Panasonic has launched its new LUMIX S series of
full-frame mirrorless interchangeable lens cameras. The system is based on the
L-Mount, initially developed Leica and now co-developed by Panasonic and Sigma.
The first batch of cameras include the LUMIX S1R and the LUMIX S1.
The LUMIX S1R has 47.3MP sensor, the highest
resolution for a consumer full-frame mirrorless camera. The sensor has no
low-pass filter, so you can get the maximum detail out of it. This model is
intended more for landscape and wildlife photographers, who want the maximum
detail in every shot. The LUMIX S1 has a smaller 24.2MP sensor, which gives it
improved dynamic range and better low-light performance. This model is aimed
more at general photography.
Both models feature a contrast-based AF with
Panasonic DFD system, which promises fast focusing times and reliable subject
tracking. The camera features face and eye AF and also uses AI for detecting
subjects and keeping focus locked even if the subject turns around. Both models feature built-in
5-axis image stabilization. This works alongside the stabilization built into
the lenses for a stable shot even at slow shutter speeds and during video.
Both models feature a high resolution mode, which
uses the pixel shift technology to move the image sensor around and capture an
even more detailed image. The S1R can capture a 187MP image in this mode, while
the S1 can capture a 96MP image. The camera needs to be on a tripod for this to
work and it works best with still subjects, such as landscape or architecture. High speed burst mode is also
possible with the 6K and 4K photo mode. You can either capture 6K images at
30fps or 4K images at 60fps.
The cameras also boast excellent video capabilities.
Both cameras can record videos at up to 4K in 60fps with an APS-C crop. You can
also record 4K in 30/25/24fps or 1080p with no crop and also no recording
limit. 1080p video can be captured up to 180fps for 6x slow motion. The camera features a full size
HDMI-A connector for video out, along with a microphone in and headphone out
jacks. In future, you will be able to record 4:2:2 10-bit 4K 30p video
internally and 4K 60p video via HDMI with V-log with a paid software update
that will be coming later this year.
Both cameras feature the world's highest resolution
5760k dot OLED live viewfinder, with a frame rate choice of 60 or 120fps.
There's also a 2100k dot articulating touchscreen display on the back and a
status LCD on the top. Both camera bodies are weather sealed, with a magnesium allow frame
for reliability. The camera is also freeze resistant for up to -10 degree
Celsius.
Both cameras feature a dual card slot, which is a
huge win over the Canon EOS R and the Nikon Z7/Z6, which feature a single slot
each. The LUMIX S models support an SDXC and XQD simultaneously, which is a
massive advantage for wedding, wildlife and sports photographers for whom
losing photos from a single card can mean complete disaster.The cameras also
include Bluetooth 4.2 LE and Wi-Fi 802.11ac for connectivity with a smartphone
and USB-C 3.1 connection USB-PD for fast charging directly within the camera.
A camera is only as good as the lenses it supports
and the new S series is being launched alongside three new lenses. These
include the LUMIX S PRO 50mm F1.4, the LUMIX S PRO 70-200mm F4 OIS, and the
LUMIX S 24-105mm F4 Macro OIS. The system will support any L-Mount lens from
Leica, Panasonic, and Sigma but these three in particular are designed to work
best with these two new cameras. Panasonic has promised 10 or more lenses by
2020 for this system. The LUMIX S1R is priced at US$ 3699 body-only and for US$ 4599 with the
24-105mm F4 lens. The LUMIX S1 is priced at US$ 2499 body-only and US$ 3399 with the
same lens.
