Panasonic Lumix DC-S1 review
The Panasonic Lumix DC-S1 is the company's mid-level full-frame mirrorless camera, built around the L-mount developed by Leica and now supported by Sigma and Panasonic. It features an image-stabilized 24MP sensor and is capable of shooting at up to 9 frames per second. The S1 can also shoot 4K/60p video from an APS-C region of its sensor or oversampled 4K/30p from its full sensor width. A multi-shot high-res mode lets it create 96MP Raw files and a paid upgrade enables 10-bit V-Log shooting.
The S1, along its sibling the S1R, also features one of the highest-resolution electronic viewfinders on the market: a 5.7M-dot OLED panel that runs at 120Hz and promises very little lag.
Panasonic Lumix S1 Key Specifications
- 24MP full-frame CMOS sensor
- Depth from Defocus contrast-detect AF system
- 5-axis in-body 'Dual IS' system
- Fully weather-sealed
- Multi-shot 96MP 'High Res' mode
- 6 fps bursts with continuous AF
- 5.76M-dot electronic viewfinder
- Dual-hinged 2.1M-dot touchscreen LCD
- UHD 4K/60p video capture (1.5x crop); Oversampled 4K/30p with no crop
- 10-bit HLG built-in, optional 4:2:2 V-Log
- One XQD and one SD card slot
- 380 shots/charge using LCD
- USB charging, including from laptop/tablet chargers and portable power banks
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The complete Lumix S system at launch |
The S1, with its large, magnesium alloy body, is being pitched at a higher price than the 24MP models from Nikon and Sony, with a list price of $2499.
Alongside the S1 and its higher-resolution sibling, the S1R, Panasonic also announced 50mm F1.4, 24-105mm F4 and 70-200mm F4 lenses for the L system. They're priced at $2299, $1299 and $1699, respectively. Both cameras are also compatible with existing Leica SL lenses as well as APS-C 'TL' glass.
A battery grip (DMW-BGS1) is available for around $350.
What's new and how it compares
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The S1 inherits (and improves upon) many of the features from Panasonic's Micro Four Thirds cameras, while adding new full-frame sensors, a High Res mode, HLG photos and more.
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Body and handling
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The S1/S1R have rugged bodies which can hold their own in the elements. The cameras have an incredibly high resolution EVF as well as a dual axis LCD.
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Operation and controls
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The S1 and S1R have redesigned menus, plenty of customizable controls and a cool 'image stabilization scope'.
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Is it right for you?
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Find out what kinds of shooting the Lumix DC-S1 is best suited for.
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Shooting experience
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Gothic streets and cured meats - check out DPR writer Dan Bracaglia's experience of shooting the S1R at Panasonic's launch event in Barcelona.
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Image quality
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The S1 competes with the likes of the Canon EOS R, Nikon Z6 and Sony a7 III. See how its image quality stacks up.
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Autofocus
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The S1 uses Panasonic's familiar Depth from Defocus autofocus system. Can it keep up with the hybrid AF systems of its peers?
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Video performance
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The S1 can capture 4K/60p video with a 1.5x crop as well as oversampled 4K/30p footage.
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DMW-SFU2 video upgrade
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If you want pro-level features like 10-bit capture, V-Log and waveforms, then you'll want this paid-for upgrade.
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Conclusion
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How does the Panasonic S1 stack up against the competition, like the Sony a7 III, Nikon Z6 and Canon EOS R?
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Sample Galleries
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View hundreds of photos taken with both pre- and final production Panasonic S1s.
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Gear in this story
Gear in this story
DPReview Silver Award
88%
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Jun 5, 2022
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Jun 23, 2021
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Apr 10, 2021
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Mar 18, 2021
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