Is Panasonic’s flagship S1R II truly a game-changer compared to 2023’s well-rounded S5 II? Let’s break it down!
At first glance, the Panasonic Lumix S1R II and S5 II look like twins, but under the hood, they’re more like cousins. Both are full-frame, versatile cameras, but one clearly operates on a higher level. If you own an S5 II, you might be wondering whether it’s time to upgrade. Let’s find out.
S5 II: The 2023 Powerhouse
The Lumix S5 II, released in 2023, has proven itself as an incredibly versatile camera for both photographers and videographers. It’s the ultimate generalist, catering to a growing audience that juggles both still photography and video content creation. In fact, we rated it as the best video camera for most people.
S1R II: A New Standard
Now, enter the Lumix S1R II. Leveraging the latest advancements in technology, this camera not only matches but surpasses the burst speed of the S5 II while featuring a significantly higher-resolution sensor. It’s an all-around powerhouse, built for those who demand top-tier performance.
The only potential downside? The price tag. If you could only choose one, the S1R II would undoubtedly be the winner. However, these upgrades come at a premium—so let’s explore what that extra investment actually gets you.
Price Breakdown
- Lumix S1R II: $3,299 / £2,999 / AU$5,499 (body only)
- Lumix S5 II: $1,999 / £1,999 / AU$2,989 (often discounted by around $400 / £400)
Announced in February 2025, the Lumix S1R II carries a steep price tag. If you’re in the UK, you can also get it bundled with a 24-105mm f/4 lens for £3,799. Meanwhile, the S5 II, which launched in February 2023, has seen its price gradually drop over time.
Build & Design: Almost Identical, But Not Quite
Both cameras sport a classic magnesium inner frame with water resistance that can handle some rain. They’re nearly identical in shape and dimensions, with just a slight 15g weight difference when fully equipped. Compared to the original 2019 S1R, these models are significantly more compact and lightweight.
Control layouts remain similar, but the S1R II introduces a few key changes:
- A slightly repositioned focus control dial
- A lock switch on the back
- An additional red video record button on the front
- Separate, individually sealed covers for connection ports, improving water resistance
Another notable difference is the S1R II’s improved durability. It’s rated to function down to -10°C, while the S5 II stops at 0°C, making the newer model better suited for extreme weather conditions.
In terms of memory card slots:
- Lumix S1R II: One CFexpress Type B slot + one SD slot
- Lumix S5 II: Two SD slots (maxing out at UHS-II V90 speeds)
The CFexpress support in the S1R II allows for much higher data transfer speeds, necessary given its increased resolution.
Sensor & Image Quality
- Lumix S1R II: 44MP sensor, 14EV dynamic range
- Lumix S5 II: 24.2MP sensor, 14EV+ dynamic range
The biggest differentiator here is resolution. The S1R II is built for high-resolution stills, offering 44MP compared to the S5 II’s 24.2MP. It even has a 177MP high-resolution mode that Panasonic claims can be used handheld.
Despite this increase in resolution, burst performance isn’t compromised, thanks to the S1R II’s ultra-fast sensor readout:
- Electronic shutter: 40fps (S1R II) vs. 30fps (S5 II)
- Mechanical shutter: 10fps (S1R II) vs. 9fps (S5 II)
This speed is particularly impressive given the sheer amount of data the S1R II handles. Plus, electronic burst shooting is blackout-free when using the viewfinder, unlike the S5 II, where some blackout is noticeable.
Video Capabilities: A Clear Winner
- Lumix S1R II: 8K, 5.8K at 60fps, 4K at 120fps, internal Apple ProRes RAW
- Lumix S5 II: 6K, 4K at 60fps, external Apple ProRes RAW
On paper, the S5 II covers most videographers’ needs with 4K at 60fps and a 6K mode that nearly uses the full sensor width. However, there are limitations:
- 4K/60fps only works with an APS-C crop
- Full-width 4K is limited to 30fps
- 1080p is required for 120fps recording
- No ALL-Intra compression, meaning video files use more aggressive LongGOP compression
The S1R II eliminates these drawbacks:
- Full-width 4K/60fps
- 4K/120fps
- 5.9K at 60fps
- 8.1K at 30fps
- ALL-Intra compression for better quality
- High bit-rate ProRes 422 encoding
- 5.8K/60fps mode (with slight crop)
- Upcoming firmware update for 8K Open Gate recording
The S1R II is shaping up to be a serious video powerhouse.
Stabilization, Autofocus & EVF Improvements
- Lumix S1R II: 8EV in-body image stabilization, 5.76m-dot EVF, improved hybrid autofocus
- Lumix S5 II: 6.5EV in-body image stabilization, 3.69m-dot EVF
Panasonic has boosted in-body stabilization, with the S1R II offering 8 stops of compensation (compared to 6.5 stops on the S5 II).
The electronic viewfinder (EVF) also gets a major upgrade:
- S5 II: 3.69 million dots (1280 x 960)
- S1R II: 5.76 million dots (1600 x 1200)
Both use 120Hz OLED panels, but the increased resolution in the S1R II means a noticeably sharper and clearer viewing experience.
Autofocus is another area where Panasonic promises big improvements. While both cameras use phase detection autofocus, the S1R II refines the system further. Real-world testing will reveal the full extent of this improvement.
Final Thoughts: Should You Upgrade?
If you’re happy with your S5 II and primarily shoot video at 4K/60fps, you may not feel the urge to upgrade. However, if you’re looking for:
- Higher resolution for photography
- Faster burst shooting
- Superior video quality (full-width 4K/60, 8K recording, ALL-Intra)
- Improved autofocus
- Better stabilization
- A sharper EVF
Then the S1R II is absolutely worth considering—if you can justify the price.
For those who need the absolute best, the Panasonic Lumix S1R II is a no-brainer. But for budget-conscious creators, the S5 II remains an excellent choice.
