Panasonic Lumix S1R II
Announced February 25, 2025
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 S1R II is a highly capable hybrid mirrorless camera that balances a high-resolution 44-megapixel sensor with a comprehensive suite of professional video features. While it offers impressive stabilization and significant value compared to rivals, the non-stacked sensor design results in noticeable rolling shutter during high-speed shooting.
Weighted from 26 reviewer scores
Pros
- Excellent image quality and high-resolution sensor performance
- Highly effective in-body image stabilization
- Advanced video capabilities including 8K recording and ProRes support
- Refined ergonomics and weather-sealed build
- Competitive value for a high-end hybrid camera
Cons
- Suboptimal battery life
- Autofocus tracking reliability concerns
- Rolling shutter issues due to non-stacked sensor
- Limited buffer capacity for high-speed bursts
- Overheating issues during intensive video recording
- Launch price $3,299 (USD)
- Sensor 44.3MP Full-Frame CMOS
- Video 8K 29.97p UHD 59.94p
- Stabilization In-body IS
- Burst 40 fps electronic
What the Reviewers Say
All 26 expert reviews, weighted into the PixelMeter score.
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- PetaPixel 8.5/10
The S1R II is the most well-rounded Panasonic full frame body so far, and takes a crack at cameras like the Nikon Z8 and Canon R5 Mark II.
- DPReview 91/100
The S1RII is a hybrid camera that offers solid detail capture, pleasing JPEGs and plenty of video capabilities, but its autofocus system isn't the best for capturing action and movement.
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The Lumix S1R II takes the core design and feature-set of the S5 IIx, boosts the resolution of photos and video, upgrades the viewfinder detail and screen flexibility, enhances the subject detection, improves the controls and sprinkles-in some nice new.
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I'm struggling to find a way to recommend this camera other than on price. When it comes to high resolution full frame cameras that are capable of similar feats, the LUMIX S1RII offers the best value.
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With the Lumix S1RII, Panasonic has laid down a serious marker in the high-end full-frame market.
- WIRED 7/10
The S1R II is one of the best hybrid still and video cameras you can buy.
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The new S1R II is the most powerful all-round Lumix camera to date, delivering a stunning blend of cutting-edge video and photo features and performance at a price that seriously undercuts its main rivals.
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[T]he Panasonic S1R II is a flagship mirrorless camera that is equal parts photographic and videographic tool, which features a very high-resolution full frame sensor to allow the making of massive prints, or the cropping of images [...]
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The Lumix S1RII is a much-needed refresh of its flagship camera, putting it firmly back atop the tree in Panasonic’s mirrorless lineup as both the highest resolution model and with the best video specs.
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Panasonic has rung the changes on this second edition of its full-frame flagship.
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So after spending a lot of time with the Lumix S1R II, here’s the verdict. It’s one of the most capable hybrid cameras I’ve tested.
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The S1R II is Panasonic's best hybrid mirrorless camera to date, offering a great balance of photography and video powers.
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The Panasonic LUMIX S1RII is an excellent addition to the full-frame mirrorless market.
- Phototrend 8.7/10
Once its limitations are clearly understood, this camera can compete without hesitation with heavyweight competitors [...]
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[P]anasonic Lumix S1R II's video image stabilization system is really amazing, and now with this new crop-less mode, it is easily the best S full-frame camera for people who want to shoot run and gun style video without using a gimbal.
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This camera is strong for both professional photo and video use, and I would say it has one of the strongest video feature sets on the market right now.
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Panasonic really knocked it out of the park with this one.
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I love the fact that it's a lot smaller and a lot lighter than the original S1R. I think Panasonic have done a great job of keeping this camera very, very small and just very intelligently designed in terms of layouts and just the way it feels in hand.
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I think the Panasonic Lumix S1R II is going to be a massive success. I think it's the best, truest hybrid in the market at any price, all things considered.
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But in the face of the S1RII is is hard to not see a significant jump in possibilities and sheer image quality.
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If you have the original S1R, this is easily a very, very worthy upgrade. That's not always the case with kind of sequel cameras. This is easily a great upgrade to that.
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[I] really like what this camera has to offer. And dollar for dollar, this is the best hybrid camera system I think in the market right now, hands down.
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I knew it's a good camera before I started shooting with it, but I didn't know how it's going to make me feel when I started using it. And for that, it's a very special camera. And I hope this is the number one camera for a long time to come for me. Highly recommend it.
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The Panasonic S1R II isn’t perfect, but it’s capable. [...] And, in the world of professional cameras, that says a lot.
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Clearly S1R2 is one of a kind. Nothing can do this much at this price.
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I will have to continue doing tests as this was kind of just a first hands-on experience, but I can't really think of a single Canon or Sony camera that I would rather have over this.
