Panasonic S1R Mark II – Best for Landscape & Fine Art Photography
Let’s directly jump to the recommendations. Panasonic S1R Mark II camera is recommended for landscape and fine art shooters, and its specifications in indoor architecture suit well. The big reason is the higher resolution sensor and the ability to record higher resolution handheld modes, allowing you to generate 150+ megapixel images in a single handheld shot.
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Professional Cinematography & Open-Gate Recording
Now, the big thing is that if you are a professional cinematographer or videographer, then the Panasonic S1R Mark II camera may fit your needs more perfectly since, for professionals, we do have an option to record videos in open-gate format. Right now, with the basic settings, you are getting open-gate at 5.8K, but soon after a series of firmware updates, open-gate recording will become available up to 8K 30fps.
Why Panasonic S1R Mark II for Professional Cinematographers?
So why are we recommending the Panasonic S1R Mark II camera for professional cinematographers? Since we are getting wavefront functionality, we are also getting anamorphic lens recording support, so you can de-squeeze your footages in-camera, as well as options like false color, which helps you judge the level of accuracy in color tones while shooting.
Another important feature is the shutter angle, and the list doesn’t end here. You also get an option to directly record your videos on an SSD drive, so there’s no big issue regarding memory cards—you can simply replace your SSD when it’s full.
Panasonic S1R Mark II – Autofocus System & Its Limitations
The hybrid autofocus system is still in its development stage. The autofocus is reliable but requires expertise to handle the Panasonic AF system correctly. Otherwise, even people operating cameras for more than three years may struggle with it. The reason is very simple: it’s not a turn-and-go AF system.
So, when we talk about the best hybrid autofocus system between these two cameras, without a doubt, the Nikon Z8 is the best. We are not saying that the S1R Mark II is not usable—it is usable—but the precision, fastness, and readout speed due to the presence of stacked sensors, refresh rate, and subject detection, most of which are directly inherited from the Nikon Z9, make the Nikon Z8 a perfect camera for sports and wildlife photography.
Also, keep in mind that the autofocus tracking of the Panasonic S1R Mark II camera remains limited to 10 frames per second. So that’s the limit you get with the S1R Mark II, whereas there is no such limit in the Nikon Z8. The eye-tracking remains active even at 120 frames per second, and it works exceptionally well while using 30fps and 40fps modes of the Z8 at full resolution. The eye-tracking AF and exposure remain fully active.
Another thing to consider: The lens ecosystem
Now, you have to understand the lens ecosystem. The Z mount has been opened up, and we have a range of lens options available inside the Nikon system. That doesn’t mean the L-mount is lacking—L-mount also has a huge range of lenses—but Tamron is still not a part of the L-mount system. If you are a wedding photographer looking for a budget high-quality constant aperture lens, Nikon has options like the Tamron 28-75mm G2 lens for the Z8. At this price point, no equivalent L-mount lenses are available for the S1R Mark II. You have to pay extra to get an f/2.8 constant aperture zoom lens in the L-mount system.
So, should a wedding photographer buy the Panasonic S1R Mark II or the Nikon Z8?
If you are inclined toward the Panasonic S1R Mark II camera, you can buy it—it’s a good-to-go camera. But if we compare all the features offered by both cameras, the Nikon Z8 looks a bit more suitable with its faster stacked CMOS sensor, highly responsive hybrid autofocus system, and the huge range of Z-mount lenses available, especially budget-friendly high-quality lenses like the Tamron 28-75mm f/2.8 G2. All these factors make the Nikon Z8 a more feasible and recommendable camera for wedding photographers.
Autofocus Tracking & Frame Rate Comparison
- Panasonic S1R Mark II is limited to 10fps AF tracking.
- Nikon Z8 has no such limit—eye-tracking remains active even at 120fps.
- Works exceptionally well at 30fps and 40fps while maintaining full eye-tracking AF and exposure.
