Panasonic LUMIX S DC-S1M2BODY Black 2025

The S1II is a video-first hybrid with stabilization so good it feels like cheating. Just don't expect it to be a point-and-shoot, and keep an eye on the temperature gauge.

The stabilization is the real showstopper. We're talking 98th percentile, which means it's basically the best IBIS you can buy right now. The 70fps electronic burst is wild for a full-frame body, and the partially stacked sensor keeps rolling shutter mostly in check, though owners say DR Boost mode introduces some noticeable wobble. The 24.1MP sensor is fine, nothing groundbreaking for stills, but the video pipeline is where this camera earns its keep. 15 stops of dynamic range and LUMIX color science mean you can skip a lot of grading if you nail exposure.

Against the Canon EOS R5 Mark II, the S1II wins on stabilization and open gate flexibility, but Canon has better autofocus and a more mature lens ecosystem. The Sony a1 II crushes it for pure speed and AF tracking, but you'll pay a lot more for that privilege. The Fujifilm X-H2S is a closer budget alternative with great video, but it's APS-C, so you lose that full-frame look and low-light advantage. For pure video value, the S1II sits in a sweet spot between the Fuji and the Sony.

At $2,898 USD, this is a serious investment, but you're getting internal RAW video and stabilization that competes with cameras costing far more. If video is your main gig, it's worth it. If you're mostly a stills shooter, save your money and look elsewhere.

The Panasonic LUMIX S1II is a video monster wearing a stills camera costume. The headline here is internal ProRes RAW HQ, 5.1K 60p open gate, and 8 stops of stabilization that make handheld footage look like it came off a gimbal. It's not the best travel camera, not the best beginner camera, but if you shoot video first and photos second, this thing is hard to ignore.

If you're a travel photographer or someone who wants a lightweight, grab-and-go camera, this isn't it. At 798g and with a fixed display, it's not built for backpacking. Go get a Fujifilm X-H2S or even a Sony a7C II instead. And if you're a beginner, skip this and learn on something cheaper before you drown in menus.

Buy the S1II if you shoot run-and-gun video and want internal RAW without an external recorder. The stabilization alone will change how you shoot. But if you need a camera that's easy to set up or you shoot long continuous takes in warm environments, the overheating and menu complexity will frustrate you. Know what you're getting into.