Full details of Panasonic’s first full-frame cameras: Come learn about the new Panasonic S1R and S1

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by William Brawley

posted Friday, February 1, 2019 at 6:01 AM EST

Click here to read our Panasonic S1R Preview & Panasonic S1 Preview

UPDATE, 11:20am: We've now published detailed Hands-On Previews for both the Panasonic S1R and Panasonic S1.

After unveiling the names as well as a few key features and specs back at Photokina 2018, Panasonic is finally unwrapping all the details of their first full-frame mirrorless cameras, the Lumix S1R and Lumix S1. Long-time Micro Four Thirds powerhouse Panasonic is stepping into the full-frame ring with two new impressive-sounding cameras, one model with a new high-res sensor and another with a more modest megapixel count but additional video horsepower. Which one is right for you? That'll depend on if whether you are more focused on still photography or if you like to balance your stills with some high-end video. Nevertheless, it's clear that both cameras are designed for professionals, serious enthusiasts and multimedia creators.

On one side, you have the Panasonic S1R, the high-res version that sports an all-new 45.7-megapixel full-frame CMOS sensor. Designed for excellent detail and resolving power as well excellent high ISO performance (expandable up to ISO 51,200) thanks to the carefully crafted sensor design that is said to allow for an excellent signal-to-noise ratio for great high sensitivity shooting despite the high megapixel count. Want more resolution? You got it. The S1R also sports a High-Res Shooting mode that creates a 187-megapixel raw file. (Pro-tip: buy more memory cards!)

On the other side of the coin, if a 24MP sensor is more to your liking, there's the Panasonic S1. Utilizing an identical body design, the Lumix S1's more modest resolving power is balanced by a bit higher native ISO range (which can be expanded up to ISO 204,800) than the S1R as well as more pro-spec video features (although many of the desirable features come by way of an upcoming paid firmware upgrade). Like its "big brother," the Panasonic S1 also has a High-Res Shot mode that results in a still-impressive 96MP image file.

When it comes to video features out of the box, both models offer 4K at up to 60fps, a first for a full-frame mirrorless camera, however, the S1R's 4K video recording time (regardless of frame rate) is limited to just 15 minutes, while the S1's is 29:59 for 60p and unlimited for everything else. The S1R also records 4K with a slight crop factor, while the S1 does not for 4Kp30 and below (4Kp60 is cropped).

Outside of the resolution and video features, the two cameras are strikingly similar -- and sound very impressive on paper! Both models offer a 5-axis body-based image stabilization that provides 5.5 stops of correction by itself, or up to 6 stops of correction with an optically-stabilized lens. Both offer super-fast DFD-powered autofocus that's said to be extremely capable in low-light conditions. Plus, the new image processor allows for unique A.I.-powered subject tracking features, letting it automatically recognize people and animals. Burst shooting tops out at 9fps with AF-S and 6fps with AF-C, with deep buffer depths for both cameras, though, understandably, the lower-res S1's buffer can handle more images.

Lastly, there's the build quality and design. As you'd expect from a professional camera, the S1R and S1 are extremely rugged and fully weather-sealed, they feature dual card slots and the world highest-res OLED EVF. There's also a two-way tilting rear LCD touchscreen, a joystick control, a top-deck LCD, an optical battery grip, USB-C Power Delivery, tethered shooting functionality and a whole lot more!

For all the details one these two professional full-frame mirrorless cameras, click here to read our in-depth Panasonic S1R Preview and Panasonic S1 Preview, and stay tuned for our hands-on impressions along with more beta gallery shots!