Panasonic Lumix Camera Guide: Choose the Best Model for Your Needs

Every photography enthusiast goes through a journey to find the "perfect camera." Along the way, Panasonic Lumix cameras are often a name that can't be ignored.

Whether you're a content creator passionate about video shooting or a photography newbie who loves capturing travel moments, Panasonic cameras have gained wide popularity for their outstanding features and reliable performance.

This guide will take you deep into the Panasonic Lumix camera lineup, helping you find the model that best fits your creative needs.

Are you ready to explore? Let's kick off this visual adventure!

In this article, you will learn:

1. Panasonic Lumix Camera Lineup: Six Key Series
2. Lumix S Series Mirrorless: Panasonic's Future in Photography
3. Lumix G Series Mirrorless: The Golden Era of M43
4. Lumix Fixed-Lens Cameras
5. Conclusion

Panasonic Lumix Camera Lineup: Six Key Series

Panasonic's current camera lineup includes six main series: S, G, LX, ZS, FZ, and TS. Here is what each series stands for:

• S Series: Full-frame mirrorless cameras designed for professionals. Body-only prices start at $1,500 and up.
• G Series: Micro Four Thirds (MFT) mirrorless cameras with a wide range of models, from entry-level to high-end. Most models are priced under $1,500 for the body.
• LX Series: Compact point-and-shoot cameras that are portable and easy to carry. They feature either a 1-inch or MFT sensor.
• ZS Series: Long-zoom compact cameras known for powerful telephoto capabilities. They use either a 1-inch or smartphone-level sensor.
• FZ Series: Bridge cameras with strong zoom performance but less portability than the ZS series. They also use 1-inch or smartphone-level sensors.
• TS Series: Rugged cameras built to withstand water, dust, shocks, and freezing temperatures. They come with smartphone-level sensors.

Additionally, there are three more fun facts to share：

• Panasonic Camera Brand Is Called Lumix: Panasonic launched the Lumix brand in 2001. It's similar to how Canon uses "EOS" and Sony uses "α" for their cameras. Most Panasonic cameras are labeled "Lumix" on the body, with "Panasonic" rarely appearing.
• Panasonic Doesn't Make DSLRs Anymore: The last DSLR Panasonic released was the L10 in 2008. Since then, all of its interchangeable-lens cameras have been mirrorless models.
• Panasonic Invented the Mirrorless Camera: In 2008, Panasonic introduced the Lumix G1, the world's first interchangeable-lens mirrorless camera using the Micro Four Thirds (MFT) system. This revolutionary design set the stage for today's popular mirrorless cameras.

Lumix S Series Mirrorless: Panasonic's Future in Photography

The Lumix S Series is Panasonic's premium line of full-frame mirrorless cameras, first launched in 2019. These cameras all come with price tags over $1,500, targeting serious photographers and filmmakers.

Currently, the S Series includes eight models. Aside from the cinema camera BS1H, there are seven traditional mirrorless cameras split into two lines: the S1, S5, and S9.

• The S1 line is more advanced, featuring three models with different specialties: the S1, S1R, and S1H.
• The S5 line is more budget-friendly, starting with the original S5, followed by its second-generation models: the S5M2 and the feature-packed S5M2X.
• The S9 line currently consists of only one model, the Lumix S9. It is the smallest and most lightweight full-frame mirrorless camera in the Panasonic S series lineup.

1. Lumix S1 Line

The standout feature of the Lumix S1 line is its size and weight. These cameras are noticeably larger than similar models from other brands, with the body alone weighing around 1kg.

The image below shows a size comparison between the Lumix S1 and Sony A7M III for reference.

Panasonic's naming system for the S1 line is similar to Sony's A7 line, using letter suffixes to indicate specific features.

The S1, with no letter suffix, is the base model. It was released in February 2019 as a competitor to Sony's A7M III.

However, since then, Sony has moved on to the A7M IV, and Canon and Nikon have also updated their cameras in this price range. As a result, the four-year-old S1 is now outdated and not a recommended purchase.

The S1R, with the "R" suffix, focuses on high resolution and image quality. It was launched alongside the S1 in February 2019 and uses the same sensor as the Sony A7R III, making it a direct competitor at the time.

However, Sony has since released the A7R V, while Panasonic hasn't updated the S1R, leaving it behind in today's market.

The S1H, with the "H" suffix, targets video creators. Released in May 2019, it competed with Sony's A7S III. Fortunately, video-focused mirrorless cameras don't get updated as often, so the S1H is still relevant today.

