Panasonic S1H II Review
We've aggregated 19 high-signal reviews and 1 live retailer price below.
Our editorial take on the Panasonic S1H II
The Panasonic S1H series has always been a heavyweight contender in the world of video-first mirrorless cameras, and the S1H II confidently continues that legacy. It's a tool built for professionals who demand uncompromising image quality and robust features in a familiar, rugged chassis. This isn't a camera for casual use; it's a purpose-built production machine that feels substantial in hand and is constructed to withstand the rigors of a real set. Panasonic has clearly listened to its user base by refining an already successful formula to create a camera that sits at the pinnacle of the L-mount ecosystem for videography.
At its core, the S1H II is a video powerhouse, offering exceptional high-resolution recording that delivers cinematic, ready-to-use footage straight out of the camera. The image quality is its main calling card, providing a professional look that has earned its predecessor a place on Netflix-approved equipment lists. While its photography capabilities are more than competent, its design and feature set unapologetically prioritize the moving image. This singular focus does come with a significant financial investment, placing it squarely in the territory of working professionals and serious production houses. It is a specialized instrument that excels at its intended purpose, making it a top-tier choice for demanding video projects.
- Exceptional, production-ready video quality
- Extremely robust and weather-sealed build
- Impressive high-resolution recording capabilities like 6K
- Excellent performance in low-light situations
- Comprehensive suite of professional video features
- High price point makes it a significant professional investment
- Large and heavy for a mirrorless camera body
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In my opinion, the S1H offers the best out of the box image quality of any mirrorless hybrid camera on the market today. It’s certainly not without its flaws, but if you know the camera’s strengths and weaknesses you can obtain good results.
Panasonic just announced the new S1H full-frame mirrorless camera, its video-centric follow-up to the S1 and S1R, so we decided to try it on a commercial video shoot. We filmed at Frames Bowling, in New York City, with mostly available light, testing the camera’s low-light capabilities, as well as 6K and 4K video modes.
The Panasonic S1 II is a familiar experience to anyone who has handled a Panasonic mirrorless camera before. In fact, it is an identical experience to the recently released S1R II because they share the exact same chassis. I can attest to the ruggedness of the S1R II after a few days exposing it to harrowing Norwegian weather, so I am confident in the build quality of the S1 II.
It’s a fresh iteration of the Lumix S1, which made its debut at Photokina last year and which I’ve recently tried and been delighted by. If the Lumix S1H keeps that going and extends it into the video realm, Panasonic will have another winner on its hands.
Netflix approved and it’s great for photographers, too. At $4,000, it's expensive for a consumer camera, but for TV and film producers, it will actually be a tempting low-budget option.
If videography is your primary concern and you’re considering making the leap to the L-mount, this now represents Panasonic’s top-of-the-line offering.
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- Amazonnew● In stockBest price$3,998Buy
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