Panasonic has officially unveiled the LUMIX S1RII, a high-resolution full-frame mirrorless camera that continues the brand’s evolution in professional imaging. The camera features a 44.3MP BSI CMOS sensor, 8K video recording, and 40 fps RAW continuous shooting, all packed into a body that is 25% lighter than its predecessor. While the S1RII is a major leap forward in technology, it also reflects a pivotal shift in Panasonic’s camera strategy—one that has seen the company move away from its VariCam cinema lineup to focus almost exclusively on the LUMIX brand.

Key Features of the LUMIX S1RII

• 44.3MP Full-Frame CMOS Sensor
• 8K 30p & 4K 120p 10-bit Video Recording
• 6.4K Open Gate Shooting
• Up to 40 fps RAW Shooting with AF-C/AF-S
• 5.76m-Dot OLED Viewfinder
• Phase Hybrid Autofocus with AI Tracking
• 8-stop, 5-axis IBIS & Active I.S.
• ISO Range of 80-102400
• Dual UHS-II SD Card Slots
• Wi-Fi & Bluetooth Connectivity

While these specs are impressive, they only tell part of the story. The LUMIX S1RII represents a major transformation within Panasonic, as it cements its focus on mirrorless hybrid cameras at the expense of its once-revered VariCam cinema line.

The Birth of the LUMIX S1RII

The LUMIX S1RII is the result of years of research and development aimed at refining Panasonic’s full-frame mirrorless technology. Building upon the foundation laid by the original LUMIX S1R, the new model integrates Panasonic’s latest advancements in sensor design, autofocus, and image stabilization. The decision to release the S1RII signals Panasonic’s intent to further challenge Canon, Sony, and Nikon in the high-end mirrorless camera market.

With Nikon’s recent acquisition of RED Digital Cinema, the question arises: Should Panasonic follow suit and acquire a cinema camera company to strengthen its position? Panasonic could consider acquiring Blackmagic Design, which has dominated the affordable cinema camera market, or Z CAM, an emerging innovator in modular action cinema cameras. Another potential target is Kinefinity, a Chinese company producing high-performance full-frame cinema cameras at competitive prices.

Evolution of the LUMIX S-Series

The journey to the S1RII began with the introduction of Panasonic’s LUMIX S1 and S1R in 2019, the company’s first attempt at entering the full-frame mirrorless space. These cameras were well-received for their rugged build quality, high dynamic range, and professional-grade video capabilities, but they faced stiff competition from Sony’s A7 series and Canon’s EOS R lineup. Panasonic continued to refine the formula with the LUMIX S5, a compact and more affordable full-frame option aimed at hybrid shooters. The S5II and S5IIX further improved autofocus and video performance, proving that Panasonic was committed to addressing user demands. Now, with the S1RII, the brand has reached a new milestone, delivering higher resolution, faster performance, and better autofocus than ever before. By incorporating AI-powered autofocus, improved low-light performance, and higher resolution capabilities, Panasonic is making a direct play for professional photographers and hybrid shooters. The camera’s lighter body and enhanced ergonomics further solidify its appeal to those needing a powerful yet portable imaging tool.

For more details on previous LUMIX models, check out:

• Panasonic GH6 Announced: Yet Another Boring Camera?
• Panasonic LUMIX S5 II Drops to Record Low Price – Is It the Best Time to Buy?
• Panasonic Relaunches the BGH1 and BS1H Boxy-Style Cameras
• Panasonic Develops an Advanced Boxy-Style Cinema Camera

Affordable Deals on Panasonic LUMIX Older Models: S5II, S5IIX, and S1R

When it comes to mirrorless cameras, Panasonic’s LUMIX series has long been a popular choice for both professional photographers and videographers. While the latest models always grab attention, the older LUMIX cameras, such as the S5II, S5IIX, and S1R, still offer exceptional performance and value for those looking to get a great deal on Amazon. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a hobbyist upgrading your gear, these models provide top-tier quality at a more affordable price point.

