News

It’s been more than five years since Panasonic launched their Lumix S1R and Lumix S1 full-frame mirrorless cameras with an emphasis on photography and video, respectively. Now the follow-up photo-centric model—the Lumix S1RII—has finally landed, and there are few similarities between the old and new cameras. Built around a new 44.3-megapixel BSI CMOS image sensor and L² image processing engine, the S1RII is significantly smaller and lighter than its predecessor—so we can expect a slew of new underwater housings.

Promising the “best photos” of any Lumix camera, Panasonic says the new sensor offers a stop better noise performance as well as improved color rendering. Like other recent Panasonic cameras, the S1RII boasts Phase Hybrid AF featuring 779 phase-detect AF points as well as AI-powered subject detection and tracking. Using the mechanical shutter, you get an impressive 10fps burst shooting with continuous autofocus, while the electronic shutter offers 40fps. Another significant improvement is the in-body image stabilization, which delivers up to eight stops of shake reduction with shorter lenses or seven stops with compatible telephoto lenses. It’s worth noting that the camera’s maximum flash sync speed is now 1/250s, which is—unfortunately—inferior to its predecessor’s 1/320s.

On the video side, the specs are equally impressive: The S1RII is the first Lumix camera to record 8K/30p 10-bit video with 14 stops of dynamic range. The camera can also record internal Apple ProRes RAW HQ/ProRes RAW 5.8K to a CFexpress Type B card (albeit with an APS-C crop)—another first for the Lumix S series. Other recording options include (oversampled) 6.4K open-gate video for flexible cropping and reframing, and (subsampled) 4K/120p slow-motion capture. Serious videographers will also appreciate the advanced video assist tools, including waveforms and vector scopes for exposure and color monitoring, and real-time LUTs.

To round things off, the S1RII has dual card slots (CFexpress Type B, UHS-II SD), support for external recording to an SSD, a 5.76M-dot OLED EVF (0.78x magnification) and a 1.83M-dot 3-inch vari-angle rear LCD. The camera uses the same battery as the S5II/S5IIX.

Available now from retailers such as Backscatter, the Panasonic Lumix S1RII is priced at $3,300.
 

When purchasing underwater photography equipment like the products mentioned in this article, please support DPG by supporting our retail partner—Backscatter.com.

PRESS RELEASE

Panasonic Announces New LUMIX S1RII Full-Frame Mirrorless Camera

Newark, N.J. (February 25, 2025) – Panasonic is proud to introduce the new LUMIX S1RII - the latest high- resolution model of the Full-Frame mirrorless LUMIX S Series.

The LUMIX S1RII features a newly developed 44.3MP BSI CMOS sensor and high-performance engine with L2 Technology that work together to deliver impressive stills and videos with LUMIX’s esteemed natural color science. The high-resolution mode, allowing for handheld shooting at approximately 177MP, enables users to enjoy the presence and detail of subjects. With revolutionary video performance, it is the first LUMIX camera to realize 8K video recording at 14 stops¹ of dynamic range, broadening the possibilities of video creation. The popular Open Gate feature has been enhanced, allowing to shoot in 6.4K, and even up to 8.1K/7.2K² with a future firmware update. Furthermore, as a first for the LUMIX S series, it supports internal recording of 5.8K Apple ProRes RAW HQ/ProRes RAW³ 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-man operations and small-scale shoots.

Evolved real-time recognition Phase Hybrid AF, now 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 fps⁴ 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.

Our widely acclaimed image stabilization system continues to improve, with the LUMIX S1RII achieving 8.0-stop shutter speed compensation⁵ with in-body stabilization, and 7.0-stop⁶ even in the telephoto range with Dual I.S. 2. The advanced video image stabilization features cropless E.I.S. video distortion correction, reducing peripheral distortion while preserving the original angle of view. This allows for greater flexibility in handheld wide-angle shooting. The newly designed compact body and the tilt and free-angle monitor are adaptable to any shooting style, making it an excellent companion for those seeking both mobility and creative flexibility.

