Panasonic Lumix S1 II Full-Frame Mirrorless Camera Body

Key Features

• Partially stacked full-frame 24MP sensor for L-Mount
• 5.1K Open Gate video at 60p/50p
• ARRI Log C3 gamma curve*
• CFexpress and SD Memory card slots
• easy copy and backup direct from SD / CFexpress to SSD
• Improved AF in high frame rate video
• New Urban Sports AF subject recognition mode
• Blackout-free burst with AFS/AFC up to 70fps
• Up to 8.0 stops IBIS
• Crystal clear 5.76M EVF and 1.84M tilt and vari-angle LCD screen

* Lumix Upgrade Software Key DMW-SFU3A required

Panasonic Lumix S1 II Full-Frame Mirrorless Camera Body Summary

The next-generation Panasonic Lumix S1 II full-frame mirrorless camera body offers several key upgrades that make it one of the most advanced hybrid cameras in the L-Mount ecosystem to date. At its core is a new partially stacked 24.2MP sensor, which is a first for L-Mount. This provides faster readout speeds, reduced rolling shutter effect and support for high-performance blackout-free burst rates up to 70fps with AFS or AFC.

This sensor technology also improves autofocus accuracy and responsiveness, especially during fast action and high-frame-rate video recording. The Lumix S1 II camera has another first for L-Mount up its sleeve, with the addition of 5.1K Open Gate 60p video capture joining 6K30p. Open Gate recording uses the full sensor area to create a versatile format that saves time thanks to the ability to output for vertical and multiple aspect ratios for various platforms. This is complemented by newly added support for the ARRI Log C3 gamma profile, which is a colour profile that can be used alongside industry-standard ARRI cinema cameras.

Storage and backup have also been streamlined in this Panasonic Lumix camera, thanks to dual card slots for high-speed CFexpress (Type B) and SD memory cards (UHS-II), with the ability to back up directly to an external SSD from the camera.

Content creators who capture urban action also benefit from Panasonic’s newly developed Urban Sports AF mode, which is specifically tuned for unpredictable motion during parkour, skateboarding, BMX and street performance. With improved dynamic range of 15 stops in V-Log with Dynamic Range Boost ON, the most advanced autofocus for Lumix ever, and new recording formats, the S1 II offers a compelling upgrade for video-first hybrid shooters, solo filmmakers and small production teams.

Panasonic Lumix S1 II Mirrorless Camera in More Detail

First ever Partially Stacked Full-Frame 24MP Sensor for L-Mount

The Panasonic Lumix S1 II is the first L-Mount camera to feature a partially stacked full-frame CMOS sensor. This 24.2MP CMOS is a significant upgrade from the original S1, enabling faster readout speeds without the high cost and power demands of a fully stacked sensor.

The result is reduced rolling shutter, faster autofocus and support for high-speed burst shooting with no blackout in the viewfinder. For hybrid users and filmmakers, this sensor technology strikes a great balance between performance, cost and heat management, which is particularly important when recording at high frame rates.

The 24.2MP sensor delivers rich dynamic range too, with 15 stops for the first time in a Lumix body, when recording in V-Log with Dynamic Range Boost ON. Without DR Boost switch on, the camera still achieves 14 stops DR. It also shows very well-controlled noise across a broad native ISO range of 100-51200, delivering image quality that competes with far more expensive cinema systems.

The sensor facilitates a 779-point Phase Detection AF system / Contrast AF system (315-area), which also features Panasonic’s DFD technology. Automatic Detection can be turned ON to switch between Human / Animal / Car / Motorcycle/Bike / Train / Airplane, with strong low light performance down to EV -6.

First 5.1K Open Gate Video at 60p/50p for L-Mount

The Lumix S1 II also becomes the first full-frame L-Mount camera with the ability to record 5.1K Open Gate at up to 60p/50p, which joins Open Gate 6K30p as a huge time-saver for video creators. Open Gate recording uses the entire height and width of the sensor, which allows you to reframe, crop, and extract any vertical and horizontal formats from a single file, without ever losing quality.

Recording with Open Gate is particularly useful for projects that are pushed to multiple platforms, such as YouTube, Instagram Reels, TikTok and where you need cinematic widescreen for example.

The high frame rate enables smooth slow-motion playback for engaging content , which is combined with internal 10-bit recording and Panasonic’s advanced colour science. 5.1K Open Gate also future-proofs your footage while streamlining the post-production pipeline for multi-channel output.

