The LUMIX DC-S1R Mark II is a mirrorless camera from the LUMIX S series, announced at the end of February 2025. It is equipped with a newly developed 44MP BSI sensor and a processor that supports high-speed processing using L2 technology. It supports 40 frames per second continuous shooting and 8K 30p video recording. As an alternative to expensive stacked CMOS sensors, it has high-speed performance.
At the same time, it is significantly smaller and lighter than the previous model, and the selling price, at least in North America, is cheaper. Furthermore, it has a high-resolution EVF and a tilt + vari-angle monitor, but the body size is close to that of the S5II.
Key points of Panasonic S1R II Test Results
According to the Photons to Photos test results, NOISE REDUCTION is applied to RAW from ISO 6400 onwards, which results in higher test scores, but caution is advised if you value detail over noise. The results are very similar to DPReview’s studio scene test.
On the other hand, unlike the previous model, which applied noise reduction even at base ISO, it seems that the noise reduction process is not applied at low ISOs. If you are shooting stars, etc., it seems that there will be no problem if you keep the ISO up to around 5000.
While the peak values are lower than other high-resolution sensors, the difference in performance is not surprising, and in comparison, the results are better from ISO 6400 onwards (thanks to noise reduction).
Maximum PDR
Low Light ISO
Low Light EV
S1RII
11.08
8139
11.35
S1R
11.37
4522
10.50
α7R V
11.70
5244
10.71
α1 II
11.61
5768
10.85
α1
11.36
5215
10.70
R5 II
11.45
4846
10.60
R5 II ES
10.92
4392
10.46
Z 7II
11.60
4157
10.38
Z9
11.30
4144
10.37
Please note that the DC-S1R only performs better where the noise reduction is performed on the RAW data.
If you’re into professional content creation or cinematography, then you have to take care of the Rolling shutter in your camera. Let’s talk about Panasonic’s Lumix S1R II, a camera packed with versatile modes and high-resolution potential. However, since the camera uses the 44.3MP Full-Frame CMOS Sensor, it’s a traditional sensor with a 25ms readout speed.
The question isn’t just “How bad is it?” but “How can you make it work for you?” In a recent hands-on test done by Tech Through the Lens channel and Gerlad Undone, they did a really extensive and very useful test, let’s find out the important details of the test
Beyond the Numbers: What Does Rolling Shutter Really Mean?
STacked vs Non-Stacked vs Global Shutter Sensor – We all know when we are working with stacked CMOS sensors we do not have to worry that much, that’s the reason why professional camera makers like RED mostly use Global shutter sensors. But, ARRI ALEXA cameras, including models like the ALEXA 35 and ALEXA Mini LF, primarily use rolling shutter technology, not global shutter. While ARRI is known for its high-quality image sensors, they currently lack a cinema camera with a global shutter, but thats a comletely different set of topic.
Average Sensor Readout Speed Table
Sensor Type
Typical Readout Speed Range
Notes & Examples
BSI CMOS
15–40 ms (1/50–1/25 sec)
Common in mid-tier cameras. Faster than traditional CMOS but slower than stacked designs. Sony A7 IV has a sensor readout speed of 26.8 milliseconds
Stacked CMOS
5–15 ms (1/200–1/66 sec)
Significantly faster due to integrated memory and processing. Example: Sony A1 (~4.8 ms at 50MP). Z9’s readout is 4ms.
Global Shutter CMOS
<1–5 ms (1/1000–1/200 sec)
Captures all pixels simultaneously, eliminating rolling shutter. Example: RED raptor, komodo, Sony A9 III (~1 ms or less, estimated), industrial sensors like Sony Pregius (~2–3 ms).
Lumix S1R II Sensor Readout speed
The Lumix S1R II’s wide range of shooting modes enables variable writing speed in the camera, the best part is now we have detailed information of the readout speed of each mode summarized in the table below
Panasonic S1R II Sensor Readout Speed Table
Mode/Resolution
Estimated Readout Speed
Notes
Open Gate (6.4K, DRE On)
~23 ms (1/43 sec)
“sloppy” at 23 ms, typical for high-res BSI CMOS mode.
4K 48p
~15 ms (1/66 sec)
significant jump to 15 ms with an 11% crop, faster readout mode. Since the readout pattern changed due to crop
4K 24p
~23–25 ms (1/43–1/40 sec)
Estimated based on slower baseline BSI CMOS performance (similar to Open Gate without crop trick).
