Panasonic is better known for its Micro Four Thirds sensors, which, despite being compact, remain important for many photographers. However, the company has also been working on something special for those who need extra pixels: full frame cameras. Launched in 2019, their full frame camera series, the S lineup, has showcased what a true hybrid can do. Here is a look at some options that are still best in class.
Panasonic S1R
The Panasonic S1R is a full frame camera with the largest resolution in the company’s lineup: 47.3MP. It offers 4K video at 60fps, a 5,760K OLED EVF, a 9fps burst rate, and 6 stops of image stabilization. The camera is large and robust, resembling the Canon 7D, and it is extremely weather-sealed. Pairing with L-mount lenses, you get a workhorse. The menu system is quite impressive and easy to navigate. As for the autofocus, it performs really well in bright light, and it can also track faster, thanks to the updates. The image quality is fabulous, with the RAW files offering versatility. Capture One Pro offers a wealth of features to enhance your photography, whether you’re a portrait or landscape photographer. The high ISO is also pretty clean, but only best used up to ISO 6400.
Panasonic S5 II
The Panasonic S5 II features a 24.2MP CMOS sensor, open-gate 6K/30p 4:2:0 10-bit video recording feature, and a 3.68m-dot OLED EVF. One of its innovations is the use of real-time LUTs for photographers, which enables you to achieve the desired image look. In addition to weather sealing, the device offers the simplest menus and improved image stabilisation. The focus can magnify an area 20x, and it features Real-time Auto-focus Recognition (including Animal Eye, Car, and Motorcycle Recognition). The S5 II is pretty great for animal photographers, as it can easily track and focus on them. As we said, “This camera absolutely continues to be one of the single best hybrid cameras on the market for so many reasons. And this new firmware makes it even better.” As for the images, the LUTs make your life easy to get a certain look for your work. Overall, it is a camera that gives the best of both worlds.
Panasonic S9
The Panasonic S9 is a rangefinder-style full frame compact camera that is better suited for travel photographers. You get a 24.2MP sensor, PDAF Real Time Tracking, up to 6.5 stops of image stabilization, and Real Time LUT. The camera lacks a viewfinder, but that adds to its compactness. However, there is also a lack of weather sealing. For focus, it is best to rely on zone focusing, and overall, the camera nailed the focus in various situations. The image quality is pretty great, as usual, and the LUTs give you plenty of freedom to work with it. As we stated, “With that said, this is a modern camera. It’s capable of doing so much — but are you? A skilled photographer will find it nearly impossible to not get good photographs with this camera.”