Panasonic Lumix S1II Review: A Partially Stacked Sensor and Internal ProRes RAW in Lumix's Hybrid Flagship

The Panasonic Lumix S1II is Panasonic’s answer to the Nikon Z6III and Sony A7 V, and in some ways it goes further than both. Announced in May 2025 at $3,199 for the body, it has a 24.1MP partially stacked sensor, the first Lumix to use one, plus internal ProRes RAW, a cooling fan, 32-bit float audio and stabilization rated at 8 stops.

It’s a hybrid camera in the truest sense. The stills specs are pro-level. The video specs are close to a cinema camera’s.

The partially stacked design reads the sensor much faster than the S5II’s chip. That means less rolling shutter, faster electronic bursts and better autofocus tracking.

Video review: Gordon Laing

Stills that keep up

70 fps with the electronic shutter, blackout-free with full autofocus, and 10 fps mechanical. Pre-burst saves up to 1.5 seconds before you press the button. Phase-detect autofocus with 779 points and AI subject recognition is the best Panasonic has made.

There’s a handheld 96MP high-resolution mode for landscapes and architecture. The 5.76-million-dot viewfinder is sharp and the screen flips out fully. The body is weather sealed and rated down to minus 10°C.

The video case

5.9K at 60p with no crop. 6K open gate at 30p for reframing. 4K at 120p with a small crop. V-Log, and internal ProRes RAW recorded to CFexpress Type B. A full-size HDMI port, Frame.io cloud upload and Atomos timecode sync over Bluetooth round out a production-ready feature list.

The built-in fan means long takes without overheating. It also supports 32-bit float audio, so loud moments don’t clip.

Panasonic’s stabilization remains the best for handheld walking shots, rated at 8 stops at the center.

Where it costs you

Price. At $3,199 it’s more than the Z6III and A7 V launched at.

Battery life is short. The DMW-BLK22 is rated at about 360 shots on the rear screen by CIPA. Carry spares or use USB-C power for video.

It weighs about 800 grams with battery and card, heavier than rivals.

And L-Mount, though shared with Sigma and Leica, still has fewer lens choices than Sony E.

Who should buy it

Hybrid professionals who shoot paid stills and paid video. Wedding teams. Documentary filmmakers. Lumix S5II owners who want faster readout, internal raw and a better viewfinder.

The Nikon Z6III is cheaper with internal raw and a brighter viewfinder. The Sony A7 V has more resolution and the bigger lens system. The S1II wins on stabilization, fan-cooled endurance and audio. If video carries equal weight in your work, it’s one of the best hybrids you can buy.