Key features of the camera
For Panasonic, unlike Nikon, Canon and Sony, the new move turned out to be truly radical - S1 and S1R became the first full-frame cameras in the history of the company. Together with them, a new line of optics, a new mount, a new ... everything is presented.
Panasonic kicked off in a new world with two similar but different cameras: the Lumix DC-S1, with a lower sensor resolution (24 megapixels) and advanced video capabilities, is a classic all-rounder for the company, while the S1R is focused primarily on for professional photographers, video shooting is secondary for this model. Let's talk about the S1R.
So, meet the Panasonic Lumix S1R, a mirrorless camera with a full-size sensor and interchangeable lenses. The camera is equipped with a completely new Leica L mount, which is compatible not only with "native" lenses, but also with Leica SL lenses (Leica full-frame line). Panasonic currently has three own lenses for the new mount: Lumix S PRO 50 mm F1.4, LUMIX S 24-105 mm F4 and LUMIX S PRO 70-200 mm F4. All of them came to me for a test along with the camera. In addition to Leica SL and Panasonic (the line of lenses will expand quite rapidly), Sigma optics are also planned to be released - the famous Japanese company helped Panasonic in the development of the mount and will actively join the development of the new series.
The manufacturer positions its novelty as a tool for serious professional work. Indeed, here we see a number of impressive characteristics.
New sensor
At the moment, the resolution of the S1R sensor, which is 47,3 megapixels, is the highest in its class. According to this characteristic, the novelty surpasses those released last year. with a resolution of 45,7 MP and with a resolution of 42,4 megapixels. The CMOS sensor does not have a low-pass filter, so we can expect that with Panasonic's new product we will get images of huge resolution with excellent detail, suitable for printing in very large formats, and also opening up a lot of space when cropping images. The downside of such a high resolution, of course, is the huge weight of the frames, which places special demands on the image storage and processing system. In addition, when developing the sensor, attention was paid to the maximum reduction of digital noise. The technology is based on the use of aspherical microlenses, a "waveguide" to direct light into the pixel, and deep photodiodes to capture light more efficiently. This technology differs from back-illumination (BSI) used in high-resolution Sony and Nikon cameras, which places the light-sensitive area closer to the surface of the chip. The ISO range of the Panasonic Lumix S1R is ISO 100-25, expandable to ISO 600-50.
New mount
The Panasonic Lumix S1R uses the Leica L mount, which features a large diameter (51,6 mm, Canon RF - 54 mm, Nikon Z - 55 mm, Sony E - 46,1 mm), a small working distance (20 mm) and a large number of contacts . This makes it possible to create high-quality high-aperture optics within the system with theoretical characteristics higher than for Sony E, although Leica L does not give a serious advantage over Nikon and Canon.
New processor
The camera is equipped with the Venus Engine Beauty processor. According to the manufacturer, this development allows for excellent quality of textures and color nuances in both highlights and shadows.
New viewfinder
The cameras (both S1R and S1) use a new 5,76MP OLED viewfinder. At the moment, none of the competing cameras have such a resolution - as a rule, they use viewfinders with a resolution of 3,69 megapixels (full-frame cameras from Sony, Nikon and Canon).
The viewfinder can be set to update at 120 or 60 frames per second. The manufacturer declares a delay of only 0,005 seconds, and this is also the best indicator in the class.
Image stabilizer Dual I.S.
The camera has a 5-axis stabilization system, just like in Nikon Z and Sony a of the latest generations - here there is an advantage over the Canon EOS R. Stabilization works both in photo mode and in video mode (including in 4K format) at all focal lengths. The manufacturer talks about the ability to shoot handheld at shutter speeds six times slower than the usual 1/focal length ratio for photographers.
Features of the focus system
Panasonic's new camera uses Depth from Defocus AF, the same principle as Panasonic's Micro Four Thirds cameras, but with more processing power. At the same time, for the first time in S1R, we encounter a new function in the object recognition system: if earlier cameras were able to recognize only people in the frame, now representatives of the animal world have been added to them: cats, dogs, birds, which facilitates precise focusing and tracking them in the frame .
The advantage of the contrast system is a very high sensitivity, autofocus Lumix S1R is able to work in almost complete darkness, at -6EV. The declared real focusing speed under favorable lighting conditions is 0,08 seconds. In the dark, of course, it drops, but not to critical values, focusing still works briskly.
