Panasonic LUMIX S1II DC-S1M2BODY9 Black
Thanks to Dynamic Range Boost, its 24.1MP partially stacked CMOS sensor achieves 15 stops of dynamic range and internal 5.8K ProRes RAW HQ recording for cinema-grade video. Blackout-free 70 fps burst and 60p open gate recording—a first for Lumix—provide flexible capture for high-speed subjects and versatile framing. This mirrorless body is tailored for sports and wildlife photographers who demand rapid burst speeds and for videographers who need high-dynamic-range, raw internal footage.
About This Camera
The LUMIX S1II combines expressive photo quality with advanced video capabilities, featuring a new 24.1MP partially stacked CMOS sensor for high-speed readout and stunning clarity. Capture 5.1K 60p open gate, C4K/4K 120p, and oversampled 4K video with rich detail and low noise. Dynamic Range Boost, REAL TIME LUT, and HEIF recording offer greater creative control and workflow flexibility. With blackout-free burst shooting up to 70 fps and AI-powered Phase Hybrid AF, it’s built to keep up with fast-moving subjects. 8.0-stop 5-axis and Active I.S. deliver stable results, even handheld. Seamless app integration—including LUMIX Lab, LUMIX Flow, Capture One and Frame.io—makes the S1II a versatile tool for modern creators.
- 24.1MP Partially Stacked CMOS sensor with expressive detail and true-to-life tonesExpands creative possibilities in both photography and videography with the newest Lumix sensor that dramatically boosts processing efficiency.
- Up to 15 Stops w/Dynamic Range BoostThanks to the Dynamic Range Boost, the sensor combines two types of image data at each pixel: one prioritizes saturation using the sensor’s low ISO circuit, and the other prioritizes low noise using the high ISO circuit. This results in HDR video with smooth gradation, rich tones, and a balance of low noise and high saturation. The 15 stops of Dynamic Range are the highest ever for a Lumix S camera.
- Burst Shooting AFS/AFC 70 fps with Blackout-free (Fastest in Lumix S-Series) Mechanical 10 fpsCapture up to 70 fps Blackout-free with AFC or AFS. This is the fastest burst shooting among all Lumix S-Series cameras. Get up to 10 fps AFC or AFS with the mechanical shutter. Never miss a moment with additional burst shooting functionality, H+ mode which prioritizes speed, 14-bit Raw which can be accessed in any mode, or SH Pre where you can capture photos up to 1.5 seconds pre-burst.
- Lumix's First Ever 60p Open Gate RecordingRecord in 3:2 ratio and have your content ready to be easily edited into any crop necessary. The S1M2 has the capabilities to record in Open Gate in 5.1K 60p or 6K video 30p. This is the first ever Lumix camera to be able to achieve 60p via Open Gate.
- Internal RAW RecordingShoot with minimal setup, maximizing agility as the S1M2 recording ProRes RAW HQ internally. Up to 5.8K 5760x3040 17:9 & 29.97p C4K 4096x2160 17:9 & 59.94p
The 30-Second Version
Heavy, feature-packed, and absolutely dominating on video, the S1II is the filmmaking secret you didn't know you needed. Skip the overpriced bundles and grab the body while the rest of the market catches up.
Overview
The Panasonic S1II is what happens when a company stops treating video as a side hustle and builds a stills camera around it. The one thing to know? This is the most capable video-focused hybrid under $3,000 right now, hiding a filmmaking cheat code in a tank-like body. You get 6K open gate internal ProRes RAW, blackout-free 70fps bursts, and stabilization that'll make your gimbal nervous.
Performance
We expected the 8-stop IBIS to be great, but what really surprised us is how far the autofocus has come. Panasonic's phase-detect finally hangs with the best, even in low light or with fast-moving subjects. The 24.1MP partially stacked sensor might not win spec sheets, but the readout speed lets you rip 70fps electronic bursts with no blackout, and the dynamic range boost delivers 15 stops that genuinely hold up in tricky backlighting.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Insane video spec: 6K open gate 60p and internal ProRes RAW 99th
- Ridiculous 70fps blackout-free bursts with reliable AF 99th
- Class-leading IBIS at 8 stops, basically a built-in steadicam 98th
- Monster battery life over 1100 shots and fully weather-sealed 97th
Cons
- Heavy at 1.6kg body only, your wrists will complain
- 24MP sensor limits cropping and large-print detail
- Overheating warnings can interrupt long 6K recording sessions
- Built-in audio preamps are noisy, you'll need external mics
The Word on the Street
Specifications
Full Specifications
Sensor
| Type | CMOS |
| Size | full-frame |
| Megapixels | 24.1 |
| ISO Range | 50 |
Autofocus
| AF Points | 779 |
| AF Type | AFS (Single) / AFC (Continuous) / MF |
| Eye AF | Yes |
| Animal AF | Yes |
| Subject Detection | Yes |
Shooting
| Burst (Mechanical) | 70 |
| Burst (Electronic) | 70 |
| Max Shutter | 1/8000 |
| Electronic Shutter | Yes |
Video
| Max Resolution | 6K |
| 4K FPS | 120 |
| 10-bit | No |
| Log Profile | Yes |
| RAW Video | Yes |
| Codec | MOV, MP4, HEVC, RAW, MPEG-4 |
Display & EVF
| Screen Size | 1.84 |
| Touchscreen | Yes |
| Articulating | Yes |
| EVF Resolution | 5760000 |
Build
| Weather Sealed | Yes |
| Weight | 1.6 kg / 3.6 lbs |
| Battery Life | 1150 |
Connectivity
| Wi-Fi | Yes |
| Bluetooth | Yes |
| USB | USB-C 3.2 / 3.1 Gen 1 |
| HDMI | HDMI |
| Hot Shoe | Yes |
Value & Pricing
At its core price around $2,500, the S1II is a steal. But watch out for the wild price spread we've seen, some bundles push past $96K (seriously, what's in that box, a car?). Shop smart and you'll nab a body for less than a Sony a7 IV, getting far superior video features and stabilization for the money.