The S1H supports 6K and DCI 4K recording, features active cooling, and includes advanced in-body stabilization. It also comes with professional video tools like vectorscopes and waveform monitors, making it a strong option for serious filmmakers.

2. Lumix S5 Line

The S5 line sits below the S1 line, but since the entire Lumix S lineup is full-frame and high-end, the S5 still packs plenty of professional features — while being smaller and lighter.

The first-generation S5 was released in September 2020. It used the same sensor as the S1 but came in a more compact, lighter, and cheaper package. At the time, it offered solid market competitiveness thanks to this balance of features and price.

In January 2023, Panasonic launched the S5 II and S5 IIX. The S5 II brought major upgrades over the original S5, including a new processor, improved image stabilization, better video capabilities, and updated autofocus algorithms. 

Most notably, it introduced phase-detection autofocus — a long-awaited feature that addressed Panasonic's long-standing autofocus weakness. This made the S5 II a milestone product in Panasonic's camera history.

The S5 IIX builds on the S5 II by offering extra video features, such as RAW video output, ProRes and All-Intra recording, and USB-SSD support. It's designed for users with more advanced video production needs.

3. Lumix S9 Line

The Panasonic Lumix S9 is a full-frame mirrorless interchangeable-lens camera with a Leica L-mount, released on May 2024.

While the Lumix S9 is certainly a bold move, its design feels a bit all over the place, making the final product seem undercooked.

Panasonic markets the S9 as a camera for "content creators," targeting vloggers on platforms like TikTok and YouTube rather than serious commercial filmmakers.

For this purpose, its design choices make sense. The biggest issue for video creators is the rolling shutter (jello effect) caused by the electronic shutter.

But let's be honest — most casual vlog viewers aren't analyzing technical flaws. They're just watching for fun.

Additionally, the S9 has several downsides, including no EVF (electronic viewfinder), 12-bit photo mode only, no mechanical shutter, limited video recording time, and a single card slot. Because of these limitations, we wouldn't recommend the S9 for beginners or serious professionals.

Lumix G Series Mirrorless: The Golden Era of M43

You might be wondering what M43 means since we've mentioned it several times.

M43 stands for "Micro Four Thirds System," a camera standard introduced by Olympus and Panasonic in 2008.

All M43 cameras use a 17.3mm × 13.0mm sensor, commonly referred to as the M43 format. This sensor size strikes a balance between image quality and compact camera design.

M43 cameras share the same lens mount, meaning lenses are interchangeable across brands. For example, if you have a Lumix M43 camera and your friend uses an Olympus M43 camera, you can swap lenses without any adapters.

This open system attracted other brands like Kodak and DJI to create M43 cameras. They could focus on building camera bodies without worrying about lens availability.

Since there are so many M43 cameras on the market, lens manufacturers have also been eager to produce compatible lenses. As a result, the M43 system boasts the second-largest mirrorless lens lineup — second only to Sony's E-mount.

However, the M43 system has always faced challenges due to its small sensor size. Today, entry-level and mid-range cameras from major brands like Canon, Nikon, and Sony use APS-C sensors, while the sensor area of M43 is even only about 60% of APS-C.

Why does sensor size matter?

In general, a larger sensor means better image quality. This gives M43 cameras a natural disadvantage compared to APS-C and full-frame cameras.

But "disadvantage" doesn't mean M43 cameras can't deliver good image quality. Some models can compete with older or budget APS-C cameras.

As technology advances, smartphone sensors keep getting bigger, and full-frame cameras are becoming more affordable. This puts M43 cameras in an awkward spot, making their future uncertain.

For beginners, M43 cameras may not be the best choice. Still, M43 has its appeal: compact size, portability, budget-friendly prices, a wide selection of lenses, and excellent telephoto capabilities.

So we can still learn more about Lumix G Series cameras.

The Lumix G Series has five regular product lines and two special product lines. The five regular product lines are:

• High-end Line: G + single-digit, like G9
• Mid-high End Line: G + double-digit, like G95
• Mid-range Line: GX + single-digit, like GX9
• Mid-low End Line: GX + double-digit, like GX85
• Low-end Line: GF + number, like GF10

The two special product lines are:

• Professional Video: GH+number, like GH5
• Personal Vlog: G+triple digit, like G100

Next, let's briefly look at the characteristics and advantages of each current model for sale.