The LUMIX S1RII will be compatible with the "LUMIX Lab" smart phone application, enabling you to load LUTs directly into the camera. This streamlines the post-production process, allowing for smoother client deliveries and giving you more time to focus on creativity. A new "LUMIX Flow" app will be launched to enhance production workflows across various scenarios, such as short films, documentaries, music videos, and corporate promotional videos. This app offers a range of features, from storyboard creation and shooting to file organization. The LUMIX S1RII integrates with third party software such as "Frame.io" for more efficient postproduction and collaboration. For the first time in LUMIX history, the LUMIX S1RII supports tethering via "Capture One," assisting a diverse range of creators across various production scenarios.

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

Main Features

• High resolution and high image quality for both stills and videos with a newly developed sensor and next-generation engine
  • Utilizes a newly developed approximately 44.3MP full-frame BSI CMOS image sensor.
  • Features a 177MP (approx.) handheld high-resolution mode that captures the immersive presence and details of subjects with precision.
  • Offers high-resolution recording that captures the texture and fine details of subjects and supports LUMIX's first 8K 30p video recording (*2) with 14 stops (*1) of dynamic range.
  • Supports 5.8K Apple ProRes RAW HQ / ProRes RAW internal recording to a CFexpress Type B card.
• Enhanced core performance that unlocks new creative possibilities
  • Redefined real-time recognition Phase Hybrid AF with improved eye and face detection and AI-driven tracking accuracy for people.
  • Enhanced 8.0-stop (*3) in-body image stabilization (B.I.S.) and newly developed cropless E.I.S. video distortion correction, which stabilizes without cropping the angle of view.
  • High resolution and high-speed continuous shooting, offering approximately 40 fps (*2) with the electronic shutter “SH” mode, and an extended continuous shooting “H+ (High Speed Plus)” mode of approximately 10 fps (*2) with a mechanical shutter, allowing you to experience post
    view blackout-free shooting.
• Powerful apps that seamlessly support the production workflow
  • Compatible with "Capture One," making it the first LUMIX camera to work seamlessly with the widely used editing software in professional studio photography.
  • Compatible with "Frame.io," enabling smooth progression from shooting to editing, as well as cloud sharing and collaboration.
  • Supports “LUMIX Lab,” simplifying the transfer, editing, and color personalization of photos and videos for seamless smartphone integration and social media sharing.
  • Supports new “LUMIX Flow,” which assists with storyboard creation, on-site checks during filming, and automatic data organization after shooting to support the video production workflow.
  • LUMIX mode: Assists with storyboard creation, on-site checks during filming, and automatic data organization after shooting to support the video production workflow.
    ■ Smartphone mode: Experience the joy of video creation, such as scripting and editing a short drama, documentary video or dance video, with just a smartphone.
    ■ External monitor: Use a smartphone as an external monitor while shooting, allowing you to swiftly change and adjust the camera settings on the mobile device.

DMW-BG2

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.

Price and availability

The new LUMIX S1RII will be available in late March for $3299.99 at valued channel partners.

1 When Dynamic Range Expansion (Log) is enabled.
2 8.1K/7.2K Open Gate recording will be available in the firmware update scheduled for 2025.
3 8.1K / 7.2K RAW HDMI output will be available in the firmware update scheduled for 2025.
4 The continuous burst shooting speed may decrease depending on various conditions such as the lens used, aperture and shutter speed.
5 Center: 8.0-stop; Periphery: 7.0-stop. Based on the CIPA 2024 standard [Yaw/Pitch/Roll direction: focusing distance f=60mm when S-R2060 is used. 5-axis.]
6 Center: 7.0-stop; Periphery: 7.0-stop. Based on the CIPA 2024 standard [Yaw/Pitch/Roll direction: focusing distance f=105mm when S-R24105 is used. 5-axis.]