The Lumix S1R II challenges every assumption about what makes a camera great for photography versus video. While Panasonic has built its reputation on video-centric mirrorless cameras, this 44.3-megapixel powerhouse might just be the best photo camera you can buy right now.
Coming to you from Pav SZ, this eye-opening video reveals why the Panasonic S1R II deserves serious consideration from photographers who have overlooked Lumix cameras in favor of Sony, Canon, or Nikon. Pav immediately notices the camera's exceptional viewfinder quality, describing it as "absolutely excellent" with noticeably brighter and sharper performance compared to the S5 II series. The flip screen design and overall build quality reinforce the impression that this camera was designed with photography as the primary focus, despite its impressive video capabilities. What sets this camera apart isn't just the high-resolution sensor, but features like the 177-megapixel handheld high-resolution mode and pre-burst shooting that captures images before you fully press the shutter.
The video explores several photography-specific features that make the S1R II stand out in a crowded market. Pav highlights the camera's exceptional image stabilization system, which allows handheld shooting at significantly slower shutter speeds than typically possible. The high-resolution sensor proves invaluable for architectural photography, allowing perfect straightening of buildings, and for wildlife or macro work where cropping maintains excellent image quality. The built-in 65:24 aspect ratio crop mode, borrowed from film photography tradition, encourages different compositional thinking. The real-time LUT system goes beyond what competitors offer, allowing custom looks to be created through the Lumix Lab app and applied directly in-camera.
Key Specs
- Sensor and Resolution: 44.3 MP full frame CMOS sensor, 177 MP handheld high-resolution mode
- Image Stabilization: 5-axis sensor-shift stabilization
- ISO Range: 40-102,400 (photo), 200-51,200 (video)
- Continuous Shooting: Up to 40 fps with electronic shutter
- Autofocus: 779-point Phase Hybrid AF system with AI subject recognition
- Video Recording: Internal 8K at 30p, 4K up to 120p
- Storage: CFexpress Type B and SD card slots
- Viewfinder: 5.76M-dot OLED electronic viewfinder
- Price: $3,300
Pav addresses the critical autofocus question that every photographer wants answered when comparing cameras in this price range. The S1R II represents Lumix's best autofocus performance to date, fixing previous issues while offering multiple options that, when used correctly, deliver outstanding results. Pav emphasizes that while the camera excels at photography, it maintains all the video capabilities that Lumix is known for, making it exceptional value compared to equivalent cameras from Sony, Canon, and Nikon. The L-mount alliance with Sigma provides extensive lens options, dispelling concerns about limited lens selection. Check out the video above for the full rundown.
