Panasonic Unveils Its S1R and S1 Full-Frame Mirrorless Cameras

After announcing the development back in September 2018, Panasonic today took the wraps off its new LUMIX S series of full-frame mirrorless cameras and the first two models: the S1R and S1.

Both cameras feature the new L lens mount that was developed through an alliance between Leica, Panasonic, and Sigma.

“The LUMIX S Series aims for unprecedented image quality with high resolution, rich gradation and superior color reproduction,” Panasonic says.

On the back of the cameras is a 5.76-million-dot Real View Finder above a 2.1-million-dot 3.2-inch triaxial tilting display.

Both cameras feature a fast and precise contrast-detection 225-area depth-from-defocus autofocus system, 9fps continuous shooting, AI tracking of moving subjects, 5-axis in-body image stabilization, a new Panasonic Venus Engine, dual XQD/SD slots, a shutter rated for 400,000 cycles, 6K Photo (18MP still photos from 30fps bursts), 4K Photo (8MP still photos from 60fps bursts), and weather-sealed rugged builds.

Lumix S1R

The new Panasonic S1R boasts a 47.3-megapixel full-frame CMOS sensor (max ISO 25600, expandable to 51200), “which gives it the industry’s highest level of resolution in the full-frame mirrorless cameras,” Panasonic says. “In addition to the precise reproduction capability in detail, this sensor achieves a high S/N ratio by taking advantage of its high light-condensing efficiency despite the large number of pixels.”

For even more resolution, photographers can utilize the High Resolution mode, which combines 8 exposures shifted by half a pixel to create a single ultra-high-res 187-megapixel photo.

On the video front, the S1R captures 4K 60p video at a crop with pixel binning.

Lumix S1

The Panasonic S1 features a 24.2-megapixel full-frame CMOS sensor (max ISO 51200, expandable to 204800). It can capture smooth 4K 60p video with full-pixel readout. A software upgrade key that will go on sale later this year will unlock 4:2:2 10-bit 4K 30p internal video recording and 4K 60p/50p HDMI output as well as V-Log.