As predicted, Panasonic released the eagerly awaited V-LOG for the GH4 camera. But alas, it is not free. Like it or not, if you want it, you will have to shell out $99.
And it’s pay now and wait. Yes, there is a download that you have to do first, but according to instructions on the Panasonic Store site, you have to wait for a “kit” to be shipped to you.
That kit will include a key code and maybe a secret decoder ring. (Ok, maybe no secret decoder ring.) It does not mention when it will be shipped and if you search for it on the site, the upgrade is described as a “Preorder”.
Here’s the procedure:
1. Purchase the key code kit DMW-SFU1 from this page. This is not for immediate download, as its kit that will be shipped to you.
2. Update a fully charged LUMIX GH4 with firmware Version 2.3 from the Global Joint Update Service. Click here to download.
3. Export the camera’s serial number to an SD Memory Card by inserting the SD card into the camera and press [Menu] -> [Setup] -> [Activate] -> [Export Serial Code] to save serial code as “SERIAL.LST” file.
4. Upload the SERIAL.LST file by inserting the SD card into your computer. From the Update Portal Web Page use BROWSE to find and select “SERIAL.LST” file on the SD card. “SERIAL.LST” is saved in folder of PRIVATE > PANA_GRP > PAVC > LUMIX > ACTV > “SERIAL.LST then press [Upload] to proceed.
5. Input “Key Code” from the kit you purchased in “Upgrade Software Key” to this website to get an activation code. [ Alphabet on key code must be a big letter to input. Please be careful with misspelling such as 1 (one ) and I ( big letter of “i”) or 0 (zero) and O ( big letter of “o”) Please input key without hyphen (-). ] Click Register
6. ACTIVE.LST should auto download from the site. Save this file to the SD card in the folder PRIVATE > PANA_GRP > PAVC > LUMIX > ACTV .
7. Insert the SD card into the same fully charged LUMIX GH4 and press [Menu] -> [Setup] -> [Activate] -> [Import Activation Code]
8. When prompted power cycle the camera. You will find your new V-LOG L feature under the Menu “Photo Style”.
One more thing, a check of the link to the firmware upgrade reveals that the upgrade is not listed yet and therefore not available.
We will update you as to when the mystery package (and secret decoder ring) will ship.