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!