The wait is over: Panasonic has officially launched the Lumix S1 and Lumix S1R full-frame mirrorless cameras, along with three new L-mount lenses. With uncompromising quality and a powerful sensor, the cameras are capable of 4K video recording, have precise auto focus, and are compatible with Panasonic, Leica, and Sigma lenses using the L-mount.
Panasonic first announced the Lumix S cameras at Photokina last fall, and gave us all an update at CES 2019, where they announced HLG Photo Mode and High Resolution Mode would join the growing list of features which already included the world’s first 4K 60p/50p video recording.
Now, as of this morning, the company has unveiled the full list of features, and to see them in action, Lumix Global Ambassador Ben Grunow and the AdoramaTV team traveled to Patagonia to capture the South American landscape using the newest Panasonic Lumix gear.
While the two models do differ in some key features, both the LUMIX S1 and S1R have exceptional auto focus abilities. This is in part due to AI recognition, DFD (depth from defocus) technology, and scanning at a rate of 480fps. Combine all these factors and the S1 and S1R are able to auto focus in approximately 0.08secs. The speed of the AF makes both of these cameras optimal for any fast-motion scenarios, like sports photography. Because of the superb low-light shooting of the S1 and S1R, auto focus in low light is a step above the rest.
The S1 and S1R offer impressive additional shooting modes including HLG Photo Mode, High Resolution Mode, and 6K photo mode. HLG mode, also known as High Dynamic Range, reproduces the lights and shadows of an image to create more natural contrast with rich color expression. The 6K photo mode captures a burst of shots in 30fps (or 4K at 60fps) so you don’t miss the best photograph in a quick, unmissable, moment.
Lastly, the LUMIX S1 and S1R are powerfully and professionally built to handle whatever elements you may throw at them. The die-cast frames are designed with magnesium alloy that can withstand temperatures as low as 14 degrees Fahrenheit and are splash- and dust-resistant. Both cameras take advantage of the L-mount making the cameras compatible with Leica and Sigma lenses, as well as the three new additional lenses Panasonic has launched.
Panasonic Lumix S1 Digital Mirrorless Camera ():
S1 features:
- 24.2-megapixel full-frame sensor
- High ISO of 51200 giving high contrast in low-light
- 96-megapixel high-resolution mode
- HLG photo mode
- 4K 60p/50p video recording up to 29mins 59secs
- 4K 30p/25p/24p and full HD with no time limit
- 0.08sec AF using DFD (depth from defocus) technology and 480fps
- AI Recognition and Tracking keeps humans and animals in focus
- 3.2-inch LCD monitor
- Splash- and dust-resistant magnesium alloy frame
- Compatible with Leica and Sigma lenses via L-Mount
- Dual SD card slots
While the S1 boasts all of the above features, it differs slightly from the S1R (more on that below). The S1 features a sensor that is 24.2-megapixels and has a high ISO of 51200. The S1’s ISO range and megapixel size make it a preferred choice for contrast in low-light and night time shooting.
The megapixel size of the S1’s sensor means you users can shoot in High-Resolution Mode in 96-megapixels. This High-Resolution Mode takes eight consecutive shots, with help from the camera’s body image stabilizer (and a tripod), and then pieces the photos together to craft an incredibly detailed JPEG or RAW image.
Although both cameras shoot in 4K video, the S1 can shoot in 4K 60p/50p for a maximum of 29 minutes and 59 seconds, and also has the ability to shoot in 4K 30p/25p/24p with no restrictions on time.
Update 3/28/2019: Panasonic has announced that a paid firmware update is due to arrive in July 2019 that would improve the video performance of the Limix S1. The firmware promises to boost the camera’s advanced video recording and would include:
- 4:2:2 10-bit 4K 24p/30p internal video recording
- 4:2:2 10-bit 4K 60p HDMI output
- Full V-Log recording
The S1 is available now for preorder now for at Adorama.
It is also available with a 24-105mm F4 L-Mount S Series Lens for .
Panasonic Lumix S1R Digital Mirrorless Camera ():
S1R features:
- 47.3-megapixel full-frame sensor
- High ISO of 25600
- 187-megapixel high-resolution mode
- HLG Photo Mode
- 4K 60p/50p video recording up to 15 minutes
- 0.08sec AF using DFD (depth from defocus) technology and 480fps
- AI Recognition and Tracking keeps humans and animals in focus
- 3.2-inch LCD monitor
- Splash- and dust-resistant magnesium alloy frame
- Compatible with Leica and Sigma lenses via L-Mount
- Dual SD card slots
The S1R features a sensor that is 47.3-megapixels and has a high ISO of 25600. The S1R’s higher megapixel count creates sharper, more detailed images, making it ideal for landscape or portrait shots.
With the higher megapixel of the S1R, the camera can shoot in High-Resolution Mode in a whopping 187 megapixels. This is thanks to the sensor shift technology that allows you to capture landscapes and fine arts — to note: with a tripod. The S1R can also shoot in 4K 60p/50p for 15 minutes.
The S1R is available now for preorder now for at Adorama.
It is also available with a 24-105mm F4 L-Mount S Series Lens for .
New Panasonic Lumix Lenses:
Panasonic did not stop with the S1 and S1R. This morning, the company has also announced three new Lumix S lenses that are available for preorder.
Panasonic Lumix S 24-105mm F4 Lens ():
The Panasonic Lumix S 24-105mm F4 lens — a versatile standard focal macro zoom lens — boasts high-descriptive performance, Panasonic notes, and allows for 0.5x macro shooting and a minimum focus distance of 0.3m.
The built-in OIS (Optical Image Stabilizer) means you can shoot confidently sans tripod, and when combined with the Lumix camera, gives 6-stop slower shutter speed. With 16 elements in 13 groups, and 2 aspherical and 2 ED elements, high resolution is a given, while the dust-, splash-, and freeze-resistant build can handle the harshest of conditions.
The Panasonic Lumix S 24-105mm F4 Lens is available for preorder now for from Adorama.
Panasonic Lumix S PRO 70-200mm F4 Telephoto Lens ():
From portraits to sports, the Panasonic Lumix S PRO 70-200mm F4 telephoto lens features the same OIS as the macro lens, and has 23 elements in 17 groups, one aspherical element and 3 ED. It has a double lens focusing system that has a linear and stepping motor that gives a maximum speed of 480 fps, and high-precision auto-focus with instant AF/MF switching, and the same sturdy build as other Lumix S Pro lenses.
The Panasonic Lumix S PRO 70-200mm F4 Telephoto Lens is available for preorder now for from Adorama.
Panasonic Lumix S PRO 50mm F1.4 Lens ():
The 50mm large-aperture fixed focal F1.4 L-mount lens delivers high-resolution images, from the center to the corners of your image, as well as smooth defocus gradation, and the ability to create a soft, gorgeous bokeh.
The lens has 13 elements in 11 groups, 2 aspherical and 3 ED, and a focus clutch mechanism that has instant AF/MF switching and is a top choice for video recording.
The Panasonic Lumix S PRO 50mm F1.4 Lens is available for preorder now for from Adorama.
The Panasonic Lumix S Series in action:
For a more hands-on experience, check out this video featuring Ben Grunow on AdoramaTV:
