All articles tagged with #panasonic
In 2025, Panasonic focused on releasing impressive full-frame Lumix S cameras like the S1 II and S1R II, which feature advanced sensors and video capabilities, while neglecting its Micro Four Thirds system with no new products or lenses, signaling a shift in company priorities. The year also saw the launch of two new Lumix S zoom lenses, enhancing its camera lineup.
Panasonic has launched the LUMIX S9 in a limited Titanium Gold version, featuring a compact design, real-time LUT functions, and exclusive bundles with discounts. The company also announced updates to its LUMIX ecosystem, including new app features and firmware enhancements for various cameras, aimed at empowering content creators with advanced tools and seamless workflows.
Panasonic has opened the world's largest EV battery plant in De Soto, Kansas, significantly expanding its U.S. production capacity to support Tesla and other automakers, with the plant producing more energy-efficient cylindrical cells and creating thousands of jobs, amid a growing U.S. EV industry and global trade tensions.
Panasonic is delaying full production at its Kansas battery plant due to declining electric vehicle sales and shifts in U.S. policies, threatening a $4 billion project that was expected to create thousands of jobs and boost local economy. Despite the delay, the plant's grand opening is scheduled, and local officials remain optimistic about future growth.
Panasonic has announced free firmware updates for the LUMIX S1RII, S1II, and S1IIE cameras, enhancing features like advanced recording formats, improved shooting tools, expanded workflow options, and better connectivity, available from June 24, 2025.
Panasonic's new LUMIX GH7 camera will support ARRI LogC3 recording in 10-bit video modes through an optional $199.99 upgrade key. Certified by ARRI, this feature enhances dynamic range and post-production flexibility, making the GH7 a potential option for specialized filming needs. The camera will be available in July 2024, priced at $2,197.99 for the body and $2,797.99 for a kit with a 12-60mm lens.
Panasonic has announced the LUMIX GH7, a new Micro Four Thirds camera featuring a 25.2MP sensor with phase detect autofocus, internal ProRes RAW recording, and 32-bit float audio. The camera supports a variety of 10-bit video modes, including 5.8K up to 30fps and 4K up to 120fps, and offers advanced features like active cooling, 5-axis IBIS, and Camera-to-Cloud integration. It will be available in July 2024 for $2,197.99.
Panasonic has announced the Lumix GH7, a followup to the GH6 vlogging camera, featuring a 25.2-megapixel BSI CMOS sensor, improved autofocus with PDAF, and real-time auto-focus recognition. It supports internal ProRes RAW recording up to 5.7K 30p, 5.8K 60p 10-bit H.265 video, and 32-bit float audio recording. The GH7 includes enhanced image stabilization, dual card slots, and a cooling fan for extended shooting. It will be available in July for $2,200.
Panasonic has announced the Lumix S9, the smallest and lightest full-frame camera in its S-series lineup, aimed at appealing to young creators who started on smartphones. The S9 features a 24.2-megapixel sensor, in-body image stabilization, phase detection autofocus, and in-camera color grades. It introduces a new recording format called MP4 Lite optimized for smartphone use and social media sharing. However, it lacks active cooling and a physical shutter. The camera will debut at 2024 VidCon and will be available for purchase in late June for $1,499.99.
Panasonic has announced the Lumix 26mm f/8, a $200 fixed aperture, manual focus pancake lens designed to pair with the new Lumix S9 camera. Despite its limitations, including no filter compatibility, the lens promises high image quality and extreme portability, weighing just 58 grams. It is marketed for spontaneous snapshots and creative manual shooting. Additionally, Panasonic is developing a versatile Lumix S 18-40mm f/4.5-6.3 zoom lens expected to be released soon.
Panasonic expects to release updated 2170 and 4680 battery cells this year, potentially enabling Tesla to offer cheaper electric vehicles. The companies have collaborated at the Gigafactory Nevada facility and are striving to stay ahead in the competitive EV landscape. Panasonic plans to increase battery production capacity by 10% and build new factories in Kansas for 2170 and 4680 cells. The location of the third factory will be announced soon, with thousands of employees expected to be hired.
Panasonic plans to produce a new version of the 2170 cells used in Tesla vehicles at its Nevada plant, aiming to quadruple production capacity by 2030 without building new factories. The improved cells with higher energy density could reduce EV prices. The company also announced plans for a new battery manufacturing plant in the US and an agreement to purchase nano-composite silicon anode material, which could enable 500-mile nonstop trips and 10-minute recharges in EVs. The Biden administration's Inflation Reduction subsidies have been beneficial for Panasonic, with the company forecasting a $587 million increase in operation during the fiscal year ending March 2024.
Panasonic and Amazon have partnered to create smart TVs featuring Amazon's Fire TV streaming technology, with plans to launch an OLED model in Japan and Europe this spring. The TVs will recommend content based on individual viewing habits and may include separate accounts for family members. Panasonic also aims to integrate the TVs with in-vehicle displays and smartphones for seamless content continuation and more precise recommendations. Additionally, Amazon has launched Matter Casting, a feature allowing iPhone and Android users to wirelessly stream videos to Amazon's TV devices, as part of its push for interoperable services.
Panasonic has unveiled two new OLED TVs, the Z95A and Z93A, featuring the next generation HCX Pro AI processor Mk II, promising improved picture quality and Dolby Vision support at a 144Hz refresh rate. These TVs also come with Amazon's Fire TV software, Dolby Vision IQ Precision, and 360 Soundscape Pro tech for immersive Dolby Atmos. Equipped with Game Mode Extreme for gaming and smart home features like Alexa and Apple Home compatibility, the TVs are set to be all-in-one packages. Pricing and availability are yet to be announced, but they are expected to be in a similar range as last year's flagship models.
Panasonic will hold its CES 2024 press conference at 1PM ET on January 8, focusing on sustainable energy and circular economy initiatives. The company aims to promote holistic wellbeing and reduce carbon dioxide emissions through its Green Impact initiative. Consumer-focused product reveals, such as cameras and electric vehicle batteries, are also anticipated. The showcase can be watched live on Panasonic's website.