Panasonic Lumix S1 II and S1 IIE Mirrorless Cameras Officially Announced

Panasonic has officially unveiled two new full-frame mirrorless cameras, the Lumix S1 II and S1 IIE, expanding its L-mount camera system. Designed for hybrid creators, these two cameras are built to deliver exceptional performance for both photography and videography, while also catering to distinct user needs through their different sensor technologies and pricing tiers.

Pre-order links:

Panasonic Lumix S1 II body at B&H, Adorama.

Panasonic Lumix S1 IIE body at B&H, Adorama.

At their core, both the Lumix S1 II and S1 IIE share a wide array of advanced features. These include a robust autofocus system with Phase Hybrid AF, offering real-time recognition and subject tracking that Panasonic claims has been significantly improved over previous models. The cameras now utilize AI-driven recognition for more precise eye and face detection, as well as body and head tracking. A standout addition is the Urban Sports mode—represented by a breakdancer icon—which is specifically designed to track fast-moving and erratic subjects such as parkour athletes, skateboarders, and breakdancers.

Stabilization has also received a major upgrade. Both cameras offer 8-stop in-body image stabilization, which pairs with a newly developed Electronic Image Stabilization (E.I.S.) system that corrects distortion without cropping the image. This allows users to maintain the full angle of view while still achieving smooth, stable footage—a particularly valuable feature for handheld video shooting.

In terms of video capabilities, the S1 II and S1 IIE are highly capable. Both models support internal recording in Apple ProRes RAW HQ and ProRes RAW, at resolutions up to 5.8K 30p and C4K 60p, using CFexpress Type B cards. These cards are supported alongside standard SD cards, as both cameras feature dual card slots—one for each format. This provides flexibility for both high-performance recording and more general use.

A new Cinemascope video format (2.4:1) is also introduced, enabling cinematic aspect ratios at various frame rates up to 60p, again with no cropping. For creatives aiming to shoot in a true widescreen cinematic look, this is a valuable enhancement.

Physically, the cameras are equipped with high-end components that reflect their pro-level intent. A 5.76-million-dot electronic viewfinder offers a crisp and immersive preview experience, while a 1.84-million-dot rear LCD features a hybrid tilt and vari-angle design—making it adaptable for shooting from a variety of angles. The mechanical shutter is built to last, rated for up to 400,000 actuations, and for added protection, the sensor is shielded by a carbon fiber guard when the lens is removed.

Seamless integration is a key theme in this launch. Both cameras work natively with Lumix accessories such as the DMW-BG2 battery grip and DMW-XLR2 audio interface, and are compatible at launch with Capture One, Frame.io, and the new Lumix Lab smartphone app. Lumix Lab is designed to streamline the transfer, editing, and color personalization process, offering a quick path from camera to social media with professional results.

Key Differences: S1 II vs. S1 IIE

While the two cameras share much of the same exterior design and many of the same features, the biggest difference lies in the image sensor and how it influences performance.

Panasonic Lumix S1 II

The Lumix S1 II is the higher-end model, using a 24.1-megapixel partially stacked full-frame sensor, powered by the Venus Engine. This sensor architecture is designed to enhance readout speeds significantly, resulting in faster data processing and unlocking features like 4K 120p and 5.8K 60p video recording.

On the photo side, the S1 II offers continuous burst shooting up to 70 FPS with the electronic shutter, including a pre-burst capture of 1.5 seconds, helping photographers catch split-second moments. Additionally, there is a High-Speed Plus (H+) mechanical mode that shoots at around 10 FPS. The sensor also supports Dynamic Range Boost, delivering up to 15 stops of dynamic range in V-Log at frame rates below 30p—helpful for preserving details in both shadows and highlights.

The S1 II also supports Open Gate recording, which now includes formats beyond 6K30p, such as 5.1K60p, offering creators more options for flexible framing and cropping in post-production. Panasonic has also announced an upcoming firmware update that will add multiple frame marker displays, aiding in more precise composition.

Panasonic Lumix S1 IIE

The Lumix S1 IIE is positioned as a more affordable alternative, using a 24.2-megapixel full-frame sensor—the same one found in the Lumix S5 II. While it doesn’t offer the advanced readout speeds of the S1 II’s stacked sensor, it still provides impressive video and photo capabilities. The S1 IIE supports 6K 30p Open Gate recording in 3:2 aspect ratio, as well as 14+ stops of dynamic range in V-Log.

In burst shooting mode, the S1 IIE can reach up to 30 FPS with its electronic shutter and also features the 10 FPS H+ mechanical shutter mode. While not quite as performance-driven as the S1 II, the S1 IIE still holds strong appeal for users who want high-quality full-frame imaging without breaking the bank.

Panasonic emphasizes that the S1 IIE was developed for those who value refined engineering and ergonomic improvements, suggesting it may include subtle enhancements in handling and design.

Pricing and Availability

Both cameras are set to hit the market in late June. The Panasonic Lumix S1 II will retail for $3,199, positioning it as a flagship hybrid model for professionals and demanding enthusiasts. The S1 IIE, meanwhile, will launch at $2,499, offering a more cost-effective option that still delivers powerful imaging capabilities.

Final Thoughts

With the launch of the Lumix S1 II and S1 IIE, Panasonic continues to push forward in the competitive full-frame mirrorless market. These new cameras not only advance the brand’s autofocus and video technology but also cater to the diverse needs of today’s content creators. Whether you’re a professional filmmaker seeking top-tier performance or a hybrid shooter looking for a reliable, cost-effective solution, Panasonic’s latest offerings make a compelling case.