Lens Ecosystem – Nikon Z8 vs. Panasonic S1R Mark II
Now, you have to understand the lens ecosystem:
- Z mount is open—a wide range of lens options available inside Nikon’s system.
- L-mount also has a huge range of lenses, but Tamron is still not part of the L-mount system.
- Wedding photographers looking for budget high-quality f/2.8 lenses have Tamron 28-75mm G2 for the Nikon Z8.
- No equivalent budget-friendly f/2.8 zoom lens for L-mount—you have to pay extra for a constant aperture zoom lens.
7 Best Lenses for Nikon Z8 (…and 3 to avoid)
A little more about the Nikon Z8 camera
The Nikon Z8 features a stacked CMOS sensor directly inherited from the Nikon Z9. Even the autofocus algorithm and image processor are exactly the same, making it essentially a flagship camera inside a compact Z8 body.
If you are interested in wildlife and sports photography and want rolling shutter-free images, then despite the fact that many photographers still use conventional sensors, the Nikon Z8 stands out. If you plan to shoot at higher frame rates with the Panasonic S1R Mark II at 30 or 40 frames per second, it’s a well-known fact that Panasonic struggles to continuously track subjects at high frame rates.
At the same time, the sensor image stabilization system in the Nikon Z8 works at the pixel level with the help of AI advancements. If you consider all these factors, then without a doubt, for photographers looking for a perfect hybrid camera—especially those interested in wildlife and sports photography—none other than the Nikon Z8 is recommended among these two.
Final Verdict: Panasonic S1R Mark II vs. Nikon Z8
Who Should Buy the Panasonic S1R Mark II?
✅ Best for Landscape & Fine Art Photography – The high-resolution sensor and 150+ megapixel handheld mode make it ideal for professionals focused on fine details and large-format prints.
✅ Great for Cinematographers & Videographers – Open-gate recording (5.8K, up to 8K with updates), anamorphic lens support, false color monitoring, and SSD recording support make it a solid choice for high-end video production.
❌ Not the Best for Fast-Paced Shooting – The autofocus system is still in development, requiring expertise to operate correctly, and AF tracking is limited to 10 fps, making it less suitable for sports and wildlife photography.
❌ Limited Lens Ecosystem & Expensive Lenses – While L-mount has a good selection of lenses, Tamron, Viltrox, and many new third-party lens makers are not part of the system or have very few lenses for L Mount, making affordable fast lenses harder to find.
Who Should Buy the Nikon Z8?
✅ Best for Sports & Wildlife Photography – Stacked CMOS sensor (inherited from the Z9) enables fast readout, high-speed shooting, and advanced subject tracking. AF tracking remains active up to 120 fps, making it superior for action shots.
✅ Stronger Hybrid Autofocus System – Fast, precise, and reliable autofocus, with advanced AI-driven subject detection and Z9-level AF algorithms, makes it easier to use and more responsive.
✅ Expansive & Budget-Friendly Lens Ecosystem – The Z-mount system has a wide range of native lenses, including affordable high-quality options like the Tamron 28-75mm f/2.8 G2.
✅ Great for Hybrid Shooters (Photo & Video) – While it lacks open-gate recording, the stacked sensor, superior autofocus, and high-speed burst shooting make it a more versatile camera for both photo and video work.
Final Recommendation
- If you are a landscape, fine art, or professional cinematographer, the Panasonic S1R Mark II is a strong contender due to its high-resolution capabilities and pro-video features.
- If you shoot sports, wildlife, weddings, or need the best hybrid performance, the Nikon Z8 is the clear winner, thanks to its superior autofocus, faster shooting speeds, and larger lens ecosystem.
For most photographers and hybrid shooters, the Nikon Z8 offers a more balanced and versatile package. However, if high-resolution stills or advanced video tools like open-gate recording are your priority, the Panasonic S1R Mark II is the better choice.