Price History
vs Competition
The two biggest rivals are the Canon EOS R6 Mark II and Sony a7 IV. The Canon has slightly stickier autofocus for fast action and a bigger lens library, while the Sony offers a more compact body and a mature ecosystem. But the Panasonic demolishes both on video features, giving you open gate, internal RAW, and uncropped 4K120. If you're a hybrid shooter who leans video, the S1II is the clear winner. The Fujifilm X-H2 packs more megapixels in a smaller APS-C body, but its video tools and full-frame depth of field don't match up.
| Spec | Panasonic LUMIX S1II DC-S1M2BODY9 | Fujifilm X-H2 X-H2 | Canon EOS R EOS R6 Mark III | Sony a7 a7 V | Nikon Z9 Z9 | OM System OM OM-1 Mark II |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Type | mirrorless | mirrorless | mirrorless | mirrorless | mirrorless | mirrorless |
| Sensor | 24.1MP full-frame | 40.2MP aps-c | 32.5MP full-frame | 33MP full-frame | 45.7MP full-frame | 20MP micro-four-thirds |
| AF Points | 779 | 425 | 1053 | 759 | 1053 | 1053 |
| Burst FPS | 70 | 20 | 40 | 30 | 30 | 120 |
| Video | 6K @120fps | 8K @60fps | 6K @120fps | 4K @120fps | 8K @120fps | 4K @60fps |
| IBIS | true | true | true | true | true | true |
| Weather Sealed | true | true | true | true | true | true |
| Weight (g) | 1637 | 579 | 609 | 610 | 1160 | 511 |
| Compare | Compare | Compare | Compare | Compare |
| Product | Af | Evf | Build | Burst | Video | Sensor | Battery | Display | Connectivity | Social Proof | Stabilization |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Panasonic LUMIX S1II DC-S1M2BODY9 | 97.2 | 95.1 | 99.4 | 96.7 | 95 | 46 | 99.3 | 84.3 | 93.2 | 67 | 98 |
| Fujifilm X-H2 X-H2 Compare | 88.1 | 95.5 | 89.5 | 85.5 | 99.9 | 97.1 | 97 | 84.3 | 93.2 | 94.6 | 93.5 |
| Canon EOS R EOS R6 Mark III Compare | 98.4 | 88 | 94.9 | 93.1 | 89.6 | 58.8 | 96.6 | 99.2 | 93.2 | 94.6 | 99.5 |
| Sony a7 a7 V Compare | 95.7 | 88.7 | 95 | 91 | 89.6 | 60.1 | 96.6 | 99.6 | 93.2 | 94.6 | 96.1 |
| Nikon Z9 Z9 Compare | 98.4 | 89.5 | 99.4 | 96.1 | 97.9 | 65 | 97.3 | 84.3 | 93.2 | 84.9 | 84.7 |
| OM System OM OM-1 Mark II Compare | 98.4 | 99.7 | 81.9 | 99.8 | 84.1 | 25.8 | 94.2 | 84.3 | 93.2 | 94.6 | 99.5 |
Common Questions
Q: Does the S1II overheat during video?
Under normal conditions, no. But if you push 6K internal recording for long takes in a hot environment, the camera will throw up a warning. For serious video work, grab a small cage fan and you'll be fine.
Q: How does it stack up against the Lumix S1R II?
The S1R II is all about that 44MP sensor for massive prints and heavy cropping. The S1II gives you faster burst rates and better video-focused features like open gate 60p. If video is your main gig, the S1II is the smarter buy.
Q: Is the autofocus as reliable as Sony's?
It's now in the same conversation. Panasonic's phase-detect AI tracks subjects nicely, but Sony still edges it out for chaotic movement and sticky eye detection in poor light. For nearly all shooting, you won't feel let down.
Who Should Skip This
If you're a product photographer or a landscape shooter who demands massive prints, the 24MP sensor will feel cramped. The Sony A7R V or the high-res Lumix S1R II will serve you far better with their pixel-heavy sensors.
Verdict
For filmmakers and run-and-gun video shooters, the S1II is a no-brainer. It delivers professional video specs in a body that can survive a dust storm, with battery life that'll outlast your shoot day. Studio product photographers and pixel-peeping landscape artists should look elsewhere, but for anyone chasing the best hybrid gear under three grand, this is it.
