Review: Panasonic Lumix S1R II

Remarkably, it has been six years since Panasonic launched their first full frame cameras into the market with the S Series.

At release, the Lumix S1 was considered a video centric camera, and the S1R was more focussed on high resolution photo capture. Later, came the more compact S5 and then the S5 II. 

However, since the release of the original S1R Panasonic shooters like myself have watched patiently as several new models geared towards videographers have been released, while waiting in anticipation for what specifications a new photo-centric camera could contain.

But now, with the release of the S1R II finally here, I am left wondering if this new S camera is the best yet - and whether it may in fact be the ultimate hybrid mirrorless camera. 

So, let’s take a look.

Design and Build

One of the standout features of the S1RII is its redesign. It is an incredible 20% smaller and lighter (from 1,016 g to 795 g), than the original S1R, making it more portable without sacrificing durability.

The body is crafted from a weather-sealed magnesium alloy, ensuring it can withstand harsh shooting conditions, including freezing temperatures down to -10 degrees Celsius.

Panasonic has introduced a new triaxial tilt 3.0” 1840K-dot touchscreen, which provides excellent visibility and flexibility while avoiding cable obstructions.

The introduction of an optional DMW-BG2 battery grip enhances vertical shooting ergonomics and even allows battery swaps without interrupting the camera’s power supply - ideal for extended shoots.

A thoughtful addition is the new Photo/Video switch, which allows users to instantly toggle between modes and retain their custom settings.

This intuitive functionality is especially beneficial for hybrid shooters who frequently switch between stills and video.

Sensor and image quality

At the core of the S1RII is a newly developed 44.3MP BSI CMOS sensor that significantly enhances image quality over the S1R.

Despite being smaller in megapixels when compared to that cameras 47MP sensor, the sensor in the S1R II packs in some new features, including no optical low pass filter (OLPF), which means images are sharper. In addition, the sensor offers faster readout compared to its predecessor and better low light performance. 

Panasonic also says the L2 Technology engine (developed as part of the company's partnership with Leica) optimises processing, with the aim of delivering sharp, detailed images with remarkable colour accuracy and high dynamic range.

And in my testing, I'd agree. 

Landscape photographers will appreciate the high-resolution mode, which captures up to 177MP images handheld, producing exceptional detail. Even better is this feature doesn't require a tripod. 

Meanwhile, action photographers can take advantage of the blistering 40fps burst shooting speed, noticeably faster than the 9fps max of its predecessor the S1R. 

It's worth noting however that in the camera's maximum 40fps mode, the RAW file quality drops to 12-bit. If it's important to you  to preserve dynamic range, you may want to switch to the mechanical shutter as this can still reach a quite fast 10 frames per second, but preserves more detail.

That said, 9fps is what you'll need to shoot to preserve the camera's maximum 14-bit. 

The camera’s AI-driven Phase Hybrid Autofocus system is perhaps the most important feature of the S1R II as it replaces the primitive contrast detection system built around Panasonic's 'Depth-from-Defocus' technology that really hobbled the original S1R.

The addition of Phase Detect means the camera is now a viable option for sports and wildlife photography, and its inbuilt AI-enhanced autofocus technology can recognise trains, planes, and motorcycles, in addition to the usual humans and animals.

In addition, image stabilisation has also been improved, now achieving up to 8.0-stop shutter speed compensation with in-body stabilisation.

Hybrid Zoom is another handy feature that has been added to this model. Taking advantage of the large sensor size, you can zoom in while shooting video in 4K or HD.

This can also be used in photo mode, allowing you to zoom in further and focus on what is important to your frame.

In case you were wondering, the RAW file will still contain the full image size so if you need to expand your image from what you captured in camera you can.

I would say this is a very handy function for wildlife or sports photography, but you may find you just do this in post anyway, and the only drawback is you need to shoot in RAW+JPG to allow this function in photo mode.

Video capabilities

The S1R II is Panasonic’s first LUMIX camera to feature 8.1K video recording, and really it sets a new benchmark for hybrid mirrorless cameras. The 14 stops of dynamic range provide rich detail in shadows and highlights, making it a formidable choice for filmmakers.