1. Panasonic LUMIX S5II: A Fantastic Mid-Range Option

The Panasonic LUMIX S5II is a full-frame mirrorless camera that balances affordability and high-end performance. Its hybrid design makes it suitable for both photography and video, offering:

• 24.2 MP Full-Frame Sensor: Capture stunning detail, whether you’re shooting photos or 4K video.
• 6K Video Recording: With the ability to record at 30fps, the S5II is perfect for content creators who need high-quality video.
• Advanced Autofocus: The camera features Panasonic’s phase-detection autofocus (PDAF), which ensures sharp, precise focusing in both stills and video.
• Dual Native ISO: This allows you to shoot in low-light conditions without compromising image quality.

On Amazon, the LUMIX S5II can often be found at a significantly lower price than its newer counterparts, making it an excellent choice for those on a budget who don’t want to sacrifice performance.

2. Panasonic LUMIX S5IIX: The Best of Both Worlds for Video Creators

If you’re a filmmaker or content creator who requires more advanced video features, the LUMIX S5IIX might be the perfect choice. It’s a variant of the S5II but with added features specifically tailored to video enthusiasts:

• All-Intra 4:2:2 Recording: This feature is crucial for videographers who need professional-grade video compression for high-quality post-production.
• Anamorphic Recording: For filmmakers looking to experiment with a wider cinematic look, the S5IIX supports anamorphic lenses.
• USB-C Power Supply: This makes it ideal for long shoots, ensuring continuous power via USB-C power banks or chargers.
• Timecode Sync: This feature makes it easier to sync multiple cameras, perfect for multi-camera shoots.

For those looking to create pro-level content without breaking the bank, the S5IIX offers a serious advantage at a fraction of the price of newer models.

3. Panasonic LUMIX S1R: A High-Resolution Powerhouse

The LUMIX S1R is a high-resolution powerhouse, perfect for photographers who prioritize image quality. It’s built for those who want the best possible image detail, whether shooting landscapes, portraits, or studio photography. Key features include:

• 47.3 MP Full-Frame Sensor: The LUMIX S1R offers a higher resolution compared to many other full-frame cameras on the market, allowing for incredibly detailed images and large prints.
• 5-Axis In-Body Stabilization: This is a game-changer for handheld shooting, as it helps reduce blur from camera shake, especially in low-light environments.
• Dual ISO: Similar to the S5II, the S1R performs well in low light, thanks to its dual native ISO.
• Robust Build: The camera’s weather-sealed body makes it durable enough to withstand challenging environments, ideal for outdoor shoots.

Though the S1R is older, it’s a fantastic value for those who need exceptional resolution, offering excellent savings on Amazon compared to newer high-resolution models.

Why These Models Are Still Worth It

While these models may not be the latest releases, they remain highly competitive due to their solid feature sets, excellent image quality, and versatility. The drop in price over time makes them attractive to anyone who wants professional-level equipment without paying for the newest releases. Moreover, the LUMIX S5II, S5IIX, and S1R come with Panasonic’s renowned video capabilities, making them perfect for hybrid shooters. Whether you’re shooting photos, videos, or both, these cameras deliver exceptional results across the board. Panasonic’s LUMIX S5II, S5IIX, and S1R are fantastic mirrorless cameras that continue to offer excellent value even as newer models flood the market. Whether you’re a photographer, videographer, or hybrid shooter, these cameras are more than capable of delivering stunning results. With great deals available on Amazon, it’s an excellent time to invest in one of these models and elevate your photography or videography game.

The Fall of VariCam and the Rise of LUMIX

Now back to talking about the new announcement. For decades, Panasonic’s VariCam series was a staple in the cinema industry, used in Hollywood productions and high-end television. However, in recent years, Panasonic has quietly discontinued the VariCam lineup, pulling the plug on its plans for a full-frame cinema camera known as the VariCam VV (Vista Vision). Instead of competing with ARRI, RED, and Sony’s VENICE, Panasonic pivoted toward LUMIX, focusing on hybrid mirrorless cameras that cater to both photographers and filmmakers.

Why Did Panasonic Abandon VariCam?

