So folks, while I’m almost certain we’re getting a new 18-40mm lens, the S5D and a new series of firmware updates, I’m unsure if there will be anything else.

But TWO new sources are still claiming that Panasonic has kept “a surprise” under wraps. Again, these are new sources so I have no way of knowing if they are telling the truth. But I’m keeping my fingers crossed that we’ll hear something exciting tomorrow…. Miracles do happen sometimes 🙂

So folks, I have BAD news and some GOOD news for later:

The BAD:

Finally trusted sources made me understand that indeed tomorrow we will only get “minor” announcements. So expect a S5D, 18-40mm lens, firmware update and maybe some other smaller things (maybe another lens).

The GOOD:

While it is likely that we will not have S1HII and S1RII tomorrow, I was told that the “BIG” and “COOL” stuff will definitely come in 2025. And from what they hinted it might even be in early 2025!

So here we are, still waiting for the higher-end models, but I hope the wait will be worth it!

The 18-40mm pancake lens

I am now 80% certain that tomorrow (October 8th) Panasonic will announce the following gear:

Panasonic Lumix S5D:

• Slightly updated S5 camera
• New Oled EVF
• Price with kit lens is 1599 Euro

Panasonic Lumix S 18-40mm f/4.5-6.3 Lens

• Lens announced in Spring and already listed here at BHphoto.

Firmware updates:

• firmware updates for the current line with a focus on the app and new “Film simulations”

The rest of the rumors mostly published by Chinese news websites are totally unreliable:

UNCERTAIN: Another new lens

• Possibly a new 28-70mm or 100-500mm L-mount lens (as teased on their roadmap)

VERY UNLIKELY:

• Lumix S1HII
• Lumix S1RII

Reminder: all I know from RELIABLE sources is that Panasonic will announce “multiple” new products on October 8th. All the rest is just speculation or unconfirmed rumors. My personal sense is that the S5D entry level camera and a new lens is likely to be announced on October 8th. While I am totally uncertain about possible additional S1HII and S1RII. With that in mind I am going to share two more rumors from “new” sources (therefore unreliable and unconfirmed):

Source 1:

The S5d rumor is correct but will not be a new launch. It will replace the S5 with updated Oled evf. So at lower price a beautiful evf can be released which was not available for S9. This will be photography version of S9 more than new S5.
One more update on S1H mark 2. It is Netflix approved from beginning and will also have external SSD recording and new battery.

Source 2:

Son’t get fooled – there will be no S1/S2 or anything like that on 8th October. Just 1 Entry-Camera, 1 Lens and Firmware, that’s all.

My personal bet yet is that Source 2 might be right. Still..I have some tiny hope left for a new S1HII too!

I still got no 100% confirmed info about the gear that will be announced by Panasonic on October 8th. But I away a crazy amount of different rumored gear floating around the web. So I am giving you this roundup witht he wanring that this is all completely unconfirmed as of now:

Source 1 (Xitek)

Panasonic S1H II rumored specs
100dB DCG-HDR 22.5MP BSI CMOS sensor
Triple native ISO 640/2500/10000
DR Boost at 3240p/80fps, 2160p/120fps, 1080p/240fps
Ultra-fast Phase Hybrid AF
ProRes RAW and ProRes RAW HQ internal recording
17stop Arri LogC4 gamma profile
Built-in dual fans for unlimited recording
60 fps burst shooting with AE/AF and pre-capture
Dynamic resolution capability via subPD with interlaced Bayeux CFA
Full frame open gate/120fps (SSR: 5760×3840)
Full frame 16:9 3240p/160fps (SSR: 5760×3240)
Full frame 16:9 2160p/240fps (SSR: 5760×2160)
Full frame 16:9 1080p/480fps (SSR: 5760×1080)
Super 35mm A6:5 3240p/160fps (SSR: 3840×3240)
Super 35mm 16:9 2160p/240fps (SSR: 3840×2160)
Super 35mm 16:9 1080p/480fps (SSR: 3840×1080)
HEVC 10bit 4:4:4 Intra/LongGOP, AVC 10bit 4:2:2 Intra/LongGOP codecs, all resolutions
9.44M Ultra Bright 40 00nits 120Hz EVF
The level of detail in the LEAKED specs has definitely reached a new level, so stay tuned for more updates

Source 2:

S1Hii / S2H
Stacked sensor like R3/Z8 sensor but custom designed by Sony.
6k 120p
4k 120p oversampled from 6k.
Vnd
Fans
Triple base iso
Anamorphic support
Incredible ibis improvements DJI gimbal like
Low rolling shutter under 10 ms
Ai tracking and super fast and precise autofocus
Price still debating however internal price is aggressive 2899$ so under Z8 since sensor is not 45 mp.
At 2899$ it will give Panasonic +5% market share instant and sit near Nikon in 3rd place.

And there is also a S5R rumor (Weibo):

SSS enters active period,
P home may start four Bayer 61M BSI video bottom.

first poison a mouthful of milk:

LUMIX S5R

Video Specifications:
8K FF 16:9 30fps 25ms Oversampling

5K S35 4:3 48fps 20ms oversampling
5K S35 16:9 60fps 15ms oversampling
4K S35 16:9 60fps 15ms oversampling

5K FF OG 3:2 60fps 10ms point to point
5K FF 16:9 60fps 9ms point to point
4K FF 16:9 96fps 9ms oversampling
4K FF 1.25x crop 120fps 7ms point to point

Dynamic Range: FF 16EVs(FF4K)

Source 4 about a possible S1RII:

S1Rii/S2R
Same as Leica Sl3 but 3000$ to compete with Sony A7VR camera. Same aggressive pricing for market share.