Panasonic has further strengthened its line up of full-frame, L-Mount products with the release of a new Lumix camera and lens. They have added a new model to the popular and highly successful S5-series cameras, which now possesses a DJI Lidar feature. Excitingly, for existing L-Mount camera users, they are also introducing an extremely compact and lightweight 18-40mm f/4.5-6.3 zoom lens. This is likely to be a perfect complement to their controversial S9 camera, introduced back in the summer, and now available in a ‘smokey white’ colour.
Expansion of the L-Mount ecosystem
Panasonic continues to build out the range of options available within this system with the announcement of a suite of a new Lumix camera and lens. Owners of existing L-Mount cameras, especially those who bought the recently released Lumix S9 compact camera, will be especially pleased to see a compact, lightweight zoom with a very versatile focal length range.
Lumix S5D
The original full-frame Panasonic Lumix S5 has been updated and will be available as the S5D. It includes a new OLED EVF and DJI LiDAR compatibility at a low price of €1,599 | £1,399 for a kit including the LUMIX S series 18-40 f/3.5-6.3 lens. When sold with the Lumix 20-200mm f/4-7.1 lens it will cost €2,099 | £1,799.
Lumix S 18-40 f/4.5-6.3
The new Lumix S 18-40 f/4.5-6.3 is claimed to be the world’s smallest and lightest zoom lens. It weighs just 155g and is designed to be a compact and lightweight addition to the Lumix S series camera, particularly for the new S9. The lens covers focal lengths from an ultra-wide angle of 18mm to a standard 40mm, with a closest shooting distance of 0.15m/0.49ft, allowing for the flexibility to capture expansive landscapes and buildings or portrait shots in a natural perspective. In addition, the lens incorporates the high-quality video performance expected from LUMIX with effective focus breathing suppression.
The lens, which will be a welcome addition for all L-Mount users, is the thinnest full-frame zoom at 40.9mm when retracted.
Firmware updates
Panasonic has introduced a host of firmware updates for its full-frame mirrorless Lumix S9, S5II, S5IIX as well as for the micro four-thirds G9II camera. The updates improve the shooting experience and enhance functionality.
Lumix S9 version 1.1
- A recording time limit menu added with option to record without time limitation
- Display feature for multiple frame markers, allowing the display of up to three frame-line markets simultaneously.
- Improved phase hybrid autofocus with enhanced subject detection
- Compatibility with the Lumix Lab smartphone application
- Improved operational stability
Lumix S5II version 3.1 and S5IIX version 2.1
- Leica Monochrome now available as a Photo Style
- Compatibility with the Lumix Lab smartphone application
- Support for the latest Panasonic XLR microphone adapter, DMW-XLR2
- 5GHz Wi-Fi frequency option available
- Real-time LUT can now be assigned a Fn button
- Improved operational stability
For the Lumix G9II version 2.2
- Compatibility with the Lumix Lab smartphone application
- Support for the latest Panasonic XLR microphone adapter
- 5GHz Wi-Fi frequency option available
- Real-time LUT can now be assigned a Fn button
- Improved operational stability
Lumix S9 colour
The Lumix S9 is now available in “Smokey White”. Very cool.
Download firmware from 9 October at the Panasonic Global Customer Support site
Panasonic announces the Lumix S9
Lumix S5II: The only L-Mount camera you might ever need
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Already having the 20-60 I am hesitant to grab this lens. After seeing reviews I will probably stick with the 20-60 despite the size difference. The comparative reviews are showing that the 20-60 and 14-80 are close in sharpness with both lens exchanging points here and there. It is an interesting lens due to its size. I am waiting for a small fast pancake prime for my S9 though.
Personally, I would go for the great Panasonic 20-60 lens for its longer focal length.
That 18-40mm might be nice on my Sigma Fp if it’s sharp.
It would be very interesting for virtual augmented video production if the Lidar information can stream out in real time to control the projected room background. It is possible to do with a Lidar smart phone – even better if it can be done in an L mount camera!