On the heels of the GH4 V-Log announcement for $100, Panasonic has announced firmware 2.3, which is one step in the V-Log upgrade process.
In order to get the log profile that increases dynamic range to 12 stops, you must order a key, and it will then be mailed to you — but first, this 2.3 firmware must be installed. Here's what is in that firmware:
- "Activation function" is added in the menu which enables the camera to comply with "V-Log L" function by using Upgrade Software Key "DMW-SFU1". * Follow the Installation Guide bundled in the Upgrade Software key "DMW-SFU1".
- Recording can be paused or stopped with a press of Fn1 button in [Time Lapse Shot] despite the length of shooting interval.
As far as installing the V-Log update, though keys won't likely start being mailed until next week at the earliest, this is Panasonic's guide to getting V-Log on your camera:
As far as the footage, we had some posted in the previous post, and people like James Miller have been working on LUTs specifically for this flat, log footage:
And here's an interview with Nick Driftwood from Rise and Shine Films at IBC 2015 about the V-Log upgrade:
Video is no longer available: www.youtube.com/watch?v=UbaJmc3EbW4
Head on over to this page to download the 2.3 firmware, and you'll be ahead of the game if you're getting the V-Log update.
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15 Comments
Hey Joe, thank you so much for linking to our interview with Nick! Let us know if you want us to check something out for you at IBC. Cheers
September 13, 2015 at 12:30AM, Edited September 13, 12:30AM
The GH4 V-Log is a 12 F-stop subset of the 16 F-stop Varicam LOG and can use the free to download Varicam LOG LUTs. ( the LOG curves are identical )
You can also use the ARRI ALEXA LUTs with GH4 V-Log footage as the ALEXA LOG curve is very similar to the Varicam LOG curve. ( ALEXA LUTs are also free to download )
September 13, 2015 at 12:05PM, Edited September 13, 12:06PM
It looks great. Big fan of Miller Deluts. I do wish more Vlog L footage was graded more "modernly cinematic". Everything I've seen so far has been "trying to look filmic" rather than... filmic. Still new I know. So far I'm quite certain the GH4 will be the ultimate indie period piece camera. I hope it has some some other tricks up it's sleeve. Can't wait for the code arrival.
cheers
September 13, 2015 at 2:03PM
Agreed, the graded footage is "trying to look filmic" rather than filmic.
September 13, 2015 at 10:41PM, Edited September 13, 10:47PM
Feature wish list: Rack focus and the ability to A-B with the app. How about a three minute burst of 10bit 422 straight to the card. Not much use for event videography but totally usable for indi-filmmaking. It's absolutely doable, let us worry about the media.
September 14, 2015 at 5:53AM
A bit off topic, but does anyone know how to purchase the V-log activation key outside the US? Is it available?
I'm in the UK.
September 14, 2015 at 6:17AM
You can get it here in the UK :) http://www.panasonic.com/uk/consumer/cameras-camcorders/camera-accessori...
September 14, 2015 at 6:44AM, Edited September 14, 6:44AM
Thanks Mark. I see that page but can't see how you actually purchase from there? Have you been able to do this?
September 14, 2015 at 9:07AM
I think you can't buy it because it's not available for delivery yet. I'm coming to London in two weeks and will follow it up. Right now I'm in France and it's not available either. http://shop.panasonic.fr/DMW-SFU1GU/DMW-SFU1GU,fr_FR,pd.html
September 14, 2015 at 10:26AM
V-Log can be enabled without purchasing the code. You just need the Panasonic Image App on your phone or tablet and firmware v2.3 on your GH4.
Instructions:
http://lintelfilm.uk/blog/
September 15, 2015 at 10:00AM, Edited September 15, 10:02AM
Yup, I don did it. Toying with it as we speak!
September 15, 2015 at 10:04AM
That's too bad.
But if you like it, maybe buy the code to support the continued development of the GH4 platform. When people end up stealing a product (which is using something without paying for it. regardless of exploit or not), companies see it as the same as "No one is buying it, why bother developing it further?".
It's 99 dollars. If you have 2k for a camera and lens you very likely have 99 dollars to support development of the product and community.
September 15, 2015 at 11:06AM
http://www.dvxuser.com/V6/showthread.php?340352-GH4-V-Log-FREE-!!&p=1986...
Get it for free, leverage Panasonic to give us full vlog, now that I would pay for, even if it was $400.00
September 15, 2015 at 10:52AM
zebras DO in fact work as Mark Angelil indicates, however the workaround HAS cost me my "extended" ISO settings as described here: http://suggestionofmotion.com/blog/panasonic-gh4-setup-iso-increments/
September 16, 2015 at 1:36PM, Edited September 16, 1:35PM
Here's Panasonic's official response...
http://lumixlounge.com/2015/09/vloglactivationissue/
TLDR; Basically Panasonic wants your $100 bucks and is going to disable the feature you found a hack to enable. Also, you can't have it yet.
Here's the official response
Many thanks to those who have recently purchased the LUMIX GH4 V-Log L upgrade. We are aware of an oversight in our Panasonic Image App which allows enabling of V-Log L as a “custom” setting without purchase. This was not our intent, and our apologies for the oversight.
We appreciate the many messages of support for the continuing development of innovative new products and features, and Panasonic intends to stand behind your investment in V-Log L and the LUMIX GH4. Therefore, it’s important to know that future LUMIX GH4 firmware upgrades, including mobile app upgrade pushes, will disable unlicensed activations of V-Log L. In addition, it’s Panasonic’s service policy to upgrade firmware during warranty claims, thereby eliminating unlicensed features. Thank you again for your continued support of Panasonic and the LUMIX G camera system and innovations yet to come.
NOTE
A new firmware V2.4 will be available starting Sept 17th. Use of the V-Log L workaround associated with firmware Version 2.3 runs the risk of the Zebra Function not working and the Histogram reading improperly.
(Pricing: http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1182741-REG/panasonic_dmw_sfu1_vlo...)
September 17, 2015 at 8:36AM, Edited September 17, 8:49AM