4K 120p
~10–12 ms (1/100–1/83 sec)
Estimated as the fastest rolling shutter mode, but subsampled with trade-offs in quality.
8K 30p
~25–30 ms (1/40–1/33 sec)
Estimated for full-sensor 8K; slower due to higher data load, aligned with BSI CMOS limits.
Open Gate (8.1K, Future)
~25–30 ms (1/40–1/33 sec)
Projected based on 8K performance; firmware update expected to maintain similar readout.
Stills (44.3MP, Electronic)
~20–25 ms (1/50–1/40 sec)
(~1/50 sec) and typical BSI CMOS behavior for high-res stills.
The S1R II’s rolling shutter varies wildly depending on how you configure it, with this table we wanted to give shooters a practical sense of what’s usable—and what’s not.
The 48p Hack: Speed Without Sacrifice
That’s the best part of the test, during the test while Shooting in 4K or 5.9K at 48p (with the intention of dropping it onto a 24p timeline) unlocks a hidden gem. Yes, The camera does an 11% Crop in 16:9 recoding mode due to the crop, when the sensor readout area becomes less and maybe the camera is using slightly different readout pattern, a read speed that goes from 23ms to mind whopping 15ms. And there is no compromise with the AF system of the S1R Mark II camera in 4k 48p mode.
The camera is still able to deliver 11.9 stops of dynamic range in 4k 48p mode, don’t forget to keep on the Dynamic Range Expansion (DRE) while recording.
Use a 360-degree shutter, cut half the frames in editing, and you get a fast mode that avoids rolling shutter problems without ruining the picture. For filmmakers who care more about smooth motion than a full frame, this trick could be a big win.
Panasonic S1R II – 8k & 4k 120fps mode
The Panasonic S1R Mark II camera records 8K video recording internally at up to 30fps in 10-bit H.265 with 14 stops of dynamic range, well I think Camera processing power touches its limit while shooting 8K and that’s why subject detection of the camera gets disabled, A firmware update (expected later in 2025) that will address several issues regarding performance update. BTW, in almost the same price range we have Nikon Z8, was released back in May 2023, can record 8K 60fps internally with full-time AI AF in 12-bit N-RAW at a data rate of 722.5 MB/s.
Meanwhile, 4K 120p mode of the Camera doesn’t show any rolling shutter issues while recording high-speed videos due to its linked skipping readout mode that enables faster readout at a Higher Frame rate, but exposure isn’t proper, a significant amount of 1.5x crop, and since the processor is soaked up in processing 4k 120fps video the AF performance degrade. We are very sure in the upcoming Nov 2025 update Panasonic will fix most of the issues.
The Verdict: A Camera of Choices
The Panasonic S1R Mark II detailed test showed us how we can use this camera to its maximum potential, and during the entire test, the Camera never shut down due to overheating issues. but if you are confused between the Nikon Z8 OR Panasonic S1R II, we have done a short comparison that will help u decide which camera u should get between the two. So, overall the camera is made for professionals, kudos to Panasonic for putting their best innovation in the S line of Full-frame cameras.
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.
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.
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, the Nikon Z8 stands out despite the fact that many photographers still use conventional sensors. 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 track subjects continuously at high frame rates.
At the same time, the Nikon Z8’s sensor image stabilization system works at the pixel level with the help of AI advancements. If you consider all these factors, then the Nikon Z8 is without a doubt recommended for photographers looking for a perfect hybrid camera—especially those interested in wildlife and sports photography.
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.
Panasonic announced a new S1 R Mark II camera that features a brand new 44-megapixel sensor, the camera features the recently developed Panasonic L2 processing engine that allows users to capture handheld images up to 177 megapixels with the help of sensor-shift image stabilization technology.
Panasonic S1R Mark II Major Features
44.3MP BSI CMOS sensor
L2 processing engine
8K video recording with 14-stop dynamic range
Improved Open Gate: up to 8.1K/7.2K (firmware update)
Internal 5.8K recording in Apple ProRes RAW via CFexpress Type B
Real-time Phase Hybrid AF with AI tracking (faces/eyes)
Approx. 40 fps continuous shooting with SH pre-burst mode
8.0 stops IBIS; 7.0 stops in telephoto (Dual IS 2)
Advanced EIS for distortion correction without cropping
Tiltable and swivel screen
Direct LUT installation via LUMIX Lab mobile app
New LUMIX Flow app for streamlined workflow
Integration with Frame.io and Capture One tethering support
Other than that, the camera is very capable of recording 8K video up to 30 frames per second with 14 stops of dynamic range. It also provides 5.8K internal recording in Apple ProRes and ProRAW format directly to a CF Express Type B card. The now features sensor stability IBIS up to 8 stops when combined with dual IS lenses.