Key characteristics in addition to those highlighted above:
- 2,1 megapixel LCD touchscreen;
- shooting speed - 9 frames per second with focusing on the first frame, 6 frames per second with continuous autofocus;
- high definition shooting mode (187 megapixels);
- 4K/60p UHD video shooting with 1,09x crop and pixel bixing;
- two slots for memory cards: one for XQD format cards, the second for SD cards;
- autonomy - 360 shots per charge according to the CIPS standard when using the LCD display;
- the ability to charge via USB cable, including chargers for laptops / tablets and portable batteries.
| Panasonic S1R | Panasonic S1 | ||||
| Image sensor | 36×24mm (full frame) | 36×24mm (full frame) | 36×24mm (full frame) | 36×24mm (full frame) | 36×24mm (full frame) |
| Effective sensor resolution | 47,3 megapixels | 24,2 megapixels | 45,7 megapixels | 42,4 megapixels | 30,3 megapixels |
| Image stabilizer | 5 axis | 5 axis | 5 axis | 5 axis | No |
| Bayonet mount | Leica l | Leica l | Z Nikon | Sony E | Canon RF |
| Photo format | JPEG (EXIF 2.3, DCF 2.0), RAW (ARW) | JPEG (EXIF 2.3, DCF 2.0), RAW (ARW) | JPEG (EXIF 2.3, DCF 2.0), RAW (NEF) | JPEG (EXIF 2.3, DCF 2.0), RAW (ARW) | JPEG (EXIF 2.3, DCF 2.0), RAW, Dual Pixel RAW, C-Raw |
| Video Format | AVCHD,MP4 | AVCHD,MP4 | MOV, MP4 | XAVC S, AVCHD 2.0, MP4 | MOV, MP4 |
| Frame size | up to 8368 × 5584 pixels | up to 6000 × 4000 pixels | up to 8256 × 5504 pixels | up to 7952 × 5304 pixels | up to 6720 × 4480 pixels |
| Video resolution | up to 3840×2160, 60p | up to 3840×2160, 60p | up to 3840×2160, 30p | up to 3840×2160, 30p | up to 3840×2160, 30p |
| Sensitivity | ISO 100-25 expandable to 600-50 | ISO 100-51 expandable to 200-50 | ISO 64-25 expandable to 600-32 | ISO 100-32000 expandable to 50, 51200 and 102400 | ISO 100-40000, expandable to ISO 50, 51200 and 102400 |
| Shutter | Mechanical shutter: 1/8000 - 30 s; electronic - up to 1/16000 long exposure (Bulb) |
Mechanical shutter: 1/8000 - 30 s; electronic - up to 1/16000 long exposure (Bulb) |
Mechanical shutter: 1/8000 - 30 s; long exposure (Bulb) |
Mechanical shutter: 1/8000 - 30 s; long exposure (Bulb) |
Mechanical shutter: 1/8000 - 30 s; long exposure (Bulb) |
| Burst Speed | Up to 9 frames per second | Up to 9 frames per second | Up to 9 frames per second | Up to 10 fps with electronic shutter | Up to 8 fps normal, up to 5 fps with focus tracking |
| Auto focus | Contrast, 225 dots | Contrast, 225 dots | Hybrid (contrast + phase), 493 dots | Hybrid, 399 phase-detection AF points in full frame; 255 phase-detection AF points + 425 contrast AF points | Dual Pixel CMOS AF with up to 88% sensor coverage horizontally and up to 100% vertically |
| Metering, modes of operation | 1728-dot touch system: matrix, center-weighted, spot, highlight | 1728-dot touch system: matrix, center-weighted, spot, highlight | TTL Sensor: Matrix, Center-weighted, Spot, Highlight | Matrix metering, 1200 areas: matrix, center-weighted, spot, spot standard/large area, screen average, brightest area | TTL metering in 384 zones: evaluative, partial, center-weighted, spot |
| Exposure compensation | + 5,0 EV in 1/3 or 1/2 EV increments | + 5,0 EV in increments of 1, 1/3 or 1/2 EV | + 5,0 EV in 1/3 or 1/2 EV increments | + 5,0 EV in 1/3 or 1/2 EV increments | + 5,0 EV in 1/3 or 1/2 steps |
| Built-in flash | No, X-sync 1 / 320 with |
No, X-sync 1 / 320 with |
No, X-sync 1 / 200 with |
No, X-sync 1 / 250 with |
No, X-sync 1/200s |