The decision to phase out VariCam and prioritize LUMIX was driven by several factors:

• The cinema camera market has become increasingly dominated by ARRI, RED, and Sony, leaving less room for Panasonic to compete.
• The rise of affordable full-frame cameras with cinematic capabilities, such as the Sony FX3, Canon C70, and Blackmagic’s offerings, made high-end VariCam models less appealing.
• Panasonic saw greater potential in the hybrid camera market, where its LUMIX brand was already well-established.

For more on Panasonic’s cinema camera transition, check out this detailed analysis: Is Panasonic Abandoning Its Cinema Camera Lineup?

The LUMIX S1RII in the Competitive Market

With the S1RII, Panasonic is clearly targeting professional photographers and hybrid shooters. The falling prices of previous models, like the LUMIX S5II, indicate a strong push toward market expansion (Panasonic LUMIX S5II Drops to Record Low Price).

Market Positioning and Share

The LUMIX S1RII enters a fiercely competitive full-frame mirrorless market, where it must contend with Canon’s EOS R5, Sony’s A7R V, and Nikon’s Z8. While Panasonic has made technological advancements, it still faces challenges in market share, as Canon, Sony, and Nikon dominate professional mirrorless sales. Despite this, Panasonic’s strategic pricing, innovation in IBIS and autofocus, and commitment to hybrid video features could help the S1RII carve out a niche among photographers and videographers seeking high-end image quality with robust video capabilities.

Should Panasonic Acquire a Cinema Camera Company?

With Nikon’s recent acquisition of RED Digital Cinema, the question arises: Should Panasonic follow suit and acquire a cinema camera company to strengthen its position? Panasonic could consider acquiring Blackmagic Design, which has dominated the affordable cinema camera market, or Z CAM, an emerging innovator in modular action cinema cameras. Another potential target is Kinefinity, a Chinese company producing high-performance full-frame cinema cameras at competitive prices.

Acquiring a cinema camera company would allow Panasonic to:

• Re-enter the professional cinema camera industry with existing technology.
• Expand its market presence and compete with Sony, Canon, and Nikon.
• Leverage new sensor and image processing technologies for future LUMIX cameras.

However, such a move comes with challenges. Integrating a newly acquired company into Panasonic’s existing infrastructure could be complex, requiring significant investment in R&D, logistics, and marketing. Additionally, Panasonic would need to ensure that any acquired brand aligns with its strategic vision, avoiding redundancy within its LUMIX lineup. Another challenge would be brand positioning—Panasonic would have to convince professional filmmakers that it is committed to the high-end cinema space despite its previous exit from VariCam. Furthermore, acquiring a company like Blackmagic Design, which operates on a different pricing model and ecosystem, might require Panasonic to restructure its business approach. By making such a move, Panasonic could recapture lost ground and redefine its role in professional filmmaking—an area where it once thrived with VariCam. Given the fast-changing landscape of cinema cameras, a strategic acquisition could place Panasonic back in the game.

Final Thoughts: Will Panasonic Ever Return to Cinema?

With the LUMIX S1RII, Panasonic is reinforcing its commitment to hybrid mirrorless cameras, but its departure from VariCam raises important questions about the company’s future in cinema. While its focus on high-resolution sensors and AI-driven autofocus demonstrates innovation, the lack of a dedicated professional cinema camera leaves a gap in its portfolio. Panasonic has already signaled some (week) movement in the box-style cinema camera space, with models like the BGH1 and BS1H, but these cameras are still positioned as hybrid tools rather than full-fledged cinema solutions. The company’s research into organic sensor technology could hint at future innovations, but whether Panasonic will re-enter the professional cinema market remains unclear.

Relevant links:

• Panasonic Strengthens Its Imaging Business – Will the Cinema Lineup Be Renovated?
• Panasonic Announces It Has Developed Its Organic Sensor
• Panasonic CES 2022 Press Conference: R.I.P. Camera Division?

Could an acquisition of a cinema camera company bring Panasonic back into the professional filmmaking space? Or will the brand continue to double down on mirrorless hybrids, leaving cinema cameras to competitors like Sony, ARRI, and RED?