Exploring the Panasonic S Series: Initial Insights and Evaluation
The Panasonic Lumix S Series, a new flagship model of professional camera, is set to revolutionize the world of photography and videography. The S1 and S1R cameras, equipped with full-frame sensors and a robust build, are now available for pre-order at Bluewater Photo.
Panasonic has formed a partnership with Leica and Sigma for the Lumix S Series, making the cameras compatible with Leica SL lenses and Sigma's expanding mirrorless lens line-up. The S-series will be equipped with dual image stabilization (IBIS and lens-based optical stabilization), ensuring smooth and steady shots.
One of the standout features of the S1 and S1R is their ability to shoot 4K at 60p, making them promising contenders for underwater video systems of the year. This high-resolution capability, combined with their full-frame sensors (24MP on S1 and 47MP on S1R), suggests strong potential for high-quality underwater imagery.
However, it's important to note that the S1 and S1R are not designed for direct underwater use without additional housing. For underwater photography and videography, photographers generally rely on specially designed underwater housings from third-party manufacturers to ensure waterproofing and functionality.
Panasonic is also equipping the S-series with one XQD and one SD card slot, and has announced three new S series lenses: a 50mm f/1.4 prime, a 25-105mm standard zoom f/4, and a 70-200mm telephoto zoom (aperture not yet released). Additionally, Panasonic plans to release eight additional lenses for the Lumix S1R and S1 cameras by 2020, bringing the total S Series Panasonic Lens options to ten.
The S1 and S1R also feature a high resolution mode that takes multiple images with small sensor shifts to create an extremely high-resolution image. The S1 has a 96 megapixel high res mode, and the S1R has a 187 megapixel high res mode.
While initial reviews and performance details specifically about the Panasonic Lumix S1 and S1R for underwater photography and videography are not directly available, their full-frame sensor quality and robust build imply strong potential image quality underwater. The actual underwater usability and performance of the cameras would depend heavily on the housing, external controls access, and lenses used.
As we await more information and practical testing, the Panasonic Lumix S1 and S1R promise to be exciting additions to the world of underwater photography and videography. The S1 body will retail for $2,499.99, and the S1R body will retail for $3,699.99. Pre-order your Panasonic Lumix S1 or S1R today at Bluewater Photo to be among the first to experience this innovative technology.
- The Panasonic Lumix S1 and S1R, with their full-frame sensors and robust build, present a guide for photographers seeking to upgrade their DSLR or mirrorless cameras.
- These new flagship models, equipped with dual image stabilization, are poised to revolutionize underwater photography due to their ability to shoot high-resolution 4K video.
- For divers aiming for macro shots, the three new S series lenses - a 50mm prime, a standard zoom, and a telephoto zoom - could be valuable additions to one's compact underwater photography kit.
- To ensure waterproofing and functionality for underwater use, photographers will need to invest in a specially designed housing for the S1 and S1R cameras.
- The high-resolution mode of the S1 and S1R, offering image resolutions of up to 187 megapixels, holds promise for producing vibrant and detailed underwater color images.
- The Panasonic Lumix S1 and S1R, equipped with technology that encourages creative exploration in underwater photography, provide an exciting opportunity for both amateur and professional divers.