The camera features a tiltable and variable display screen that enables creators to use this camera in their workflow, and also with the Lumix Lab app you can directly install LUTs in the camera with integration of third-party software like Frame.io. The workflow of professionals now become much easier.
Panasonic is proud to introduce the LUMIX S1RII, the latest high-resolution full-frame mirrorless camera in the LUMIX S series.
Equipped with a newly developed 44.3MP BSI CMOS sensor and a high-performance L2 processing engine, this camera delivers impressive photos and videos with the natural colour reproduction acclaimed in LUMIX cameras.
With revolutionary video performance, it is the first LUMIX camera to record 8K video with a 14‑stop dynamic range, expanding your creative possibilities. The popular Open Gate function has been improved to now record 6.4K—and even 8.1K/7.2K via a future firmware update.
As the first camera in the LUMIX S Series, it supports internal 5.8K recording in Apple ProRes RAW HQ/ProRes RAW format using a CFexpress Type B card, enabling high‑quality video recording with minimal setup without the need for external devices or cables, and providing greater mobility for solo shooting and small‑scale productions.
The improved Real‑time Phase Hybrid AF, now with AI tracking, quickly and accurately detects people’s eyes and faces, and tracks movements smoothly. With continuous shooting at approximately 40 fps and AF tracking, dynamic subjects can be captured with incredible accuracy and ease. SH pre‑burst mode starts shooting even before you fully press the shutter button, ensuring you don’t miss a shot.
The LUMIX S1RII achieves 8.0 stops of in‑body image stabilization—and 7.0 stops in the telephoto range thanks to Dual IS 2 technology. Advanced video stabilization includes EIS distortion correction without cropping, reducing peripheral distortion while maintaining the original angle of view. The newly designed, compact body with a tiltable and swivel screen adapts to any working style, making it an excellent choice for those seeking both mobility and creative freedom.
The LUMIX S1RII will be compatible with the LUMIX Lab mobile app, which allows LUTs to be installed directly in the camera, streamlining the post‑production process. A new LUMIX Flow app will also be introduced to optimize workflow for a variety of projects—such as short films, documentaries, music videos, and corporate promotional materials—offering features from storyboarding and recording to file organization. Additionally, the camera integrates with third‑party software such as Frame.io, and for the first time in a LUMIX camera, supports tethering via Capture One, aiding creators in diverse production situations.
Guided by our philosophy of developing technology that inspires creative passion, the LUMIX S1RII is a next‑generation mirrorless camera built for creators who want to realize their unique vision.
Newly developed matrix and next-generation processor
It uses a newly developed full-frame BSI CMOS sensor with a resolution of approximately 44.3 MP.
It features a 177MP (approx.) Handheld High-Resolution mode that precisely captures image detail and depth.
It offers high-resolution recording that faithfully reproduces texture and fine detail, and for the first time in a LUMIX camera, supports 8K 30p *2 recording with 14 stops *1 of dynamic range.
Supports internal recording at 5.8K in Apple ProRes RAW HQ / ProRes RAW to CFexpress Type B card.
Improved core performance
Redefined Real-time Phase Detection Hybrid AF with improved eye and face detection and precise AI-based tracking.
Improved 8.0-stop *3 in-body image stabilization (BIS) and newly developed EIS video distortion correction without cropping, which stabilizes the image while maintaining the original angle of view.
High resolution and high-speed continuous shooting, offering high-speed shooting
approx. 40 fps *4 with the electronic shutter mode “SH”, and approx. 10 fps *4 with the extended mechanical shutter mode “H+ (High Speed Plus)”, allowing you to shoot without having the preview image black out after taking a picture.
Advanced applications that support the production process
Compatibility with Capture One makes it the first LUMIX camera to work seamlessly
with the professional photo editing software commonly used in studio photography.
Frame.io compatibility enables a seamless transition from recording to editing, as well as cloud file sharing and team collaboration.