Key video features include:

• 8.1K 25p full-width recording
• 5.8K RAW video recording
• 6.4K Open Gate for flexible vertical and horizontal framing
• Future firmware support for 8.1K Open Gate
• C4K 120p for high-quality slow-motion footage
• Apple ProRes RAW HQ recording to CFexpress Type B cards

The ability to record internally in ProRes RAW without external recorders is a game-changer, offering professional-grade footage with a streamlined setup.

The impressive image stabilisation is something of a hallmark for Lumix users.

The S1RII boasts 8-stop, 5-axis image stabilisation (IBIS) and with this release we see further improvements with a new “cropless E.I.S.” digital stabilisation mode, ensuring smooth handheld shooting without affecting the field of view, a feature exclusive to Lumix L Mount lenses.

Other welcome improvements for video users are the high framerates, front and rear tally lights and crop modes. You can shoot up to 60p in 5.8K with only a 1.1x crop which is a vast improvement on the APS-C cropped 60p in 4K on previous models.

You can also shoot up to 120p in 4K but this mode is subsampled so it will lose some clarity compared with slower frame rates. Additionally, the camera includes a new false colour tool and the CINE A2 profile for refined cinematic results.

There has been some criticism and debate over the rolling shutter performance. In my real world testing I did not find this to be an issue.

It is something that I have found lacking in every mirrorless camera that I have used over the years but understanding the limitations will help you continue to shoot amazing images, so for me this is of very little concern.

Workflow and connectivity

Understanding the importance of efficient post-production workflows, Panasonic has introduced several innovations to streamline the creative process.

The new “LUMIX Flow” app transforms a smartphone into an external monitor while also allowing for script and shot list management.

Additionally, integration with Frame.io enables seamless cloud-based collaboration, which is particularly useful for events, news reporting, and commercial productions.

For tethered shooting, the S1R II now supports Capture One, making studio photography more convenient. These workflow improvements significantly reduce editing time and enhance productivity for professionals.

Audio features

For content creators, high-quality audio is essential, and Panasonic has made a wise choice to include 32-bit float audio recording when using the LUMIX XLR2 Microphone Adaptor.

In essence, this provides greater dynamic range and eliminates the need for manual gain adjustments - a welcome addition.

Battery and storage

The S1R II supports dual card slots - one CFexpress Type B and one SD UHS-II/I, offering both high-speed recording and flexibility.

You can also record directly to an SSD drive, which is a low-cost solution for storing high volumes of data with incredible data transfer rates, this is something I take advantage of in the field when I am recording video over long shoot days.

The optional DMW-BG2 battery grip extends shooting time significantly, and the ability to power the camera via the grip is a welcome feature for professionals who work long hours.

The results

Handling ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

The layout is great, it feels well balanced, and not too heavy for all day shooting. Panasonic should also be applauded for making the camera considerably smaller and lighter than its predecessor. 

Features ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

There are likely more features packed into this camera than one user will ever utilise. It’s great to see some improvements on useability and workflow integration.

Autofocus ★ ★ ★ ★ 

Since departing from a contrast-based system, Lumix autofocus keeps on getting better with every new release, and 

Image quality ★ ★ ★ ★ 

The image quality for both photos and video are excellent. The size of the images is a nice compromise between standard and ultra-high-resolution sensors.

Value for money ★ ★ ★ ★ 

Considering all the high-end and flexible features that are packed in to such a compact unit, it is great value for money. 

Final word

The Panasonic LUMIX S1RII is an excellent addition to the full-frame mirrorless market.

With its high-resolution sensor, best-in-class video capabilities, and enhanced usability, it is an exceptional tool for both photographers and videographers. At the same time, the $5,499 price tag (body only) is comparable to equivalent models on offer from other brands, and the wealth of features and performance improvements justify the investment for professionals.

For those looking for a powerful, versatile camera that excels in both still and video applications, the S1R II is undoubtedly one of the best hybrid mirrorless cameras available today.