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Panasonic Unveils Lumix S1RII: A Powerful Upgrade for Photographers and Videographers

Panasonic has launched an upgraded version of its 2019 Lumix S1R, introducing the Lumix S1RII. This new model features several enhancements, including a revamped sensor, a more compact body, quicker autofocus capabilities, and advanced video recording options, which now reach up to 8K at 30 frames per second. Notably, the new 44.3-megapixel back-side illuminated CMOS sensor is slightly smaller than the 47.3-megapixel sensor found in its predecessor, but it compensates with superior video functionality.

Set to be available at the end of March for $3,299.99, the Lumix S1RII targets videographers seeking advanced features in a hybrid camera. Its updated capabilities include the ability to record 5.8K Apple ProRes RAW HQ and ProRes RAW, eliminating the need for an external recording device.

The autofocus system has also seen significant upgrades. The Lumix S1RII incorporates a hybrid autofocus system that merges phase-detect AF with the previous model’s contrast AF. This combination enhances eye and face detection, along with more precise AI-driven tracking of moving subjects. The camera can automatically identify and focus on various subjects, including animals, vehicles, and more, making it versatile for different shooting scenarios.

Photographers can take advantage of the camera’s high-speed shooting capabilities, capturing full-resolution 12-bit RAW images at a rate of up to 40 frames per second with its electronic shutter. For those preferring a mechanical shutter, the “High Speed Plus” mode allows for up to 10 frames per second (nine frames per second for 14-bit RAW captures).

For users desiring even greater resolution, the S1RII offers a unique handheld high-resolution mode that combines multiple exposures through sensor shifts, resulting in striking 177-megapixel images.

In terms of stabilization, the Lumix S1RII’s in-body image stabilization can counteract shake by up to eight stops. When paired with a telephoto lens that has its own stabilization system, this drops slightly to seven stops. Additionally, the camera boasts cropless electronic image stabilization during video recording, which incorporates distortion correction to maintain the original field of view while minimizing peripheral distortion.

The camera is equipped with a 5.76 million-dot OLED viewfinder and a three-inch articulated touchscreen LCD with 1.84 million dots, allowing videographers greater flexibility with angles for filming. Despite being slightly smaller than its predecessor’s display, the Lumix S1RII is designed to be lighter, weighing in at 1.75 pounds compared to the S1R’s 2.24 pounds.

For storage, both SD UHS II and CFexpress Type B card slots are provided, and users can record video directly to an external SSD via the camera’s 10Gbps USB-C port. Additionally, it features a full-sized HDMI output for easy connection to external displays.

Source
www.theverge.com