Panasonic Officially Unveils the Lumix S1 II and S1 IIE Mirrorless Cameras
Panasonic has officially announced the release of two new hybrid full-frame mirrorless cameras: the Lumix S1 II and Lumix S1 IIE. Both models are designed to cater to professionals and enthusiasts who demand top-tier photographic and videographic performance. Building on the foundation of the original S1 series, these new cameras deliver significant upgrades across autofocus, image stabilization, video recording, and overall usability—each tailored for slightly different needs and budgets.
Pre-order links:
Panasonic Lumix S1 II body at B&H, Adorama.
Panasonic Lumix S1 IIE body at B&H, Adorama.
Powerful Hybrid Autofocus and Intelligent Tracking
A standout feature shared by both the S1 II and S1 IIE is the new Phase Hybrid AF system, designed to deliver real-time recognition and subject tracking. Panasonic has enhanced its AI-powered autofocus to offer improved eye and face detection, enabling sharper and more accurate focus in complex shooting conditions.
Notably, Panasonic introduces a new “Urban Sports” recognition mode, marked by a breakdancer icon. This feature is specifically engineered to track fast-paced, unpredictable motion such as skateboarding, parkour, and breakdancing—making these cameras particularly suitable for capturing dynamic action and street scenes.
Superior Stabilization for Both Photo and Video
The S1 II and S1 IIE also boast enhanced 8-stop in-body image stabilization, providing smoother results in low-light or handheld conditions. Additionally, both models incorporate a cropless E.I.S. (Electronic Image Stabilization) for video, which maintains the full angle of view while correcting for distortion. This is a major advantage for videographers who want to preserve their framing without sacrificing stabilization.
High-Quality Video with Cinematic Options
Panasonic continues to show its commitment to hybrid shooters by offering robust internal recording capabilities. Both cameras support 5.8K 30p and C4K 60p Apple ProRes RAW HQ/ProRes RAW recording directly to a CFexpress Type B card, enabling high-bitrate, professional-grade footage without the need for external recorders. Dual card slots—one SD and one CFexpress Type B—provide flexible recording options for both photographers and videographers.
Also new is a Cinemascope (2.4:1) video format, which is available at multiple frame rates up to 60p, with no crop. This cinematic aspect ratio allows creators to shoot in a widescreen format ideal for film and commercial productions.
Shared Design and Interface Enhancements
Both the S1 II and S1 IIE share several key hardware features. Each is equipped with a 5.76 million-dot electronic viewfinder and a 1.84 million-dot hybrid tilting/vari-angle LCD, giving users flexible framing options whether shooting stills or video. A robust shutter mechanism rated for 400,000 actuations speaks to the durability of these bodies, and a carbon fiber sensor shield automatically protects the sensor when a lens is removed—ideal for photographers working in the field.
The cameras also support full integration with Panasonic’s growing Lumix accessory ecosystem, including the DMW-BG2 battery grip and DMW-XLR2 audio interface. Software compatibility at launch includes Capture One, Frame.io, and Lumix Lab, a mobile app that simplifies photo and video transfer, editing, and social media sharing.
Key Differences: S1 II vs. S1 IIE
While the cameras look nearly identical on the outside, they differ in performance primarily due to their sensors.
Panasonic Lumix S1 II
The S1 II features a 24.1-megapixel partially-stacked full-frame sensor powered by the Venus Engine, unlocking significantly faster readout speeds. This allows for higher-resolution video recording, such as 4K at 120p and 5.8K at 60p, and ultra-fast continuous photography up to 70 frames per second. A Dynamic Range Boost mode is available when shooting below 30p in V-Log, offering up to 15 stops of dynamic range, catering to cinematographers looking for maximum tonal latitude.
The Open Gate recording mode, a hallmark of Panasonic’s hybrid line, now supports formats beyond 6K30p—including 5.1K60p—providing additional framing flexibility. Panasonic also plans a future firmware update to include multiple frame marker displays, helping creators frame for various aspect ratios in post-production.
Photographers benefit from high-speed pre-burst shooting up to 1.5 seconds, and a mechanical shutter that supports continuous bursts at approximately 10 FPS in H+ mode.
Panasonic Lumix S1 IIE
The S1 IIE, while less powerful, still offers strong performance thanks to its 24.2-megapixel sensor, the same one used in the Lumix S5 II. This model supports 6K open gate recording at 30p (3:2) and delivers 14+ stops of dynamic range in V-Log.
While it lacks the partially-stacked sensor and higher frame rate capabilities of the S1 II, the S1 IIE remains a compelling option for hybrid shooters looking for excellent image quality at a lower price point. It supports 30 FPS bursts with the electronic shutter and 10 FPS in mechanical H+ mode, making it more than capable for most professional applications.
Pricing and Availability
Both cameras are scheduled to begin shipping in late June 2025. The Panasonic Lumix S1 II is priced at $3,199, reflecting its higher-end sensor and performance features. The Lumix S1 IIE, positioned as a more accessible option for hybrid shooters, will retail for $2,499.
Final Thoughts
With the S1 II and S1 IIE, Panasonic is making a bold statement in the hybrid full-frame mirrorless market. Whether you’re a filmmaker looking for internal ProRes RAW recording and advanced subject tracking, or a photographer seeking high-speed bursts and rock-solid stabilization, both models deliver a compelling mix of features. The S1 II pushes boundaries with its high-speed sensor, while the S1 IIE offers a more affordable pathway into professional-grade hybrid shooting. Together, they represent a versatile new chapter for Panasonic’s L-mount system.