Get the Panasonic S1R Mark II Camera from Adorama.com | B&H Store | Amazon.com
Panasonic S1R II vs Nikon Z8 – Specification comparison table
| Category | Panasonice Lumix S1R II | Nikon Z8 |
|---|---|---|
| – Sensor Type | Full-frame BSI CMOS | Full-frame stacked CMOS |
| – Resolution | 44.3 MP | 45.7 MP |
| – ISO Range | 40-102400 | 64-25600 (expandable to 32-102400) |
| – Color Depth | 14-bit | 14-bit |
| Autofocus System | ||
| – Type | Phase + Contrast detection with DFD, AI-based | 493-point phase-detect AF / Faster AF Refresh rate due to the stacked sensor |
| – AF Points | Not specified, but improved over previous models | 493 points (covers 90% of frame) |
| – Speed and Accuracy | Fast, with AI tracking for subjects | Fast and accurate, -7EV to EV19 sensitivity, -9EV with starlight view |
| – Subject Tracking | AI-based for faces, eyes, animals | Specific modes for birds, animals, vehicles, etc. |
| Video Capabilities | ||
| – Max Resolution and Frame Rates | 8K at 30fps, 4K at 120fps | 8K at 30fps (N-RAW), 4K at 120fps |
| Open Gate Recording | 5.8k Opengate (8K soon to be available via Firmware) | None |
| – Formats | H.265 10-bit 4:2:0 for 8K, ProRes 422 for lower resolutions | N-RAW, ProRes RAW, H.265, H.264, 10-bit color |
| – Stabilization | In-body image stabilization 8 Stops | Pixel Level Accuracy – AI IBIS with Full sensor 8 Stops IBIS rating |
| Shutter angle | Yes | No |
| False Color | yes | No |
| – Audio | Built-in stereo mic, external mic jack | Built-in stereo mic, microphone, and headphone jacks |
| Waveform | Yes | No |
| Recording to SSD | Yes | No |
| Anamorphic | Yes, it Supports Desqueez in the camera | No |
| Shooting Speed and Performance | ||
| – Continuous Shooting Speed | Up to 40 fps, but Active tracking works up to 10 fps | Up to 120 fps (with crop), 30 fps full-res | 30 Fps full tracking |
| – Buffer Capacity | Large, can shoot extended bursts | Large, can handle extended bursts |
| – Shutter Speed Range | 1/8000 to 60s (assumed, typical for mirrorless) | 1/32000 to 900s (electronic), 1/8000 to 30s (mechanical) |
| Display and Viewfinder | ||
| – Viewfinder | OLED EVF, 3.69m dots (assumed, similar to S5 II) | 3.69m-dot OLED EVF |
| – LCD Screen | 3.2-inch, 2.1m dots, articulated (assumed, similar to original S1R) | 3.2-inch tilting touchscreen, 2.36m dots |
| – Touchscreen | Yes | Yes |
| Connectivity and Wireless Features | Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, smartphone app | Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Nikon SnapBridge app |
| Battery Life and Power | ||
| – Battery Type | BLK-22 (same as S5 II) | EN-EL15c |
| – Life | ~370 shots (assumed, similar to S5 II) | ~300-400 shots |
| – External Power | USB-C | USB-C |
| Physical Design and Ergonomic Features | ||
| – Size | Smaller and lighter than the original S1R (over 200g lighter) | Smaller than Z9, comparable to D850 |
| – Weight | ~800g | 910g |
| – Weather Sealing | Yes | Yes |
| – Ergonomic Features | Classic DSLR-style shape, various dials and buttons | Nikon-style layout, various controls |
| Lens Mount and Compatibility | ||
| – Mount | Leica L-mount | Nikon Z-mount |
| – Available Lenses | Wide range from Leica, Sigma, etc. | Wide selection of Nikon Z lenses |
Which One to Choose?
- For landscape, fine art, and professional cinematographers → Panasonic S1R Mark II (due to high-resolution mode & video tools).
- For sports, wildlife, and hybrid photography → Nikon Z8 (due to superior AF, stacked sensor, and high-speed tracking).
- For wedding photographers → Nikon Z8 (better autofocus, lens options, and hybrid usability).
