Morten Byskov, 5050 Travelog, in the field testing the Panasonic Lumix S1 II. — Panasonic Lumix S1 II, and Panasonic Lumix S 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6
Photo by Kevin Kwong (Photo captured with my Leica SL2-2 and Kevin’s Panasonic Lumix S 20-60mm f/3.5-5.6)

Panasonic S1 II For Photography - First Impressions

My primary camera currently is the Leica SL2-S, so I have been paying close attention to what Panasonic has released in the last few months, as it shares the L-Mount with my camera. It seems Panasonic has been on a roll.

The camera that has sparked my interest the most is the Panasonic Lumix S1R II, which was announced in the spring. A few months later, the Panasonic S1 II and S1 IIE also emerged.

According to Panasonic Canada, demand for the new S1 line of cameras has been positive, which also means I am still on the list to review any of the S1 cameras.

In the meantime, however, Kevin Kwong, a talented Vancouver car photographer, kindly met me a couple of times after he acquired the Panasonic S1 II, so that I could try it out.

Panasonic Lumix S1 II and Lumix 18-40mm f/4.5-6.3
Photo by Kevin Kwong

Introduction

Kevin Kwong utilizes the Panasonic S1 II in his photography business, primarily as a hybrid camera, covering car racing events and various car-related genres.

I met with Kevin in Steveston, BC, for a coffee, chat, and a quick photo walk along the harbor in Steveston. It was a good way to get a feel for the camera.

I am primarily a still photographer, and although many will seek out the S1 II for its impressive video specifications, I will not discuss video in this “first look”. I will instead focus on handling, ergonomics, and initial impressions of the image quality from the S1 II.

Comeback, a fishing boat at dock in Steveston, BC. Sample image from a Panasonic S1 II — Steveston, Panasonic S1 II, Panasonic Lumix S 18-40mm f/4.5-6.3 @ f/8, 20mm

Handling and Build Quality

If you include the battery and memory cards, the Panasonic S1 II weighs 1.76 lb (798 g), which is only roughly 80% of its predecessor, the S1. This is good news, as the S1 was a brick. It weighs about 7% more than the Lumix S5 II, but also feels more premium overall and better in hand.

Buttons and dials feel pleasing to the touch, and I especially like the grip on the S1 II. Despite the S1 II's smaller size, the grips feel sufficiently large and deep enough, even when using lenses such as the Lumix S 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6.

I know Kevin has the additional grip for the S1 II, as he primarily uses the camera with larger lenses, such as the Lumix 100-400mm, Sigma 70-200mm f/2.8 DG DN Sport, and Sigma 28-40mm f/1.8 DG DN Art.

The Panasonic S1 II features a 24.1MP partially stacked CMOS sensor and, in many ways, reminds me of the Nikon Z6 III, not only in terms of size and weight but also in its handling and final output for stills.

However, the S1 II is significantly more expensive. As I type this, the Z6 III is on sale with a $200.00 rebate, at $2,196.96, while the S1 II is $3,197.99. The higher cost of the S1 II can probably be attributed to its more advanced video specifications and the fact that it is newer and has not yet been discounted.

Gulf of Georgia Cannery in Steveston, BC. Sample image from a Panasonic Lumix S1 II — Steveston, Panasonic S1 II, Panasonic Lumix S 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6 @ f/8, 70mm

In Action

My time with the S1 II was limited, but I had a positive initial impression of the camera. It feels more refined than the S5 II, and less of a beast compared to the S1R.

The shutter sound is also lovely and sounds very determined, and the camera is fast. You can shoot up to 70 frames per second. Kevin’s only gripe with the camera was related to the frame rate (fps) setting. It transitions from a very low count to 70 fps with no option to choose medium settings.

Kevin is confident that Panasonic will resolve this issue with a software update. I heard the same complaint in a few YouTube reviews I watched, and I agree that it probably will get fixed.

Kevin also mentioned a steep learning curve, as he got to know the camera and set it up for his purposes. However, once things are set up, he utilizes the custom modes for various types of topics, and he loves how versatile the camera is.

Morten Byskov, 5050 Travelog, Panasonic S1 II review. — Panasonic Lumix S1 II, and Panasonic Lumix S 18-40mm f/4.5-6.3
Photo by Kevin Kwong (Photo captured with my Leica SL2-2 and a Lumix S 35mm f/1.8)

Image Quality

It is much too soon to pass final judgment on image quality, but it does indeed remind me somewhat of the Nikon Z6 III. Some say the cameras have the same sensor, but I am not sure if this is the case.

I like the Lumix Lighroom presets and have used a few of these for the images you see on this page. You can also import LUTs or make your own LUTs and import them to the camera.

Please click on the sample images to view sizes up to 2500 pixels, depending on your monitor size, or use pinch-zoom if you're using a mobile phone.

Tune fishing boat, Steveston. Sample image from a Panasonic Lumix S1 II — Steveston, Panasonic S1 II, Panasonic Lumix S 35mm f/1.8 @ f/2.2

It’s a Wrap

The new Panasonic Lumix S1 cameras appear to be making strides with impressive specs, and with three models, there is something for everyone.

The S1R II, priced at $3,297.99, features a 44-megapixel sensor and is primarily aimed at photographers or those who require 8K video capabilities. The S1 II, priced at $3,197.99, is the all-around hybrid top performer, and the S1 IIE features the new S1 IIE ergonomics, the same body design and quality as its peers, but with an older sensor also found in the S5 II.

Panasonic is making some noise with these cameras, but whether they are gaining market share from Canon, Sony, or Nikon remains to be seen.

Morten Byskov, 5050 Travelog, testing a Panasonic Lumix S1 II and 70-300mm — Panasonic Lumix S1 II, and Panasonic Lumix S 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6
Photo by Kevin Kwong (Photo captured with my Leica SL2-2 and a Lumix S 35mm f/1.8)

Personally, the S1 II is not for me. I already have a 24-megapixel L-Mount SL2-S with most of the features I need. I am a still photographer who rarely shoots action or sports, where the improved autofocus specs and higher frame rates of the S1 II would be handy.

The S1 II also has a plethora of video features, which would be wasted on me, and I would be paying dearly for them.

However, as a hybrid camera, I think Panasonic has Canon, Sony, and Nikon shooters taking note.

Thanks again to Kevin for helping out with this review in many ways. You can check him out on Instagram: @kwong_kevin

Please see more sample images below

Price / Availability

Thank you for reading my review. If you are planning a purchase and would like to support us, you can do so, at no additional cost, by using the affiliate link below. A small commission goes to us and helps us keep the wheels turning at 5050 Travelog.

Check the current price at B&H Photo

Panasonic Lumix S1 II - B&H Photo

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