After months of speculation, Panasonic has finally revealed the full specifications of its full-frame mirrorless cameras. The Panasonic S1R price tag will start at £3,399.99 / $3,697.99 body only, while the Panasonic S1 price tag will be £2,199.99 / $2,497.99.
First revealed as a development announcement at Photokina back in September 2018, full details of the mirrorless duo are now available – along with pricing and the ability to pre-order the cameras.
The two cameras are similar in build and size, but are aimed at two different audiences. The S1R has the higher resolution sensor, with 47.3 million pixels on offer. It is aimed towards professional stills photographers, while the 24.2 million pixel S1 is geared more towards videographers, and all-round shooting conditions.
Shared specifications between the two cameras include the very high resolution OLED electronic viewfinder which has 5,760k dots, and offers 0.78x magnification. The TFT LCD monitor is touch-sensitive, and features 2,100k dots at a 3:2 ratio. It is mounted on a triaxial tilting mechanism which means you can flip it up, down and to the side for shooting from a number of different angles. It is not fully articulating, but this allows it to be more robust and less susceptible to damage.
AF modes include face and eye detection, as well as new modes for animal and human body detection. There’s also 225-areas to choose from, as well as various tracking modes.
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A small point of difference is the fastest shutter speed between the two models. Using the electronic shutter, the S1R can shoot as quickly as 1/16000 sec, while the S1 tops out at 1/8000. Up to 6.5-stops of image stabilisation is promised thanks to a Dual IS system.
Burst shooting of up to 9fps is available, but, this being a Lumix, it comes as no surprise to see 4K and 6K Photo available for shooting at 30 or 60fps (respectively). Naturally, 4K video recording is also available.
Dual memory card slots are included with both cameras, with one slot for XQD cards, and another for SD cards. Battery life is rated at up to 360 shots when using an XQD card, or 380 when using an SD card slot, for the S1R. Battery life is slightly longer for the S1, rated at 380 (XQD) and 400 (SD). The battery can be charged via USB for quick charging when out and about.
Both cameras are dust and splash resistant, while other features include inbuilt Bluetooth and Wi-Fi.
The new cameras use the “L mount” and are part of the newly formed “L Mount alliance” which also includes Sigma and Leica. At launch, only three native Panasonic lenses are available (24-105mm f/4, 50mm f/1.4 and 70-200mm f/2.8), but there are already a number of compatible Leica lenses on the market. It’s likely we’ll see optics from Sigma soon, while Panasonic has also revealed a full lens roadmap up to 2020.
UK pricing and availability has also been announced. The S1R kit, which includes a 24-105mm lens will retail for £4,199.99. It can also be purchased body only for £3,399.99.
Meanwhile, the S1 kit, also including a 24-105mm lens price will be £2,999.99. Body only it will cost £2,199.99. The cameras and lenses will be available on the 18th March. Pre-orders can be made now.
Panasonic S1R prices
- Panasonic S1R KIT (BODY + 24-105MM LENS) – £4,199.99 / €4,799.99
- Panasonic S1R BODY ONLY – £3,399.99 / €3,799.99
Panasonic S1 prices
- Panasonic S1 KIT (BODY + 24-105MM LENS) – £2,999.99 / €3,399.99
- Panasonic S1 BODY ONLY – £2,199.99 / €2,499.99
New Panasonic Lenses
- 50MM F1.4 – £2,299.99 / €2,599.99
- 70-200MM F4 O.I.S. – £1,749.99 / €1,999.99
- 24-105MM MACRO F4 O.I.S. – £1,299.99 / €1,399.99