Last Updated on 08/27/2019 by Mark Beckenbach
Sony should be taking the Panasonic S1H and Lumix S Pro 24-70mm f2.8 seriously.
Photographers looking at the new Panasonic S1H and Lumix S Pro 24-70mm f2.8 may be a bit confused. After all, the company was touting this to be a cinema-style camera. It also shares a 24MP full-frame sensor like the Panasonic S1. The cameras seem to be very similar in a number of ways. But the main differences here have to do with video–the biggest one being 6K 24p video recording capabilities. Considering this website is targeted at photographers, you probably don’t care about that. Let’s discuss what’s important.
Panasonic S1H
- 24.2MP full frame sensor
- Dual native ISO at 640 and 6400
- 14 bit raw photos
- Venus Engine (no other details)
- 5 axis image stabilization
- Claims of 6.5 stops of image stabilization
- Weather sealing
- Dual card slots (XQD and SD)
- Bluetooth 4.2
- 3.2 inch LCD screen 2,330K dot
- 5760K dot viewfinder
- “The lens and sensor communicate at a maximum 480 fps.”
- “A camera that excels in low-light shooting, the LUMIX S1H boasts -6EV*2 luminance detection performance with Low Light AF thanks to the higher sensitivity and optimized tuning of the sensor.”
- 2.32 lbs
- Built-in fan according to the specs table
- ISO 100-51,200
- $3,999.99 at the end of September, body only
Here’s the really cool part from Panasonic’s press release:
“To be tough enough to withstand heavy field use, the main structure is composed of a magnesium alloy full die-cast top/front/rear frame. Robust construction and a sealing for every joint, dial and button make the LUMIX S1H not only splash-resistant*3 and dust-resistant*3 but also freeze-resistant down to -10 degrees Centigrade. The shutter unit is also durable for approximately 400,000 cycles.”
That’s pretty damned good. The Panasonic S1H seems to be very attractive, but then we look at that price point. The Sony a7r VI is less expensive and arguably more capable. Of course, these cameras are targeted at different audiences. We’re going to be playing with the new S1H later on, so we’ll report back with our thoughts.
Biggest Differences Between the Panasonic S1 and Panasonic S1H
- Dual SD card slots
- Low pass filter addition – you’ll lose a bit of detail
- New tilting LCD screen is very innovative
- Different sensors
- Dual native ISO
These are some of the biggest differences. Again, it’s targeted to the video world more than anything else.
Panasonic Lumix S Pro 24-70mm F2.8 Lens
- 18 elements in 16 groups
- 11 aperture blades
- Close focusing of 1.21 ft
- Dust and splash resistant
- Operational to below freezing temperatures
- 82mm filter thread size
- Just a bit over 2lbs
- $2,199.99
This lens is completely aimed at the Sony G Master option with it having 11 aperture blades. Nikon’s doesn’t have this, although we’re finding it to be a very good option. Now we’re curious about Canon’s version as well. We’re going to be working with these products very soon. Stay tuned.