Panasonic LUMIX DMC S1 Review | 108 Data compared

The DPReview conclusion rates the Panasonic Lumix DC-S1 as a robust, professional-grade mirrorless camera, highlighting excellent Raw/JPEG image quality, effective 5-axis image stabilization, and a market-leading EVF. Key advantages include a 96MP high-resolution mode, superb 4K video, and durable, weather-sealed construction. Conversely, the review notes the DFD continuous autofocus system produces a distracting "pulsating" effect, and the camera is significantly heavier than competitors. Additionally, it notes a higher price point and that certain advanced video features require a paid upgrade.

Overview and Specifications The Panasonic Lumix S1 is a 24.2MP full-frame mirrorless camera designed for professional and enthusiast photographers and videographers seeking a highly capable all-rounder. Built with a rugged, heavy, and larger-than-average body, it features a 5-axis in-body image stabilization system, a high-resolution 5,760,000-dot electronic viewfinder, and dual memory card slots supporting XQD and SD formats. It excels in image quality and provides an exceptional dynamic range alongside superior signal-to-noise ratios that outclass core competitors like the Sony A7 III, Nikon Z6, and Canon EOS R, especially at higher ISO levels. Additionally, the camera relies on the expanding L-Mount Alliance ecosystem, allowing native compatibility with lenses from Panasonic, Leica, and Sigma. Pros and Cons Stunning image quality across all lighting scenarios. 5.5-stop 5-axis IBIS for effective stabilization. Impressive uncropped 4K video up to 60p. Accessible pricing compared to the 47.3MP S1R. Iffy contrast-detect AF tracking that compromises sports shooting. Bulky and large footprint relative to rival mirrorless bodies. Limited initial lens lineup though growing via the L-Mount alliance.

The Panasonic Lumix S1 is a robust, feature-rich full-frame mirrorless camera praised for its excellent image quality via a 24MP sensor, a high-resolution 96MP multi-shot mode, and effective in-body stabilization. It features an exceptionally clear 5760K-dot EVF, 4K video capabilities at 60/30fps, and durable weather-sealed construction with dual card slots. According to the review, the primary drawbacks are its substantial weight and size, which feel more like a DSLR than a typical mirrorless camera. Additionally, the system faces high costs for both the body and native L-mount lenses, along with relatively short battery life when not in power-saving mode.

The Panasonic Lumix DC-S1 is the company's first mid-range, full-frame mirrorless camera, utilizing a 24.2MP CMOS sensor and an L-mount system built on a sealed magnesium alloy body. In performance testing, the sensor achieved an outstanding overall DxOMark score of 95, placing it 12th overall in the database and putting it practically on par with direct competitors like the Sony A7 III and Nikon Z 6. The camera stands out for its high-quality construction, featuring a durable shutter rated for 400,000 actuations, a high-resolution 5.76 million-dot OLED electronic viewfinder, dual card slots (XQD and SD UHS-II), and a 5-axis in-body "Dual IS" stabilization system. The review highlights several key strengths (pros), including an exceptional color depth score of 25.2 bits at base ISO, an impressive 14.5 stops of dynamic range, and class-leading low-light performance with a Sports score of ISO 3333. It delivers a notable dynamic range advantage over rivals in the highly desirable ISO 800 to 1600 range, while easily outperforming the Canon EOS R across all test metrics. On the downside (cons), the sensor trails slightly behind the...

summary of the Panasonic Lumix S1: The Panasonic Lumix S1 is a rugged full-frame mirrorless camera that provides excellent image quality, comfortable ergonomics, and a weather-sealed body. Its standout features include a high-performing electronic viewfinder (EVF), an intuitive touchscreen interface, and a dual card slot setup (SD and XQD). The camera also boasts a powerful in-body image stabilisation (IBIS) system that allows users to shoot sharp images at slow shutter speeds and features a High Resolution mode capable of generating 96-megapixel files. However, the camera has notable drawbacks, particularly its bulky size and a heavy weight of 1,021g, which makes it significantly heavier than competing models from Sony and Nikon. The contrast-based autofocus system also struggles and pulses when hunting for focus in low-light conditions. Additionally, the battery life is somewhat low for its size, rating at only 360 to 380 shots under standard use, which makes carrying a spare battery a necessity.

