Panasonic has announced the impending release of a new Lumix S 18-40mm f/4.5-6.3 lens, four bold new colour choices for the Lumix S9 and firmware updates updates for that camera.

Angled view of the new Lumix S 18-40mm f/4.5-6.3 lens, which is designed for the compact Lumix S9 camera. (Source: Panasonic.)

The new Lumix S 18-40mm f/4.5-6.3 lens (S-R1840GC) is claimed as the world’s smallest and lightest zoom lens for full-frame cameras. Weighing just 155 grams and only 40.9 mm long, it features a robust dust, splash and freeze-resistant design with fluorine coating on the front lens element. Ideal for general-purpose photography, its 18mm ultra-wide coverage makes it good for shooting landscapes, while the 40mm focal length is perfect for portrait shots with a natural perspective. Its range is also capable of expansion to 18-120mm with the Hybrid Zoom function on the Lumix S9. Minimal focus breathing makes this lens suitable for recording video.  The new lens will be available in late October 2024 at an RRP of AU$899.

|The expanded range of colours being offered for the Lumix S9 camera. (Source: Panasonic.)

Panasonic has also added four new colour choices to its options for the Lumix S9 camera: Mint Green, Smokey White, Sakura and Orange, expanding the already available colour choices of Night Blue, Dark Olive, Jet Black, Crimson Red and Dark Silver. All colour options will be offered as new kits, which include the new S-R1840GC lens at an RRP of AU$3,299.

In line with Panasonic’s commitment to supporting creators, the company has released new firmware for the Lumix S5II, S5IIX and G9II cameras. The new firmware will enable users to enjoy the benefits of the LUMIX Lab smartphone app for the first time and improves operational stability. It also adds the following for the Lumix S9 camera:

  • A recording time limit menu has been added with a new option to switch off the preset recording limits and extend recording time if required.vii
  • A display feature for multiple frame markers has been added, which now allows for the display of up to three frame markers simultaneously. This adds further versatility for content creators framing for different aspect ratios or planning shots with multiple compositions, further enhancing the unrivalled convenience of shooting in Open Gate.
  • The highly accurate phase hybrid auto focus system has been further improved with enhanced subject detection. A new option is now available to select detection of airplanes and trains, as well as specific parts of Cars and Motorcycles.

The S5II Firmware Version 3.1 and S5IIX Firmware Version 2.1 add the following benefits:

  • LEICA Monochrome is now available as a Photo Style, providing a strong and dynamic monochrome shooting option.
  • Real Time LUT can now be assigned to Fn button, allowing creators to easily enjoy a range of popular, classic or bespoke color styles in-camera.
  • The latest Panasonic XLR microphone adapter, DMW-XLR2, is now supported.
  • 5GHz Wi-Fi frequency option is now available and has been added to the existing 2.4GHz option.

The G9II Firmware Version 2.2 provides the following benefits:

  • Real Time LUT can now be assigned to Fn button, allowing creators to easily enjoy a range of popular, classic or bespoke color styles in-camera.
  • The latest Panasonic XLR microphone adapter, DMW-XLR2, is now supported.
  • 5GHz Wi-Fi frequency option is now available and has been added to the existing 2.4GHz option.

The new firmware updates are available to download now free of charge from the Lumix Global Customer Support website.