The most versatile LUMIX ever! Panasonic LUMIX S1R II
The new Panasonic LUMIX S1R II is the most versatile LUMIX camera ever! We were allowed to test the new camera in advance and in this blog post with video we reveal what we love so much about the new S1R Mark II and why it replaces the Lumix S5 II as our favorite LUMIX camera.
In terms of design and construction, Panasonic remains true to the tried and tested with the S1R II and, as always, relies on an extremely robust construction. The die-cast aluminum housing is protected against dust, splash water and now also against frost - perfect for anyone who wants to take photos and videos even under difficult conditions.
Visually, the camera is very reminiscent of the S5 II and S5IIX, from which Panasonic has actually taken a great deal. The body is almost the same size as that of the S5 II, only slightly deeper. There are also some differences in operation, which we will come to later. Compared to the old S1R, Panasonic has significantly reduced the dimensions: the new camera is around 20 % smaller and lighter - a real step forward in terms of ergonomics.
Panasonic LUMIX S1R II
- Panasonic Lumix DC-S1R II
- Full-frame camera
- 44 Megapixel
- 4K 120p Full Sensor
- 8K Open Gate
- Lock switch + button for buttons + dials
- Raw video internal up to 6K
- 32 bit float recording with XLR2 adapter
- 178 MP Highres from the hand
- L-mount connection
There is a special upgrade on the mode dial: instead of the three custom modes of the S1R or S5 II, there are now five individually storable modes available. This allows the camera to be adapted even more flexibly to different areas of use. For even more control, there is a photo-video switch that enables separate settings for both modes, as well as a lock lever that can be used to lock all buttons - ideal for preventing unintentional changes during a shoot.
Panasonic relies on a high-resolution 5.76 megapixel OLED EVF for the viewfinder, which delivers a sharp and high-contrast image. In addition, there is a fully movable folding and tilting display with 1.84 million pixels - a mechanism that we already know from the GH7 and find much better, as it allows a good viewing angle on the display in all situations.
For those planning longer shoots, there is the optional DMW-BG2 battery grip, which not only doubles the battery life, but also ensures even better ergonomics. The battery itself comes from the S5 II, which is practical for anyone who already owns accessories from this series.
But let's take a look at what's inside the Body!
Panasonic has installed a brand new 44.3-megapixel full-frame sensor in the new S1R II, which does not require a low-pass filter and ensures particularly natural, high-resolution rendering and excellent color reproduction. Thanks to the wide dynamic range of up to 14 levels, details in highlights and shadows are visible.
What we are also pleased about here is the function of permanently closing the carbon shutter to protect the sensor from dust and dirt when changing lenses, for example. This function was missing in the last Panasonic cameras.
The ISO values range from 80 to 51,200 (extended to 40-102,400), which makes the camera extremely flexible for different lighting conditions. Coupled with the new processor with L² technology, which is specially designed to read and process the high-resolution sensor as brightly as possible, this is a really powerful overall package.
Thanks to the new sensor, the camera delivers the fastest continuous shooting rates of the LUMIX S series to date: up to 40 frames per second in AFC/AFS mode - and without a blackout in the viewfinder! The buffer holds more than 70 images in RAW and even over 80 in JPEG. Another exciting function is the pre-burst mode. Here, the camera starts shooting before the shutter release button is actually pressed. The user can choose between 0.5, 1.0 or 1.5 second pre-burst settings - perfect for moments with unexpected movements.
On the subject of continuous shooting speeds, however, we would like to return to the subject of RAWs: Even though the camera can save 14-bit RAWs, this is only possible for continuous shooting in selected speeds and modes. In the electronic shutter, "only" 12-bit RAWs are possible, so you have to use the mechanical shutter or the combined shutter in High or High+ mode.
The new S1R II also stands out with its impressive video functions. For the first time, Panasonic enables 8K recording in 17:9 and 16:9 with 14 stops of dynamic range at 30p in 10-bit V-Log. Even more exciting: a future firmware update, which is expected to be available free of charge later this year, will enable 8K recording in Open Gate!
However, recording in 6K Open Gate at 30p is already possible. The Open Gate video format is one of the features that Panasonic very reliably integrates into most of its new cameras. Open Gate" refers to the recording of the entire sensor surface. In the case of the S1R II, the entire full-frame sensor is recorded in its 3:2 aspect ratio instead of a 16:9 crop. This gives us the flexibility to crop the image into other formats such as 16:9, 1:1 or even 9:16 in post-processing, while still being able to use the highest possible resolution. There is also the function of showing all possible formats as frame guides on the display, so that we can pay attention to the different formats while shooting.
