DO I dream of the LUMIX S1IIE?

Hmm, the S1IIE, huh?

Panasonic｜パナソニック LUMIX S1IIE ミラーレス一眼カメラブラック DC-S1M2ES [ボディ単体]

楽天ビック（ビックカメラ×楽天）

What should I do, sir?

After the S1RII was announced in February this year, I wrote in this blog, “It’s an attractive hybrid camera, but the video performance doesn’t really appeal to me since I mainly shoot stills. I’m not having any issues with the S5, and the price of over 400,000 yen is a bit steep, so I can’t say I’m immediately eager to buy it.” Hmm, that’s right.

And at the time, I also wrote this:

“If there were news that the S5III was being released for around 200,000 yen, I might be a bit more interested.”

And now, the very camera that should be called the “S5III” has been released.

The S5II, the latest model in the S5 series of mid-range LUMIX full-frame SLR cameras, is considered to be “Upper middle-range” The newly released S1IIE is positioned as the “Lower high-end” of the high-end S1 series, but in terms of specifications, it can be considered a normal evolution of the S5II.

The 24.2-megapixel back-illuminated CMOS sensor in the S1IIE appears to be the same as the one in the S5II. Since the core components are the same, it is essential to thoroughly evaluate how much the surrounding hardware and software have been improved to determine whether it is worth upgrading. My first-generation S5 is already well-suited to my needs, so there are aspects I would prefer to keep unchanged.

Changes: Improved AF performance and image stabilization, as well as enhanced continuous shooting performance (though this is not a priority for me). Upgraded electronic viewfinder. Improvements to the rear monitor mechanism. Software improvements include a new AWB mode and a new look. And, although I don’t understand it, there are a lot of new video-related features. It’s a normal evolution.

No changes: The body weight and size are slightly larger than the S5 series, but the durability has been improved. The control layout is largely the same as the S5, and the battery is also compatible. Good.

If I get my hands on one, I’ll be able to enjoy two generations of functional and performance improvements from the original S5 to the S5II to the S1IIE. That said, I’ve already gotten a taste of the new LUMIX features with the MFT-mount G9proII, so I’m not expecting any dream-like, world-changing advances.

And then there’s the price.The S5II, which is “mid-range,” was relatively good value compared to other companies, but the S1IIE, which is “Lower high-end” has a ruthlessly high price. The manufacturer seems to be actively promoting the S1IIE as a bargain compared to the Higher-end S1RII and S1II, but I’m not blinded by the fact that the body alone costs about 360,000 yen.

Here’s an early review article.

Just a moment...

Overall, the tone is fairly positive, but there are also candid comments like, “It’s essentially the same as the S5IIX, just with a new processor and a new price tag,” and “Among the LUMIX models with a 24MP sensor—the S5II, S5IIX, S9, S1II, and S1IIE—it’s tough to decide which one to choose (there’s no clear deciding factor).” Well, I can almostly agree.

So, back to the beginning, hmm, the S1IIE.
What should I do, sir?

Thinking about it calmly, nothing has changed since the release of the S1RII, and the S1IIE does not meet the price condition of “around 200,000 yen range”, so there is no reason to revise the my official position. The logical conclusion is still the same.

“I’m not having any issues with the S5, and while 360,000 yen is cheaper than the S1RII, it’s still a price that requires some courage, so I’m immediately eager to buy it”

But sometimes desire goes beyond logic. If I were to receive a small windfall or if a used S1IIE in good condition were to become available for around 200,000 yen, I might seriously consider it.