The LUMIX S1II is Panasonic’s new video-centric flagship camera. The 24.1MP full-frame partially stacked sensor brings fast readout speeds and video recording up to 5.9K 60fps, 4K 120fps, open gate up to 6K, internal ProRes RAW, and dynamic range boost feature up to 30fps. Featuring the same body as the S1RII, the camera offers USB-C PD, tilt-free-angle display, active cooling, and a weather-sealed body. The LUMIX S1II is available from late June for $3,199.
Less than three months after the LUMIX S1R II hybrid flagship camera announcementPanasonic is again launching multiple new products today. There are two new cameras, a new lens, and new firmware updates. We have a separate article about each of the announcements, so feel free to check out the other stuff too:
- Panasonic LUMIX S1IIE camera
- Panasonic LUMIX S 24-60mm f/2.8 lens
- Panasonic firmware updates
Now, let’s dive into the features and specs of the new Panasonic LUMIX S1II, which is the company’s new video-oriented flagship camera.
Panasonic LUMIX S1II – partially stacked sensor with IBIS
The naming might sound a bit confusing, but this L-mount camera is simply a mark II of Panasonic’s first-ever full-frame mirrorless camera, the LUMIX S1, which was first announced back in 2018 (when the whole L-mount alliance came to life) and finally released in February 2019. If you are up for some nostalgia, you can check our review of the camera right here. After six years of waiting, the new generation is here, and it brings a handful of major improvements.
The LUMIX S1II sports a newly developed 24.1MP full-frame partially stacked CMOS image sensor, which is paired with a new generation Venus Engine. The sensor features a 5-axis IBIS that provides up to 8.0-stop compensation. Unfortunately, Panasonic did not include the OLPF (optical low-pass filter) that was in the LUMIX S1H back in 2019 to help reduce moiré.
In stills mode using the electronic shutter, the camera can shoot up to 70 frames per second in SH burst mode. With the mechanical shutter, the maximum is 10 fps. There’s also an SH pre-burst mode that captures images for up to 1.5 seconds before the shutter button is fully pressed.
The S1II features a phase hybrid AF with improved eye and face detection and AI-driven tracking accuracy for people. Additionally, there is now a new AF recognition for ‘Urban Sports’, accurately capturing dynamic movements like breakdancing, skateboarding, and parkour.
Video features – up to 5.9K 60fps
There are many similarities to the S1RII. Both cameras share the same body and offer similar video recording capabilities. Because of the lower resolution sensor, there is no 8K video recording. On the other hand, the partially stacked sensor provides faster readout speeds.
The LUMIX S1II offers video recording in a variety of codecs, including Apple ProRes 422, HQ, or RAW, as well as compressed H.265 or H.264 10-bit (LongGOP or ALL-Intra).
The camera really offers a LOT of different resolutions, framerates, and codecs combinations. Here are some of the most notable 10-bit 4:2:2 recording modes:
- 6K 3:2 open gate up to 30fps
- 5.1K 3:2 open gate up to 60fps
- 4.8K 4:3 open gate up to 60fps
- 5.9K 16:9 up to 60fps
- 4K (DCI 17:9, UHD, or 2.4:1) up to 120fps
- FHD 16:9 up to 240fps
Many modes are available in full sensor readout mode, but there are some (such as ProRes RAW) that only work in pixel/pixel mode, APS-C crop, or with a slight crop to avoid oversampling.
Internal ProRes RAW (or RAW HQ) video is available in 5.8K up to 30p or 4K up to 60fps. All raw recording modes are always pixel/pixel, so there will be a slight crop in 5.8K and a slightly larger crop in 4K. Internal raw video can only be saved on the CFexpress B card.
When it comes to dynamic range, Panasonic again includes its Dynamic Range Boost mode in this camera. If turned on, the S1II should achieve up to 15 stops in V-Log. This, however, only works for up to 30fps and comes at a cost of slower readout speed. Without the boost, the camera achieves up to 14+ stops DR according to Panasonic. We will be putting the S1II through its paces during the CineD lab test, so stay tuned for our measurements.
On top of Panasonic’s own V-Log gamma curve, which is included in the camera, you can purchase a paid software key and use ARRI LogC3 with the LUMIX S1II. The camera can record proxy files, too (quality setting H, M, or L).
As we expect from Panasonicthe camera includes a handful of assist tools for filmmakers. Furthermore, an upcoming firmware update will introduce multiple frame marker displays. On top of the 5-axis IBIS, there is also a cropless E.I.S. video distortion correction, which stabilizes without cropping the angle of view.
Audio recording is available in up to 4 channels of 32-bit float with the optional DMW-XLR2 adapter. Without the adaptor, the camera records 2 channels of 24-bit audio.
In terms of media, just like the S1RII, the new S1II also has two memory card slots – one CFexpress Type B and one SD. On top of this, you can also use a fast USB-C SSD for recording.
Raw video output over HDMI is available in a variety of resolutions and framerates up to 6K 3:2 30fps, 5.7K 60fps, or 4K 120fps. You will, of course, need a compatible external recorder from Atomos or Blackmagic Design that can capture the raw HDMI signal.
Camera body, connectivity,
As previously noted, the S1II shares the same body with the S1RII, so there is an active cooling system, but the body is still weather-resistant and sealed against dust and moisture. Panasonic claims the S1II can operate at temperatures as low as -10°C (14°F).
The camera has an OLED EVF with 5.76 million dots and a refresh rate up to 120fps, as well as Panasonic’s new tilt-free-angle 3” LCD touchscreen display, which does not interfere with the ports on the side at any position.
Talking about the ports, the LUMXI S1II has a 3.5mm microphone input, a 3.5mm headphone output, a full-size HDMI port, and a USB-C with PD. The hot shoe on top is compatible with Panasonic’s XLR adapters.
App compatibility
For enhanced operation and easier post-production, the camera is compatible with a handful of applications via Bluetooth and Wi-Fi.
- Capture One – professional studio photography editing software.
- Frame.io enables smooth progression from shooting to editing, as well as cloud sharing and collaboration.
- LUMIX Lab simplifies file transfer, editing, and color personalization of photos and videos for seamless smartphone integration and social media sharing.
- LUMIX Flow assists with storyboard creation, on-site checks during filming, and automatic data organization after shooting to support the video production workflow. It includes additional assist features (Waveform monitor / Vectorscope / False color), and a mirroring monitor function.
Price and availability
The LUMIX S1II will be available starting late June. The price has been set to $3,199.
What do you think of the new Panasonic camera? Does it have the features you need? Let us know in the comments below.
