Why I Love Lumix Cameras (and Why Panasonic Needs to Rethink Its Strategy)

Lumix Underwater Photography – Serge Melesan

Serge Melesan is an award-winning underwater photographer specializing in fine art ocean imagery. For his work beneath the waves, he chooses Lumix cameras for their unique color science, lighter weight, and intuitive design. His images and videos capture marine life and underwater landscapes with a distinctive look that stands apart from over-saturated Canon or ultra-bright Nikon styles.

This article explores underwater photography and videography — covering gear, techniques, and creative approaches to filming and photographing marine life. Whether capturing the graceful movement of dolphins, the details of coral reefs, or cinematic sequences in open water, Lumix offers the flexibility and image quality required for professional underwater work.

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Why Lumix for Underwater Photography? Lumix vs Canon vs Nikon – Which Lumix to Choose?

Discover why Lumix cameras are a top choice for underwater photography enthusiasts worldwide. With outstanding video and photo capabilities, rugged design, and excellent underwater housing support, Lumix stands out in marine and diving photography. Compare Lumix with Canon and Nikon to find the best Lumix model for your underwater adventures.

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Photography is not just about sharpness or specs — it’s about emotion, vision, and the way a camera interprets the world.
Every brand has its own color signature. While Nikon sometimes feels too clinical and Canon a bit oversaturated to my eye, Lumix strikes a rare balance: natural tones, honest contrast, and a cinematic depth that feels true — especially underwater.
That’s why I chose Lumix — and why I trust it when telling stories beneath the surface.

One of my first use of Lumix G7 in New Zealand

My First Encounter with Lumix: A Love Story in New Zealand

It all started during a trip to New Zealand, a breathtakingly beautiful country where every landscape is a masterpiece. There was no way I was leaving without capturing real photos—not the kind taken on a smartphone, but true, high-quality images. That’s when I bought my first Lumix G7.

I expected a steep learning curve, but to my surprise, the menus were incredibly intuitive, making it easy to get started. And just like that, my journey with Lumix photography began.
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Very quickly, I realized the color rendering and image definition were on another level compared to my iPhone at the time. From that moment on, I stuck with Lumix.

Why I Choose Lumix for My Underwater Photography

As an award-winning underwater photographer, my choice of gear is driven by both performance and personal style. I chose Lumix for several key reasons that set my work apart from the mainstream underwater photography scene:

• Simplicity of use — intuitive menus and controls that let me focus on the shot, not the settings.
• Better price point (at the time) — professional quality without the excessive cost.
• Lighter weight — essential when traveling to remote diving locations.
• Unique color science — delivering a different rendering from over-saturated Canon or ultra-bright Nikon images.
• Standing out from the crowd — I prefer to create my own visual signature rather than follow trends.

This combination of factors allows me to produce distinctive underwater images that capture the ocean’s true colors and mood, while reflecting my personal artistic vision.

From Diving to Fine Art: My Evolution as a Photographer

When my GoPro failed me, I started looking for a serious underwater camera. Naturally, I turned to the GH5. This camera followed me everywhere, from tropical waters to extreme conditions, for almost seven years before I (stupidly) flooded it.

Then came the Lumix S1. I wanted to see what high-end photography could bring to my work. And once again, I was blown away. The autofocus was lightning-fast, making me feel like my own eye was doing the focusing. It delivered top-tier performance while maintaining the signature usability and simplicity of the Lumix range.
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Thanks to this camera, I’ve had multiple finalist photos in the Siena Awards, National Geographic Traveller, Wildlife Photographer of the Year… Proof that while the gear doesn’t make the photographer, it’s an essential partner in bringing artistic vision to life.

When emotion meets purpose

Photography is more than an image — it’s a way to slow down, to connect, and to protect what still can be saved. Discover a selection of fine art prints that carry this intention.

See the Fine Art Collection →

And Now, My Rant…

As much as I respect Lumix for the quality of its cameras, I am baffled by Panasonic’s current marketing strategy.

Instead of highlighting the creators who use their gear daily in real-world conditions, they prefer to pay influencers to travel to Norway and talk about 4:2:2, Open something-or-other, and other specs that, while useful, fail to connect the creator to the camera.

When I see how Sony collaborates with photographers like Paul Nicklen, showcasing the true power of their cameras in the field, I can’t help but wonder: why is Lumix not doing the same?

Why not put the spotlight on the photographers and filmmakers who actually use Lumix cameras to capture breathtaking moments?
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Influencers have their place, but they will never replace those who live and breathe photography.

Lumix, It’s Time to Call on Your Real Creators

I love Lumix. These cameras have been my trusted companions in my adventures. But I would love to see Panasonic give a voice to those who truly bring their cameras to life, rather than those who simply test them between brand deals. 

Because a camera is not just a spec sheet. It’s a tool for creation, a means of storytelling.
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And my story is told with Lumix.