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Panasonic Lumix S1 II: two-minute assessment
The S1 II is Panasonic‘s strongest Lumix digital camera but, debuting a partially-stacked 24.1MP sensor and a humiliation of riches for video recording, together with 19 pages of video codecs within the menus.
There are 6K and 4K choices in numerous facet ratios as much as 60fps and 120fps respectively, plus a brand new open gate 5.1K possibility as much as 60fps. Moreover, ProRes Uncooked format is on the market in-camera with bitrates as much as 4.2Gbps (that is not a typo), as is a Dynamic Vary Increase mode – the latter delivers fairly probably essentially the most detail-rich video I’ve seen at this worth level.
The increase in efficiency from the partially stacked sensor extends to images too, with as much as 70fps burst taking pictures (or 10fps utilizing the mechanical shutter) and an possibility for 1.5 seconds pre-capture.
Each picture and video seize profit from class-leading in-body picture stabilization – the Increase IS mode gave me a few of the smoothest handheld movies I’ve shot – plus Panasonic’s handiest autofocus but, with subject-detection autofocus now prolonged to ‘City Sports activities’ corresponding to parkour. Autofocus velocity, versatility and accuracy are nonetheless not fairly as full as rival cameras such because the Nikon Z6 III, however it’s spectacular nonetheless.
As for the design, the Lumix S1 II’s physique is equivalent to the Lumix S1R II‘s – which is an effective factor contemplating that it is the greatest Lumix design but.
I’ve loved the crisp 5.76m-dot EVF, 1.84m-dot vari-angle touchscreen, sturdy physique and a beneficiant handgrip, full with vents that preserve the digital camera cool throughout lengthy document classes.
The Lumix S1 II feels uncharacteristically costly for a Lumix, however I am nonetheless struggling to think about a greater mirrorless camera at this worth level for video-first customers – it actually is without doubt one of the best video cameras. As a photography-first consumer, the 44.3MP Lumix S1R II is the extra apparent alternative for me, even when it could possibly’t match the S1 II’s uncooked energy.
Panasonic additionally launched the Lumix S1 IIE on the identical day because the Lumix S1 II. The 2 cameras are equivalent, besides that the ‘E’ model has a daily 24MP full-frame sensor reasonably than {a partially} stacked one, which suggests a slower efficiency in just a few areas and fewer video modes to select from. It is $500 / £500 cheaper.
I really feel like there’s far more of a case for the S1 II than there’s for the S1 IIE, particularly given there’s the cheaper Lumix S5 II within the image, which is one more 24MP Lumix. The Lumix S1 II is agonizingly near a five-star ranking, however its worth level places it amongst fierce competitors, and takes it down a peg.
Panasonic Lumix S1 II: worth and launch date
- Physique-only worth is $3,199 / £2,899 / AU$5,299
- It was introduced on Might 13 2025 and is on the market now
- A Lumix S1 IIE model prices $2,499 / £2,399 (about AU$4,100)
The Lumix S1 II was introduced on Might 13, 2025, and it prices $3,199 / £2,899 / AU$5,299 body-only. The 44.3MP Lumix S1 R II prices $100 / £100 extra, whereas the Nikon Z6 III, which is one other apparent different, is a good bit cheaper.
Alongside the Lumix S1 II, Panasonic unveiled the Lumix S1 IIE, which has the identical pores and skin and have set, however a daily 24MP full-frame sensor reasonably than {a partially} stacked form. The S1 II’s partially stacked sensor delivers quicker efficiency in a number of areas, and extra video document modes.
Each cameras can be found now.
Panasonic Lumix S1 II: specs
|
Sensor: |
24MP full-frame, partially stacked |
|
Video: |
6K 60p, 5.1K 60p, 4K 60p, 4K 120p (1.2x crop), open gate, 10-bit |
|
Cont. taking pictures |
As much as 70fps utilizing digital shutter, as much as 10fps mechanical |
|
Viewfinder: |
5.76m-dot OLED |
|
LCD: |
3-inch, 1.84m-dot vari-angle LCD touchscreen |
|
Battery (CIPA ranking): |
As much as 350 pictures or as much as 130 minutes document time |
|
Weight: |
1.76lbs / 800g (incl battery and card) |
|
Dimensions: |
5.29 x 4.03 x 3.61 inches / 134.3 x 102.3 x 91.8mm |
Panasonic Lumix S1 II: design and dealing with
- Rugged physique, weighs 1.76lbs / 800g
- Clear and detailed 5.76m-dot OLED EVF
- Cooling vents for lengthy document instances with out overheating
We have already reviewed the Lumix S1R II, and the Lumix S1 II’s design is actually equivalent. At 1.76lbs / 800g, it is a tiny bit heavier – that is as a result of it encompasses a partially stacked sensor – however that is the one actual distinction.
To briefly recap from our Lumix S1R II assessment, this second era of Lumix S1 cameras is slimmed down from the primary, being roughly 20% lighter and a bit smaller in each dimension.
