Panasonic’s new LUMIX camera launches next week! Not the S1HII—could it be a new series?

Recently, rumors about a mysterious new mirrorless camera have been gaining momentum. The latest information disclosed by photography news platform Photo Rumors points to a key direction—this previously enigmatic model could be a brand-new addition to Panasonic’s LUMIX series, with an anticipated official unveiling next week. This has further intensified industry attention on new L-mount devices.

Previously, a German YouTube channel released footage of this mysterious camera. Though the images were somewhat blurry, further investigation and analysis revealed more details pointing to its connection with Panasonic’s LUMIX S series. Based on the camera body’s branding visible in the footage, combined with the number of characters (five) and the distinctive shape of the initial “L,” it’s highly probable the branding reads “Lumix.” This detail serves as a crucial clue confirming the model’s affiliation with the Panasonic LUMIX series.

Prior to Photo Rumors’ disclosure, speculation about this mysterious mirrorless camera included possibilities such as it being a new DJI product. The leaker themselves confirmed it was neither a Canon model nor the previously released Lumix S1H II. However, with the emergence of the “Lumix” branding clue and the platform’s explicit mention of its potential as a Panasonic product, speculation about a DJI release has been largely dismissed, significantly increasing the likelihood that this is a new LUMIX model. Industry rumors suggest this camera is likely a full-frame cinema camera currently in development by Panasonic. It is positioned to target the professional video production sector, directly competing with the Sony FX3, aiming to fill the gap in the professional cinema camera market for the L-mount system.

Judging by the body shape visible in the current images, this suspected new LUMIX S series camera features a relatively slim body design. Reviewing Panasonic’s past LUMIX S series models, no such lightweight and slim body style has appeared before. This suggests the model may be a specialized product category tailored for video creation. While maintaining portability, it likely incorporates functional optimizations for video shooting needs, filling the gap in the LUMIX S series for lightweight video-oriented models. (Personally, I’d hope for an S9M2, though the likelihood is very low—the S9 lacks a prominent viewfinder.)

Currently, core specifications, pricing, and detailed features of this suspected new LUMIX mirrorless camera remain undisclosed. All information is based on speculation from unofficial sources. However, as the “next week launch” deadline approaches, the true identity and full specifications of this mysterious model will soon be revealed. Its performance capabilities within the slim body design and its positioning within the LUMIX product line will become key focal points for future attention.