The second generation of Panasonic’s flagship S1R lineup is aimed at hybrid shooters. Shooters that demand the best in both photo and video specs. Introducing the new LUMIX S1RII, a powerful camera that can satisfy photographers with its 44-megapixel sensor and 40fps in burst shooting. It also satisfies videographers with 8K footage, a False Color Function, and more pro-video features. Regardless of who you are or what you capture, this is the ultimate hybrid camera for any type of creator, and we’re excited to bring you the features in today’s announcement.
Key Features of the LUMIX S1RII
- 44.3MP Sensor
- 40-Image Burst Shooting
- 8K/30p Video Recording
- 4K/120p Slow Motion Video Recording
- 14 Stops of Dynamic Range
- 32-bit Float Audio with Microphone Adapter (sold separately)
- Hybrid AF System with Advanced AI Technology
- False Color Function
- Compatible with Many Software, Including Capture One
What’s New About the LUMIX S1RII?
The S1RII has been equipped with Panasonic’s brand-new 44.3-megapixel sensor capable of up to 40fps in continuous autofocus for burst shooting. 8K video resolution at 30fps helps to future-proof your video or even allows for downsampling for the highest video quality. 32-bit float audio recording is available to ensure the best accuracy and least distorted audio when sound quality matters the most, and a false color function is included for those capturing pro-level video footage. Let’s get a closer look at some of the most impressive specs in the new LUMIX S1RII. Aimed at professionals, the LUMIX S1RII is compatible with Capture One and includes a 30-day free trial. Additionally, Frame I.O. compatibility built-in allows for collaboration with other professionals.
44.3MP Sensor
The LUMIX S1RII will host the debut of a brand-new Panasonic sensor that will offer outstanding performance to photographers across the globe. The 44.3MP sensor gives photographers more flexibility when cropping their images and showcasing intricate details in their scenes. With Dynamic Range Expansion on, this brand new imaging sensor is capable of 14 stops of dynamic range. This sensor truly gives photographers everything they’d need and more to capture images of the project at hand, as well as the extended dynamic range shadow and highlight recovery in post-processing easier than ever before.
AFC 40 FPS Burst Shooting
Sports and wildlife photographers will be excited to learn about the Auto-Focus Continuous (AFC) 40 FPS burst shooting. It delivers high-speed performance without sacrificing image quality. The S1RII can capture 40fps burst shooting in autofocus continuous with the electronic shutter and can record over 70 RAW images at once when using a UHS Speed Class 3 memory card. Simply put, this means that you’ll never miss the best moment in between images, and when combined with the fantastic 44.3MP sensor, you’ll always get the best quality image of the very best moment.
8K Video Resolution
Designed just as much for video as it is for photos, the LUMIX S1RII can record 8K video footage in 30fps. 8K video is perfect when you want to downsample for higher quality footage or if you want to future-proof your video for the day, where 8K video is more common worldwide. When you know 4K footage will be sufficient, you can capture 4K/120p footage when you need to deliver footage that is capable of being slowed down. Finally, pro videographers will be thrilled to hear that the S1RII can also shoot Internal Pro Res RAW in 5.8k. Additionally, the LUMIX S1RII can record directly to an SSD. This not only increases potential storage but can simplify post-production as well.
32-Bit Float Audio
The visuals produced by the S1RII aren’t the only thing that has increased dynamic range. With the capability to record 32-bit float audio, this new camera gives filmmakers more control by giving them access to this top-tier recording format. 32-bit float audio is ideal in situations where your project may have a lot of dynamic range in the audio, as it can capture very loud and quiet sounds without distortion or clipping. This is made possible by a microphone adapter sold separately, but it can be paired with various microphones to produce beautifully crisp and accurate sound.
False Color Function
False Color is one of the most valuable ways to evaluate exposure in a scene, and Panasonic has ensured that its new flagship camera comes equipped with a False Color Function. This feature can help reveal hard-to-see exposure levels and digital noise, which many of the best videographers rely on to properly expose their videos. False Color is typically a feature we’re used to seeing on video-exclusive cameras. Therefore, to have False Color on a hybrid camera is a significant win for those who need to capture both video and photo simultaneously.
Frame I.O and Open Gate
For those creators who need to deliver in multiple formats, Open Gate allows recording of the full 3×2 sensor for easy cropping. This means your compositions can be framed for maximum impact from vertical and horizontal platforms. Framelines are available for all the formats making composition a breeze. Seamless Frame I.O. Integration makes the LUMIX S1RII ideal for teams of creators.
LUMIX BG2 Battery Grip
Key Features
- Extended Battery Life
- Hot-Swap Readywhere downtime is not an option
- Simultaneous Power Suppl
- Consistent controls for vertical and horizontal shots
Adding the LUMIX BG2 Battery Grip to your Lumix S1RII has numerous benefits. The most obvious is the increase in battery life. You can double your shooting time with one battery in the camera and one in the grip. That alone would be awesome. However, the fact that the battery in the grip is hot-swappable means you can keep recording while swapping batteries. It’s A game-changer for sure!
Additionally, the Lumix S1RII can draw from both batteries for more power-intensive tasks. One more thing: the grip allows you to take advantage of muscle memory. That is because the controls remain the same in vertical and horizontal shooting.
Who Should Buy the Lumix S1RII?
The Lumix S1RII is Panasonic’s new flagship camera. It is aimed at the hybrid shooter who demands the latest video and photo features in one device. As more creators begin to cross over and capture both photos and videos, this camera appeals to many creators who must do both and do both well. Excellent image resolution, dynamic range, and 40fps of burst shooting appeals to any photographer who needs to capture the best moments in the highest quality, while many of the pro-video features like 8K video resolution, 32-bit float audio, and False Color function will make this camera a favorite for video shooters. Regardless of what you capture, if you need a camera that can film and photograph at the top of its class, this is the hybrid camera you’ve been waiting for.
Comparison Table
| Lumix S1R | Lumix S1RII | |
| Megapixels | 47.3MP | 44.3MP |
| Video Resolution | 5K/30p or 4K/60p | 8K/30p or 4K/120p |
| Weight | 2.25lbs/1020g | 1.75lbs/795g |
| FPS in Burst Shooting | 40fps | 40fps |
| Audio Recording | 24-bit | 32-bit Float |
| False Color Function? | No | Yes |
| Proxy Video Recording | No | Yes |
Comparable Lumix Cameras
The Lumix S1RII is the second generation of the popular S1R hybrid camera and builds upon some of the excellent features seen in the original camera body. The older S1R has a 47.3MP sensor and can shoot 5K footage at 30fps or 4K footage at 60fps, which is plenty for most creators. With 40fps of burst shooting, you can ensure you’ll capture the perfect moment in every sequence. The main difference between the S1R and the S1RII is in the increased dynamic range, higher video resolution, lower weight, and the addition of a False Color and a Proxy Video Recording function.
If you’re a creator who needs to do it all by yourself without having to switch equipment, the Lumix S1RII boasts some of the most advanced video and photo features on the market, all in one camera body. Panasonic has left no stone unturned regarding top-tier features on the new Lumix S1RII. No matter what your forte, one thing is for certain: this camera is loaded with features that should keep any hybrid shooter satisfied for years to come.
