Everyone’s turning their cameras into webcams via software updates these days, and Panasonic is the latest to join that crowd.
The update is called “Lumix Tether for Streaming” which eliminates GUI overlays and allows for a clear image to stream to your computer. PetaPixel does note that this update is only for live streaming and not for making your Panasonic compatible with Zoom or other video-conferencing apps. You’ll need to do some extra legwork to get that functionality. So far the update only works with Windows and supports the following Panasonic models: GH5, G9, GH5S, S1, S1R, and S1H.
The update description on Panasonic’s page reads in part, “As ‘LUMIX Tether’ is a software program originally designed for tethered shooting, GUIs such as a focus area mark as well as control panels are displayed with live view images on the PC monitor during USB tethering. However, these graphic items become a hindrance when the software is used to capture camera view for live streaming. In response to the demands of customers to resolve this issue, LIVE VIEW mode has been added on ‘LUMIX Tether for Streaming (Beta).’ It enables displaying camera view only, making it easy for the separate streaming software to read it. Users can choose to show or hide these graphic items during USB tethering according to the usage purpose.”
Do you own a Panasonic camera?
Will you be using this software update to transform your device into a webcam?
What do you think of this trend among manufacturers to release updates incorporating this feature?
Let us know your thoughts in the comments section below.
Don’t forget to check out our other photography news articles on Light Stalking by clicking this link right here.