LUMIX Lab app support makes it easy to transfer, edit and personalise the colour of photos and videos, enabling seamless smartphone integration and sharing on social media.
Support for the new LUMIX Flow app, which helps you create storyboards, control footage while shooting on set, and automatically organize data after shooting, streamlining the video production process.
LUMIX Mode: Helps you create a storyboard, control footage while shooting on set, and automatically organize data after shooting, streamlining the video production process.
Smartphone Mode: Enables video creation, such as scriptwriting and editing short fiction, documentaries, or dance films, using only your smartphone.
External Monitor: Allows you to use your smartphone as an external monitor while recording, allowing you to quickly change and adjust camera settings right on your mobile device.
New DMW-BG2 battery holder
Panasonic introduces the new DMW-BG2 battery grip, designed to make holding the S1RII more comfortable when shooting vertically. The battery in the grip can be swapped while the camera is on. The grip also provides additional support by powering the camera when shooting in more demanding modes.
Additional information:
*1 When Dynamic Range Expansion (Log) is enabled. *2 8.1K/7.2K Open Gate recording will be available via a software update scheduled for 2025. *3 8.1K / 7.2K RAW HDMI output will be available via a software update scheduled for 2025. *4 The continuous shooting speed may become slower depending on various conditions such as the lens in use, aperture, and shutter speed. *5 Center: 8.0-deg; Peripheral: 7.0-deg. Based on CIPA 2024 standard [Yaw/Pitch/Roll direction: Focus distance f=60 mm when S-R2060 lens is used. 5-axis.] *6 Center: 7.0-deg; Peripheral: 7.0-deg. Based on CIPA 2024 standard [Yaw/pitch/roll direction: focusing distance f=105 mm when S-R24105 lens is used. 5-axis.]
According to the latest rumors surfaced from reputed rumor mills, the Panasonic S1R Mark II camera announcement date is now confirmed, and it is said to arrive in February 2025. Take look at the set of updated specification of the upcoming camera
Panasonic S1R Mark II Core Specification [Updated specs]
44MP – Full frame CMOS Sensor
No Optical low-pass (anti-aliasing) filter
ISO 80 – 51200( expands to 40 – 102400)
5-axis Sensor-shift Image Stabilization
3.00″ Fully Articulated Screen
5760k dot Electronic viewfinder
9.0fps (40.0fps Electronic) continuous shooting
8K at 30fps , 4K at 60fps and FHD at 60fps Video Recording
10-bit 4:2:2 Color Sampling
Built-in Wireless
800g. 134 x 102 x 92 mm
Weather-sealed Body
Collaboration – Panasonic X Capture One – Panasonic has just collaborated to announce the S1R Mark 2 camera with Capture One. Capture One is industry-leading RAW editing software, so they have collaborated to bring out the maximum from the upcoming S1R Mark 2 camera.
One more Camera announcement is Due on April 2025
There is one more that Panasonic will be announcing a new camera in April 2025. The source of the rumor mill suggests is a very unique camera, although, after the Panasonic S1R Mark II update, we are waiting for the Panasonic S1H Mark II camera. Stay tuned, more updates coming.
We will publish more details very soon as we get any new updates.
According to the latest rumors from the rumor mill, the announcement of the Panasonic S1R Mark II camera has been delayed to 2025, according to a trusted source. The S1R Mark II camera is not coming soon; it is expected that the camera will use Sony’s 44-megapixel full-frame sensor.
Panasonic has registered a new camera with their wireless certification agency in a surprising turn of events. Based on the previous set of rumors published on our website, it looks like Panasonic, along with Sony, will update the S1 series camera, and very soon we will have the S1 Mark II in our hands.
Panasonic Lumix S1H II may be released in the fourth quarter – According to the latest information, after the release of Panasonic GH7, the next update will be for the S series full-frame camera bodies. According to previous rumors, Lumix S1H II is among them, and it is expected to be officially released within this year (fourth quarter).
Panasonic registered two new cameras supporting 5.1/2.4G wireless on Women’s Day 2024. We are expecting one of the models Panasonic S1 Mark II, as you know we have been waiting for Panasonic S1 Mark II for a long time.
The other registered camera is expected to be a Panasonic S1R Mark II, with a higher resolution sensor. Lets hope for the best.
Update: The total number of unreleased models are P2303A, P2302A, and P2304A.
One of them is also considered to be Panasonic GH7
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