough-lenses-lumix-s1-s1h-s1r-wrong/20113
I start with gh5 1 year later upgrade to gh5s and i miss my stabilzation first day. Its also effecr my carrier because i love handheald. But also i learned with gh5 :). Anyway now i bought s1 i feel like there is everythink what i need. Am i panasonic fun boy 😂 definitly yesss
Haha thanks man. And if you still have the GH5S, here’s a good example of when having stabilization is a BAD thing: https://youtu.be/6nkDqsT_STc
Nice video. Got VLOg installed without a hitch. How do you install LUTS however, I can’t get the camera to read any LUTS from the memory cards
Make sure the LUTs have 8 characters or less in their names
I bought mine from amazon (shipped and sold by amazon). How would I go about getting this for free? Don’t mind paying the $200, but free sounds nice! Thank you and great video!
Read the info below my friend… it’s all there :-)
Yeah, just got my upgrade and really impressed with full V-Log on the S1 as well.
It's a real shame some quite standard features like "Shutter Angle" are not available in the so called filmmaker update. As an ambassador, are there channels for you to pass on thoughts regarding missing features ? (especially small tweaks like this).
It's a real shame some quite standard features like "Shutter Angle" are not available in the so called filmmaker update. As an ambassador, are there channels for you to pass on thoughts regarding missing features ? (especially small tweaks like this).
Hm I thought I responded to this… things like shutter angle are reserved for the S1H. Honestly I'm surprised that Panasonic put so much into this S1, and in some ways wish that they hadn't, just to keep the S1 and S1H farther apart, like the G9 and GH5/GH5S. Because yeah when you add V-Log, of course you want shutter angle, too! Who knows, maybe they will add it (I'd like to see it since we have V-log now and this is a more serious video camera), and the S1H looks like it'll be so far beyond the S1 that it'll be a clear differentiator regardless, but at the moment all I can say is that it's one of those features that is reserved for dedicated video-centric cameras.
So I've noticed something interesting with the S1 for video. The 4k/6k photo mode looks like it has better video autofocus tracking then the normal 4k video mode.
The autofocus system refreshers at 60 frames per second, or maybe it’s an interval of that. But 60P is usually the fastest focus.
PhotoJoseph 60p is pretty much the same if not the exact same.
Try putting the camera in 60p for video and see how it compares
The S1 isn’t compatible with DJI Ronin-s as the pip zooms in on the rear screen of the Panasonic S1. I think the price of the camera is high enough without the upgrade. $200 not for me thanks.
David Patheyjohns the upgrade is free if you already paid for the camera or if you get the camera by the end of August....
Any idea why I can't use zebras with V-log in the S1?
PhotoJoseph it doesn't dim it's just not displaying at all when V-log is on. Focus peaking still works but zebras are MIA
Hmm… I will have to look. So the zebra menu dims when V-Log is enabled?
I have uploaded VLog on my Lumix S1 but it has now changed my Lowest ISO to 320. I cannot go below it. Is it what happens or I am missing something? Thanks
When in V-Log, ISO has a higher lowest limit. Go back to a standard profile and you should have your lower settings available again.
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