The Panasonic S1H has been dubbed as Panasonic’s attempt to update the Lumix S1 for video. However, I actually think that the Panasonic S1H is too different from the Lumix S1 to be classified this way. In fact, I think I like the Panasonic S1H more.
The Panasonic S1H came out in early 2020, right before the pandemic hit. I think that’s likely why the Panasonic S1H hasn’t received as much attention as it should have.
If you do know anything about the Panasonic S1H, then you likely know that it features 6K video capture. Obviously, this is a huge deal for videographers, but the full Panasonic S1H specs lends itself to stills photography as well.
The Panasonic S1H is a full-frame mirrorless camera that is built around a 24MP sensor. But, in order to really understand just what this camera can do, we’ll need to dive into our full Panasonic S1H review.
Panasonic S1H Specs
The Panasonic S1H features a 24.2MP full frame CMOS sensor, a Venus image processor, and an ISO range of 100-51,200.
Moreover, this camera can shoot video in both 6K and 4K and features a 9fps burst mode. Whereas other cameras like this one come with continuous filming time limits, the Panasonic S1H comes with an internal fan that keeps your camera cool enough to allow you to film for as long as you need to. Of course, this does mean that the camera is much heavier and thicker than the S1.
Other Panasonic S1H Specs Include:
- 24.2MP full frame CMOS sensor
- ISO range of 100-51,200
- 6K video capabilities at up to 24p, 4K video capabilities at up to 60p
- 225-point AF system
- 9fps burst mode
- Built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth
- 2-hour or 400-shot battery life
- 2.56 lbs
Panasonic S1H Body & Design
The Panasonic S1H body looks a lot like the S1. In fact, the Panasonic S1H design really doesn’t differ from the original S1 in very many ways. Both of these cameras came with a weather-sealed body. However, the Panasonic S1H is a bit thicker and heavier because of the internal fan that I already mentioned.
The Panasonic S1H also comes with a fully articulating screen, which wasn’t present in the S1. This fully articulating screen is one of my favorite aspects of this camera because it actually can extend out of the camera so that you don’t have to worry about it hitting any of your wires plugged into the ports.
One other small thing about the Panasonic S1H build is that it was definitely created to be put in a cage. This is evident through the placement of two REC buttons, one on the top plate and one on the front corner.
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Panasonic S1H Build & Handling
The Panasonic S1H handling is wonderful. The battery life on the camera is extraordinary, considering how much it can do. The camera comes with twin SD slots, an orientation pin you can use if you’re planning on working with a video tripod plate, and an adaptor for a BNC cable.
In essence, Panasonic really did think of everything.
One thing I do need to mention if you’re transitioning to this camera from another camera designed for still photography is that this camera comes with an interesting interface. For example, you will no longer get shutter speeds, but “shutter angles,” and you won’t get an aperture setting, but an “iris” setting.
Panasonic S1H Video Performance
I love this Panasonic S1H video performance review by Engadget because it gets right down to business. The Panasonic S1H is the best mirrorless camera for video that is available for sale right now.
Obviously, the camera shoots 6K video, which is hard enough to find as is, but it then pairs that 6K capture with 4:2:2 10-bit internal recording and V-Log gamma. If you’re planning on shooting in 6K, you can expect to do so at 24p. If you’re planning on shooting 5.4K video, you can do so at either 29.97p or 25p. If you’re planning on shooting in 4K, you can do so at up to 30p.
One of the Panasonic S1H features that you likely haven’t heard about is its expanded audio options. You can adjust your audio recording levels in 31 different levels, but you can also turn off your audio completely.
You will also find it far easier to track your audio levels since the audio meters on the menu were made larger and were given a makeover. You can now watch your level in bright green, yellow and red.
Panasonic S1H Price
So, given the fact that the Panasonic S1H essentially just came out, nobody will be surprised to hear that the Panasonic S1H price isn’t exactly within reach for every photographer.
In fact, the Panasonic S1H is currently selling for a rather steep price of $4,000. This might be completely out of reach for you.
However, if the draw of the Panasonic S1H is almost too much for you to handle, there may be an option. You can buy one off of MPB.
MPB is a used camera retailer. They sell old cameras, lenses, and other camera gear for far cheaper prices than the original manufacturers. However, unlike some used camera retailers, every piece of equipment that MPB buys goes through a rigorous examination. Each camera is rated on a scale which ranges from “faulty” to “like new.” This means that you can actually expect your used gear to show up in the condition you read it was in.
MPB also allows you to trade in your old camera to them and use whatever price you get for it towards the purchase of your new-to-you camera.
I just checked the Panasonic S1H page on MPB and unfortunately there aren’t any for sale as of the publishing of this article. However, since MPB rotates through so many products every day, this could be false by the time you’re reading it. All you can do is continue to check the Panasonic S1H page and hope.