Panasonic LUMIX DMW-DMS1 Microphone Announced with 32-bit Float Recording and Six Pickup Modes

Panasonic has announced the LUMIX DMW-DMS1, a compact on-camera digital shotgun microphone offering 32-bit float recording, six pickup modes, and cable-free hot-shoe connectivity for recent LUMIX mirrorless bodies.

Panasonic has announced the LUMIX DMW-DMS1, a new digital shotgun microphone designed for direct integration with its mirrorless camera range. The new mic connects via the camera hot shoe, drawing power and transmitting digital audio without cables, and is aimed squarely at hybrid shooters working across interviews, events, and run-and-gun production.

Six Pickup Modes

The microphone features what the company says is a newly developed 10 mm capsule array intended to deliver focused audio capture in varied environments. An internal floating shock-mount reduces vibration noise from camera handling, while a supplied windscreen works alongside a wind-noise suppression system that Panasonic says maintains natural vocal tone even in adverse weather conditions.

To support different recording scenarios, the DMW-DMS1 provides six directional pickup modes, including cardioid, stereo, wide stereo, forward supercardioid, rear supercardioid, and bidirectional options. The microphone also supports 32-bit float recording, allowing it to capture high-level sound sources up to roughly 120 dB (think front row at a gig or close to an emergency siren) without clipping.

The device offers two backup recording modes. When recording in 4-channel mode, channels 3 and 4 can be used as backups to reliably capture important audio.

Dimensions

Physically, the unit measures approximately 73.7 × 45 × 63.7 mm (2.9 × 1.8 × 2.5 in) and weighs about 100 g (3.5 oz). It includes physical control switches and adjustable-brightness buttons for low-light operation. It also ships with a storage pouch that accommodates the microphone with its windscreen attached.

At launch, the DMW-DMS1 will be compatible with the LUMIX S1II, S1RII, S1IIE, S5II, and S5IIX, with firmware updates scheduled for March 10, 2026 (which is before the mic's listed availability). Panasonic says compatibility with the GH7 and G9II is planned.

An important caveat is that some features, unfortunately including both the 32-bit float and backup recording modes, are currently supported only on select newer bodies, specifically the DC-S1M2, S1M2ES, and S1RM2.

DMW-DMS1 Pricing and Availability 

The LUMIX DMW-DMS1 is scheduled to ship in mid-March with a suggested retail price of $399.