I’ve always had a soft spot for Panasonic. Their cameras don’t chase trends—they quietly evolve. So when the LUMIX S1II and S1IIE were announced, I paid attention. As someone who juggles stills and video, these new full-frame hybrids had all the right keywords: “Phase Hybrid AF,” “5.1K Open Gate,” “Real Time LUT,” and yes, a nod to wildlife folks like us—blackout-free 70 fps burst? Now that made me raise an eyebrow.
But let’s not get swept up in marketing promises. Are these actually good cameras? And how do they stack up against Panasonic’s own high-res S1RII?
What Makes the LUMIX S1II Series Stand Out?
Panasonic’s LUMIX S1II and S1IIE mirrorless cameras sit comfortably in the premium mirrorless bracket, combining high-quality imaging with future-forward video capability. Their updated 24.1MP full-frame sensors (partially stacked in the S1II and BSI in the S1IIE) deliver fast readout speeds, which means better burst rates, minimal rolling shutter, and more accurate autofocus for subjects on the move.
Compared to the impressive LUMIX S1RII—which caters more to ultra-high-res still photography—the S1II models carve out a niche for creators who demand both excellent video and photo performance without going into flagship pricing territory.
While the S1RII offers a 47.3MP sensor and is geared toward professionals seeking incredible still detail, the S1II and S1IIE balance speed, ISO flexibility, and video richness in a way that makes them more accessible and agile for on-location content work.
The LUMIX S1II: Powerful, Precise… and a Little Pricey?
The LUMIX S1II is a camera with ambition. Its 24.1MP partially stacked CMOS sensor reads out data fast, delivering rich detail with minimal rolling shutter—especially useful in video. For stills, it punches above its weight with 70 fps blackout-free shooting. That’s faster than most sports-dedicated cameras.
Dynamic Range Boost and 5-axis/8-stop stabilization make handheld wildlife or street photography not only doable, but shockingly effective. In my experience with older LUMIX models, handheld video was always a strong suit—and here, it’s even better.
The real kicker? Open Gate 5.1K 60p recording and C4K/4K 120p. Panasonic knows creators want flexibility in cropping, vertical formats, and reframing in post. Add in HEIF photo support and Real Time LUTs for in-camera looks, and this camera starts feeling more like a portable studio.
But here’s the catch:
It’s $3,197.99. That’s not a small ask for a 24MP body. If you don’t need the ultra-high burst speed or the cinema-ready video formats, you might find yourself wondering what that extra cash buys over the S1IIE.
The LUMIX S1IIE: All the Essentials Without the Bloat
At $2,497.99, the S1IIE is essentially a trimmed-down S1II—but it’s no slouch. You still get the same 24.1MP BSI sensor, the same AI-powered Phase Hybrid AF, 8-stop stabilization, and fantastic color science. Burst shooting is capped at 30 fps, but honestly, for most situations—including birds in flight—that’s still generous.
It records up to 6K 30p open gate and supports 10-bit internal capture. And it’s lighter. If you’re hiking or traveling a lot, this smaller body could make your day easier without major compromises.
Honestly? If you’re a birdwatcher, landscape shooter, or documentary-style filmmaker who doesn’t need 70 fps madness, the S1IIE is probably the smarter pick.
LUMIX S1II vs. S1IIE Cameras: What’s the Difference?
The main distinction lies in design and video features. The S1II has a partially stacked CMOS sensor, enabling even faster burst shooting—up to 70 fps with blackout-free performance—while the S1IIE is slightly more affordable, offering up to 30 fps and a slightly lighter body.
If you’re after maximum burst speed and absolute top-tier hybrid performance, the S1II wins. If you want something more streamlined but still powerful, the S1IIE delivers much of the same punch for less.
