The Panasonic LUMIX S1II was released mid this year and is universally praised for its video recording capabilities and image stabilisation. Although some commentators did mention it had a higher price point than some of its comparable competitors, to be fair.
Personally, I’d negate that last bit by the fact that L-mount Leica lenses can be used, but that me.
Essentials
However, to perhaps offset the price issue, in May, Panasonic also released the LUMIX S1II E, with the ‘E’ apparently standing for “Essentials”. As such, the LUMIX S1II E offers much of the flagship S1 II’s design and features but at a lower price point.
So, what is the same and what is different? In other words, what does shaving over $1000 off the retail price of $5299 of the S1II give you – or not?
What’s Different
Well for starters, the burst speed has been reduced from 70fps to 30fps and is reduced to electronic only from the S1II’s stacked sensor operation.
Some of the advanced automatic detection systems have been removed as well, but frankly for mine, I don’t think that is a great loss. If you are theoretically spending these sorts of dollars on a decent camera, my take is learn how to use it to get the best possible, otherwise if you want auto everything, get a cheap smartphone.
On the upside, it does have AI. Off course.
High speed video is also compromised. With the S1IIE you get 6K 30p and 4K 60p against its sibling’s 4K 120p and 5.8K 60p, but again, I think for most this is more than adequate. I did appreciate the possibilities of using the 2.4:1 Cinemascope, but sadly, my ideas for this to get imagery in an ideal circumstance fell outside the review period. Maybe next time.
On the upside, battery life in the S1IIE is slightly better than the SI rated at around 370/380 images dependent on the media being used (CF or SD).
Generalities
OK, but what about the camera overall? How does that stand up on its own two feet without any comparisons?
My review model came with a 24-60mm LUMIX lens (not a Leica dammit) but you can also get it with a 24-105mm which I think is a more general-purpose animal.
No matter, with this lens added, the camera is quite nicely balanced, and for work in my sphere, whilst not suitable with that lens for high-speed snapping of snorting Supercars (or more sophisticated GT production models), for candid shorts in the pits say, it is quite a good combination.
However, what is exceptionally good for this environment is the LUMIX SI1II E is rated to work from -10C° to 40° and has a dust and splash resistant design.
The body falls into the right hand quite nicely and I especially liked the meaty hand grip setup, especially these days with my wrist getting weaker due to a now arthritic result from carpal tunnel surgery. Its’ not too heavy a 795g (body only) either.
I also liked the large physical dials on the top and either side of the viewfinder. Good for clumsy sausage fingers.
I confess the on/of switch tricked me for a moment, it being a lever incorporated into the base of the function control dial on the right of the viewfinder, but whilst the “On/Off” embossing on the body is at 3 o’clock, the lever is at 6 o’clock and with everything being a matt black colour is initially a little hard to see.
I found the autofocus to be excellent and apparently it uses a 779 point “phase hybrid with urban sports mode”. (I didn’t know what “urban sports mode” actually meant at first but apparently it means the lens can keeps up with fast, unpredictable movement.
Excellent!
Other niceties include support for LUTs, webcam capability and dual card slots supporting CFExpress Type B, SD and USB-SSD recordings. Nice.
For the technically minded, the sensor is a 24.2MP BSI CMOS supporting HEIF and HDR photo workflows and this equates to stills of 96MP.
The LCD monitor both tilts and angles and has the added advantage of being useful for those that prefer a vertical shooting angle, which I admit is not something I aspire to. The LCD has a 1840K dot makeup whereas the viewfinder is 5760 OLED by the way.
Finally, Wi-fi and Bluetooth are supported allowing the LUMIX S1II E to be used for live streaming.
If you want to see a complete list of specifications – and be aware it is quite large – then you can view them at the Panasonic LUMIX website for this camera.
Conclusion
Maybe I am becoming a little jaded these days, but cameras are becoming a little like printers or modems. This is not to put down any particular model or brand, but to suggest they all do roughly the same thing and that nothing new actually seems to stand out anymore.
What you can write about a model from one brand can be equally applied to another model from a different brand.
This of course makes it hard for the consumer – all the features and functions are similar, and all the prices are roughly the same, so how does one choose?
One differentiation is of course the lenses available, but even then, it is a bity of a moot point for most people as they cannot tell the differences in imagery that a pro would pick up.
So, my advice has not changed in 20 years or so if you are looking for a new camera. Read reviews like this by al means. Occasionally something glaring leaps out that says “Nah, this is not the one to get”, but at least you can get a feel for what things suit and what don’t.
Then, armed with this information, go to a genuine camera store – not a general electronics / white goods shop – and ask to see each make and model and pick ‘em up, check the layout of the controls, is the viewfinder sharp for your particular eyes (or glasses/contacts) etc.
Is the weight fatiguing, what is the battery life like?
And so on. Does it FEEL right. Could I use it for long periods without tiring?
In light of all that, would I then buy the Panasonic LUMIX S1II E?
Yes, I would, but not with the supplied lens. For my stuff, whether it be motor sport, fishing or capturing snaps / videos on holidays, I’d opt for something like a 50mm and a 70-240mm combo.
This would take the price over the $6K mark and I’d need to justify that of course.
I would suggest if you are looking at a hybrid camera like this as a step up from a point and shoot or even just using a smartphone, then perhaps a LUMIX G series might be a better choice – I particularly like the G97 kit combo for instance which gives you a hell of a camera and lens combination for under $2K.
But as I mentioned, if the LUMIXC S1II E suits you needs and wallet, then by all means go for it. You will not be disappointed of that I can assure you.
2 Comments
Is this written by AI?
The S1II didn’t come out “mid last year”. It was released this year. And the S1IIE has a mechanical shutter just like the S1II, with the same abilities as the S1IIE. The only difference is the maximum electronic shutter speed.
Numerous other errors. And no commentary on using the camera.
This is so bad.
Thanks for correcting me on that re: the release date – that was most certainly an error on my part. I only mentioned the burst speed as being reduced, and according to Panasonic’s specs “･AFS/AFC 30 fps burst shooting with electronic shutter”. The mechanical shutter (which I didn’t mention) allows 10fps.
To answer your question, no it was definitely not written by AI (and long term readers will know exactly WHAT I think of AI). However, I do thank you for bringing these points up as it is by this mechanism, as we all make errors from time to time, things can be quickly correctly for the benefit of all.
As for commentary on using the camera, I can only say what I think about it in terms of features and ergonomics etc. Actual usage I feel is a personal thing, and best not judged. One man’s ceiling is another man’s floor and al that.