Review: Panasonic Lumix S1 II

By Tim Robinson | 24 June 2025

After the release of the Lumix S1R II earlier this year, Panasonic has followed up with two new models – the S1II and the S1IIE.

But with an increasingly crowded full-frame mirrorless market, where do these new models fit in? We took the flagship S1II out for a spin to find out.

The sensor

The standout change in the S1II is its new 24.2MP partially stacked CMOS sensor, which offers a readout speed 3.5 times faster than previous versions. This enables higher frame rates and improved video performance. Some notable capabilities include:

15 stops of dynamic range in V-Log
Open Gate 5.1K at 60p, 4K at 120p, and 5.8K at 60p
Crop-less recording up to 60p
70 fps electronic shutter and 10 fps mechanical shutter (RAW/JPG) with blackout-free shooting
1.5-second pre-burst mode

Design and Build

The body of the S1II maintains the solid feel of past S-series cameras, but now has a slightly more compact footprint.

While some users may prefer the heftier build of the older models, the new design balances portability and usability well. It includes a built-in cooling fan and retains Panasonic’s reliable weather sealing for outdoor use.

The new articulating screen uses a tilt-and-flip mechanism and features a 1.84 million-dot OLED display. The electronic viewfinder has a high-resolution 5.76 million-dot panel, useful in bright conditions or for critical focusing.

There’s now a CFExpress card slot (alongside SD) and USB-C support for direct SSD recording. A redesigned mode dial allows for faster switching between photo, video, and S&Q modes—useful for hybrid shooters.

For this sequence of shots I wanted to test out the speed of the Lumix S1II. Being that the camera was so new, there was no RAW support at the time, so I wanted to capture it as best I could ‘in camera’. I hung a water filled balloon on a c-stand with a clamp. The camera was locked on a tripod with the focus set manually to the drops of water on the surface of the balloon. I used a 3 point lighting setup with 2 of the lights at the rear of the balloon to accentuate the light coming through the water. I set my ISO to 100, shutter speed to 100/sec and aperture to f2.8. I set the camera to a 1 second pre-burst at 70fps with electronic shutter. The pre burst was key to capturing this sequence because once the balloon was popped the action was over very quickly. So having pre burst meant that as soon as I saw the action occur I could take the sequence without worry of missing it. I am really happy with the outcome of this test and the images are really quite mesmerising.

Autofocus

Autofocus performance is significantly improved with the hybrid phase-detection system, offering more reliable tracking in a range of shooting situations.

AI-based subject recognition works well, especially when targeting eyes or specific types of motion. A new AF mode geared toward urban sports may benefit those capturing fast-paced action like skateboarding or breakdancing.

LUMIX S 24-105/F4 lens @ 105mm. 1/125s @ f8, ISO 4000.

Video Features

Video capabilities have been expanded over its predecessor, with full-width recording up to 60p and modest 1.24x crop at 120p above Full HD. The camera offers 15 stops of dynamic range in V-Log and includes improved in-body stabilisation with minimal distortion or cropping.

Users now have the option to record internally in ProRes RAW via CFexpress or externally to SSD. Added tools such as false colour for exposure and framing guides support a more efficient workflow for video creators.

Audio

The S1II is compatible with the DMW-XLR2 adapter and can record 4-channel 32-bit float audio—useful for capturing a wide range of sound levels without manual adjustments. This can be especially helpful in uncontrolled environments.

Workflow and Connectivity

Panasonic has made strides in streamlining workflow, with native support for Capture One and Frame.io.

The Lumix Lab app offers transfer and basic editing tools, while the new Lumix Flow app supports storyboarding and live monitoring from a smartphone.

What about the Lumix S1IIE?

The S1IIE shares many features with the S1II but uses the same image sensor as the S5II/S5IIX, which means it has slower readout speeds and lacks some of the advanced features found in the S1II.

However, it’s a capable camera at a lower price point ($4,199) and could suit users who don’t need the higher-end video and burst capabilities.

More images

LUMIX S 24-105/F4 lens @ 105mm. 1/125s @ f8, ISO 5000.

LUMIX S 24-105/F4 lens @ 79mm. 1/100s @ f8, ISO 1250.

LUMIX S 24-60/F2.8 lens @ 60mm. 1/100s @ f2.8, ISO 100.

LUMIX S 24-60/F2.8 lens @ 60mm. 1/80s @ f2.8, ISO 100.

The results

Handling ★ ★ ★ ★

The S1II is well balanced, isn't too heavy, and has many customisable options at your fingertips.

Features ★ ★ ★ ★

There is so much to explore on these cameras and it’s unlikely that you will ever use all the features it has to offer, but it will certainly fit the majority of workflows.

Autofocus ★ ★ ★ ★

A solid autofocus system, with some very versatile AI modes.

Image quality ★ ★ ★ ★

The image quality and colour reproduction for both photos and video is excellent.

Value for money ★ ★ ★ ★

At an RRP of $5,299, this unit is priced a little higher than similar models from other manufacturers, but the cost-to-feature ratio still makes it great value for money.

Final word

As a video-centric hybrid shooter, the improvements in low light performance, dynamic range, and sensor readout speed make the S1II a compelling upgrade.

The faster sensor greatly reduces rolling shutter, which is especially important for handheld work or fast motion scenes. Additionally, the enhanced dynamic range in V-Log provides much more flexibility when grading footage, allowing for better retention of detail in highlights and shadows.

In low light, the cleaner image and improved noise handling give greater confidence when shooting in uncontrolled or ambient lighting conditions.

Combined, these upgrades make the S1II not just a step up, but a practical and worthwhile investment for my style of production.

gold award