| Self-timer | 2 / 10 with | 2 / 10 with | 2 s, 5 s, 10 s, 20 s; from 1 to 9 exposures with an interval of 0,5; 1; 2 or 3 s | 2 s, 5 s, 10 s; auto timer for shooting with bracketing; self-timer for continuous shooting (up to 3 shots) | 2 / 10 with |
| Memory card | Two slots: XQD and SD type UHS-II | Two slots: XQD and SD type UHS-II | Slot for XQD/CF-Express | Two slots compatible with Memory Stick (PRO, Pro Duo) and SD/SDHC/SDXC type UHS I/II | Slot for SD/SDHC/SDXC type UHS II |
| Display | 3,2" Tilting Touch LCD, 2,1 M dot resolution | 3,2" Tilting Touch LCD, 2,1 M dot resolution | 3,2" Tilting Touch LCD, 2,1 M dot resolution | Tilting touchscreen, 3" LCD, 1,4M dots | 3,2-inch 2,1M-dot touchscreen swivel LCD; optional monochrome display |
| Viewfinder | Electronic (OLED, 5,76 million dots) | Electronic (OLED, 5,76 million dots) | Electronic (OLED, 3,69 million dots) | Electronic (OLED, 3,69 million dots) | Electronic (OLED, 3,69 million dots) |
| Interfaces | USB Type-C (USB 3.1), HDMI, 3,5mm headphone jack, 3,5mm microphone jack, remote control jack | USB Type-C (USB 3.1), HDMI, 3,5mm headphone jack, 3,5mm microphone jack, remote control jack | USB Type-C (USB 3.0), HDMI type C, 3,5mm headphone jack, 3,5mm microphone jack, remote control jack | USB Type-C (USB 3.0), microUSB, 3,5mm headphone jack, 3,5mm microphone jack, microHDMI type D, sync port | HDMI, USB 3.1 (USB Type-C), 3,5mm external microphone, 3,5mm headphone, remote control port |
| Wireless modules | Wi-Fi, Bluetooth | Wi-Fi, Bluetooth | WiFi, Bluetooth (SnapBridge) | WiFi, NFC, Bluetooth | Wi-Fi, Bluetooth |
| Food | Li-ion battery DMW-BLJ31, 23 Wh (3050 mAh, 7,4 V) | Li-ion battery DMW-BLJ31, 23 Wh (3050 mAh, 7,4 V) | Li-ion battery EN-EL15b, 14 Wh (1900 mAh, 7 V) | Li-ion battery NP-FZ100, 16,4 Wh (2280 mAh, 7,2 V) | Lithium-ion battery LP-E6N 14 Wh (1865 mAh, 7,2V) |
| Dimensions | 149×110×97 mm | 149×110×97 mm | 134×101×68 mm | 126,9 × 95,6 × 73,7 mm | 135,8 × 98,3 × 84,4 mm |
| Weight | 1020 grams (with battery and memory card) | 1021 grams (with battery and memory card) | 675 grams (with battery and memory card) | 657 grams (with battery and memory card) | 660 grams (incl. battery and memory card) |
| Actual price | , 339 rubles (version with 990-24mm f/105 lens) | , | , |
Design, ergonomics and control
From the very first seconds Panasonic Lumix S1R makes an impressive impression with its size, weight and appearance. The camera looks rather strict and stylish, but without frills and flirting with the design - maximum attention is paid to functionality and reliability.
The body of the camera is cast, made of magnesium alloy, all seams are protected by a seal - Lumix S1R is suitable for shooting in all weather conditions, dust and moisture resistant. The manufacturer guarantees proper operation at temperatures down to -10 degrees (in fact, of course, you can use the camera at lower temperatures).
The weight of the camera with a battery without a lens is more than a kilogram (1020 g), which is a very solid indicator for this class of cameras (for comparison: the Nikon Z7 with a battery weighs 675 grams, and the Sony a7R III weighs 657 grams). We can say that Panasonic follows its own traditions: to make the largest and heaviest cameras in each class - before that, everyone noted the dimensions and weight of the GH series models, comparable to DSLRs. Now here's a full-frame mirrorless camera that weighs one and a half times more than its direct competitors. There is simply no gain in comparison with full-frame SLR cameras, if we talk about the “carcass”. With optics, the S1R is, of course, both smaller and lighter than professional DSLRs.
