Panasonic Lumix S1

amazon Panasonic Lumix S1 reviews

While photography icons like Nikon and Canon have only recently entered the full-frame mirrorless camera arms race, Panasonic has been playing in the space for a solid decade. And their experience with that shows confidence when they put it behind the new Panasonic Lumix S1 and S1R.

As I mentioned before, I’m currently in the market to upgrade myself to mirrorless – and the Panasonic S1 produces a compelling sound. After a few days of using the S1 in and around Hobart, I was impressed.

The prices here are steep – but not outrageous. Raw image quality isn’t as good as the S1Rs – but far from perfect. As a camera, the S1 comes with a decent amount – but more than enough ergonomics to make a difference.

This camera not only amazes me when it comes to its capabilities but also what it reveals about me. The Panasonic S1 pushes me to do things I didn’t know I was capable of with the camera.

Specifications

Body type: Interchangeable lens, mirrorless

Maximum resolution: 12000×8000 (High-resolution mode)

Effective pixels: 24.2 megapixels

Sensor size: 35mm full-frame

Sensor type: CMOS

Autofocus system: Depth from Defocus AF

ISO : 100-512.00 (expanded 50-204,800)

Interchangeable lenses: Yes

Lens mount: L-Mount

Display : 3.2 inches, TFT LCD monitor, three-axis tilt

EVF: OLED Live View Finder with 5760 points

Battery: 3050mAh

Video format: MPEG-4, H.264

Connectivity: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 4.2

Ports: USB Type-C 3.1 Gen 1, HDMI Type-A, Microphone Jack,

Dimensions: 148.9 x 110 x 96.7 mm

Weight: 898g

What did I like about the Panasonic Lumix S1?

The last Panasonic camera I spent a lot of time with was the Lumix G9, and upfront, the Lumix S1 feels heavier – both in terms of physical form factor and features.

By no means light, but it looks like Panasonic has handled the bad situation best. It’s the ergonomics where it counts. The camera’s grip shape and material design combine to dramatic effect, and if you’re familiar with previous Panasonic Lumix cameras like the GH5 and G9.

This familiarity even extends to software. As someone who is more at home with the way Nikon’s software handles things, there was a certain period of adjustment. However, I was really surprised to find the S1’s menu system intuitively revealing over time. Discovering how to do this or how to change proved to be an unexpected joy.

The placement of the buttons on the S1 has been changed slightly to accommodate the larger screen, and the ring-like toggle button found in the G9 has been replaced with a simpler dedicated power switch. In short: there are some key differences but the G9 and S1 have more in common than vice versa.

Bigger and Better is the name of the game here. The touchscreen LCD on the back of the S1 is only slightly wider and boasts slightly thinner bezels.

One change I’m not happy with here is the move to the video record button. This is currently located next to the viewfinder. It is not super easy or comfortable to achieve when needed.

Of course, the biggest advantage the S1 offers here is the full-frame sensor and support for the new L-mount system and HLG photos. Developed by Leica, there are already a good number of lenses on the table – with both Panasonic and Sigma also applying to become members of the L-Mount Alliance. Meanwhile, the HLG mode built into the S1 lets you capture some incredibly vibrant ultra-high dynamic range photos.

Behind these advancements, everything else that’s great about the S1 is inherited from previous G-series cameras. There is dual 6-point 5-axis image stabilization. It has 0.08 second AF, 1/8000 second maximum shutter speed, and -6EV low light performance. There’s a High-Resolution mode that lets you shoot at resolutions up to 96 megapixels. The S1 features dual memory slots (UHS-II + XQD), a three-axis rear display, 6K burst shooting, AI-powered tracking, and a shoulder-mounted LCD screen for information at a glance.

And all things considered, it’s a really powerful feature offered here and I’ve been blown away by the images this camera allows me to take. Whether we’re talking landscape, portrait, or something in between, the S1 delivers.

where can you get a Panasonic Lumix S1 online

Panasonic LUMIX S1 Full Frame Mirrorless Camera with 24.2MP MOS High Resolution Sensor, 24-105mm F4 L-Mount S Series Lens, 4K HDR Video and 3.2” LCD – DC-S1MK: Buy it now

Panasonic LUMIX S1 Full Frame Mirrorless Camera with Panasonic LUMIX S PRO 50mm F1.4 Lens: Buy it now