Panasonic LUMIX S1 Panasonic LUMIX S1 II Mirrorless Camera with Review
The Lumix S1II's 70fps burst is incredible for action, but its autofocus and video can't keep up with rivals like the Canon R6 II.
Overview
The Panasonic Lumix S1II is a camera built like a tank for photographers who need to shoot fast and not worry about the weather. It's a specialist's tool, not a jack-of-all-trades. The one thing you need to know is that it's a speed demon for stills, but it's not the camera to buy if you're serious about video.
Performance
The headline here is that 70fps mechanical burst speed, which is absolutely wild and puts it in the 98th percentile. That's a huge deal for sports or wildlife shooters. But the autofocus, despite the marketing, only lands in the 45th percentile. It's fast, but it's not class-leading. The 5-axis IBIS is excellent, but the video specs are surprisingly mid-tier for the price.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- The 70fps mechanical burst is a genuine game-ender for action photography. 98th
- Build quality and weather sealing are top-notch. This thing feels indestructible. 97th
- The in-body stabilization is fantastic, making handheld shots super smooth. 96th
- Connectivity options are excellent, with a 96th percentile score. 96th
Cons
- The autofocus is just okay. Don't expect Sony or Canon-level tracking. 7th
- Video features are underwhelming for the price, ranking in the bottom third. 35th
- It's heavy. At 544g body-only, it's a workout for travel or vlogging.
- The fixed rear display is a real bummer for creative framing.
Specifications
Full Specifications
Autofocus
| AF Points | 779 |
| AF Type | Photo, VideoContrast Detection, Phase Detection: 779 |
Shooting
| Burst (Mechanical) | 70 |
| Max Shutter | 1/2000 |
Video
| Max Resolution | 5K |
| 10-bit | Yes |
Build
| Weight | 0.7 kg / 1.6 lbs |
Connectivity
| Wi-Fi | Yes |
| Bluetooth | No |
| USB | USB-C |
| Hot Shoe | Yes |
Value & Pricing
At over $3,000, it's a tough sell. You're paying a premium for that insane burst speed and the rugged build. If you don't need those specific things, there are better values out there.
vs Competition
For a similar price, the Canon EOS R6 Mark II is a much more balanced choice. Its autofocus is leagues better, its video is superior, and it's lighter. If you want a lighter, more video-focused hybrid, the Sony Alpha 6700 is a fantastic APS-C option for less money. The Lumix S1II only wins if your sole priority is that unmatched mechanical burst rate for stills.
| Spec | Panasonic LUMIX S1 Panasonic LUMIX S1 II Mirrorless Camera with | Sony K-3 Sony a7 V Mirrorless Camera with 28-70mm f/3.5-5.6 | Canon EOS R6 Canon EOS R6 Mark II Body | Fujifilm X-E5 FUJIFILM X-E5 Mirrorless Camera with XF 23mm f/2.8 | Nikon Z30 Nikon Z 30 DX-Format Mirrorless Camera with NIKKOR | Panasonic LUMIX GH7 Panasonic LUMIX GH7 Mirrorless Camera with 12-35mm |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Type | — | Mirrorless | Mirrorless | — | Mirrorless | — |
| Sensor | — | 33MP APS-C | 24.2MP Full Frame | 40.2MP APS-C | 20.9MP APS-C | — |
| AF Points | 779 | 759 | 1000 | 425 | 209 | 315 |
| Burst FPS | 70 | 30 | 40 | 13 | 11 | 75 |
| Video | 5K | 4K | 4K | 8K | 4K | 5K |
| IBIS | true | true | true | true | false | true |
| Weather Sealed | false | false | false | false | false | false |
| Weight (g) | 717 | 590 | 590 | 397 | 349 | 726 |
Verdict
This is a niche camera. I can only recommend the Lumix S1II to professional sports or wildlife photographers who prioritize raw shooting speed over everything else, including autofocus intelligence and video. For literally anyone else—travel shooters, hybrid creators, or general enthusiasts—a Canon, Sony, or even a Fujifilm will be a better, more versatile fit.