Buying Guide / Panasonic / Lumix
EST. 1918 / Osaka, Japan / L MOUNT

Panasonic / Lumix

Panasonic's Lumix cameras have long been favorites among video-first shooters. The S-series full-frame L-mount system and GH-series Micro Four Thirds cameras offer some of the most capable video features at any price point. Phase-detect AF arrived with the S5 II, marking a new era.

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Product Lines
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Buy Now
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Neutral
0
Caution
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Don't Buy
Product Lines // 5 lines
MIRRORLESS / MICRO FOUR THIRDS / ENTHUSIAST

Lumix G9

Current model: Lumix G9 II
Neutral
$1799
Current Released
2023-09-12
Days Since Update
—
Avg Cycle
2131 days
Generations
2
Product Lifecycle Progress
Released Expected Update (~2131d)
Specifications
Resolution: 25.2 MP
Sensor: Micro Four Thirds
Max Video: 5.7K 30p
Type: Mirrorless
Key Features
› Phase-detect AF
› 100MP high-res mode
› 5.7K video
› IBIS
Generation History
Lumix G9 2017-11-08
$1699
Panasonic's stills-focused MFT flagship
Lumix G9 II 2023-09-12
$1799
Phase-detect AF, 5.7K video, new 25.2MP sensor
Our Take
Strong MFT stills/video hybrid. Mid-cycle with solid feature set.
MIRRORLESS / MICRO FOUR THIRDS / PROFESSIONAL

Lumix GH

Current model: Lumix GH7
Buy Now
$2199
Current Released
2024-07-25
Days Since Update
—
Avg Cycle
923 days
Generations
7
Product Lifecycle Progress
Released Expected Update (~923d)
Specifications
Resolution: 25.2 MP
Sensor: Micro Four Thirds
Max Video: 5.7K Apple ProRes
Type: Mirrorless
Key Features
› 32-bit Float audio
› 5.7K ProRes
› Phase-detect AF
› Open Gate recording
Generation History
Lumix GH1 2009-06-01
$1499
Pioneered video-capable mirrorless cameras
Lumix GH2 2010-10-28
$899
Hackable firmware unlocked higher bitrates
Lumix GH3 2012-12-13
$1299
Weather-sealed body, improved video codecs
Lumix GH4 2014-04-01
$1698
First mirrorless with 4K video — industry shaker
Lumix GH5 2017-03-28
$1999
10-bit 4:2:2 internal, 4K 60p — video king
Lumix GH6 2022-03-25
$2199
5.7K ProRes, CFexpress, new Venus Engine
Lumix GH7 2024-07-25
$2199
Phase-detect AF, 32-bit float audio, Open Gate
Our Take
Freshly launched seventh generation. The GH series at its peak — buy now.
CINEMA / FULL FRAME / CINEMA-PRO

Lumix S1H

Current model: Lumix S1H
Don't Buy
$3999
Current Released
2019-05-31
Days Since Update
—
Generations
1
Specifications
Resolution: 24.2 MP
Sensor: Full Frame
Max Video: 6K 24p
Type: Cinema
Key Features
› Netflix approved
› 6K full frame
› V-Log/V-Gamut
› Unlimited recording
Generation History
Lumix S1H 2019-05-31
$3999
First mirrorless to gain Netflix approval for originals
Our Take
Nearly 7 years old. Despite Netflix approval, an S1H II is significantly overdue.
MIRRORLESS / FULL FRAME / PROFESSIONAL

Lumix S1R

Current model: Lumix S1R II
Buy Now
$3299
Current Released
2024-05-20
Days Since Update
—
Avg Cycle
1906 days
Generations
2
Product Lifecycle Progress
Released Expected Update (~1906d)
Specifications
Resolution: 47.3 MP
Sensor: Full Frame
Max Video: 8K 30p
Type: Mirrorless
Key Features
› 47.3MP full frame
› 8K video
› Phase-detect AF
› Advanced IBIS
Generation History
Lumix S1R 2019-02-01
$3699
Panasonic's first full-frame mirrorless — 47MP
Lumix S1R II 2024-05-20
$3299
Phase-detect AF, 8K, improved at lower price
Our Take
Recently updated high-res flagship. Early in cycle — great time to buy.
MIRRORLESS / FULL FRAME / ENTHUSIAST

Lumix S5

Current model: Lumix S5 II
Neutral
$1999
Current Released
2023-01-04
Days Since Update
—
Avg Cycle
764 days
Generations
2
Product Lifecycle Progress
Released Expected Update (~764d)
Specifications
Resolution: 24.2 MP
Sensor: Full Frame
Max Video: 6K 30p
Type: Mirrorless
Key Features
› Phase-detect AF (first Lumix)
› 6K 30p
› Dual base ISO
› L-mount
Generation History
Lumix S5 2020-09-02
$1999
Compact L-mount full frame, contrast-detect AF
Lumix S5 II 2023-01-04
$1999
Phase-detect AF arrives — changed everything for Lumix
Our Take
Landmark Lumix with phase-detect AF. Still very competitive in its segment.
Mount Systems
L Micro Four Thirds
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