How to install firmware in a LUMIX camera using an SD card

Steps to Install

 

Step 1 - Preparation before attempting the update.

 

1. Make sure the camera’s battery is completely charged. If the battery is not completely charged the firmware update will not begin.
2. Format the SD memory card in the camera, then take 1 or 2 photos using that card. It is recommended to take 1-2 photos prior to starting the firmware download. This prevents the message: "No Valid Image to Play" from appearing when you reboot the updated camera.
3. Turn off the camera.

 

Step 2 - Copying the Firmware to your memory card.

 

1. Download the firmware file from the Panasonic web site. (Opens in a new window)
   • Note: Confirm that the version is newer than the version already installed on the camera.
2. When updating your product, you must download the model specific firmware update. There are several lenses that have multiple versions. The model number of the lens must match the file you download, or it will not work! (e.g: Model S-R24105 will require the file starting with "S-R24105").
3. Firmware files are offered in both .EXE and .ZIP formats to accommodate both MS Windows and Mac users. Once the file is downloaded, the firmware file MUST FIRST BE EXTRACTED from the file that was downloaded.
4. For the ZIP file, unzip the file to a folder on your PC. For the EXE file, run the file and extract the file to a folder of your choice.
5. COPY and PASTE the file (DO NOT “drag and drop”) to the root of the SD card.

 

Step 3 - Updating the Camera’s firmware and confirming the update.

 

For "G" Series Cameras and Point & Shoot Models

1. The prepared card is to be inserted into the camera while the camera is powered off.
   • For “dual slot” cameras, insert card into slot “A.”
2. The camera is to be turned on and set to the “P” mode.
3. Press the PLAY button and the firmware will begin to update.
4. Reboot the camera once it is finished.
5. To verify the update was successful, go into the camera MENU and verify the version has been updated to the newly downloaded firmware.

 

For "S" Series Cameras

1. The prepared card is to be inserted into the camera while the camera is powered off.
   • For “dual slot” cameras, insert card into slot “A.”
2. The camera is to be turned on and set to the “P” mode.
3. Go into the UTILITY MENU, select FIRMWARE, UPDATE FIRMWARE, and press ENTER. It does not start automatically like the "G" Series.
4. Reboot the camera once it is finished.
5. To verify the update was successful, go into the camera MENU and verify the version has been updated to the newly downloaded firmware.

 

Related FAQs

 

What SD cards are compatible with Panasonic (LUMIX) cameras?

All LUMIX camera models being sold today are compatible with all SD cards being offered by the mainstream SD card manufacturers. These brands include, but are not limited to, Panasonic, LEXAR, Sony, Sandisk, ProGrade and Anglebird. We strongly suggest that known reputable brands are used. Cards that can be found costing below market price may be less reliable and may not perform consistently.

**Please note that the latest update of the content in this FAQ has taken place in May 2020.

I am having a problem updating the lens firmware, despite following the instructions explicitly.

Panasonic has offered several versions of the same lenses such as, but not limited to, our 12-60mm, 12-35mm, 35-100mm, 14-140mm, and 42.5mm lenses.

Confirm that you download the correct firmware for your product. You must ensure that the firmware version and lens model number are the same.

Following the instructions explicitly, the firmware update process appeared to end, but when checking the firmware version, it was the one before the update.

If you see the "updating" message and the status bar your firmware will be updated upon completion. If the camera already had the same version of the firmware that you were attempting to install, the update message and status bar may not appear, at all. Check the version currently installed and the version you are trying to update to.

How long does a firmware update take?

This is case specfic. The size of the update determines how long. Body updates may take 5-10 minutes. Major Body updates take much longer. Lens updates are much faster, generally from 30 seconds to as long as 2-3 minutes.

What does the message "No Valid Image To Play" mean?

This indicates to you that there is no image available to be played off of your SD card. This message has no impact on the operation of your device and it is informing you that there are no available images for preview. This statement DOES NOT indicate that the update was unsuccessful or that any error occurred.

This is why it is recommended to take 1-2 photos before beginning your firmware update (see step 2 in the "Preparation before attempting the update" section). If you follow the steps for setup and ensure you take photos before starting your update, you will not recieve this message once you have rebooted.