Video formats for any project

Panasonic Lumix cameras are known for delivering advanced video capabilities and the next-generation S1 II delivers the most versatile suite of video formats for the L-Mount to date. Creators can record high-speed 4K 120p using the full, 16:9, 17:9 and 2.4:1 widescreen.

As noted previously both 6K 30p and 5.1K 60p Open Gate are supported, along with professional formats such as ProRes 422 HQ in 5.8K (17:9) 29.97p, and SLOW & QUICK options.

Both Blackmagic Video Assist 5” 12G HDR and Blackmagic Video Assist 7” 12G HDR are supported for BlackMagic RAW output over HDMI. ProRes is available internally and to a range of Atomos video recorders, including Ninja V, Ninja V+, Ninja Ultra, Shogun, Shogun Ultra and Shogun Connect, although some models do not support some RAW video data.

ARRI Log C3 Gamma Curve Support*

Alongside the GH7 and GH6 Micro Four Thirds models, the Lumix S1 II becomes the first L-Mount camera to natively support ARRI Log C3*, which is a gamma profile developed by ARRI for its high-end digital cinema cameras. This collaboration between Panasonic and ARRI gives filmmakers the option to match colour output more easily across ARRI and Lumix systems, streamlining Multicam workflows and productions on professional sets.

ARRI Log C3 captures a wide dynamic range with soft highlight roll-off and well-preserved shadow detail, enabling more precise colour grading and a cinematic rendering. With the option to use Panasonic’s own V-Log, creators can now choose the perfect log profile that suits their colour needs for a specific project or client requirements.

It’s especially beneficial for teams working with ARRI ALEXA or AMIRA cameras, where the S1 II can serve as a B or C-camera while providing visual consistency for the final project.

* Lumix Upgrade Software Key DMW-SFU3A required

CFexpress and SD Card Slots with Direct SSD Backup

The Lumix S1 II features updated dual memory card slots, with slots for CFexpress Type B and SD UHS-II cards, offering a more modern approach to storage than the previous generation’s SD and XQD configuration. CFexpress Type B is widely adopted into professional workflows due to its high-speed read/write capabilities, enabling reliable recording of high bitrate formats like ALL-Intra 10-bit 4:2:2 video and 5.1K Open Gate footage at 60p. With the flexibility of dual slots, users can assign specific media types for video and/or stills, enable overflow recording, or write backups for critical shoots.

A further benefit to any hybrid workflow is the camera’s direct-to-SSD copy and backup functionality. After recording users can transfer data from either the CFexpress or SD card directly to an external SSD via USB-C with no computer required. This allows for secure backup on location without needing your laptop, which is especially useful for documentary, event, or travel content creators who have to manage large files in the field.

Improved Autofocus in High Frame Rate Video

The Lumix S1 II benefits from an upgrade to autofocus performance when recording in high frame rate (HFR) mode. Panasonic has refined its phase hybrid AF algorithm to achieve more accurate subject tracking even with high frame rates, which addresses one of the original S1’s limitations, where tracking reliability could sometimes be lost when recording faster action.

Thanks to the quicker readout speed from the new partially stacked sensor, Panasonic’s AF system receives data more quickly, with fast processing from the L2 architecture. Whether filming sports or action sequences, creators benefit from sharper, better-focused results at higher frame rates. Combined with subject recognition enhancements for urban subjects, which we explore next together with refined real-time tracking, the S1 II delivers robust AF across various situations.

New Urban Sports AF Subject Recognition Mode

Panasonic has introduced a new dedicated Urban Sports autofocus mode to the Lumix S1 II, which is specifically designed for fast, erratic motion that is typical of activities like street dance, freestyle football, skateboarding, BMX, and parkour. This urban mode enhances subject recognition and tracking accuracy in unpredictable environments, where subjects can suddenly change direction, jump in and out of frame, or become partially obscured.

Once again the camera’s partially stacked sensor is fundamental to this addition, enabling significantly faster readout speeds compared to the original Lumix S1.

The further development of phase detection autofocus (PDAF) enhances combines PDAF and contrast detection, allowing for confident subject acquisition and less hunting, especially in difficult lighting and backlit conditions. In Urban Sports AF mode, the system prioritises human detection and maintains focus when faces are obscured or the subject is spinning, flipping, or briefly leaves the frame.

These AF improvements bring a new level of reliability to action and sports content creation, with smoother, more precise autofocus for footage, which will be useful for all sorts of content creation.