The S1 II, S1 II and S1R II trio are very comfy to carry, and the S1 II balances rather well with most of Panasonic’s L-mount lenses – I had the 24-105mm F4 Macro OIS for this assessment.
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I believe Panasonic has advanced the design properly – not solely are the brand new S1 II / S1R II / S1 IIE fashions the very best within the hand but, however they’re rugged, weather-proof, and have built-in vents to maintain them cool – an important function for giant video hitters just like the Lumix S1 II.
There is a slight really feel of perform over kind right here: the Lumix S1 II speaks video manufacturing work to me, reasonably than go-out-and-create. That stated, the digital camera handles nicely in any scenario.
As a hybrid mirrorless digital camera, no stone is left unturned – the Lumix S1 II options full-size HDMI, mic, and headphone ports, plus USB-C charging that doubles up for exterior SSD connection and recording.
There are twin card slots – one is CFExpress Sort B, which you will want for a few of the higher-quality video codecs, and the opposite is SD UHS-II.
The vari-angle display can spin round to the entrance for selfie recording, and the show encompasses a useful purple border immediate throughout recording, along with entrance and rear tally lights – these are helpful visible aids for busy filmmakers. There are additionally twin purple buttons to begin recording: a big one on the entrance of the digital camera, and a smaller one on the highest.
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Photographers particularly will benefit from the EVF – it is a shiny and detailed 5.76m-dot OLED show. I additionally like the texture of the rear joystick, particularly for navigating autofocus factors and modes.
The button format is all very smart, and I additionally admire how easy Panasonic menus are (typically). For instance, the video mode menu solely has six pages in all, so options like picture stabilization are simply discovered.
The identical cannot be stated for video codecs – there are a staggering 19 pages of Full HD, 4K 5.1K, 5.8K and 6K video modes to select from, with numerous facet ratios, bitrates and codecs.
Fortunately, it is potential to create customized profiles in your most-used settings, in any other case navigating between the choices is a time sink.
Panasonic Lumix S1 II: options and efficiency
- Extremely efficient picture stabilization for video
- Fast 70fps burst taking pictures mode or a extra smart 10fps utilizing mechanical shutter with steady AF
- Common 350-shot battery life
- Panasonic’s greatest autofocus efficiency up to now
Panasonic caught with a contrast-detection-based autofocus system for years when rivals had adopted a hybrid part / contrast-detection setup, which is simpler for video. It was an enormous mark in opposition to Panasonic’s otherwise-excellent video cameras.
Fortunately, Panasonic lastly rectified the scenario with the Lumix G9 II / Lumix S5 II in 2023, introducing a hybrid autofocus system which Panasonic says is now 1.6x quicker within the Lumix S1 II.
Actually, the Lumix S1 II packs Panasonic’s best-ever autofocus, with an elevated array of subject-detection modes. I have been taking pictures something from grassroots sports activities to animal portraits with it, and on the entire have been actually impressed.
Whereas not scientific, my testing means that Panasonic’s autofocus remains to be a bit means behind the likes of Canon, Sony and Nikon, however not by a lot; in easy phrases, autofocus efficiency is now not a strike in opposition to Panasonic. You’ll be able to see within the gallery under a spread of topics I’ve photographed, and my hit ratio of sharp pictures was roughly 8/10.
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What’s much less ideally suited is battery life, which is CIPA-rated at 350 pictures, or as much as 70 minutes document time. I have been in a position to squeeze extra pictures out of a completely charged battery than that, and there is on-the-go UBS-C charging too. Nonetheless, Sony cameras, for instance, boast higher battery life.
The place the Lumix S1 II actually shines is its in-body picture stabilization, which is rated as much as 7EV. In apply, I’ve discovered it to supply the best stabilization of any digital camera for video recording, particularly within the Increase IS mode. There is a small crop of the picture space on this mode, however handheld movies on the transfer are silky easy.
There’s additionally an especially speedy 70fps burst-shooting mode. Personally, I discover this to be overkill for the informal motion images I usually do, however to have a mechanical shutter that ticks over at 10fps for what are primarily limitless sequences is a good to have.
Total, the Lumix S1 II is ready to maintain its high-speed efficiency to a degree that the Lumix S1R II cannot. I photographed a grassroots soccer match eventually gentle (see under), and the digital camera’s velocity and autofocus held up nicely.
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There’s the choice for data-heavy ProRes RAW video recording in-camera, which additional highlights simply how highly effective a digital camera the Lumix S1 II is.
I additionally should commend the brand new(ish) Lumix Lab app, which is essentially the most dependable digital camera app Panasonic has made but. Not like earlier apps, which have annoyed me no finish with my earlier cameras such because the Lumix GH5, Lumix Lab supplies a fast and dependable connection between digital camera and cellphone, along with distant management, picture add, and entry to Lumix sources corresponding to customized colour profiles.
