Panasonic Announces Full Frame Mirrorless Cameras: Lumix S1 and S1R

February 01, 2019

Four months after Panasonic’s exciting Photokina 2018 announcement comes the official launch of the Lumix S1 and S1R, and the first Lumix S Series lenses.

Designed to meet professional stills and video standards, this much anticipated new full-frame mirrorless system offers image quality, design and features setting new benchmarks for the market.

Industry Firsts

The Lumix S Series marks Panasonic’s first foray into full-frame sensor cameras. But, testament to Panasonic’s vision and innovation, it also achieves several other industry firsts.

The Lumix S1 and S1R will be the first full frame cameras to include Dual (in camera and lens) Image Stabilisation, which provides a class-leading six stops of shutter speed compensation – enough to allow handheld shooting when you’d normally need a tripod or gimbal. Both cameras will also be the world’s first full frame mirrorless cameras capable of recording 4K video at 60p/50p. They’ll also be the first cameras in their class to include two multiformat memory card slots (one each for UHS-II SD and XQD cards, upgradable in future with CFexpress).

Market-leading Tech

That’s not all that sets the S Series apart. With a 47.3MP full-frame sensor, the Lumix S1R boasts the highest resolution in its class. Both the Lumix S1R and the 24.2MP Lumix S1 feature an OLED, largest in-class viewfinder with the world’s highest resolution display (which Panasonic says is “close to human vision”); a biggest-in-class status LCD screen (in addition to a three-way tilting monitor); and an ultrafast shutter permitting a market-leading flash sync speed of 1/320 sec.

Thanks to Panasonic’s newly developed 35mm image sensor and processor, both cameras also offer exceptional low light performance, dynamic range and autofocus – the AI-powered AF system can automatically track people and fast-moving animals even when they’re not facing the camera. Landscape, architecture, commercial and fine art photographers will appreciate various photo modes (including High Resolution, Hybrid Log Gamma (HLG), and 6K/4K) that allow for incredibly detailed stills and prints.

‘The Ultimate Hybrid’

Panasonic has long led the market in terms of video, and it’s raised the bar even further with the Lumix S1 and S1R. In addition to 4K 60p/50p, both cameras offer slow motion in 4K and full HD and are XLR mic-compatible.

Described as ‘the ultimate hybrid’, the S1 offers full sensor readout, capturing 4K 30p with no recording time limit. With a software upgrade key available (for separate purchase) later this year, the S1 will also support 4:2:2 10-bit 4K 30p/25p internal recording, 4K 60p/50p via HDMI output, and V-Log.

man checking the display screen of the new lumix camera

New Era Lens Lineup

Also launching are the first three of the brand new, high-performance Lumix S Series lenses: a 50mm f/1.4 prime, 24-105mm f/4 zoom with macro capability (sold individually and with the Lumix S1 kit and S1R kit), and a 70-200mm f/4 telephoto.

Lumix S Series cameras and lenses all feature the Leica L-mount, making them fully compatible with all existing and future L-mount cameras and lenses from newly forged Alliance partners Panasonic, Leica and Sigma. Panasonic has committed to developing 10 or more lenses by 2020 so customers will be spoiled for choice in terms of camera/lens options.

The Mirrorless Evolution Continues

With the new Lumix S Series, Panasonic is actively shaping the evolution of mirrorless cameras and the results they’re capable of delivering. Both the Lumix S1 and S1R—as well as the growing S Series lens range—have many obvious drawcards for wedding, event, studio and advertising professionals, both established and aspiring.