1. Models Starting with G

Lumix M43 cameras with model names starting with "G" followed by a single digit are the brand's top-tier offerings in this line. The latest model is the G9II, released in September 2023, which marks a significant upgrade from the original G9 launched a few years ago.

The G9II features a completely redesigned body, a new sensor, and an upgraded processor. It also includes phase-detection autofocus, subject recognition algorithms, improved stabilization, and enhanced video capabilities.

With higher resolution, faster autofocus, better stabilization, and rapid continuous shooting, the G9II might be the most advanced and well-rounded M43 camera on the market today.

However, its higher price makes it less appealing to the average consumer. It's better suited for serious enthusiasts interested in specialized genres like wildlife and sports photography.

Lumix M43 cameras with model names starting with "G" followed by two digits are mid-to-high-end models. The latest in this line is the G95, released in 2019. It's in the same class as the Fujifilm X-T30 and Sony A6400.

The G95's biggest strength is its in-body image stabilization (IBIS), a rare feature at this price point. It also has solid build quality and a good display, making it a well-rounded option.

However, its main drawback is the smaller M43 sensor, which can't match the image quality of similarly priced APS-C cameras. Panasonic's autofocus system also falls short compared to competitors like the Sony A6400.

Lumix M43 cameras with model names starting with "G" followed by three digits are designed specifically for the vlogging market. So far, the only model in this category is the G100, released in June 2020. It's aimed at amateur vloggers and casual video creators.

Because of this focus, the G100 has some unique features. It automatically switches to a simplified selfie mode and even includes built-in face-slimming and skin-smoothing effects (though not as good as a phone app).

The biggest downside of the G100 is its limited 4K usability. It already has a noticeable crop when shooting 4K, and turning on digital stabilization crops the frame even more.

When you point the camera towards yourself, all you see is your face filling the screen! If you don't need to shoot in 4K and just want a Vlog camera with interchangeable lenses, then the Lumix G100 is a good choice.

2. Models Starting with GX

Panasonic's M43 cameras with model names starting with "GX" are mid-range models featuring a rangefinder-style design.

In the past, the GX line was split into two branches: lower-end models with two-digit names (like the GX85 from 2016) and higher-end models with single-digit names (like the GX8 from 2015). However, both lines merged into the GX9, released in 2018.

The biggest selling point of the Lumix GX9 is its affordability. It's hard to find a mirrorless camera with a kit lens for around $500 these days. 

Plus, the GX9 includes in-body image stabilization (IBIS) and an electronic viewfinder (EVF), making it a great budget-friendly option. (While the Lumix G100 costs about the same, it's more specialized for vlogging.)

If value for money is your top priority, the Canon EOS M200 might be a better deal at this price point. However, if you prefer Panasonic's color science or want access to the wide range of M43 lenses, the Lumix GX9 is a solid budget choice.

3. Models Starting with GF

Panasonic's GF-series cameras are its most entry-level mirrorless models. The latest release is the GF10.

If the GX9 is considered affordable, the GF-series is extremely budget-friendly. However, its specs are quite outdated and limited, so it's hard to recommend for most users.

4. Models Starting with GH

The GH-series is Panasonic's professional video-centric lineup. Unlike the Lumix G100, which targets casual vloggers, the GH-series is built for serious filmmakers and video professionals.

It includes features typically found in dedicated cinema cameras, making it a capable tool for small to mid-size production teams.

The latest model, the GH7, is one of the most powerful video-focused mirrorless cameras on the market today.

Since the GH-series isn't optimized for still photography and has a steep learning curve for video production, it's not the best choice for hobbyist photographers or casual video creators.

Lumix Fixed-Lens Cameras

Panasonic's compact cameras were once very popular, but as smartphone cameras became more powerful, the market for compact cameras has shrunk quickly in recent years.

Panasonic hasn't released any new compact camera models in the past few years, and older models are gradually being phased out.

Panasonic's fixed-lens cameras include the traditional LX series, the compact ZS series, the long-zoom FZ series, and the rugged TS series.

1. LX Series

Currently, the LX series offers two models worth considering. One is the higher-end LX100 II, which features a Micro Four Thirds sensor, and the other is the more affordable LX10, which uses a standard 1-inch sensor.

The LX100 II (LX100M2) focuses mainly on image quality, with a Micro Four Thirds sensor, similar to the one found in the GX9 mirrorless camera, which sets it apart from most 1-inch sensor compact cameras.