Blackout-Free Burst with AFS/AFC up to 70fps

Another upgrades in the Lumix S1 II is its ability to shoot blackout-free bursts at up to 70fps, using either AFS (single) or AFC (continuous) autofocus. This high-speed continuous shooting mode is made possible by the partially stacked 24MP full-frame sensor, which reduces rolling shutter and accelerates readout speeds. As a result, the camera can deliver ultra-fast image capture without the distracting viewfinder blackout typically seen in high-speed shooting with slower sensors.

This is a major advantage for sports and action photography in particular, where maintaining a full visual on your subject is ideal. Whether tracking athletes, dancers, or vehicles, blackout-free burst shooting allows you to follow motion smoothly without interruption.

Professionals and hybrid creators can capture action at uncompromising speeds with a camera which sets a new benchmark for the L-Mount system.

Content creation tools

A suite of stills, video, and computational tools are available, including time-lapse shooting, stop motion animation, and live cropping. Users also have access to a wide selection of creative Photo Styles, picture adjustments, and filters, all of which can be applied in-camera.

Panasonic has also implemented REAL TIME LUTs, following their success in models like the S5 II, S5 II X, and G9II. Users can save custom profiles to the LUT Library, with support for various file types including .vlt and .cube formats.

Advanced monitoring features are built in too, with anamorphic de-squeeze display, false colour, waveform monitor, frame markers and vectorscope among others, which ensure the S1 II is perfect for solo and professional production workflows.

5-axis Image Stabilisation System

Based on the latest CIPA 2024 standard, the S1 Mark II’s 5-axis in-body Image Stabilisation System delivers up to 8.0 stops of compensation at the centre of the frame and 7.0 stops at the edges. This helps to reduce blur from camera shake when shooting handheld, especially at slower shutter speeds or with telephoto lenses.

When combined with compatible L-Mount lenses which include optical image stabilisation, the system works in tandem (Dual I.S. 2) to provide stability for both stills and video. This includes the recently developed Lumix S 24-60mm f/2.8 Lens, which is available in kit form with the Panasonic Lumix S1 II Camera with S 24-60mm f/2.8 Lens Kit.

A vast number of options are available for every type of content and budget, with lenses from Leica, Sigma, Panasonic, and more recently DJI, BlackMagic, Sirui and Samyang, as the L-Mount Alliance continues to expand.

Connectivity

As a fully rounded hybrid camera body the Lumix S1 II has all of the connectivity any creator could need, allowing for expansion with the right tools to get pro-level video content created more easily. Connectivity includes:

• USB Type-C (USB 10Gbps)
• HDMI Type A with monitor-through at up to 4:2:2 10bit
• φ2.5mm remote jack
• Stereo built-in microphone
• φ3.5mm for external microphone / external audio device MIC (Plug-in Power) / MIC / LINE
• XLR microphone with the DMW-XLR2 for 4ch mic input (sold separately)
• φ3.5mm Headphone output
• TC IN/OUT
• WiFi 2.4GHz bands and 5GHz bands
• Bluetooth® v5.0 (Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE))

Live streaming is available using the RTMPS protocol over Wi-Fi at up to FHD 1920x1080 60p, and via USB Tethering to a maximum 4K at 30p.

Viewfinder and touch screen

The S1 II features a high-resolution OLED Live View Finder with 5.76 million dots, offering a sharp, detailed view for composing and reviewing. With approximately 0.78x magnification and switchable 120fps or 60fps refresh rates, the EVF is smooth and responsive, even when tracking fast-moving subjects or panning quickly.

On the rear, a 3.0-inch TFT LCD touch screen helps with flexible shooting angles thanks to a versatile tilt and free-angle mechanism. With touch control and approximately 1.84 million dots, the screen provides accurate colour and clarity for stills and video.

Build and power

Power is supplied by Panasonic’s ubiquitous DMW-BLK22 Rechargeable Battery, which is good for approximately 350 images when using the rear monitor, 310 images (LVF), or 1000 images when in Power Save LVF mode with a CFexpress Card. If you are shooting with an SD card you can expect slightly higher battery life of up to 360 / 320 images .

The body is compatible with the Lumix DMW-BG2 Battery Grip, which extends shooting times and comfort in vertical orientation, and the body is weather sealed, although being Dust and Splash Resistant does not guarantee that damage will not occur if this camera is subjected to direct contact with dust and water.

What's in the Box

• Panasonic Lumix S1 II Full-Frame Mirrorless Camera Body
• Battery Pack
• Battery Charger
• Shoulder Strap
• Body Cap
• Hot Shoe Cover
• Cover for the Battery Grip Connector