Panasonic Camera Names: A Simple Guide
Ever looked at Panasonic camera names and felt confused?
Here’s what those letters and numbers mean.
The Basics
First things first:
All Panasonic digital cameras are called "Lumix."
It's just their brand name for cameras.
What the Letters Mean
Panasonic uses different letters to show what type of camera it is:
G Series: These are Micro Four Thirds mirrorless cameras. They are the backbone of Panasonic's interchangeable lens lineup.
Importantly, G series cameras share their mount with Olympus cameras, offering a wide range of compatible lenses.
GH Series: Highly regarded for their advanced video features.
GX Series: Smaller mirrorless cameras.
GF Series: Beginner-friendly cameras.
S Series: Full-frame mirrorless cameras. They represent Panasonic's high-end offerings. These cameras share a mount with Leica, providing access to premium optics.
FZ Series: Cameras with a fixed zoom lens.
Understanding the Numbers
The numbers after the letters tell you how new or advanced the camera is.
Higher numbers usually mean newer models.
For example, the GH6 is newer than the GH5.
Extra Letters at the End
Sometimes you'll see more letters at the end of the name.
Here's what they often mean:
K: Comes with a lens
BK: Just the camera body, no lens
LPRO: Might come with a fancy lens
Examples
Let's look at some real camera names:
Lumix G7KS: A regular mirrorless camera (G) that's the 7th in its line, sold with a lens (K).
Lumix GH5S: A video-focused camera (GH), 5th in its line, good in low light (S).
Lumix S1H: A high-end, full-frame camera (S) great for video.
Lumix FZ300: A camera with a built-in zoom lens, middle of its range.
Best for Making Videos
If you want to make films or videos, check out these:
GH series: Like the GH5 or GH6. They're awesome for video.
S series: These are top-notch and work great in low light.
G9: Good for both photos and videos.
For more on choosing the right camera for filmmaking, check out my Beginner's Guide to Filmmaking Cameras.
Professional Filmmaking Cameras
Lumix cameras are excellent for many video applications.
Panasonic also offers a separate line of cameras specifically designed for professional filmmakers.
These cameras often have more advanced features and are built to meet the demands of high-end video production.
And That’s It
Now you can look at a Panasonic camera name and get an idea of what it's all about.
The main letter and number are the most important parts to focus on.
For filmmakers, the GH and S cameras are usually the best choices.
Read the reviews and check out the specific features of any camera you're interested in.
For more tips, see my article on Skill vs. Gear: Striking the Right Balance in Photography.
I hope that helps.
-Hakan.
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