We sat down with Toshiyuki Tsumura-san, Government Vice President of Panasonic and Director of the Imaging Enterprise Unit, at CP+ 2026 in Yokohama for a Q&A session masking all the pieces from the model’s fruitful 2025, their strategy to compact cinema cameras, the way forward for the BS1H, Micro 4 Thirds, and what LUMIX followers can stay up for in 2026.

Following the April 2024 merger of Panasonic’s client {and professional} AV divisions, the corporate has been on an accelerated growth path. With three full-frame S sequence cameras launched in 2025 (the S1RII, S1II, and S1IIE), a quickly increasing lens lineup, and a rising presence in skilled broadcast, there was lots to debate. As a reminder, we named the LUMIX S1II our CineD Digicam of the Yr 2025 (total winner within the Mirrorless/Hybrid class), so we have been notably curious to listen to Tsumura-san’s perspective on the digital camera’s technical achievements and the highway forward.

A fruitful 2025 for LUMIX

We started by asking Tsumura-san how 2025 formed up for Panasonic’s imaging division. His reply lined important floor: the introduction of three full-frame S sequence fashions, the enlargement of the L-mount lens lineup to twenty interchangeable lenses (together with the long-awaited 100-500mm super-telephoto zoom and the 24-60mm f/2.8 normal zoom), and software program developments just like the “Magic LUT” function within the LUMIX Lab smartphone app, which makes use of AI to generate customized coloration tones from uploaded reference images mechanically.

However the story prolonged nicely past client cameras. The merger of client {and professional} AV divisions has begun to bear fruit. Panasonic launched the AW-UB50 and AW-UB10 large-format sensor field cameras for skilled use, strengthened the skilled camcorder lineup with the AG-CX370, CX20, and the AK-UCX100 (the business’s first 4K studio digital camera with AF), and actively proposed the “Media Manufacturing Suite,” a software program platform utilizing AI and proprietary face recognition know-how for high-precision human detection, monitoring, and auto-framing.

As Tsumura-san put it: “2025 was a fruitful yr the place each the patron {and professional} AV divisions labored collectively to satisfy buyer wants, and people efforts actually started to bear outcomes.”

What makes the LUMIX S1II particular

Naturally, we requested Tsumura-san in regards to the S1II’s best technical achievement from his perspective as an engineer. He expressed real gratitude for the Digicam of the Yr recognition, noting that “the entire enterprise division was very inspired.”

The S1II was developed to serve hybrid customers who shoot each images and video with a single digital camera, inheriting the acclaimed coloration expression, robustness, and reliability of the unique S1 sequence whereas incorporating adjustments primarily based on latest market tendencies. Tsumura-san highlighted the partially stacked CMOS sensor’s contribution to high-speed steady taking pictures efficiency for photographers, together with a large dynamic vary and improved depiction efficiency. On the video aspect, inside RAW recording and 4K 120p from the high-speed sensor acquired robust constructive suggestions from creators.

He additionally pointed to real-time LUTs (streamlined by way of the LUMIX Lab app), the LUMIX Circulate state of affairs manufacturing app, and the implementation of ARRI LogC3, which permits ARRI workflows for cinema productions. As we famous in our personal lab take a look at, the S1II achieved publicity latitude outcomes on par with the ARRI Alexa Mini LF in 5.8K ProRes RAW with DR Enhance enabled, which stays exceptional for a client full-frame digital camera.

Bridging the hole between recognition and market share

We raised a query many in the neighborhood have mentioned: regardless of robust recognition and a loyal person base, LUMIX’s total digital camera market share stays comparatively small in comparison with the competitors. Tsumura-san acknowledged the disparity however framed it when it comes to trajectory moderately than place.

The LUMIX model celebrates its twenty fifth anniversary this yr. Panasonic launched mirrorless cameras 18 years in the past and entered the full-frame mirrorless market simply six years in the past. In accordance with Tsumura-san, the variety of LUMIX followers has been “quickly growing inside the hybrid person group that shoots each movies and images,” and market share is rising. He described LUMIX as being in “a transitional section of progress” and expressed confidence that the hole is progressively narrowing.

What to anticipate in 2026

On the subject of upcoming bulletins, Tsumura-san pointed to the brand new DMW-DMS1 digital shotgun microphone, which was revealed at CP+ 2026. The compact microphone connects on to the recent shoe of appropriate LUMIX S and G sequence cameras for cable-free, high-quality recording. It helps 32-bit float recording on the S1II, S1IIE, and S1RII, and in addition permits float recording when related to the S1 sequence or GH fashions. Priced at $399.99, it’s scheduled to ship in late March 2026.

Past the microphone, Tsumura-san teased that Panasonic is “getting ready quite a few thrilling merchandise and new workflow proposals all year long,” encouraging the group to remain tuned.

The compact cinema digital camera query

This can be a matter that comes up ceaselessly in our editorial discussions. The rising market phase of compact, video-centric “cinema” cameras, led by merchandise just like the Sony FX3, Canon EOS C50, and Nikon ZR, at present lacks a LUMIX entry. We requested Tsumura-san instantly about this.

