Panasonic have today announced their first full frame Lumix S Series camera’s featuring Leica’s L mount, the Lumix S1 a full frame 24M camera for the next generation of hybrid photo and video creators and the Lumix S1R a full frame 47M camera aimed at professionals for the ultimate picture creation.
Features
- 35mm full frame image sensor (47M S1R and 24M S1)
- 4K 60p/50p
- Dual I.S.
- Double Card Slot for XQD and SD Cards
- Large High Resolution EVF
- 3-axis Tiltable LCD
- Fast and Accurate AF
- Robust, High Speed Shutter
- Optimal Button Layout
- Resistance against Low Temperatures
- 100% Sealing on all Seams
In the 10th anniversary year of the Lumix G series, Panasonic have announced they are joining forces with Leica and Sigma for the L Mount S Series. Both the Panasonic S1R and S1 will feature a full frame image sensor, the Lumix S1R 47MP and the Lumix S1 24MP. Both camera’s feature the world’s first* support for 4K 60p/50p video recording in a full frame digital single lens mirrorless camera and also the world’s first* full frame camera equipped with Dual I.S. image stabilisation enabling handheld shots for dark or distant scenes that would previously have required additional equipment.
The S Series feature a dual card slot for XQD and SD memory cards, a first for Panasonic Lumix. Both cameras also feature a 3-axis rugged tiltable LCD screen, emphasising ease of use and supporting professional photography and videography. The camera’s are durable without compromise, with 100% sealing on all seams, dials and buttons and resistance against low temperatures. They feature a robust, high precision, high speed shutter with fast and accurate AF and a large high resolution EVF.
Panasonic have revealed three new lenses alongside the S series camera’s, the 50mm f1.4, 24-105mm and 70-200mm all three lenses offer ultimate high resolution, impressive solidity and bokeh, high speed AF and dual I.S. Panasonic have announced that within one year of the S series launch there will be 10 optimised L mount lenses available, furthermore eight Leica lenses with the highest optical quality will be available and Sigma will be launching their own range of L mount lenses.
With the limited specs released for the new S Series lets take a quick look on how it compares to the current crop of mirrorless cameras.
We know that the Lumix S1 and S1R both have full frame 35mm sensors, the S1 24MP and the S1R 47MP, compare this to the new Canon EOS R which has a full frame dual pixel 30.3MP CMOS sensor, the new Nikon Z series both full frame CMOS sensors, the Z7 45.7MP and Z6 24.5MP. Sony’s a7s II features a full frame 12.2MP Exmor CMOS sensor and Panasonic’s GH5 comes with a MFT 20.3MP Live MOS Sensor.
In terms of stabilisation the S Series features dual I.S. in body and lenses, the a7S II, Nikon Z Series and GH5 all feature in body stabilisation, with the EOS R having no in body stabilisation instead it relies on lens IS.
The S1 and S1R have dual card slots for XQD and SD memory cards, the GH5 also has dual card slots for SD memory cards. The EOS R and a7S II both have single SD card slots and the Z Series also has one card slot but for XQD memory cards.
In terms of 4K video the S Series can record an impressive 60p/50p, compare this to the GH5 which also shoots 60p at 4K but with MFT sensor, the Canon EOS R, Sony a7S II and Nikon Z Series all shoot 4K at 30p with a crop.
For their first steps into full frame, the S Series looks like a very strong first attempt from Panasonic and with Panasonic, Leica and Sigma all developing L mount lenses there could be plenty of choice out there for users by the time the camera releases.
Also not forgetting the MFT market, Panasonic have announced the Leica DG Vario-Summilux 10-25mm f1.7 lens, the world’s fastest constant aperture f1.7 wide angle zoom lens, suitable for both photo and video.
Both the Panasonic S1 and S1R are scheduled for release in early 2019 with no pricing as of yet. For updates on pricing and availability register your details on the S1 or S1R product pages or keep up to date on our Facebook, Twitter or Intagram.
*As of 25th September 2018