Panasonic Lumix S1
Announced February 1, 2019
PixelMeter The PixelMeter is our 1–100 aggregate of reviewer scores from trusted publications and creators. Weighted by source tier — not a raw average, and not PetaPixel’s own review.
Reviewer Consensus
Strong
The Panasonic Lumix DC-S1 is a robust, well-built full-frame mirrorless camera that delivers stellar image quality and an industry-leading electronic viewfinder. Although its heavy frame and inconsistent autofocus performance may deter some, it remains a highly capable tool for professionals who prioritize handling and build quality.
Weighted from 30 reviewer scores
Pros
- Stellar image quality and high dynamic range
- Industry-leading electronic viewfinder
- Intuitive, highly customizable ergonomics and controls
- Effective in-body image stabilization
- Exceptional build quality and weather-sealed design
Cons
- Bulky, heavy body design
- Autofocus system struggles with tracking and reliability
- High price point and expensive native lens ecosystem
- Limited battery life compared to rivals
- Launch price $2,499 (USD)
- Sensor 24.2MP Full-Frame CMOS
- Video 4K 60p
- Stabilization In-body IS
What the Reviewers Say
All 30 expert reviews, weighted into the PixelMeter score.
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- DPReview 88/100
The Panasonic Lumix DC-S1 is an incredibly well-built (but heavy) camera with excellent image and video quality. The body has numerous control points and is highly customizable.
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As the first bodies in a new system, the Lumix S is a tremendous start, confidently taking on the best of its current rivals with a unique feature-set.
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The LUMIX S1 camera is Panasonic’s first attempt (alongside the S1R) of entering the world of full frame sensor cameras and as such, I think they did really well! They are presenting a well-balanced shooting device (specification- vs.
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With the S1, there’s no doubt that Panasonic has produced a highly accomplished camera that’s a strong competitor to its 24MP rivals, the Nikon Z 6 and Sony Alpha 7 III.
- The Verge 8/10
The purpose of the full-frame Lumix S line is as simple as it is ambitious: Panasonic wants to assert itself a leader in professional still photography just as it is with prosumer video.
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The Panasonic Lumix S1 offers everything you could possibly want from the full-frame mirrorless camera, including in-camera image stabilisation, a high-res multi-shot mode for 96mp images, high-quality 4K UHD video recording, and a solid weather sealed camera body [...]
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Weight and bulk aside, we really enjoyed using the Panasonic S1 during the period we spent with the camera. It’s intuitively designed and well thought out in terms of control layout and operation.
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A technical powerhouse with excellent image quality – but its size and price may be too demanding for some.
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The Panasonic Lumix S1 may not have the headline-grabbing megapixel count of its S1R stablemate, but it's around 35-per-cent less expensive, and though one of the pricier 24Mp full-frame mirrorless models available, it has a lot to offer.
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The Panasonic Lumix DC-S1 delivers great image quality and includes a high-resolution mode not found in other 24MP models, but it can't keep up when it comes to tracking speed.
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With tried-and-tested goodness from Panasonic's G series cameras alongside a stunning new viewfinder, excellent video and a sound full-frame sensor, the S1 does much to impress.
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The larger size and weight of the S1 might turn some people off. For others, however, it’s what they have been craving in a mirrorless camera.
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Panasonic's S1 is the real deal, delivering both fantastic photo and video quality. In most areas — including low-light sensitivity, stabilization and dual-card redundancy — it stands up to and surpasses rivals from Sony, Nikon and Canon.
- Digital Trends 9/10
No other camera can match the S1’s combination of features, image quality, durability, and control layout. It also has the best EVF in the business.
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Panasonic still haven't confirmed the date and price for this update, so for the time being, I would wait, see what happens, see what bugs get ironed out, watch a few other reviews, and then make a decision once the camera is at its fullest potential.
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I've got to say I'm really impressed and been enjoying my time with the camera so far.
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At the end of the day, the Panasonic S1 is a very well-made camera. I love the way it's designed, the size, the grip, the stabilization is to die for, and of course, the most important one for me, the image quality is just phenomenal on this camera.
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The Panasonic S1 is easily the best camera Panasonic have released yet, with a compelling mix of rugged handling, smart intuitive design and impressive image quality that should impress even the pickiest of pixel peepers.
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So far it is my camera of the year for 2019 and that's that's my pick, right? So it might not fit for you but it really fits for me.
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The Panasonic Lumix S1 is a formidable full-frame offering that's packed with features and potential.
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At an RRP of $3,400 with the 24-105 f/4 lens, the Lumix S1 is not cheap as a stills camera. It is unashamedly a professional imaging device.
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The Panasonic Lumix S1 very much feels like a camera and not a computer that takes pictures. It screams professional.
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[I] really like the handling on Panasonic Lumix DC-S1; it is the best handling full-frame mirrorless camera in my opinion.
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After shooting with the S1 for a while, I’ve found the image quality to be stellar. The operational aspects (menus and controls) are quite good, and the overall handling is secure.
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[T]his camera is good, it gets a good image, it's full frame, so you get some really nice looking footage, but the weird quirks about the cropped in 4K60 and the auto 180 is really turning me off from this camera [...]
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Everything else on the camera seems to be really good and I'm definitely looking forward to trying out the S1R and trying to again the Panasonic Lumix DC-S1 with proper version 1 software for the the official release.
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Simply put, the Panasonic Lumix S1 is an incredibly versatile camera, set to appease professionals and highly-capable photography enthusists.
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The Panasonic S1 and S1R are built like tanks, and they look like them too. They are meant to be durable in just about any condition.
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I would say that we've got a positive note, and that is the sensor in the S1 is incredible. It can basically see in the dark.
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The camera itself definitely has a pro feel. It rides the line between the smaller size of mirrorless cameras and a slightly larger system.
