The Panasonic Lumix S1H is a cutting-edge full-frame mirrorless camera designed for professional filmmakers and videographers. With its 6K video capabilities, V-Log, and dual native ISO, it enables cinema-grade video production while also offering excellent still photography performance. In this review, we’ll explore the S1H’s key features, pros and cons, and real-world experience to help you determine if this camera is the right fit for your creative endeavors.
๐ Panasonic Lumix S1H Specifications
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Sensor Type | 35mm Full-frame CMOS |
| Effective Pixels | 24.2 Megapixels |
| Maximum Resolution | 6000 x 4000 (3:2) |
| Image Processor | Venus Engine |
| Lens Mount | L-Mount |
| Weather Sealing | Yes |
| Video Resolution | 6K (5952x3968) 24p/23.98p |
| 5.9K (5888x3312) 30p/25p/24p/23.98p | |
| 4K DCI (4096x2160) 60p/50p/30p/25p/24p/23.98p | |
| 4K UHD (3840x2160) 60p/50p/30p/25p/24p/23.98p | |
| Full HD (1920x1080) 240p/120p/60p/50p/30p/25p/24p/23.98p | |
| Video Format | MOV: H.264/MPEG-4 AVC, H.265/HEVC |
| MP4: H.264/MPEG-4 AVC, H.265/HEVC | |
| Bit Depth | 10-bit 4:2:2 (Internal), 12-bit RAW (External) |
| Color Space | Rec. 709, Rec. 2020 |
| Log Profile | V-Log/V-Gamut (Included) |
| Dual Native ISO | ISO 640 & 4000 (V-Log) |
| ISO Range | 100-51200 (Extended: 50-204800) |
| Shutter Speed | Mechanical: 1/8000s - 60min, Electronic: 1/16000s - 60s |
| Continuous Shooting | 9 fps (AFS), 6 fps (AFC) |
| Image Stabilization | 5-axis In-Body Image Stabilization (up to 6.5 stops) |
| Autofocus System | 225-area DFD Contrast AF |
| AF Sensitivity | -6EV to 18EV |
| Viewfinder | 5,760K-dot OLED EVF, 0.78x magnification, 60fps/120fps switchable |
| Rear Monitor | 3.2-inch 2,330K-dot Tilt & Free-angle Touch LCD |
| Top LCD | Yes (Status display) |
| Storage Media | Dual SD Card Slots (UHS-II compatible) |
| Connectivity | USB 3.1 Gen1 Type-C, HDMI Type-A (Full-size), 3.5mm Mic, 3.5mm Headphone, 2.5mm Remote, Sync Terminal, Timecode |
| Wireless | Wi-Fi 5GHz/2.4GHz, Bluetooth 4.2 |
| Battery | DMW-BLJ31 Lithium-ion Battery (3100mAh) |
| Battery Life | Approx. 400-500 shots (Rear Monitor, CIPA Standard) |
| Dimensions (W x H x D) | 151.0 x 114.2 x 110.4 mm |
| Weight | Approx. 1,164g (Including Battery and Memory Card) |
| Operating Temperature | -10ยฐC to 40ยฐC |
๐ฅ Video Performance: Setting a New Standard for Filmmaking
The S1H’s greatest strength is undoubtedly its outstanding video performance.
Professional-Grade Color Science
- V-Log/V-Gamut: Wide dynamic range of 14+ stops
- 10-bit 4:2:2: Internal recording for rich color information
- Color Grading Flexibility: Supports cinema-grade color grading workflows
Dual Native ISO
- ISO 640 & 4000: Two base ISO circuits
- Low-noise High Sensitivity: Clean footage even in low-light conditions
- Wide Dynamic Range: Maintains details in high-contrast scenes
6K Recording Capability
- 6K 24p Recording: 5952x3968 resolution for cinema-quality footage
- 5.9K 30p: Suitable for scenes requiring smoother motion
- Rich Resolution: Enables easy reframing in post-production
๐ก๏ธ Innovative Cooling System
The S1H features a unique cooling system for unlimited video recording.
Built-in Fan Design
- Efficient Heat Management: Cooling fan located behind the LCD screen
- Unlimited Recording: Enables long recording sessions without overheating concerns
- Weather Resistance Maintained: Preserves dust and splash resistance
User-Configurable Fan Modes
- Auto 1: Automatic control for optimal temperature maintenance
- Auto 2: Prioritizes noise minimization
- Normal: Continuous cooling at a constant speed
- Slow: Quietest operation, but slightly reduced cooling efficiency
๐ธ Still Image Performance: Completing the Hybrid Shooting Package
While focused on video capabilities, the S1H’s still photography performance is not to be overlooked.
High-Quality 24MP Sensor
- Rich Detail: Sufficient resolution for most shooting scenarios
- Wide Dynamic Range: High editing flexibility with RAW files
- High Sensitivity Performance: Improved low-light shooting with dual native ISO
Diverse Shooting Modes
- High Resolution Mode: Generates 96MP high-resolution images
- 6K/4K Photo: Allows extraction of 18MP/8MP still images
- Continuous Shooting: Up to 9fps (AFS), 6fps (AFC)
Powerful Image Stabilization
- 5-axis IBIS: Up to 6.5 stops of shake correction
- Dual I.S. 2: Powerful stabilization in conjunction with lens O.I.S.
- Handheld High Resolution Mode: Enables high-resolution shooting without a tripod
๐๏ธ Usability and Ergonomics
The S1H offers intuitive operability that meets professional demands.
