Panasonic has officially announced the release of an upgraded version of the 2019 Lumix S1R. The new model, dubbed the Lumix S1RII, boasts a range of improvements including a new sensor, a more compact body, faster autofocus, and advanced video recording capabilities that reach up to 8K at 30 frames per second.
The highlight of the Lumix S1RII is its new 44.3-megapixel back-side illuminated CMOS sensor. Although this sensor is slightly smaller than the 47.3-megapixel sensor found in its predecessor, it enhances the camera’s video capabilities. The camera can now capture 5.8K Apple ProRes RAW HQ or ProRes RAW without the need for an external recorder, making it a highly capable hybrid camera for shooters.
The Lumix S1RII features a faster hybrid autofocus system that integrates phase-detect AF with the S1R’s contrast AF. This upgrade results in improved eye and face detection, as well as enhanced AI-powered tracking accuracy for moving human subjects. Additionally, the camera can automatically detect and focus on an array of subjects such as animals, cars, motorcycles, bikes, trains, and airplanes.
With the electronic shutter, the S1RII can capture full-resolution 12-bit RAW still images at up to 40 frames per second. When using its mechanical shutter’s “High Speed Plus” mode, it can achieve up to 10 frames per second (nine frames when capturing 14-bit RAW images). For photographers desiring higher resolution than 44.3 megapixels, the S1RII offers a handheld high-resolution mode that captures still images at a stunning 177-megapixels by shifting the sensor half a pixel and merging multiple exposures.
The camera’s in-body image stabilization has been improved to provide eight stops of shake reduction, or seven stops when paired with a telephoto lens featuring its own stabilization. For videographers, the Lumix S1RII offers cropless electronic image stabilization with distortion correction, maintaining the original angle of view while reducing peripheral distortion.
The Lumix S1RII is equipped with a 5.76 million dot OLED viewfinder and a three-inch articulated 1.84 million dot touchscreen LCD display. This display can flip out and rotate, adding flexibility for videographers. Despite being slightly smaller than the original S1R’s display, the S1RII’s body is more compact and lighter, weighing 1.75 pounds compared to its predecessor’s 2.24 pounds.
The camera includes both SD USH II and CFexpress Type B card slots. Additionally, videos can be captured to an external SSD drive via the camera’s 10Gbps USB-C port. The Lumix S1RII also features a full-sized HDMI port, allowing users to connect the camera to a larger display.
The Panasonic Lumix S1RII is anticipated to be available in late March, priced at $3,299.99.