His response acknowledged current LUMIX fashions just like the GH7, S1H, and S1II which can be already broadly used for cinema work, together with the ARRI LogC3 implementation utilized by many creators. He then made a noteworthy assertion: “Cinema cameras are gaining the flexibility to evolve even additional, because of the sooner talked about integration of the patron {and professional} AV divisions.” He concluded with a promise to “proceed to strengthen this space,” however stopped in need of confirming a selected product.

The BS1H has advanced, not disappeared

For customers who appreciated the unique BS1H box-style cinema digital camera and have been ready for a successor, Tsumura-san provided an fascinating perspective. The BS1H “has not disappeared,” he mentioned; moderately, “it has advanced into a brand new product.”

Following the enterprise integration, Panasonic superior the LUMIX BOX idea and launched the 4K multipurpose cameras AW-UB50 and AW-UB10, which assist a typical IP management protocol enabling integration with Panasonic’s distant digital camera methods. In accordance with Tsumura-san, the brand new cameras retain the cinematic expression of the BS1H whereas evolving by way of IP management and different enhancements. He emphasised that the fusion of applied sciences from the patron {and professional} divisions will allow Panasonic to develop “distinctive merchandise” sooner or later.

The S1H successor: nonetheless no timeline

Maybe probably the most anticipated query from our readership considerations the successor to the LUMIX S1H, Panasonic’s devoted video-centric full-frame digital camera. Tsumura-san acknowledged the demand instantly: “I’ve heard from lots of you who’re eagerly awaiting a successor to the S1H.”

Nevertheless, he couldn’t touch upon future product lineups. He assured us that Panasonic is “sincerely listening to prospects’ suggestions and thoroughly contemplating how we are able to meet the expectations of video creators.” The reply was diplomatic however notably didn’t dismiss the thought; moderately, it affirmed that the suggestions is being heard.

LUMIX S9 and the EVF debate

The LUMIX S9 was designed with a compact, light-weight, and trendy ethos, assuming a taking pictures type utilizing the LCD just like a smartphone. We requested about market suggestions, notably concerning the dearth of an EVF. Tsumura-san confirmed that photographers who compose by way of viewfinders “strongly request the inclusion of an EVF,” and that Panasonic is contemplating the steadiness between compact measurement and EVF inclusion as they work to “meet the expectations of as many purchasers as doable.”

MFT isn’t on the sidelines

With the full-frame S sequence demanding a lot consideration, we wished to know whether or not Micro 4 Thirds cameras have been pushed to the aspect. Tsumura-san pushed again on this notion, pointing to latest releases together with the GH7, G9II, G97, and G100D, in addition to renewed MFT lenses just like the 100-400mm LEICA and 35-100mm f/2.8 LEICA.

He described the dual-mount technique (L-mount and MFT) as considered one of LUMIX’s strengths, noting that the mobility and velocity achieved by way of the compactness of the MFT system, together with lenses, stay an everlasting enchantment. Panasonic intends to “proceed to make new proposals that additional spotlight the distinctive appeal of MFT.”

The FZ line and compact digital camera market

For these hoping for information in regards to the FZ bridge digital camera line, Tsumura-san pointed to the broader compact digital camera market resurgence. In accordance with CIPA, compact digital camera shipments in 2025 elevated considerably, reaching 149% year-on-year in worth. The FZ85 continues to carry out nicely, and final yr’s TZ99 with its 30x optical zoom was nicely acquired.

Whereas he couldn’t touch upon particular new merchandise, Tsumura-san affirmed that Panasonic intends to “proceed providing worth within the compact digital camera market by leveraging our strengths in offering high-quality, high-performance photos and movies that smartphones can’t obtain.”

The AK-UBX100 and broadcast ambitions

On the skilled broadcast aspect, we requested in regards to the not too long ago introduced AK-UBX100 box-style multi-purpose digital camera, a 4K mannequin with a B4 mount appropriate with 2/3-inch bayonet lenses. The digital camera is designed for broadcast functions, together with studio shoots, sports activities broadcasting, and stay occasion stage productions. The AK-UCX100 already acquired its world-first AF operate for 4K studio cameras in 2025, and the AK-UBX100 is scheduled to obtain AF assist through firmware replace within the first quarter of fiscal yr 2026.

When requested a few potential large-sensor model, Tsumura-san couldn’t present particulars however confirmed Panasonic will “proceed to launch merchandise that meet market wants.”

The digital camera market outlook for 2026

Tsumura-san closed with an optimistic view of the broader market. CIPA cargo outcomes for 2025 reached 107% of the earlier yr’s degree, marking the worldwide digital camera market’s enlargement for the fifth consecutive yr. This progress is pushed by renewed demand for entry-level fashions geared toward new customers and point-and-shoot cameras. Panasonic plans to speed up new proposals focusing on these new customers whereas additionally listening to the regular progress of cinema cameras geared toward prosumers and steady progress within the skilled AV sector round studio automation and options.

As he put it: “There are various progress alternatives within the digital camera business, and we goal to contribute to revitalizing the business by providing quite a few new proposals.”

This interview was carried out at CP+ 2026 in Yokohama, Japan. We want to prolong our honest because of Tsumura-san and all the Panasonic crew for his or her time and openness.

What are your ideas on the state of LUMIX and the highway forward? Are you continue to holding out for that S1H successor, or is the S1II already assembly your cinema wants? Do you need to see a devoted compact cinema digital camera from Panasonic? Don’t hesitate to tell us within the feedback under!