Panasonic announces Lumix S5D mirrorless camera and Lumix 18-40mm, the 'world's lightest and smallest zoom lens'

Panasonic has announced three new products and updates in the form of a new S5D camera, a new firmware update for existing S series and G9II cameras, and an 18-40mm L-mount lens.

Panasonic has announced the S5D, a European-only refresh of the LUMIX S5, which adds support for the DJI LiDAR focus unit. In all other respects the S5D features the same specifications as the original S5.

The question many people are asking is, why? Well, the full reasons why may never be known, however the S5 Mk1 does not feature the hybrid phase detection autofocus system that's found in the S5II, so this would appear to be a way of improving things on that camera. That said, DJI's LiDAR focus system is limited in the distances it can cover, with 20 metres being its maximum reach, so its use in a lot of areas will be restricted.

The S5D represents a very 'curious' update, with the camera retailing for €1599 / £1399 with the new 18-40mm lens. Meanwhile, it appears retailers have been slashing the price of the original S5, with kits available for £999 with a 20-60mm lens.

With the cost of the DJI LiDAR focus system in excess of £500, it is possible to purchase the more up-to-date S5II with phase detection autofocus for £1929 with a 20-60mm lens, as well as an additional 50mm one, making the development of the S5D a bit, shall we say, puzzling.

The S5D will be available from the end of Oct 2024.

Image: Panasonic

LUMIX S 18-40mm F4.5-6.3 lens

A more useful addition to the L Mount world (and a worldwide release) is the announcement of a new LUMIX S 18-40mm F4.5-6.3 lens, which Panasonic claims is the world's lightest and smallest zoom lens. At just 155 grams and 40.9mm thickness when retracted, it would appear to be a highly portable piece of glass.

The new lens has a minimum focus distance of 0.15m and also features Panasonic's focus breathing suppression technology for use in video. Lastly, the lens is built to withstand the environment with dust and weather sealing, as well as freeze resistance.

Price is listed at $498 / £519.

New firmware for LUMIX S9, S5II, S5IIX and Micro Four Thirds mirrorless G9II cameras

One thing that Panasonic has been getting right in recent years is its excellent support for firmware upgrades. Rather than just offering bug fixes, major new features are often included. While these latest updates aren't ground breaking, they do increase the capabilities of the cameras in question. The list of new features is as follows:-

LUMIX S9 Firmware Version 1.1

• • A recording time limit menu has been added with a new option to record without time limitation
• A display feature for multiple frame markers has been added, which now allows for the display of up to three frame markers simultaneously.
• The phase hybrid auto focus system has been improved with enhanced subject detection. A new option is now available to select detection of airplanes and trains, as well as specific parts of Cars and Motorcycles
• Compatibility with the LUMIX Lab smartphone app has been expanded to include remote shooting, shutter remote control, and the ability to transfer images selected on the camera
• Operational stability has been improved.

LUMIX S5II Firmware Version 3.1 and LUMIX S5IIX Firmware Version 2.1

• LEICA Monochrome is now available as a Photo Style, providing a strong and dynamic monochrome shooting option
• Compatibility with the LUMIX Lab smartphone app is now supported
• The latest Panasonic XLR microphone adapter, DMW-XLR2, is now supported
• 5GHz Wi-Fi frequency option is now available and has been added to the existing 2.4GHz option
• Real Time LUT can now be assigned to Fn button
• Operational stability has been improved

LUMIX G9II Firmware Version 2.2

• Compatibility with the LUMIX Lab smartphone app is now supported
• The latest Panasonic XLR microphone adapter, DMW-XLR2, is now supported
• 5GHz Wi-Fi frequency option now available and has been added to the existing 2.4GHz option
• Real Time LUT can now be assigned to Fn button
• Operational stability has been improved

tl;dr

• 1. Panasonic has announced the S5D, a European-only refresh of the LUMIX S5, which adds support for the DJI LiDAR focus unit.
• Panasonic has also introduced the new LUMIX S 18-40mm F4.5-6.3 lens, claimed to be the world's lightest and smallest zoom lens, with features such as focus breathing suppression technology for video and environmental resistance.
• New firmware updates have been released for LUMIX S9, S5II, G9II, and Micro Four Thirds mirrorless cameras, introducing new features and improvements such as expanded compatibility with the LUMIX Lab smartphone app and operational stability enhancements.
• The S5D will be available at the end of October 2024, priced at €1599 / £1399 with the new 18-40mm lens, while retailers have slashed the price of the original S5, making it available for £999 with a 20-60mm lens.