Specification Table: Panasonic LUMIX S1II vs. S1IIE
| Feature | LUMIX S1II | LUMIX S1IIE |
|---|---|---|
| Sensor | 24.1MP Full-Frame CMOS (partially stacked) | 24.1MP Full-Frame BSI CMOS |
| Image Processor | Updated Venus Engine | Updated Venus Engine |
| Max Burst Rate (AFC) | Up to 70 fps | Up to 30 fps |
| Video Resolution | 5.9K 60p, C4K/4K 120p | 6K 30p, C4K/4K |
| Open Gate Recording | 5.1K 60p | 6K 30p |
| ISO Range | 100–51,200 (expandable) | 100–51,200 (expandable) |
| Image Stabilization | 8.0-stop 5-axis + Active I.S. | 8.0-stop 5-axis + Active I.S. |
| Autofocus | Phase Hybrid AF w/ AI subject recognition | Phase Hybrid AF w/ AI subject recognition |
| Real Time LUT | Yes | Yes |
| File Formats | JPEG, HEIF, RAW | JPEG, HEIF, RAW |
| Monitor | 3.0″ Vari-angle LCD | 3.0″ Vari-angle LCD |
| EVF | 5.76M-dot OLED | 5.76M-dot OLED |
| Build Quality | Magnesium alloy, weather-sealed | Magnesium alloy, weather-sealed |
| Connectivity | USB-C, HDMI, Mic/Headphone | USB-C, HDMI, Mic/Headphone |
| Compatible Apps | LUMIX Lab, Flow, Frame.io, Capture One | LUMIX Lab, Flow, Frame.io, Capture One |
| Price | $3,197.99 | $2,497.99 |
Pros and Cons
Panasonic LUMIX S1II
Pros
- 70 fps blackout-free burst shooting is exceptional
- High dynamic range with minimal rolling shutter
- 5.1K open gate video gives editors flexible reframing
- Effective stabilization for handheld use
- Fast and reliable AI-driven AF
- Excellent app ecosystem
Cons
- Slightly heavier and bulkier than some rivals
- Overkill for casual users or those not filming in 4K+
- Expensive compared to the S1IIE
Panasonic LUMIX S1IIE
Pros
- More affordable with nearly all the same core features
- Still offers fast 30 fps burst mode
- High-end video formats and 6K open gate recording
- Lighter body is easier to handle for long days in the field
- Professional-grade image stabilization
Cons
- No 70 fps burst mode like the S1II
- May not handle ultra-fast subjects as well
- Slightly less future-proof in demanding video environments
Who Should Choose the S1II or S1IIE?
- Bird and Wildlife Photographers: The S1II is a speed demon. If you often shoot birds in flight or quick wildlife action, its 70 fps burst rate is hard to beat.
- Travel and Outdoor Creators: The S1IIE offers excellent performance in a lighter package. Pair it with the 24-60mm lens and you’ve got a nimble all-in-one setup.
- Videographers and Hybrid Shooters: Both models support high-bitrate, color-rich video formats. Real Time LUTs and app-based workflows are especially valuable for YouTubers, documentary makers, or social content producers.
Lens Pairing: The LUMIX S 24–60mm F2.8
Panasonic also dropped a compact Panasonic LUMIX S 24-60mm f/2.8 Lens for L Mount, and it’s a perfect match for either camera. Lightweight, sharp, and fast, it’s ideal for everything from landscapes to portraiture to on-the-go vlogging. Hybrid Zoom compatibility on supported bodies gives you even more reach—up to 187mm depending on your camera. It even stretches into telephoto territory—useful when shooting distant wildlife or compressing scenic views. Great for grabbing shots of birds without swapping glass.
Lens Highlights
- Constant f/2.8 brightness across the zoom range
- Smooth, quiet autofocus suitable for video
- Lightweight and compact for travel and field work
- Hybrid Zoom compatible (up to 187mm reach)
That said, it’s not a wildlife telephoto by any stretch. If birds are your focus, this should be your travel lens, not your primary one.
What About the S1RII?
The Lumix S1RII is a different beast. It has a higher-resolution sensor (47MP) aimed squarely at photographers, not hybrid creators. It lacks the video flexibility of the S1II/S1IIE, but if you’re into detailed stills—say, for large prints or commercial work—it still holds its ground.
Read a full review – Panasonic LUMIX S1RII: A New Era for Wildlife Shooters?
Firmware Support and Updates
Panasonic continues to prioritize long-term usability. A firmware update for the LUMIX S1RII is on the horizon for 2025, but updates for LUMIX Flow, LUMIX Lab, and L-Mount lenses launched on May 13th. This shows commitment to workflow enhancement—something hybrid creators will appreciate.
These apps simplify file sharing, color grading, and remote camera control—essential for modern production setups.
Final Thoughts: Where Do These Fit in the Real World?
There’s a lot to like about both the LUMIX S1II and S1IIE—but don’t let Panasonic’s polished language fool you. These aren’t revolutionary cameras. They’re refinements. And that’s not a bad thing. The LUMIX S1II and S1IIE both embrace the hybrid mindset with real technical sophistication and modern design thinking.
Are they perfect? No. The S1II’s price and bulk may deter casual users, while the S1IIE may not be fast enough for everyone. But Panasonic is clearly listening to creators’ needs. This isn’t a half-hearted update—it’s a serious push toward future-ready imaging. The S1II is for creators who need speed, flexibility, and pro video tools in one box. The S1IIE gives you 90% of that experience for quite a bit less—and for most people, that’s the sweet spot.
If you’ve been waiting for a full-frame mirrorless camera that can keep up with your creative pace without demanding a flagship budget, both the S1II and S1IIE deserve your attention. And if you’re already using the S1RII, these new models feel like the natural next step in the LUMIX evolution.
If you’re coming from another brand? You’ll need to be sold on the ecosystem (and maybe the apps like LUMIX Lab and Capture One support). For birders dabbling in video, the stabilization and autofocus improvements alone might be worth the switch.
Just don’t expect miracles. These are smart, capable tools—not magic wands.
Explore more, shoot smarter, and keep creating.