Panasonic’s LUMIX S1R II: A Hybrid Camera Powerhouse Arriving in 2025

Panasonic is poised to make a meaningful impact on the professional photography and videography market with its newly launched LUMIX S1R II. This full-frame mirrorless camera,boasting a 44-megapixel sensor,aims to deliver extraordinary image quality and advanced video capabilities. Set to launch in late March, the S1R II carries an overseas suggested retail price of $3,297 USD, approximately NT$108,000.

Enhanced Performance and Features

The LUMIX S1R II incorporates several key improvements designed to meet the demands of professional users.

• Advanced autofocus: The camera features a Phase-Hybrid AF system with 779 focus points, enhanced by AI intelligent recognition for subjects like people, animals, and vehicles.
• High-Speed Shooting: Achieve continuous shooting at up to 40fps using the electronic shutter, with continuous autofocus (AF-C) support. The Pre-Burst function captures images before the shutter is fully pressed, ensuring no critical moments are missed.
• Image Stabilization: The built-in 5-axis IBIS (In-Body Image Stabilization) provides up to 8 stops of shake compensation. When paired with a compatible Dual IS lens, stabilization can reach up to 7 stops in the telephoto range.

High-Resolution Imaging

For photographers demanding the utmost detail, the LUMIX S1R II offers a high-resolution shooting mode. This mode captures eight images and merges them into a single 177-megapixel photo. the slight displacement of the sensor during capture ensures unparalleled clarity. This feature supports both JPEG and RAW formats and is effective even without a tripod.

Advanced Video Recording capabilities

The LUMIX S1R II is not just a stills camera; it’s a video powerhouse as well.

• 8K Recording: Supports up to 8K 30p video recording.
• Open Gate Recording: Offers an “Open Gate recording function,which can record video at 6.4K resolution using the 3:2 screen ratio of the entire photosensitive element.” This provides flexibility in post-production, allowing for cropping to various aspect ratios like 16:9, 1:1, or 9:16.
• Future Firmware Updates: Panasonic plans to release a firmware update in 2025 to further enhance open Gate recording capabilities to “support Open Gate recordings of 8.1K and 7.2K.”
• RAW Recording: Users can record 5.8K 30p videos in Apple ProRes RAW HQ format using a CFexpress Type B memory card or an external USB SSD hard drive. The camera also supports 8K RAW video output via HDMI to external recording devices and low-bitrate Proxy file recording for simplified editing.

Durability and Design

Built to withstand challenging conditions,the LUMIX S1R II features a robust magnesium alloy body with dust and water resistance,ensuring reliable operation in temperatures as low as -10°C. The camera also includes a new sensor protection function that automatically closes the mechanical shutter when powered off, preventing dust contamination during lens changes.

The camera features a 5.76-megapixel OLED electronic viewfinder and a 3-inch, 1.84-megapixel multi-angle touchscreen. It also provides dual memory card slots supporting CFexpress Type B and SDHC/SDXC (UHS-II) cards.

Workflow Optimization and Connectivity

The LUMIX S1R II streamlines the workflow for professional photographers.

• Capture One Tethering: It is the first LUMIX camera to “support Capture One Tethering,” which allows for direct image transfer to a computer.
• Adobe Camera to Cloud: The camera is compatible with “Adobe Camera to Cloud,” enabling automatic uploading of images and videos to the cloud for instant editing.

LUMIX Lab and LUMIX Flow Applications

Panasonic enhances the user experience with dedicated applications:

• LUMIX Lab: Streamlines LUT (Look-Up Table) management, enabling users to “easily transmit, edit and manage LUTs (Look-Up table), and users can apply color styles directly in their cameras or mobile phones.”
• LUMIX Flow: Provides complete support “for the image production process, covering all aspects from shooting planning to post-production,” including automatic classification of video recording materials and the ability to use a mobile phone as an external monitor.

Availability

The LUMIX S1R II is slated for release in late March. While the overseas price is set at $3,297 USD, Taiwan’s release date and recommended selling price are still pending announcement by Taiwan Panasonic.

With its blend of high-resolution imaging, advanced autofocus, robust video capabilities, and user-friendly features, the Panasonic LUMIX S1R II is positioned to be a top contender in the hybrid camera market. As 2025 unfolds, photographers and videographers should keep a close eye on this notable piece of technology.