Panasonic has taken a significant step in its pursuit of high-end mirrorless cameras by releasing the S1R II, a full-frame camera that competes with Sony, Canon, and Nikon. Priced at $3,300, it boasts fast shooting speeds, high-quality RAW video, and an advanced autofocus system.
Weighing 1.75 pounds, the S1R II is lighter and more compact than its predecessor, making it a welcome change for photographers who want to carry a reliable camera without breaking their back. The grip is one of the fattest we’ve seen on a full-frame camera, providing a secure hold and comfortable shooting experience.
The rear 1.8-million-dot display has been overhauled, offering improved tilting capabilities that cater to both content creators and photographers. The electronic viewfinder features a 5.76-million-dot resolution and 120Hz refresh rate, making it ideal for fast-paced shootings.
In terms of shooting performance, the S1R II excels with up to 40 fps burst speeds in RAW mode, matching the Canon R1 and surpassing its predecessor. The autofocus system has been improved, allowing for quicker subject detection and smooth face tracking.
Image quality is impressive, particularly at high ISOs, thanks to the dual ISO sensor. However, we couldn’t access the camera’s RAW files during our testing. Video capabilities are also robust, with support for internal ProRes RAW and 8K capture, albeit in limited formats.
While the S1R II boasts an updated stabilization system, it lacks a stacked sensor like its competitors, resulting in more pronounced rolling shutter distortion. Nevertheless, the readout speeds remain relatively quick, making it suitable for fast-paced shootings.
At $3,300, the S1R II offers excellent value, especially when compared to its competitors. With pre-orders available now, shipping is expected to begin at the end of March 2025.
Source: https://www.engadget.com/cameras/panasonic-takes-on-canon-with-the-full-frame-45-megapixel-s1r-ii-mirrorless-camera-140048286.html