Panasonic has an exciting launch this month: the rumored Panasonic S1R II. We have already stated that the company should have launched this device last year, but for whatever reason, that dream never came to fruition. But now, despite the delay, rumors state that the launch is set to unveil on February 25. However, you may have to take this with a pinch of salt because the CP+ Show is happening two days later. While we have already reported on what the specs could be, it appears that there will be certain changes to the sensor. Here’s a look at the report.
According to L-Rumors, the company may not be launching the camera with a sensor seen on the Leica SL3. This report comes after How2Fly, an insider on X, revealed the same in their tweet (seen below).
However, L-Rumor believes that the sensor size will be lower than 60MP. The article also adds that the launch, which was supposed to happen last year, was actually postponed to accommodate the new sensor. So far, the final specs of the camera have not been revealed. But we do know that the following could be a possibility:
- Impeccable low-light autofocus for people of color
- Content Authenticity Credentials
- ISO 50 to 100,000
- 5.76MP viewfinder with up to 120 frames a second
- 3.2-inch touchscreen with 2.3 million dots
The Panasonic S1R was launched in 2019, so it has been over five years since we heard about any rumor. And now, this does strike as the company would change something at the last minute. However, it could be possible to create a hybrid device, and it certainly does not cost a lot to those who are purely into still life or videos. There is also, of course, the pressure to make the camera different, as Sony, Canon, and Nikon all have offerings that are variants of one another. The plot gets thicker with time, especially since the S1R was a great option for photographers. So, it remains to be seen whether or not they improve the device.
In addition, L-Rumors also announced on their YouTube channel that the company is likely to launch a new ‘full frame’ camera in April. Sources close to the channel said that this model will offer better specs at competitive prices, which could be appealing to o Canon, Sony, and Nikon users. In addition, the device will be innovative and could have a positive effect on Panasonic’s share in the full-frame camera market.
The report does not really specify what kind of camera it could be, so there are hopes that it could be a full-frame GH7, an updated version of the popular S5 II or S5 IIx, or a replacement of the GX9. In fact, we did write about Panasonic needing a full-frame camera but with a rangefinder design, which has been a long time coming. Whatever Panasonic has in mind, their upcoming cameras need to balance out on varied fronts so that they can be used by photographers from various genres. And since their L-style looks are so popular, the company must provide newer alternatives to the retro-film look.
Panasonic has the chance to surprise us, especially with a device that could be different, like the Nikon Zf. Or it could be like the Leica Q3, but on a budget. For now, we wait and watch.