Panasonic Announces New S1RII Full-Frame Hybrid Mirrorless Camera

Panasonic has introduced the LUMIX S1RII. This new model is the company’s best hybrid mirrorless camera yet, boasting a revolutionary high-resolution 8.1K / 44.3MP BSI CMOS sensor, and will join the S Series Full-Frame mirrorless line-up in March.

Aaron Waters, Product Marketing Manager Imaging, Panasonic, said: “The LUMIX S1RII is the new flagship of the S Series. It represents a revolution from the S1R, known as a camera that offered impressive performance for the stills photographer, and now reborn as a high resolution hybrid powerhouse.”

“It is an irresistible offering in its category, combining renowned LUMIX video usability and flexibility with new benchmarks in image quality and frame rate options. This is a pro-level camera, while being significantly smaller in size – in fact 20% smaller and lighter than its predecessor, the S1R.”

The LUMIX S1RII has an array of state-of-the-art features that make it a trailblazing camera in its class. Capabilities new to the S Series include: 8.1K 25p full-width video recording and 5.8K RAW video recording plus 6.4K Open Gate, with 8.1K Open Gate available later this year via a firmware update. Also newly available are 4K 120p/60p full-area 10-bit video, 32-bit float audio with the LUMIX XLR2 Microphone Adaptor, ProRes RAW internal recording, false colour tool and CINE A2 profile.

Workflow is re-invented and turbocharged with features such as Frame.io integration, proxy recording, plus versatile CFexpress Type B and SD UHS-II/I recording. The new “LUMIX Flow” app turns a smartphone into an external monitor, while also offering a way to easily create and manage scripts and shot lists, avoiding any wasted time and omission errors. Efficiently organising your files after shooting and shortening the time you spend editing, it is ideal for smaller crews on productions such as music videos and short films.

Supporting amazing stills photography, the S1RII ushers in the fastest-ever burst shooting for LUMIX full-frame at a lightning-quick 40fpsi. And in response to feedback from the professionals, the new Photo/Video switch on top of the camera lets the user change modes instantly and access their custom settings. Capture One is now available for the first time in a LUMIX camera.

For impressive ergonomics, there is a 3.0” 1840K-dot triaxial tilt touch monitor which avoids any issues with cables, and a brand new optional battery grip supports vertical shooting. A new carbon fibre shutter closing function protects the sensor from dust when changing lenses.

Key S1RII Advancements

 Revolutionary Video

Delivering revolutionary video performance, the S1RII is the first LUMIX camera to achieve 8K video recording with 14 stopsii of dynamic range, broadening the possibilities of video creation. The versatile flexible framing (Open Gate) feature has been enhanced, offering higher resolution at 6.4K (3:2). This will allow video producers to capture vertical and horizonal video in one take, streamlining content delivery for applications such as YouTube and Instagram Stories. Furthermore, up to 8.1K / 7.2Kiii will be possible with a future firmware update.

In a first for the LUMIX S Series, the camera captures full area video at C4K 100/120p video and 5.8K 50/60p, providing videographers with the flexibility to achieve breathtaking slow motion without sacrificing wide angle capabilities. Redefining the R series, it supports industry-standard professional video codecs including 5.8K Apple ProRes RAW HQ / ProRes RAWiv recorded directly to a CFexpress Type B card. This makes it possible to record high-quality video data with minimal setup and without using external devices or cables, providing greater mobility for one-person operations and small-scale shoots.

New Achievements in Imaging

Photographers will benefit from the newly developed 44.3MP BSI CMOS sensor with high speed readout, which works together with the L2 Technology engine to deliver impressive stills and videos with LUMIX’s esteemed natural color science. Action and wildlife specialists can enjoy 40fps High Speed Burst shooting to capture the decisive moment. Landscape photographers will appreciate high-resolution mode, allowing for handheld shooting at up to 177MP for magnificent images with flawless detail and higher dynamic range.

The evolved real-time recognition Phase Hybrid AF with AI tracking, quickly and precisely detects human eyes and faces and follows a subject’s movements smoothly. With high-speed continuous shooting at approximately 40 fpsv and AF tracking, dynamic subjects can be captured accurately and effortlessly. The SH pre-burst mode even starts taking pictures before the shutter is fully pressed, ensuring you never miss a shot.

The widely acclaimed image stabilisation system continues to improve. The LUMIX S1RII achieves 8.0-stop shutter speed compensation with in-body stabilisation in line with the new 2024 CIPA Standardised testing. New for the industry is “cropless E.I.S.” which provides advanced digital stabilisation without cropping in on the field of view, achieved by using lens correction information to smooth out shaky footage (this revolutionary feature is only available on LUMIX L Mount lenses). This allows for greater flexibility in handheld wide-angle shooting.

Professional S1 grade ergonomics in a new compact body and the 3.0” 1840K-dot triaxial tilt touch monitor ensure the camera is adaptable to any shooting style. Panasonic is pleased to introduce the new DMW-BG2 battery grip, designed to match the feel of the S1RII when holding the camera vertically. The battery in the battery grip can be exchanged while the camera is on, and the grip also supports providing power to the camera for shooting in certain extensive modes. The weather-sealed magnesium alloy frame is splash-resistant, dust- resistant and freeze-resistant down to -10 degrees Celsius.vii

Streamlined Workflow

The LUMIX S1RII refines effective production workflow for photographers, videographers, broadcasters, event media teams and solo content creators by integrating with LUMIX apps and third party software.

A new “LUMIX Flow” app offers a range of features, from storyboard creation and shooting to on-site checks during filming, using your smartphone as an external monitor, and automatic data organisation. This enhances connectivity and production workflow for videographers across various scenarios, such as short films, documentaries, music videos, and corporate promotional videos.

The LUMIX S1RII is also compatible with the “LUMIX Lab” smart phone application, allowing LUTs to be loaded directly into the camera. This streamlines post-production, allowing for smoother client deliveries and giving users more time to focus on creativity.

With “Frame.io” integration, efficient transfer of photo and video files directly to the cloud enables faster collaboration anywhere in the world, reducing the physical requirement of uploading files. For example, weddings, events, newsgathering, or social content.

For the first time in LUMIX history, the LUMIX S1RII supports tethering via the widely used “Capture One” editing software, assisting a diverse range of creators across various studio production scenarios.

Guided by our philosophy of creating technology that fuels creative passion, the LUMIX S1RII is a next- generation mirrorless camera built for those who want to bring their own unique vision to life.

The LUMIX S1RII will be available in Australia in late March 2025 from leading photographic retailers.

LUMIX DC-S1RM2GN (Body Only): RRP $5499.00

LUMIX DC-S1RM2MKIT (Body + S-R14105GC lens) RRP $6999.00

DMW-BG2 battery grip: RRP $649.00