Improved Body Design
- Large Top LCD: Quick access to shooting information
- Dual SD Card Slots: Fast data transfer with UHS-II support
- Robust Magnesium Alloy Body: Professional-grade durability
User-Friendly Interface
- Touch Screen Operation: Quick setting changes and focus point selection
- My List Function: Fast access to frequently used settings
- Improved Menu System: Efficient management of video-centric settings
Various Monitoring Tools
- Waveform Monitor: Accurate exposure checking
- Vector Scope: Color balance verification
- Luminance Spot Meter: Precise brightness measurement
๐ Autofocus System: Evolution of DFD
The S1H employs Panasonic’s contrast AF system with DFD (Depth From Defocus) technology.
Still Photo AF Performance
- 225 AF Points: Wide area coverage
- -6EV Low Light AF: Accurate focusing even in dark environments
- High-Speed AF: Fast focus acquisition in 0.08 seconds
Video AF Improvements
- Enhanced Tracking Performance: Improved tracking ability compared to previous models
- High Frame Rate AF: Further improved performance at 60fps and 120fps
- Face/Eye Recognition: Useful for portrait-centric scenes
๐ Comparison with Competitors
To better understand the S1H’s position in the market, let’s compare it with key competing products.
1. Sony A7S III
- Pros:
- Superior autofocus system
- Higher maximum ISO (409,600)
- Lighter weight (699g)
- Cons:
- No 6K recording (4K 120p maximum)
- Limited still photo resolution with 12MP sensor
- Lower EVF resolution compared to S1H
2. Canon EOS R5
- Pros:
- 8K RAW internal recording
- Excellent Dual Pixel AF
- 45MP sensor for high-resolution still photos
- Cons:
- Serious overheating issues with 8K/4K 120p recording
- Shorter recording time limits compared to S1H
- Limited 10-bit internal recording options
3. Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 6K Pro
- Pros:
- More affordable price
- Built-in ND filters
- BRAW codec support
- Cons:
- Very limited still photo capabilities
- Poor autofocus performance
- Short battery life
4. Nikon Z6 II
- Pros:
- More affordable price point
- Excellent low-light performance
- Fast continuous shooting with dual processors
- Cons:
- No internal 10-bit recording (external output only)
- No 6K/5.9K recording options
- More limited video features compared to S1H
5. Fujifilm X-T4
- Pros:
- Compact and lightweight design
- Excellent film simulation modes
- More affordable price point
- Cons:
- APS-C sensor limits image quality compared to full-frame
- No 6K recording
- More limited professional video features compared to S1H
6. RED Komodo 6K
- Pros:
- Cinema-grade image quality
- REDCODE RAW support
- Compact cube design
- Cons:
- Very high price point
- Limited still photo capabilities
- Short battery life
7. Z CAM E2-F6
- Pros:
- 6K full-frame sensor
- Support for various codecs (ProRes, H.265)
- Modular design
- Cons:
- No built-in monitor (external monitor required)
- Limited photo capabilities compared to S1H
- Poor autofocus performance
๐ก Who Is This Camera For?
The Panasonic S1H is particularly suitable for the following users:
Filmmakers
- Professionals requiring cinema-grade image quality and color science
- Advanced color graders utilizing V-Log and wide dynamic range
Documentary Producers
- Field shooters needing unlimited long-duration recording
- Those requiring reliable performance in challenging environments
Commercial Video Producers
- Projects demanding high-quality 4K/6K video and still photos
- Those needing high-quality video formats for post-production flexibility
Advanced YouTubers/Content Creators
- High-quality content producers aiming for a cinematic look
- Those seeking a versatile camera capable of handling various shooting conditions
๐ง Areas for Improvement
Despite the S1H’s excellent performance, there are a few areas that could be improved:
Size and Weight
- Weighing over 1.1kg, it can cause fatigue during extended handheld shooting
- Larger size compared to competitors limits portability
Autofocus System
- Contrast-based AF can be limited in some situations compared to phase-detection AF
- Tracking fast-moving subjects may be challenging compared to competitors
Battery Life
- Rapid battery consumption when using high-performance features
- Extra batteries are essential for extended shooting sessions
High Price Point
- While justified by its professional-grade features, the price can be a barrier
- May be a significant investment for hobby or semi-pro users
๐ Conclusion: A Camera That Sets a New Standard for Filmmaking
The Panasonic Lumix S1H sets a new benchmark for video performance in mirrorless cameras. Its 6K recording, 10-bit 4:2:2 internal recording, V-Log, and dual native ISO features offer specifications that are more than sufficient for professional film production. Moreover, its innovative cooling system ensures stable performance during extended recording sessions.
Simultaneously, it provides excellent still photo performance with its 24MP full-frame sensor and high-performance IBIS, truly embodying a hybrid camera.
However, its size, weight, and limitations of the contrast-based AF system may be drawbacks for some users. Additionally, the high price point can act as a barrier to entry, requiring careful consideration before purchase.
In conclusion, the Panasonic Lumix S1H is highly recommended for:
- Professional filmmakers demanding the highest video quality
- Documentary producers requiring reliable long-duration shooting
- Commercial video producers handling high-quality video and photos
- Advanced content creators pursuing a cinematic look
On the other hand, the following users might want to consider other options:
- Sports/wildlife photographers primarily capturing fast motion
- Vloggers traveling with lightweight equipment
- Beginner video producers starting with a limited budget
The Panasonic Lumix S1H is undoubtedly one of the most powerful mirrorless cameras in terms of video performance currently available in the market. It offers sufficient investment value for professional users and is expected to provide even more advanced features through future firmware updates.
