Panasonic LUMIX S1 vs Panasonic LUMIX S1R II
The bottom line
Same line, different generation: the Panasonic LUMIX S1R II (2025) moves ahead on burst speed (40fps vs 9fps), resolution (44.3MP vs 24.2MP) and 8K video. The Panasonic LUMIX S1 is still the value pick at $2,499 ($3,299 for the Panasonic LUMIX S1R II). If those newer features aren't ones you'll actually use, the Panasonic LUMIX S1 gives you most of the experience for less.
Choose the Panasonic LUMIX S1 if…
- ✓You're budget-conscious — it launched at $2,499, about $800 less, freeing money for lenses.
Choose the Panasonic LUMIX S1R II if…
- ✓You shoot action, sports or wildlife — 40fps burst plus dedicated subject-tracking AF keeps up with fast, erratic movement where 9fps would drop frames.
- ✓You shoot video seriously — it brings 8K capture (up to 30p) and 10-bit internal colour.
- ✓You want maximum detail for landscapes, studio or large prints — 44.3MP resolves noticeably more than 24.2MP and gives more cropping latitude.
- ✓You value portability — at 795g (1.75 lb) it's noticeably lighter than the 1020g (2.25 lb) alternative for travel and all-day carry.
Where they differ
- ›Burst: the Panasonic LUMIX S1R II shoots 40fps to the Panasonic LUMIX S1's 9fps — the gap that decides whether you nail the peak moment in sports and wildlife.
- ›Video: the Panasonic LUMIX S1R II is the stronger video tool — 8K, 4K up to 60p and 10-bit internal.
- ›Price: the Panasonic LUMIX S1 launched at $2,499, $800 under the Panasonic LUMIX S1R II — money that could go toward glass.
- ›Resolution: 44.3MP on the Panasonic LUMIX S1R II vs 24.2MP — more detail and crop room, at the cost of larger files.
- ›Weight: the Panasonic LUMIX S1R II is 795g (1.75 lb) vs 1020g (2.25 lb) — 225g you'll feel on a long day out.
Frequently asked
Is the Panasonic LUMIX S1 or the Panasonic LUMIX S1R II better?
Same line, different generation: the Panasonic LUMIX S1R II (2025) moves ahead on burst speed (40fps vs 9fps), resolution (44.3MP vs 24.2MP) and 8K video. The Panasonic LUMIX S1 is still the value pick at $2,499 ($3,299 for the Panasonic LUMIX S1R II). If those newer features aren't ones you'll actually use, the Panasonic LUMIX S1 gives you most of the experience for less.
Who should choose the Panasonic LUMIX S1?
Choose the Panasonic LUMIX S1 if you're budget-conscious — it launched at $2,499, about $800 less, freeing money for lenses.
Who should choose the Panasonic LUMIX S1R II?
Choose the Panasonic LUMIX S1R II if you shoot action, sports or wildlife — 40fps burst plus dedicated subject-tracking AF keeps up with fast, erratic movement where 9fps would drop frames. Choose it if you shoot video seriously — it brings 8K capture (up to 30p) and 10-bit internal colour. Choose it if you want maximum detail for landscapes, studio or large prints — 44.3MP resolves noticeably more than 24.2MP and gives more cropping latitude. Choose it if you value portability — at 795g (1.75 lb) it's noticeably lighter than the 1020g (2.25 lb) alternative for travel and all-day carry.
What is the main difference between the Panasonic LUMIX S1 and the Panasonic LUMIX S1R II?
Burst: the Panasonic LUMIX S1R II shoots 40fps to the Panasonic LUMIX S1's 9fps — the gap that decides whether you nail the peak moment in sports and wildlife.
| Product | ||
|---|---|---|
| Imaging | ||
| Sensor Type | BSI CMOS | Partially-Stacked CMOS |
| Sensor Size | Full-Frame | Full-Frame |
| Image Processor | Venus Engine | Venus Engine |
| Effective Resolution | 24.2 MP | 44.3 MP |
| Lens Mount | L-Mount | L-Mount |
| Exposure Control | ||
| ISO Range (Native) | 100 – 51200 | 80 – 51200 |
| ISO Range (Extended) | 50 – 204800 | 40 – 204800 |
| Mechanical Shutter | 1/8000 | 1/8000 |
| Electronic Shutter | 1/8000 | 1/16000 |
| Flash Sync Speed | 1/250 | 1/250 |
| Built-in Flash | No | No |
| Still Image Capture | ||
| Continuous Shooting | 9 fps | 40 fps |
| Video Capture | ||
| Max Resolution | 4K | 8.1K |
| 8K Recording | − | Up to 30p |
| 4K Recording | Up to 60p | Up to 60p |
| 1080p Recording | Up to 180p | Up to 120p |
| 10-bit Internal | No | Yes |
| Recording Limit | No limit | No limit |
| Log Profiles | V-Log / HLG | V-Log / HLG |
| Built-in Mic | Stereo | Stereo |
| Headphone Jack | Yes | Yes |
| Mic Input | Yes | Yes |
| HDMI Output | Full-size (Type A) | Full-size (Type A) |
| Focus | ||
| Phase Detect Points | 225 | 779 |
| Contrast Detect Points | − | − |
| Low Light AF | -6 EV | -6 EV |
| Eye AF | Yes | Yes |
| Animal AF | Yes | Yes |
| Vehicle AF | No | Yes |
| Viewfinder | ||
| EVF Type | OLED | OLED |
| EVF Resolution | 5.76M dots | 5.76M dots |
| EVF Magnification | 0.78x | 0.78x |
| Monitor | ||
| LCD Size | 3.2" | 3.2" |
| LCD Resolution | 2.10M dots | 1.84M dots |
| LCD Type | Vari-Angle | Vari-Angle |
| Touch Screen | Yes | Yes |
| Interface | ||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 5 | Wi-Fi 6 |
| Bluetooth | v5.0 | v5.2 |
| USB | USB-C 3.1 | USB-C 3.2 Gen 2 |
| Memory Card Slots | 1x XQD / CFexpress Type B + 1x SD UHS-II | 1x CFexpress Type B + 1x SD UHS-II |
| GPS | No | No |
| General | ||
| Price (MSRP) | $2,499 | $3,299 |
| Body Material | Magnesium Alloy | Magnesium Alloy |
| Dimensions | 148.9×110×96.7 mm | 134.3×102.3×91.8 mm |
| Weight | 1020g (2.25 lb) | 795g (1.75 lb) |
| Weather Sealed | Yes | Yes |
| In-Body Stabilization | Yes | Yes |
| Battery Life (EVF) | 380 shots | 340 shots |
| Battery Life (LCD) | 400 shots | 380 shots |
| Battery Type | DMW-BLJ31 | DMW-BLK22 |