However, there are other fixed-lens cameras with larger sensors designed for high image quality, like the Sony RX1 series, Ricoh GR series, and Fujifilm X100 series.

What makes the LX100 II stand out is its 24-75mm zoom lens, rather than a wide-angle prime lens. While this sacrifices some optical quality and maximum aperture, it significantly improves versatility, making it a great choice for hobbyists who want both great image quality and a lightweight, all-around camera.

It's also worth noting that the LX100 II and the Leica D-Lux 7 are essentially the same camera with the same design, specs, and performance. The LX100 II, however, costs nearly half as much, making it a much more affordable option with excellent value for money.

The LX10 (known as LX15 in some markets) is a one-inch sensor compact camera released in 2016.

This is a model we highly recommend because it offers great value for the price, standing out as a cost-effective option compared to its competitors.

Compared to similar compact cameras from Sony, the LX10 has comparable overall performance but at a lower price. While it may not compete with Canon or Sony's newer models, if you're looking to spend under $600 for a compact camera, the LX10 is definitely a top contender to consider.

2. ZS Series

The ZS series shares a similar design to the LX series, both falling into the category of compact cameras. However, the standout feature of the ZS series is its significant zoom capability, allowing you to capture subjects both near and far, making it perfect for travel documentation.

There are several models in the ZS series, with two popular ones being the ZS110 with a one-inch sensor and the ZS80 with a smartphone-level sensor.

The ZS110 features a one-inch sensor with a 10x optical zoom (25-250mm), while the ZS80 boasts a smartphone-level sensor with a 30x optical zoom (24-720mm), and the price difference between the two models is not substantial.

In other words, the ZS110 sacrifices some zoom capability for image quality, while the ZS80 sacrifices some image quality for zoom capability.

We recommend the ZS110 because although it may not have the same zoom range as the ZS80, it is more than sufficient for everyday shooting needs and offers better image quality.

3. FZ Series

The Lumix FZ series isn't your typical point-and-shoot camera. While they have a fixed body and non-interchangeable lenses, their larger size and superzoom lens design categorize them as bridge cameras, falling between point-and-shoots and DSLRs.

FZ series cameras also boast significant zoom capabilities, allowing you to capture subjects both near and far. Unlike the ZS series, they have a DSLR-like design (though the lenses can't be changed), sacrificing portability for better handling and control, akin to Sony's RX10 series.

Among the popular models are the FZ1000 II (FZ1000M2) and the FZ2500, both featuring a one-inch sensor.

The FZ2500 is slightly higher-end, offering stronger zoom and video capabilities, hence a higher price tag. On the other hand, the more affordable FZ1000 II boasts a finer screen, better lens quality, and lighter weight.

4. TS Series

The TS series cameras are tough cameras - they're shockproof, waterproof, dustproof, and freeze-proof.

What sets tough cameras apart from the likes of action cameras like GoPro? Firstly, tough cameras tend to be more durable.

Secondly, in terms of design philosophy, tough cameras focus more on capturing photos while action cameras prioritize video recording. Lastly, action cameras support a wide range of accessories for wearable use, leaving your hands free, which tough cameras lack.

So, if your main focus is photography and you often find yourself in harsh environments or situations where cameras are prone to damage, then the TS series camera might be a good choice.

Otherwise, it might not be very meaningful to invest in this camera when you could just use your smartphone.

Conclusion

In this Panasonic Lumix camera guide, we aim to provide a simple overview of currently available camera products on the market and offer some purchasing advice.

If you are considering buying a Lumix camera, we hope that this guide can assist you in your decision-making.

Of course, this guide reflects our subjective opinions, and some statements may not cover all aspects comprehensively. Therefore, in addition to referring to our guide, you can also watch more Lumix camera reviews on YouTube.

We will update this guide regularly. If you find the content helpful, feel free to stay tuned for more updates from us.

Product Recommendation:

If you've found the right Panasonic Lumix camera for yourself, don't forget to equip yourself with a tool that can enhance your editing workflow. We'd like to recommend the TourBox creative console to you.

Designed specifically for creative professionals, it seamlessly integrates with popular photo and video editing software like Photoshop, Premiere Pro, and Lightroom.

With its intuitive Dial, Wheel, and customizable buttons, you can adjust images and videos faster and more accurately, making your creative process smoother. It's like using a game controller for editing.

If you're looking for a more efficient and comfortable editing experience, TourBox is definitely worth a try.