Digitalcameraworld shared their speculation about the Panasonic/Leica cameras that are in the works and could be released in 2025:
Panasonic Lumix S1HII
- Successor Rumors: There have been persistent whispers about a successor to the Panasonic Lumix S1H, the company’s full-frame video specialist, but these are likely more speculation than anything substantial. Rumors about 50MP sensors and built-in ND filters feel like wishful thinking.
- Official Response: Panasonic’s business development and product planning executive, Matt Frazer, mentioned that “I’m sure at some point there’ll be a replacement for the S1H. We have to kind of do things in a sequence; the S1 series was the next most logical cameras to be replaced, and so starting with the S1R made the most sense because the sensor was ready for it.”
Panasonic Lumix S1II
- Panasonic Lumix S1 Discontinued: The flagship Panasonic Lumix S1 has been discontinued and is now five years old, meaning a successor is almost certainly on the way.
- Two Successors: Some wild specs suggest that Panasonic might release two successors, following the template set by the hugely successful S5 II and S5 IIX.
- New Features: Rumored specs include a 34MP stacked CMOS sensor in a smaller, weather-sealed, magnesium body with an active cooling system and built-in ND filters. The camera is expected to offer both 6K and 4K uncropped video at 120fps.
Panasonic Lumix S5R
- New Camera: Recently, there has been mention of an entirely new camera: the Panasonic S5R. This could represent a shift from the manufacturer’s previous product segmentation, which included the flagship Panasonic S1 (recently discontinued), the resolution-focused Panasonic S1R, the video-focused Panasonic S1H, and the enthusiast-level Panasonic S5.
- Phase-Detect Autofocus: With the launch of the S5 II, which became the first Panasonic camera with phase-detect autofocus, the product lineup has been redefined, making the S5 series the likely focal point moving forward.
- S5 IIX Video Features: The S5 IIX is designed for video and has raised questions about the necessity of the upcoming S1H II.
- Market Demand: The chatter around a resolution-oriented S5R suggests that the market is demanding the S5 series as its main camera, which may push Panasonic in a new direction.
Panasonic Lumix S1X
- New Camera: If you think the S5R rumor seems like a stretch, then you’re going to love the reports of a Panasonic S1X. It feels super sketchy to us; at least there is some merit to the thought process of Panasonic expanding the newly successful S5 product line, but introducing another new model seems improbable.
- Whispered Specs: Rumored specs for the S1X include a 49MP BSI sensor, 8.5K 48p video, 60fps bursts, 17 stops of dynamic range, and omnidirectional phase-detect autofocus. Sounds like a lot, right?
- More Salt: While these specs sound exciting, they seem like more wishful thinking. Nonetheless, the possibility of a new high-end camera from Panasonic can’t be completely ruled out.