Internally, the camera can record videos in 5.8K with ProRes, ProRes HQ or even ProRes RAW - either on CFexpress B cards or via USB SSD. At 4K, up to 120 frames per second with 10-bit color depth are possible, although in this case with a slight crop.
You can also find all recording formats and frame rates in this overview:
Camera basics - What are video codecs?
You should also take a look at our livestream on the S1R II, in which we discuss all the details of the camera in detail and answer all your questions.
With the high resolution, one important question always arises: How fast is the sensor read out at all? The good news here is quite clear: the rolling shutter performance of the S1R II is impressive! It is often even better than that of the S5 II!
The new video functions also open up exciting workflows: Those working directly for post-production will be delighted with the Frame.io integration - including proxy recording for quick previews and team collaboration. The camera also offers professional functions such as False Color for precise exposure metering and the Cinelike A2 color profile, which is strongly based on Rec.709.
The body of the camera is also designed for video workflows: All of the camera's flaps can be opened individually so that you can access the respective connections in a targeted manner. An integrated fan ensures active cooling, even during long 8K recordings. For professional setups, there are now dimmable and switchable tally lights at the front and rear.
And because good sound is also particularly important for video recordings, the new S1R II also has 32-bit floating point audio on board. This is a digital audio format that enables extremely high dynamics and precision in audio recording and playback. This not only ensures extremely high-quality recordings, but also huge flexibility in post-production.
But there is also an important integration for photographers: thanks to Capture One compatibility, the camera can be seamlessly integrated into professional photo sets.
With real-time LUT support, a specific look can be applied during shooting, even in conjunction with the LUMIX LAB app. You can find more information about this app in our blog post about the S9.
And while we're on the subject of apps, the new LUMIX Flow app is another app with a number of additional features that accompanies you from the idea to the edit: It allows you to combine scripting, story board functions, editing and recording, which is particularly exciting for creators. The FLOW app also allows you to use your smartphone or tablet as an external monitor on the camera via USB-C, which is great because we all already have a good display in our pocket!
The IBIS in the S1R II has been given a really big update! The internal image stabilizer can now achieve up to 8 stops in combination with the digital Active I.S.. So we have a state-of-the-art image stabilization system here, which is an important function for both photos and filming. Especially with the high resolution, this can ensure sharp images in difficult lighting conditions.
What is exciting, however, is that Panasonic has integrated an extra stabilization mode for anamorphic Lens, which behaves slightly differently in the peripheral areas in order to optimize the corrected image. However, this only works in video mode, not when taking photos. Of course, few users use anamorphic Lens for photography, but there is really no reason not to enable it for this purpose. This also applies to the Desqueeze!
The autofocus is particularly important for both photographers and videographers. As with the S5 II, the autofocus system is based on a phase hybrid AF with 779 measuring points. Supported by AI-based scene recognition, it ensures reliable and precise focusing. The scene recognition is also state-of-the-art and recognizes everything from people to airplanes. Motorcycles are also included as subject recognition and, as with cars, trains and airplanes, a distinction can be made between the entire subject or just the helmet or the front.
What the S1R II still lacks for autofocus perfection is automatic switching between subject types, as we know it from flagships from other manufacturers, such as Canon or Sony.
Apart from that, there is not much more to say about the autofocus, but it is nice to see how much progress Panasonic has made in terms of the autofocus system in recent years. We also find the update policy here very commendable, as scene recognition for motorcycles and airplanes was only recently brought to the S5 II via a firmware update.
Let's come to a conclusion: With the LUMIX S1R II, Panasonic is launching a camera onto the market that is extremely exciting for both photographers and videographers. The combination of a high-resolution sensor, extremely fast image processing and innovative video functions makes it a real all-rounder - and at a really fair price.
The target group for the S1R II is clearly professional photographers and filmmakers who require the highest quality and maximum flexibility. Thanks to its robust construction, powerful autofocus and high image quality, it is perfect for ambitious creatives who don't want to compromise. Hybrid shooters who want to both photograph and film will also benefit from the camera's sophisticated operation and comprehensive features.
