Last Updated on 01/07/2019 by Mark Beckenbach
More details about the brand new Panasonic Lumix S cameras emerge at CES 2019.
Some consider the Panasonic Lumix S series of cameras to be the only real competition to Sony right now in the professional grade mirrorless camera world partially due to their Dual Card slots. Today we got a few more details about what the cameras will offer. Panasonic’s press release states that the company will offer both HDR and High Resolution shot modes. It isn’t crystal clear if this is going to be in both of Panasonic’s new L mount cameras, but there are also a few caveats.
Here’s the pertinent information from the press release:

High Dynamic Range Still Photo â HLG Photo Mode
HLG Photo allows images to be shot with a wider dynamic range. By reproducing both glaring lights and dark shadows that are likely to be overexposed or underexposed, the Lumix S achieves rich, precise color expression as close as possible to visual memory.
HLG Photos are produced as an HSP file. The user can play back these vibrant images on the latest Panasonic HLG-compliant 4KTV via HDMI cable connection or other HLG- compliant devices. It’s also ideal for photographersâ photo presentations.
Stunning Details with a Realistic Sensation
High Resolution Mode
Taking advantage of the Body Image Stabilizer. (I.S.) mechanism, eight consecutive images are automatically shot while shifting the sensor. These eight images are synthesized into a single image by the new Venus Engine, which boasts high-speed signal processing. Precise details are faithfully reproduced to be saved as a beautiful, highly realistic image. This mode is ideal for shooting natural landscapes or fine art objects with delicate details.
Considering situations where moving subjects are included in the scene, sub options are available to suppress motion blur, so photographers can use this mode the same as shooting in a normal photo shooting mode.
Yup, you’re getting some technology that hasn’t really been seen yet in full frame digital mirrorless cameras. Sony’s a7r III has a special color mode that gives you deeper and richer colors, and we can argue that the HSP files that the Panasonic Lumix S cameras produce will be more or less the same thing by being not a normal file type. But we can also state we’re getting something new…sort of.
To refresh everyone’s memories, back at Photokina 2018 Panasonic announced they’d be partnering up with both Sigma and Leica in the creation of the new L mount alliance. The Leica L mount has been used for their full frame Leica SL camera–which is a literal brick of a camera that can take loads of abuse and keep working. Panasonic and Sigma both will be making cameras for the mount and the manufacturers will also be producing lenses for said mount.
We’re honestly quite excited about this because it means Sony, Canon, and Nikon will have more serious competition. More competition is better for the consumer. And, as I can say from personal experience, it keeps the market thriving and striving for betterment.