Panasonic’s LUMIX Pro Services will cease to exist in Europe and the UK at the end of this year, and, quietly, haven’t been registering new members since last September. The services consisted of a single-tier, free membership granted to every registered LUMIX S camera owner. The service promised shorter repair turnaround and loaned gear should the repair be longer than the set time. The US service, which consists of two tiers (“RED” and “Platinum”), will not be affected and will continue to operate for the time being.
The best camera is the one you have with you, as the old saying claims. As professionals, we don’t only require durable, trustworthy gear, but also an adequate service envelope. No camera lasts forever. Given a demanding, day-in, day-out professional workflow, malfunctioning gear is not a question of “if”, it’s a question of “when” (and the answer will forever be: “the evening before the shoot”). While a backup camera is always a good idea, we still appreciate a comprehensive support envelope provided by the manufacturers.
LUMIX Pro Service. Image credit: PanasonicLUMIX Pro Service – getting in there with the big boys
As Panasonic launched its Full-Frame S line, with the LUMIX S1 and S1R, it has also launched the LUMIX Pro Services. Aimed at professional filmmakers and photographers, the service promised priority service for registered LUMIX S camera owners, as well as fast repair service and loaner gear in case the repairs took longer. This move aimed to help position Panasonic and the LUMIX line as a fully professional alternative to the established competition. The service varied a bit between the US and EU markets, with the former having two tiers. The “Platinum” tier granted users a two-day turnaround time on repairs and loaner gear should the repair take longer than that. A member-only service hotline, 20% discount on out-of-warranty repairs, free sensor or EVF cleaning for up to four cameras per year, and some additional services were also included. This came at an annual cost of $199. The “RED” tier was free, requiring an S-line camera, and granted 3-5 repair journeys, as well as loaner gear, should the repair require more than a week. The now-discontinued European LUMIX Pro Service was similar to the American RED tier.
A sight we never want to see outside the lab. Image credit PanasonicWhat does that mean?
The LUMIX Pro Service was definitely a nice thing to have, and axing it might seem like a bad omen. However, I wouldn’t put too much weight on such a move. Services come and go, and various repair and maintenance is done by local representatives. While it might seem harsh, I believe the actual effect will be mostly negligible. LUMIX cameras are still incredibly capable professional tools (as are most current cameras from other brands), and as a working professional, I’ve always held a backup camera close by. No service is ever as quick as a spare.
If you are a member of the service, you should be able to log in and manage your accounts, including securing any data, until 31st December 2025. New registrations are no longer available after 18th September 2025.
Will the cancellation of the LUMIX Pro Service affect you in any way? Are you registered for such a service with another brand? Let us know in the comments.