- Options and efficiency rating: 4.5/5
Panasonic Lumix S1 II: picture and video high quality
- 24MP partially stacked sensor is a good all-rounder
- A beneficiant vary of video codecs, bitrates and facet ratios, as much as 6K 60p
- Colour profiles and real-time LUTs may be imported from the Lumix Lab app
If you would like the best-possible video high quality, you will battle to discover a higher digital camera than the Lumix S1 II at its worth level.
It tops out at 6K decision, whereas high-resolution alternate options such because the Lumix S1R II, Canon EOS R5 Mark II, Nikon Z8 and Sony A1 II supply 8K, however in any other case the Lumix S1 II’s video high quality is top-drawer.
Not solely does it supply extra video codecs and bitrates than rivals, but in addition facet ratios that are taken from the total top and width of the sensor (open gate) and embrace 3:2, 4:3, 16:9, 17:9 and a pair of.4:1.
I’ve shot with a variety of the video modes, and you may see what to anticipate throughout the assorted resolutions and body charges within the (prolonged) pattern video, under.
Particular point out goes the the Dynamic Increase mode, which delivers fairly probably the very best and most detail-rich video high quality straight out of the digital camera that I’ve seen from a hybrid digital camera. You lose numerous options, corresponding to slow-motion body charges, however for outright high quality it is unimaginable.
One thing the Lumix S1 II does higher than the higher-resolution Lumix S1R II is deal with rolling shutter distortion. Sure, it is a far more succesful all-round digital camera for recording video.
There are additionally a spread of colour profiles, together with V-Log, plus any variety of customized profiles made by professionals within the Lumix group, and which may be imported on to the digital camera from the Lumix Lab app for video and picture. You’ll be able to see a spread of appears within the picture gallery under.
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If you happen to’re primarily going to be taking pictures pictures, and admire the Lumix S1 II’s all-round capabilities, then the Lumix S1 IIE might be a greater shout. It is broadly reported that partially stacked sensors can have an hostile influence on picture high quality in low gentle versus a daily sensor; it is a delicate distinction, however photos is usually a little noisier. I have never made direct comparisons between the Lumix S1 II and Lumix S1 IIE, however it’s one thing price fascinated with.
Total, nonetheless, I’ve no complaints concerning the picture high quality of the Lumix S1 II. I am used to full-frame 24MP cameras; they steadiness velocity, efficiency, and picture high quality properly.
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- Picture and video high quality rating: 5/5
Panasonic Lumix S1 II: testing scorecard
|
Attributes |
Notes |
Score |
|---|---|---|
|
Value |
Wonderful options, however it’s expensive for a 24MP Lumix |
4/5 |
|
Design |
Panasonic’s greatest Lumix digital camera design: it is rugged, straightforward within the hand and a wise management format |
5/5 |
|
Efficiency |
Partially stacked sensor delivers the speediest efficiency of any Lumix up to now, and its greatest autofocus, however there’s fierce competitors at this worth level |
4.5/5 |
|
Picture and video high quality |
Picture high quality is first rate, however it’s the video high quality that really shines |
5/5 |
Ought to I purchase the Panasonic Lumix S1 II?
Purchase it if…
Do not buy it if…
Panasonic Lumix S1 II: additionally think about
The 24MP partially stacked sensor is likely to be new to Lumix, however we have seen it earlier than within the Nikon Z6 III. With out diving an excessive amount of into the place every mannequin betters the opposite, it is honest to say that the Lumix S1 II is more-featured packed for video, and the Z6 III extra so for images. Each are extremely succesful hybrid cameras, however the Z6 III is quite a bit cheaper now.
Learn our in-depth Nikon Z6 III review
With the identical design and nearly the identical worth, the Lumix S1R II is another choice. The important thing distinction is the sensor – the Lumix S1R II encompasses a common 44.3MP unit, the Lumix S1 II {a partially} stacked 24MP one. Put merely, the Lumix S1R II is best outfitted for high-resolution images and video, whereas the Lumix S1 II is a speedier performer for stills, and total extra geared to video. Each are succesful hybrid cameras in their very own means.
Learn our in-depth: Panasonic Lumix S1R II review
How I examined the Panasonic Lumix S1 II
- Panasonic loaned me the Lumix S1 II for one month, along with the 24-105mm F4 lens
- My principal focus of testing has been the video modes, although I’ve additionally used the digital camera in numerous images situations
- Usually, I’ve examined the digital camera in honest climate and honest gentle
I’ve had a superb very long time with the Lumix S1 II – over one month in all. Panasonic loaned me a 24-105mm F4 lens for the check, and this was the one lens I used the digital camera with.
My testing displays the everyday viewers for the Lumix S1 II – I’ve shot loads of video with it, utilizing the assorted resolutions, codecs and body charges, and recording onto a top-spec CFExpress Sort B card.
That is to not say I’ve uncared for images – removed from it. I’ve shot all the pieces from grassroots soccer eventually gentle to animal portraits and on a regular basis topics, principally in honest climate and honest gentle.
First reviewed June 2025