The Panasonic LUMIX S1R II single-lens mirrorless camera was announced at the end of last month.Although it will not be available in the market until the end of March, so it is not easy to pick up the actual model yet, I would like to write down what I think about this new generation model announced over 6 years after the previous S1R, although this is a mere article that will not be helpful to anyone.
■The long-awaited smaller and lighter model
-The S1RII (approx. 710g 134W 102H 92D) is a considerable downsizing from the previous S1R (898g 149W 110H 97D), which was so heavy and huge that I was at a loss. For many LUMIX users including myself, this is a great blessing. It’s good to have something like this!
-There is still a slight difference in both size and weight. In other words, the S1RII has been reduced in size and weight to a level that is generally comparable to the competition, though not as small as the SONY.
-If I were to be mean and paranoid, I would say that 6 years ago, they went against the grain as a latecomer and competed with a larger body that focused on the tastes of Western users, but did not win much. Perhaps the success of the smaller S5 series in later years may have awakened them and led to the renewal of the S5 series.
Exhibits at CP+ 2025 (reposted)
■Attractive “fake flagship”
-In 2019, the lineup was color-coded as follows: S1 (24-megapixel hybrid still/video camera), S1R (47-megapixel still camera flagship model), and S1H (24-megapixel video camera flagship model, the ultimate large camera that even surpasses the S1R). Six years on from this, the S1RII appeared as a 44M pixel hybrid camera.
-I don’t know what will happen to the successor to the S1H, but I think that the S1RII should at least be understood as a hybrid flagship camera that integrates the S1 and S1R. This is probably a response to the popularization of video production and the hybridization of user needs.
-The S1RII is supposed to be the top-of-the-range model in the LUMIX product lineup, but it is probably lacking in some areas compared to the still image flagship models from the top manufacturers C, S and N. It may also leave video users who were hoping for a full-size version of the powerful GH7 feeling dissatisfied.
-However, in order to differentiate itself from its rivals in the market, where it is the overwhelming underdog, Panasonic appears to have chosen the position of the S1RII as a “high cost performance camera” that “is slightly below the highest-class S rank, but is packed with A-rank technology for both still images and videos”. In the world of soccer, there is a tactic called “fake side back” and “fake number 9”. In the same way, the LUMIX “fake flagship” tactic (I’m complimenting it) is to come out with the appearance of a flagship model and aim for a different way of selling it.
-At least for me, it was a great choice. As an eternal beginner photography enthusiast, the best thing is to be able to get good quality, easy-to-use equipment at an affordable price. I started taking photos with PENTAX, and I became a Lumix user “in preparation for taking videos”, so the S1RII, which has excellent still image performance (within the price range I can afford) and can also take videos well, is right in the middle of my strike zone.
■So, do I want it now?
-I’m currently using a LUMIX S5 to take mainly still images, and I’m reasonably satisfied with it. Also, full-size lenses are heavy and expensive, so I use the LUMIX G9PROII in conjunction with it (it’s also a preparation for the occasional video shooting), or rather, I think the G9PROII is a little more likely to be called upon.
-From my current perspective, is the S1RII the kind of gear I want right now? I asked myself.
-To be sure, I’m not uninterested in the world of unknown, ultra-high pixel count cameras, and I think that the normal evolution of features like AF, image stabilization, and rapid-fire shooting speed, as well as thoughtful functions like automatic shutter closing, are “nice” and “fun”. However…
-I can’t help but think of that feeling of being stuck in the camera swamp, and I can’t help but imagine myself taking photos of a higher level in that way and that way, and I can’t help but think that I can’t live without this, and I can’t help but feel my body temperature rising.
-I’m not having any problems with the S5, and I have a conviction that includes the resignation that if I can’t take a photo with the S5 (or G9PROII), I definitely won’t be able to take it with the S1RII either. There is a lot of new information about video, but I don’t really understand it, so it’s hard to motivate me to buy it.
-These days, it seems that my priorities are more about taking photos with the equipment I have and going out and about to take photos with it, rather than delving into the depths of a swamp.
-The price is also quite high. It’s not that I can’t afford it, but it’s not at a level where I can make a decision easily. At least, I’m not immediately going to start looking for ways to raise money. If the news was that the S5III was being released at a price of around 200k yen, I think my boiling point would be a little lower.
-I’m very sorry for the cold conclusion after all the praise I’ve given it, saying that it’s a great choice for me. Sorry, Panasonic. The wind could change direction at any time, so I’ll be back again soon.
This article was written as a reminder of how I was feeling at the time.
It is my personal opinion, and is based on my own prejudices.
