5 Things People Get Wrong About the Lumix S1RII

The Lumix S1RII has been causing a stir online, but I think a lot of people are looking at it the wrong way. As a photographer and solo content creator, I see this camera very differently to the way it's often talked about.

Here are five common misconceptions about the S1RII — and why I think it’s actually one of the best cameras out there right now.

1. It's Not Just a Video Camera

With specs like 6K open gate and ProRes RAW, it’s easy to assume the S1RII is built mainly for filmmakers. But at its core, it’s a stills-focused camera designed to attract serious photographers to the Lumix system. The video specs are there because that’s what helps sell cameras today—but this camera’s heart is firmly in photography.

2. Hybrid Cameras Don't Always Compromise

The idea that hybrid cameras have to sacrifice stills quality isn't true here. The S1RII delivers incredible image quality, with rich colours, excellent dynamic range, and 47MP of flexibility. It feels like a proper photographer’s camera that just happens to shoot great video too.

3. 47 Megapixels Isn't Overkill

High-resolution sensors aren't just for huge prints. Having 47MP gives you more creative freedom: crop in, reframe, create vertical content, and future-proof your work. For solo creators, that flexibility is a massive advantage.

4. Autofocus Issues Are a Thing of the Past

Panasonic’s older contrast-based AF systems gave them a bad reputation, but the S1RII changes that with Phase Detect AF. It’s accurate, reliable, and works really well for photography and solo video shooting, even if you’re working without a crew.

5. It’s Not Just Another Hybrid

There are lots of hybrid cameras on the market, but the S1RII feels different. It prioritises photography in a way that many modern cameras don’t. It’s built like a tank, the viewfinder is incredible, and the overall experience of shooting with it is designed for people who love photography first.

Final Thoughts

On top of all that, the S1RII is significantly cheaper than many of its competitors like the Sony A7R V, Nikon Z8, or Canon R5.

It’s an incredible deal for a professional-grade full-frame camera that excels at both stills and video.

If you want to hear a deeper breakdown and see real examples, check out my full YouTube video here:
👉 Watch the full video