Review Overview The Panasonic Lumix S1 is an impressive, high-end hybrid mirrorless camera featuring a 24-megapixel full-frame sensor that delivers high dynamic range, excellent sharpness due to the absence of an anti-alias filter, and beautiful low-light performance up to ISO 6400. Built around the robust L-mount alliance with Leica and Sigma, the camera handles much like a traditional full-frame SLR. It boasts a phenomenal, highly detailed 5.7-million-pixel electronic viewfinder with adjustable magnification, a dual 5-axis image stabilization system offering up to 6 stops of compensation, and a unique 96-megapixel High Resolution composite mode. Video shooters benefit from linear focus response controls and advanced 10-bit 4K video recording up to 60 fps. Pros and Cons Pros Superb Build & Ergonomics: Extremely solid, weather-resistant body with logical button placement, dual card slots (XQD and SD), and an informative top LCD shoulder screen. Phenomenal Image & Video Quality: Outstanding high-ISO noise control, class-leading sensor stabilization, and a 4K-60p log profile. Innovative Feature Set: A 96-megapixel High Res mode, linear focus settings for precise video pull, and HLG (Hybrid Log-Gamma) support. Cons Autofocus Limitations:...

The Panasonic S1 is highly praised as a top-tier full-frame mirrorless camera that balances a pro-level, weather-sealed build with exceptional imaging capabilities. Its 24.2MP sensor stands out as a "low light monster," delivering incredible high ISO performance up to 51,200 with minimal noise and superb color retention, alongside an outstanding dynamic range that effortlessly recovers blown highlights in RAW files. The camera features the world’s highest resolution and largest OLED electronic viewfinder (EVF), which drastically heightens the shooting experience. Furthermore, its highly effective 5-axis in-body image stabilization works flawlessly across both native and adapted lenses, making it an excellent tool for handheld video recording. The inclusion of a versatile dual card slot setup (one SD and one XQD) and an impressive battery life further solidify its status as a robust photographic tool that rivals much more expensive options like the Leica SL. Despite the overwhelming praise, the reviewer notes several drawbacks to consider. Physically, the camera body is large, heavy, and overly "busy" with numerous buttons and dials, lacking the elegant, minimalistic charm of its Leica counterpart. Its contrast-based DFD...

The Panasonic LUMIX S1 is a large, heavy, and robust full-frame mirrorless camera that provides excellent handling and balance, making it comfortable for extended handheld shooting session updates. One of its most impressive video capabilities is its outstanding low-light performance, producing exceptionally clean images up to ISO 30,000 that place it on par with top competitors. Reviewers also praised the highly effective In-Body Image Stabilization (IBIS)—further enhanced by an optional E-Stabilization mode—and its long-lasting DMW-BLJ31 battery. Furthermore, the camera features an exceptionally sharp, high-quality Electronic Viewfinder (EVF) that minimizes eye fatigue and makes precise manual focusing effortless. Conversely, the camera’s internal image processing has notable drawbacks, as it outputs images that can look overly clean and lack organic "mojo" due to aggressive, un-bypassable internal noise reduction. This aggressive noise reduction is particularly apparent in the camera's "Flat" picture profile, which yielded completely unmeasurable results during laboratory dynamic range testing. Additionally, the autofocus system delivered a mixed bag of results, shifting between fast accuracy and moments of poor functionality. Filmmakers looking for advanced video settings must also consider extra costs, as...

The Panasonic Lumix S1 is a substantial, highly durable full-frame mirrorless camera that offers exceptional performance for events, weddings, and landscape photography, seamlessly integrating into the L-Mount Alliance ecosystem. A major pro of the S1 is its highly ergonomic design, featuring a comfortable contoured grip and intuitively placed, weather-sealed physical buttons that make operation effortless even in harsh conditions. In real-world testing, such as tracking fast-moving tractors, its AI-controlled Face Detect autofocus and continuous tracking performed flawlessly, resulting in an exceptionally high hit rate and well-exposed images. Additionally, native L-mount lenses from Panasonic and Leica offer seamless cross-brand compatibility and spectacular optical sharpness. However, the camera system comes with notable downsides, primarily its significant bulk and weight. The S1 body weighs 899g, and high-quality lenses like the Lumix 50mm f/1.4 weigh nearly an additional kilogram, making the entire setup heavy to tote for long periods. Another major con is the camera's poor handling of traditional Leica M-mount lenses; due to a thicker sensor cover-glass compared to Leica bodies, M-mount lenses suffer from severe off-axis smearing of details, excess vignetting, and...