First look
After teasing us with the S1 and S1R last year, the first working samples have arrived. Michael Topham shares his first impressions
Michael Topham gets a detailed look at the new Panasonic Lumix S1 and S1R
ONE OF the headline news stories to break last year was Leica, Panasonic and Sigma’s decision to come together and form the L- Mount Alliance for the production of full-frame mirrorless cameras and lenses.
Despite getting hands- on with a detailed mock-up sample of the S1R last year, we’ve been patiently waiting for Panasonic to release more detailed information. During our annual visit to Panasonic’s Digital Imaging Seminar, we were given the opportunity to use both models extensively and find out more about the three matched lenses for the system.
Features
The main difference between the S1 and S1R lies directly behind the L-mount, with the S1R boasting a 47.3-million-pixel sensor and the Lumix S1 offering a 24.2-million-pixel sensor.
The ISO range on the S1R spans from ISO 100-25,600 (expandable to ISO 5051,200), with the Lumix S1’s ISO reaching a maximum of ISO 51,200 (expandable to ISO 50-204,800). The sensors on both models pair up with a new Venus Engine processor, permitting continuous shooting speeds of up to 9fps in AFS (single-shot AF mode) or 6fps with continuous focus on both models. There’s also the opportunity to shoot a burst of 18MP JPEGs at 30fps in the 6K Photo mode, while 4K Photo offers sequences at 30fps or 60fps, albeit at a lower 8MP resolution.
One of the key features on both models is the 5-axis Dual IS II image stabiliser, which provides up to six stops of compensation to counteract camera shake when shooting stills or movies. It works just like the system in the company’s Lumix G9 in the way it combines 2-axis stabilisation from the lens with 5-axis stabilisation in the camera and permits high-
resolution images to be taken by shifting the sensor between consecutive shots. Added to this, Panasonic has introduced an IS Status Scope feature that displays a graphic interpretation of vibration.
Once again, Panasonic relies on its formula of contrast detection and Depth From Defocus (DFD) technology for focusing. It also employs what’s called ‘advanced artificial intelligence technology’ to detect the differences between humans, cats, dogs and birds.
Panasonic cameras have gained an excellent reputation among leading videographers around the world. The Lumix S1, which is more likely to appeal to video shooters, allows video recording up to 4K 60/50p 4:2:0 in 8-bit directly to an SD or XQD card. In addition, 4:2:2 colour sampling can be output through HDMI, and Panasonic will provide a software key to unlock the option to record 4K 60/50p 4:2:2 10-bit via HDMI- output and 30p/25p/24p in 4:2:2 10-bit internally later in the year.
The S1 and S1R both feature two card slots, one of which accepts UHS- II SD cards, and the other XQD. Panasonic has made it known that compatibility with CFexpress will follow too. Bluetooth and Wi- Fi connectivity options are available to pair and transmit images to mobile devices, plus there’s a new Lumix Sync app that’s been developed for seamless remote control of the S1 and S1R and immediate transfer to a phone or tablet.
The S1 and S1R are the first models in the world to debut a 5.76-million- dot OLED EVF. Other points of interest regarding the EVF are its maximum 120fps refresh rate, minimum lag time of 0.005sec and option to adjust the magnification between 0.7x, 0.74x and 0.78x. Just below the EVF, both cameras boast a 3.2in, 2.1-million- dot LCD touchscreen that flips out similarly to the type of three-way tilt screens we’ve seen on Fujifilm X-series cameras. It’s also fully integrated with the camera’s menus.
Build and handling
In the hand the S1/S1R feel considerably larger and heavier than the most recent full-frame mirrorless releases from Canon, Nikon and Sony. This is offset to some extent by an excellent handgrip that’s beautifully sculpted. Buttons and dials are spread well apart, they even illuminate in the dark! Both models are clearly designed to satisfy the very high expectations of professionals and serious enthusiasts, while being familiar to those who’ve used Lumix G cameras before.