Topaz just announced the new GigaPixel Ai (click here to see all new features with ton of examples).

Press text:

Gigapixel 8 brings powerful new models that push the limits of image enhancement, offering unmatched control for both restoration and creative upscaling. Whether you’re recovering lost details or generating imaginative visuals, Gigapixel 8 has the tools to elevate your images like never before.

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  • Redefine Model (Creative Upscaler): This new model pushes the boundaries of creative upscaling while staying true to your input image. With diffusion-based generative output and text prompts available for more specific results, this tool offers a new level of freedom for producing imaginative visuals.

• Recovery Model: This model goes beyond the capabilities of our standard models, restoring missing details in images that would have been unusable otherwise. It’s especially useful for restoring old photos, scanned images, and improving faces and text, delivering results that were previously impossible.
• Gen2 Face Recovery: With two modes—Realistic and Creative—this model offers enhanced results for faces, even in low-quality or damaged images. Whether you’re refining details to stay true to the original or creating imaginative reconstructions, this feature delivers high-fidelity, creative enhancements.

New Gigapixel Cloud Service

Alongside Gigapixel 8, we’re introducing Cloud Rendering, a credit-based, server processing option. Cloud Rendering allows anyone to offload processing tasks for faster and more efficient image enhancement, making it ideal for those with lower-powered hardware or users wanting quicker results with our Recovery or Redefine models.

Key benefits include:

• Faster processing speeds for higher-quality results
• Allows simultaneous enhancements for multiple images

Phototrend interviewed Mathilde Lécuyer, Product Manager for Lumix France, and Jérémy Hoffmann, Marketing Manager for Lumix Southern Europe.

Panasonic will not exhibit at this year’s Salon de la Photo

• We are a key partner and focus on the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

About the French photography market

• It remains a leading brand in France.
• No. 3 in the French mirrorless market.
• They are particularly strengthening their presence in the full-size market.
• Over the past 12 months, the full size segment has grown by 6% and is gaining market share.

About LUMIX S9

• Very well received.
• It’s a distinctive camera and also introduces the new LUMIX Lab app.
• This camera is not just for taking great photos, but for making photography a joy.
• This was a completely new way to use a camera and it fascinated many users.

Have Panasonic added any LUTs since the release of the S9?

• At launch, there will be around 100 LUTs available.
• We are exploring the possibility of creating a community within the application so that creators can use their own LUTs in the application.

S5 II, S5 II X, and G9 II also support Lumix Lab

• LUMIX Lab’s long-term vision is to become a truly central platform for creators, enabling them to do a variety of things.

There is a shortage of compact reference lenses that fit the S9

• Research and development continues to focus on developing the most versatile optical range to meet the widest range of needs possible.
• Although we develop our own lenses, being part of the L-Mount Alliance is also important, as it allows us to accelerate the number of lenses we can offer to our users more quickly.

About the high-resolution model

• Creators are becoming more hybrid and are looking for cameras that can deliver the best of both stills and video.
• They want a complete, affordable solution that combines low light with high resolution stills. Since budget is often the limiting factor, they prefer equipment that can do it all.
• The S5II and S5II X are hybrid products that combine the best of both worlds.

Video recording on the S9 is now unlimited

• Traditionally, this was a preventative decision to protect users from unexpected camera overheating.
• The S9 is very compact and does not have an active fan, which was a precaution against unexpected interruptions to recording due to overheating.
• However, after receiving feedback from users and testers, we’ve now made the options more flexible.

Firmware Update Strategy

• They are very responsive to user feedback.
• Local teams in each subsidiary around the world play a key role in this process, providing direct feedback to engineers.
• Once you invest in the equipment, they promise to support you as a creator with regular updates to optimize the product.
• LUMIX does not charge creators for minor updates.

Why LUMIX S5D now?

• For those on a budget there is the S5D.
• The S5D comes with an 18-40mm kit lens, whereas the S5 had a 20-60mm.

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Summary via Asobinet

Panasonic issued the new Lumix S9 1.2 firmware update (info here) and writes:

You save 46% on the Adobe Creative Cloud Plan sold by Amazon!

Reminder: You still save big on Lexar storage and SD cards at Amazon (Click here).

You can find the new rebates on those pages at Amazon Germany, Amazon UK, Amazon Italy, Amazon Spain. Similar deals are running at Amazon USA too.

The new Outdoor Line from Peak Design collected 3 million dollars on Kickstarter (Click here). And you have less than 2 days left to get it with a big discount.

The team at Peak Design has just published this video with the definitive guide:

A Panasonic manager shared this insight about the new S5D:

Hi all,
I wanted to share some additional information with you all and clarify the recent announcement of the Lumix S5D model.
The S5D is replacement for S5 rather than a “new” camera. The reason we have released this product is EU regulations that we have to update for which is why the S5D is a UK & Europe only model.
Those familiar with other Lumix products will be familiar with this from the TZ95D, TZ200D, G100D & FZ82D for example.
The regulations are complex and long, but ultimately charging technology and electronic devices will no longer be sold together. Until now, manufacturers could decide for themselves whether to sell new devices with a charging cable or a charging system – from now on, new gadgets will only be available without charging technology (Cable, Plug, Battery block, etc)
The S5 old was the only camera in our line-up still having an external charger included.
So S5D coming is now aligned with EU regulation.
This is also why none of you will have seen the S5D in Sean’s Lumix Live after our announcement on Tuesday.
Taking the opportunity of having the new model we updated the camera to include compatibility with DJI LiDAR AF and new kit lenses which are the new 18-40mm or the 28-200mm.
We hope this helps clarify the announcement for you all.