Panasonic LUMIX S1R Mirrorless Camera with LUMIX S 24-105mm f/4 O.I.S Lens

2022-05-17T09:44:32

I have it for about 3 years, from pre-order, and it is worth every penny. Absolutely great images, extremely sharp, decent good autofocus, state of the art menu system. I'm shocked by the low rating here in reviews, people might not know how to use it or complain about very specific issues. Camera body is very solid, well built, and perfectly fit for an adult hand. I'm very happy with S1 and S1R. Video quality is amazing as well. If I want to buy a new camera in 2022, I would buy the S1R again (but just waiting for the S1R mkII). At 2022 firmware added some new features and fixes, and lens selection is great.

DMITRY S.

2020-12-12T06:40:21

I bought this camera when it was first released and hardly ever used it until now. The original software was so bad I firmly believe that it was responsible for almost all the negative reviews here and elsewhere. The first three firmware updates each offered minimal improvements but did nothing to change the horrible bottom line. Then on 2020/11/24 Panasonic finally came out with version 1.6, and that was a total game changer. I have a whole new camera, and I haven't used any other since. I have been a photographer since 1964, using everything from view cameras to GoPro, and I've never been this comfortable with a camera since the Leica M2 in the sixties. Is it perfect? No. It still has some issues with auto-focus in low light, but it's much better than before this firmware version. In every other way the AF now meets my needs. My wife's A7rIV is better, but... I'm told there were issues with flash, but I don't use flash, so I don't know if that's been improved. Some say it's too big and heavy. It is big and heavy, and that's one of the things I like best about it. The ergonomics are well thought out, so big is not a problem. it's what makes the camera so comfortable in my big hands. The weight is only an issue while packing for travel. When shooting the weight is an oft overlooked asset. OIS does help stabilize the image but does nothing to help steady the camera when one has to frame a shot while holding it at arm's length and/or at uncomfortable angles to get a shot. A heavier camera is a steadier camera IMHO (simple physics, more mass = less tendency to shake). I don't see anything in the release notes to indicate that the latest update changed the image quality, but I feel that it has been greatly improved disclaimer: it could just be that the other improvements have me using the camera so much more. If Panasonic had delayed release of the S1x line until they had finished designing their firmware I suspect they could have had a hit on their hands instead of all the negative reviews they suffered in its first year.

DAVIS D.

2020-06-22T01:43:53

I've had this camera for about 8 months now, and it is hands down the most insane piece of technology I've ever owned. the amount of detail and resolution you get in your photos is mind blowing. the videos come out super clean and the image stabilization is great. The low light for something fast paced like concerts or events can be challenging, but if you use a tripod for astro photography and landscapes it can pretty much see in the dark. One thing that has been a little irritating is that adobe lightroom still has yet to support the RAW format this camera writes too, so I have to convert all my photos to DNG in order to edit them. Because of this I shoot in RAW + JPEG so i can transfer photos i want right away to my phone, then upload the JPEGs to lightroom mobile. This gives me a little less storage than you would typically get out of whatever memory card you use, so I've gonna a couple spares. You're gonna want extra batteries as well, especially during video. This a seriously pro level camera with mind numbing results and a ton of customization for your personal touch. If weight isn't a real issue or you don't travel with alot of lenses, then i HIGHLY recommend this camera.

Joshua H.

2019-12-22T01:10:12

Lots of m o i r e in pictures!!! It is a no brainer! Chunky batteries, very heavy design. I got dust on the sensor almost every day that have to be removed, otherwise you will see faded areas in your pictures. (This is going automatically by default with Canon or Nikon.) I have lots of moire both in photo and in video mode. This camera obviously doesn't have any anti aliasing filter. I can't film or capture any images with this camera off from books because of the raster dots, or any brick walls. I use to have this problem with my Canon EOS 5D Mark II camera ten years ago!!! On the top of this, we bought this as our main video camera for documentary films, but it doesn't offer any 4K DCI option, which is really annoying. Also, with the MC21 adapter continuous autofocus is disabled, which makes this camera a real deal-breaker. (Also, with native Panasonic lens the autofocus is more sluggish than with Canon or with Sony ecosystem.) Just beware of these when you would purchase this camera. The battery is below average. I got only 120 shots with the original one. Why has S1/S1R/S1H the worst autofocus in the market? How I could make a lawsuit against Panasonic?

Orosz M.

2019-08-25T13:13:15

The S1r wasn't designed to shoot continuous bursts with Flash. Flash is limited to one shot at a time,at least on strobes mounted on lightstands.This makes it less than appealing on Fashion shoots,in particular....all my equipment is on the latest firmware, including the S1R, Its a pity,because its actually a very good body otherwise...

Bill C.

2019-08-25T13:04:25

Why? The S1R wasn't designed to shoot continuous bursts with Flash. When you power up a Flashpoint trigger on it ,the shooting mode in camera automatically disables the mode into single shot only with flash.All equipment used to test this are latest firmware, both the S1R as well as trigger and strobes (AD600 pro and Pro R2 mk2 triggers. Furthermore,after research,it seems that this is by design from Panasonic,previous users of G9 bodies mentioning the same issue. It's very significant that a video featuring a Panasonic "Ambassador "showed him working with a model,his lighting being constant video lights-during these scenes he mentioned how he loved the S1R high ISO capability and IBIS system.....now we see why he loved it,because you would have to shoot at 3200 ISO and 1/30 sec shutter speed wide open all day to use video lighting.... This sad fact will definitely continue in the upcoming S1H,as it is aimed at more video use than the S1 and S1R...

Bill C.

2019-04-23T09:57:46

I've been a Leica SL and Sony a7rIII user, but the arrival of the S1R has changed everything. It is the camera that the Leica SL should have been. The immediately available, via button or dial, functions are a pleasure to use, the sensor produces spectacular images and the EVF and IBIS are superb ... much more effective than my a7rIII. It's not a small camera, but its ergonomics are more pleasing than the diminutive Sony. Overall, together with Leica lenses or their own S Pro lenses, this camera ticks all of my desired boxes.

RONALD M.