Introducing the Panasonic LUMIX S1II, LUMIX S1IIE, and the LUMIX 24-60mm f2.8 Lens. The lens can find a spot in just about any S-series shooter’s kit. The cameras are aimed at the void of cameras that are as powerful for video as they are for photos. If you’re a hybrid creator who demands the most from the content you create in-camera, there is a lot to love in today’s announcement. Let’s get right into it!
Key Features of the Panasonic LUMIX S1II Camera
- 24.1MP Partially Stacked CMOS Sensor
- 5.1K/60p Open Gate Recording
- 4K/120p
- Dynamic Range Boost and Real-Time LUT Features
- Burst Shooting up to 70fps (Blackout-Free)
- AI-Powered Phase Hybrid AF
- 8-Stop Active Image Stabilization
- High-Resolution 96MP Mode
Features of the Panasonic LUMIX S1IIE Camera
- 24.1MP BSI CMOS Sensor
- 6K/30p Open Gate Recording
- 4:2:2 10-bit Support
- Real-Time LUT Feature
- 8-Stop Active Image Stabilization
Key Features of the Panasonic LUMIX 24-60mm F2.8 Lens
- 24-60mm Coverage Perfect for Travel, Street, Portraits, and More
- Constant F2.8 Aperture Produces Smooth Bokeh
- Minimum Focusing Distance of 0.62ft
- Focus Ring Doubles as Customizable Control Ring
- Compact and Lightweight
What’s New About These Cameras and Lens?
The new S1II and S1IIE cameras are the latest from LUMIX in their full-frame lineup. Panasonic designed them to be workhorse cameras for video and photo creators alike. A new 24.1MP sensor offers outstanding colors, high-speed readout, and top-tier clarity. Additionally, high-resolution open gate recording gives creators access to high-resolution footage that they can downsample for superior quality. For those needing rapid-fire burst mode, the S1II even offers 70fps burst shooting. This makes it the fastest burst mode on any LUMIX S Series Camera. Finally, these two new cameras are announced alongside a 24-60mm f2.8 lens that promises smooth bokeh at some of the most commonly used focal lengths amongst portrait and travel photographers.
New 24.1MP Sensor
The LUMIX S1II comes equipped with a Partially Stacked CMOS Sensor, while the LUMIX S1IIE has a very similar 24.1MP BSI CMOS Sensor. This sensor provides fantastic colors, deep dynamic range, and quick readout times, which is ideal for burst shooting. Combined with LUMIX’s renowned color science, the result is realistic, lifelike colors and tonal nuance. On the LUMIX S1II, a high-resolution mode is included that is capable of capturing 96MP still images, even when using the camera handheld.
High-Resolution Video Recording
High-resolution open gate recording is available on both new cameras. The LUMIX S1II can shoot 5.1K/60p footage or 4K/120p in open gate, meaning the camera utilizes the whole image sensor without crop. The LUMIX S1IIE shoots 6K/30p footage, perfect for futureproofing your footage or even for downsampling for even higher quality recordings. HEIF recording is available for file sizes without worrying about loss of detail or compression. Finally, high-res/low-noise oversampled 4K video can help to improve video quality for creators who demand the most when it comes to video.
70fps Burst Shooting ( LUMIX S1II Only)
Wildlife and sports shooters will be thrilled to hear about the 70fps burst shooting in continuous autofocus. This marks the fastest burst shooting on any LUMIX S Series camera to date. When combined with the quick readout times of the new sensor, this results in a camera that can shoot quickly for a long time. Best of all, a blackout-free viewfinder is included, which keeps your eyes on the subject of your image even when firing away at 70fps. This is one of the most highly requested features among sports and wildlife shooters, and Panasonic has ensured this camera will be a workhorse across multiple industries with this feature.
LUMIX 24-60mm F2.8 Lens
Alongside the two new cameras comes the Panasonic LUMIX 24-60mm f2.8 Lens, a brand new lens compatible with any LUMIX S-series camera. To start, this lens covers one of the most widely used focal ranges across creators of all types. Notably, it does so at f2.8 across the focal range. Whether you’re shooting in low light and could use the wider aperture for higher quality images, or you’re shooting a subject that would look better with background bokeh, this lens can offer everything you desire and more. To top things off, the minimum focusing distance of 0.62ft is perfect for macro-style images and closeups, allowing you to capture creative angles of your subject.
Who Should Buy the LUMIX S1II, LUMIX S1IIE, and LUMIX 24-60mm F2.8?
The two cameras are designed to fulfill the needs of creators who need a camera that is equally as powerful for photography as it is for videography. If you aim to capture high-quality images while simultaneously recording 4K+ footage, these cameras are for you. The LUMIX S1II is the top-of-the-line version, offering slightly better specs when it comes to video, as well as 70fps in burst shooting mode. If you don’t need the high burst rate or 6K footage, the LUMIX S1IIE will be plenty sufficient. The LUMIX 24-60mm lens is essential for all creators as it covers a focal range widely used in photos and videos of all types, and the F2.8 aperture is fantastic for a lens of this size and weight. If you don’t already have something filling this spot in your bag, the LUMIX 24-60mm f2.8 is an absolute must-have.
Comparable Cameras
If these new cameras sound like they’re up your alley, it’s also worth considering the Panasonic LUMIX S1RII. The S1RII offers more megapixels (44.3MP vs 24.1MP) and 8K/30p video recording. As a compromise, you can only shoot up to 40fps in burst mode (down from 70fps on the S1II). If you aren’t shooting sports, wildlife, or any other type of photography where having more frames per second in burst mode would matter, the S1RII is well worth the upgrade if you can afford the increased cost.
Final Thoughts
It’s a great day to be a hybrid shooter with these three new announcements. The most demanding of creators looking for their new workhorse will be salivating over the 70fps LUMIX S1II that comes equipped with a blackout-free viewfinder. Those willing to forgo the fast burst rate can save some money will still capturing excellent 24.1MP photos and 6K/30p video. Finally, the new Panasonic LUMIX 24-60mm F2.8 lens is going to become a staple in the bag of LUMIX shooters across the globe, setting a new standard for mid-range zooms. Panasonic has also announced firmware updates for the LUMIX S1RII and LUMIX S Series lenses. Additionally, there are updates to LUMIX Flow and LUMIX Lab.
