Recent online retail anomalies concerning the Panasonic Lumix S1 II camera, where it was alternately marked as "discontinued" or a "new arrival," have been definitively addressed. Panasonic USA confirmed that these fluctuations in product status were not indicative of the camera's actual availability or production halt. Instead, they stemmed from a strategic shift in manufacturing locations and subsequent inventory updates by various retailers. This clarification aims to reassure customers and prevent further misunderstanding regarding the popular mirrorless camera model.
Panasonic Explains S1 II Listing Discrepancies Amidst Production Relocation
In recent days, photography enthusiasts and potential buyers of the Panasonic Lumix S1 II mirrorless camera were met with conflicting information on prominent retail platforms. Some listings, including those on B&H, temporarily displayed the camera as "discontinued," while others, surprisingly, labeled it as a "new arrival." This created widespread confusion, especially given that the S1 II and S1 IIE models were launched less than a year ago.
Seeking answers, PetaPixel reached out to Panasonic's U.S. division. The company's response shed light on the situation, attributing the inconsistencies to a "factory transition." Panasonic Lumix USA clarified that the original S1 II models were manufactured in China, but production has since moved to Vietnam. This change necessitates new part numbers for the cameras produced in Vietnam. Consequently, retailers had to create entirely new product listings to accommodate the incoming inventory from the new manufacturing site.
The company stated that while many dealers managed this transition smoothly without causing alarm, others encountered minor hiccups, leading to the misleading "discontinuation" notices. Crucially, Panasonic emphasized that there have been absolutely no alterations to the camera's specifications or features; only its country of origin has changed.
As of now, the "new arrival" tag has been removed from most listings. While some product pages still indicate the S1 II and its 24-105mm f/4 kit as "discontinued," the situation is gradually normalizing. Adorama still lists both the S1 II and S1 IIE as backordered, but B&H has the Lumix S1 II back in stock, though the S1 IIE remains unavailable there. On Panasonic's official online store, both the S1 II and S1 IIE are readily accessible. Additionally, Panasonic is currently running a $400 trade-in promotion for the S1 II, valid until March 28th, encouraging potential buyers to explore their options directly through the brand's channels.
This explanation from Panasonic should alleviate any concerns among photographers who may have been dissuaded by the inaccurate retail listings. The Lumix S1 II and S1 IIE are very much active products, continuing to be a part of Panasonic's offerings.
This incident serves as a valuable reminder of how quickly misinformation can spread in the digital age, particularly when supply chain adjustments occur. For consumers, it underscores the importance of verifying product status directly with manufacturers or reputable news sources before making purchasing decisions. For companies, it highlights the need for clear communication strategies during operational changes to prevent customer confusion and maintain market confidence. The rapid clarification by Panasonic was crucial in dispelling these rumors and ensuring that the public understood the continuity of their product line. It also demonstrates the dynamic nature of global manufacturing and retail, where even minor logistical shifts can create ripples across the market.