However, all of the new Panasonic lenses mentioned above, which I have been able to test, also have impressive dimensions. The complete set of equipment that I got for the test weighed very solidly. I confess that with a wardrobe trunk, in which all three lenses and a camera were packed, I was able to master only a two-hour walk - after that, the pleasure of shooting with high-end equipment was replaced by banal fatigue and back pain. Thus, when planning shooting, especially if it will take place “on the go”, it is better to figure out in advance which of the lenses are really worth taking with you. Hiking with such a set of equipment will be difficult, but if you are a real (and physically strong) enthusiast and are ready for anything for the sake of quality personnel, this may be your choice.
Let's go through the main design features of the camera.
Viewfinder. Its design has already been discussed above. Let me remind you that its resolution is the largest in the class. It also looks unusually large. The viewfinder has a large round rubber eyecup that can be removed if desired, but I found it comfortable to work with. The eye sensor next to the viewfinder can be set to sleep a specified number of seconds after you move it away from your face - one way to save battery life. The viewfinder proved to be excellent in work - the image in it is “live” and detailed.
S1R equipped touch liquid crystal display with a diagonal of 3,2 inches and a resolution of 2,1 megapixels, which can tilt when shooting in both landscape and portrait orientations.
On the top panel also located monochrome LCD display, which displays basic shooting options. In mirrorless cameras, even of a serious level, it is often absent, but this is a very useful and convenient thing.
Mode dial broaches on the top left has two continuous burst shooting modes (labeled I and II). They can be configured to set your preferred shooting speed or to access 6K / 4K Photo shooting.
Joysticks and switches. The S1R is equipped with an eight-way rear joystick for fast AF point movement, a clear improvement over the four-way joysticks on Panasonic Micro Foyr Thirds system models. You can choose how fast the AF point moves. You can also set the function that is selected by pressing the joystick (reset the position of the AF point, use as an Fn button, access the menu - or you can not assign any function).
DIP switch on front panel cameras can be configured to control one of a number of functions: AF area mode, shutter type, self-timer, and more.
On the left side of the back of the camera is lock lever, and you can choose what exactly you want to block with it - some individual controls or, for example, temporarily deactivate the touch screen.
Illuminated controls is one of the features that sets the S1R apart from most competitors. This is a very useful and convenient feature when shooting in low light conditions where the controls are hard to see. The buttons can be set to either stay lit or light up when the top panel LCD backlight button is pressed.
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Dual card slot is another important design feature. This is something that I personally lacked in competing cameras such as the Nikon Z7 and Canon EOS R. The S1R allows for both serial and parallel recording on two memory cards. In a responsible commercial environment, having a back-up copy of materials is certainly a very significant advantage. One slot is for SD cards up to UHS-II, the other is for XQD cards. The SD slot allows the use of V90 cards for maximum shooting and recording speeds.
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In general, the set of controls and the ability to flexibly configure everything and everything in the camera can be called unprecedented on the market. For example, the white balance, ISO, and exposure compensation keys can be set so that you adjust the settings as you hold them down and turn the dial, or turn the dial after pressing it once; you can make it so that one disk, when setting the sensitivity, is responsible for changing the ISO, and the other is responsible for the upper limit in Auto ISO mode, or both simply adjust the ISO; For exposure compensation, you can choose which scale to compensate for the flash. And there are many such details. Moreover, the settings profile can be saved to a memory card (!). This is useful for photographers who rent a camera and do not want to set everything up again every time. I must say that the S1 and S1R settings files are not compatible.
Battery
The Panasonic Lumix S1R has a brand new and unusually huge 31 Wh (23 mAh, 3050 V) DMW-BLJ7,4 battery - not only is the camera itself one and a half times heavier than competitors, but the battery is one and a half times more large and larger capacity. When shooting a reportage with the frame preview turned on and hovering over the screen, the battery lasted for seven hours of work with interruptions - about 600 frames. According to the CIPA standard, 380 frames are declared - this, of course, with a large margin.
The battery can be charged either with a charger or with a regular USB cable.
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Interface
Panasonic has greatly redesigned the interface of the S1/S1R, streamlining the menu structure and redesigning the quick menu system. Each main menu tab is divided into subsections, indicated by a series of icons. This allows you to quickly navigate to the desired section.
Source: 3dnews.ru