Panasonic GH4R With V-Log L Installed is £999 + VAT in UK! V-Log L for Existing Owners is £79

There seems to be still quite a lot of confusion as to the availability of V-Log L for existing GH4 owners, as well as the new model GH4R (also known as GH4RE in the UK). The news about the V-Log L paid upgrade broke from Panasonic US, on which we reported here; however it did take some time before it trickled down through the corporate pipeline to Panasonic EMEA (EU/UK) and the rest of the world. So far, I’ve only been able to find the DMW-SFU1 (V-Log standalone update for existing GH4 owners) for sale in the US. The upgrade is in the form of an activation code, which is mailed to you and is currently available for purchase for $99.95 at B&H.

Here’s what I found out about the availability and pricing on the GH4R and V-Log L upgrade in the UK.

At the moment it looks like the DMW-SFU1 VLOG activation code is sold only in the US, and the rest of the world at the moment can only get the new model with V-Log L installed – called the GH4R and GH4RE in the UK according to the listing on a few UK dealers’ websites. The price for the new model in the UK is £999 + VAT with orders shipping 7th September – this upcoming Monday.

Panasonic-Lumix-GH4_V-Log

I was told by Panasonic today that on Monday in the UK you should be able to order the DMW-SFU1 V-Log L activation code for £79. Some Panasonic websites like the Netherlands one announced the EU pricing at 99 Euro, but so far the actual DMW-SFU1 listing is nowhere to be found apart from Panasonic US. However, it looks like the shipping date for the activation code will not be the same as the GH4R, which means the solo V-Log L update will ship sometime in the next few weeks, hopefully before the end of September.

Here’s is also a video from Panasonic USA on how to install the V-Log activation code and update on your GH4:

(don’t worry your headphones are not broken, the video does not have sound, sigh…)

Team 4K Shooters will be at IBC and we’ll be sure to ask Panasonic reps to provide more specifics.

Screen Shot 2015-09-03 at 18.36.55

Meanwhile, Holdan UK posted this:

With updated V-Log L Compatibility, the LUMIX DMC-GH4 continues to push the boundaries of photography and videography

Panasonic is showcasing the LUMIX DMC-GH4R, an advanced version of the LUMIX DMC-GH4, as well as a comprehensive software update for existing users.

Following the critically acclaimed launch of the LUMIX DMC-GH4, the LUMIX DMC-GH4R comes in response to growing demand from the film production industry. The photo/video hybrid now offers unlimited (1) 4K recording (Cinema 4K: 4096×2160 / 24 fps and QFHD 4K: 3840×2160 / up to 30 fps in MOV/MP4*) and V-Log L video capability, in addition to the high performance and functionality synonymous with Panasonic’s range of LUMIX G CSC cameras. The GH4R will be available from 7th September 2015 and will RRP at £1199.

V-Log L is also available to existing LUMIX DMC-GH4 users, via a paid software upgrade. By purchasing the DMW-SFU1 Upgrade Software Key and updating the camera’s firmware to version 2.3, users of the original LUMIX DMC-GH4 can also enjoy the benefits of V-Log L functionality for a one off cost of £79.

With the updates to the LUMIX DMC-GH4, Panasonic has created a camera that’s perfectly suited to both professional and amateur videographers alike. Panasonic’s 4K technology allows all users to capture immersive video like never before, while unlimited Log recording allows greater flexibility and accuracy for professional videographers.

In addition to exceptional flexibility, Log shooting also enables wider dynamic range for colour grading in post-production. Taking full advantage of the LUMIX DMC-GH4R’s Four Thirds sensor, V-Log L boasts log characteristics with 12 stops, allowing videographers to capture the darkest scenes and avoid ‘bleaching out’ details in very bright environments.

The LUMIX DMC-GH4R is the ideal camera to support Panasonic Varicams used on TV and movie sets. This is due to the Varicam’s V-Log and the LUMIX DMC-GH4R V-Log L curve both being developed with similar characteristics to the Cineon curve, the industry standard for film digitalisation, resulting in being able to use the same LUT (Look Up Table) for reference.

The clean HDMI output from the GH4R provides a higher quality 4:2:2 10bit output with over 984 million more colour graduation, making it the perfect partner for the Atomos 4K Shogun and Ninja Assassin. In addition, when shooting in V-Log L you can utilise the 3D LUT capability of the Atomos 4K recorders to monitor your content in REC709 – or your choice of old film stock or own signature looks.

Compact, rugged and lightweight, the LUMIX DMC-GH4R retains all of the LUMIX DMC-GH4’s specifications, making it the ideal tool for photographers and videographers who want to capture stunning imagery on the move.

(1) Use SDXC/SDHC Memory Card compatible with UHS Speed Class 3 (U3) when using high bitrate video recording mode of 100 Mbps or greater.

V-Log L Activation Procedure Outline for LUMIX DMC-GH4 owners
1. Purchase Upgrade Software key DMW-SFU1.
2. Update the GH4 firmware to Ver.2.3
3. Export the serial number of GH4 to the SD Memory Card as “SERIAL.LST” file.
4. Upload the “SERIAL.LST” file together with the purchased Upgrade Software Key to the designated URL to get an activation code as “ACTIVE.LST” file.
5. Write the “ACTIVE.LST” on the SD Memory Card to import it to GH4.
6. Confirm that V-Log L is available in Photo Style on GH4.

UK Dealer links to the Panasonic GH4R with V-Log installed at £999 + VAT (£1,199 inc. VAT):

Holdan / ProAV / Visual Impact / CVP / Production Gear 

US Dealers – DMW-SFU1-VLOG at $99.95:

B&H Photo & Video

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