SO CHEAP!!! - The Panasonic S1 In 2024??? - Have You Used One???

Reach Out and follow me at ⬇️ 

Donations: 

 - Portfolio Critiques: Starting From - $39.00  
-  One on One Photography Mentoring Sessions Starting from - $79.00

------------------------------------------------------------------

The Panasonic S1 - A Compelling Choice for Photography Enthusiasts in 2024

In the world of photography, where technology is in a constant state of evolution, choosing the right camera is pivotal. With the new year on the horizon, photographers and videographers are presented with an array of options to consider. One option that stands out prominently is the Panasonic S1. Launched in 2019, the Panasonic S1 continues to be a formidable choice for professionals and enthusiasts alike, heading into 2024. In this article, we'll delve into the reasons why the Panasonic S1 remains an excellent option and how it keeps up with the ever-changing demands of the photography world.

In a fast-paced world where camera technology is in constant flux, the Panasonic S1 stands as a testament to Panasonic's dedication to creating a versatile and reliable tool for photographers and videographers. As we look ahead to 2024, the Panasonic S1 continues to shine with its exceptional image quality, robust build, advanced autofocus system, and videography capabilities. Its compatibility with a wide range of lenses and seamless connectivity further cement its position as a great choice for professionals and enthusiasts alike. If you're seeking a camera that offers both creative flexibility and rugged performance, the Panasonic S1 undoubtedly remains a fantastic option.

------------------------------------------------------------------

Gear Links: 

Cameras:

Lenses:

Essentials:

—------------------------------------------------------------------

[LukeTaylorPhotography]

I bought the s1 in the spring for $800 USD and I primarily use it as a stills camera. I have no brand loyalty and I typically shoot with Olympus, Ricoh, and Sony. In my opinion, the S1 is the best value full frame available on the market, especially for stills shooters. It has the best out of camera colors I've ever seen. People dislike it because of the video autofocus, but the autofocus is very quick for still. I typically shoot mine with adapted m-mount lenses, but the stills autofocus on my sigma lenses is fantastic.

It is big and it is heavy, but if size and weight aren't big issues for you, I'd encourage you to try one. Build quality is excellent. The body is spacious and allows for a lot of customization. The viewfinder is beautiful and high res.

I hope Lumix releases and s1 ii, so the price of the s1 will fall even lower... I might buy another one... lol.

[ShellyBHollis]

I picked up the S1 a month after it was released, I had nothing but good experiences with the camera. I'm 100% in on L mount.

[aiseurnae]

I have used the S5, S1 and S5II. The S1 has the best video quality. The 5, 9K and 6K Open Gate are better than on the S5II. When using V-Log they are close, but the S1 has slightly more details (true details, not sharpening), more micro-contrast and less digital sharpening. With the other profiles, they are not even close, especially in 4K where the S5II has very low details (some details are too much accentuated and some are not at all) and much more digital sharpening. Almost like the picture was upscaled from a lower resolution. I don't know what Panasonic has done at the hardware or software level with the S5II, but the magic is gone for me.

[xaviergut]

It is a great camera. Some people did not like it because of the size and weight, but the last two pro cameras of Nikon, the Z9 and Z8, are even bigger than the S1/S1R/S1H, and I don't see Nikon users complaining about it.

[IanMattocks]

I have an S1 and love it I use the 20-60mm L mount lens most of the time, also EF and vintage lenses as there are a great deal of adapters for this camera.

[-arcane-]

My thoughts on this: If you are switching to another system you should look at the lenses first. What type of lens(es) would you like to use. Does the L-mount offer these lenses? If yes, then the S1 will be a good pick, if not, perhaps you should look at other brands. Every brand has great cameras, but with some brands you are more limited in the lens line up.

[jayforcinema]

I use the Lumix S1, with the 24-105, 50 1.8 and 85 1.8 native lenses. It's a heavy beast of a camera, weighing more than my GH5 and 12-35 combined. If the weight isn't a bother for you, it is a joy to use. I have it with a cage, and it is absolutely lovely. The low light and IBIS are just incredible, coming from MFT. Stills are gorgeous, though you have to decide whether a non-flippy screen is worth it to you. And it takes a CFExpress card (I use the Angelbird SE 512 GB), which I much prefer over SD cards for robustness and space. The V-Log is at par with any of the Lumix S long GOP camera footages.

The only two 'downsides' are that the camera and the lenses all weigh a ton, and you might find yourself not taking it out as much because it's a hassle to carry around, and you won't find the AF any better than the AF in G9 (to its credit it's just as good too). If you're debating between S1 and S5, have a look at Luca Bono's comparison, it was one of the nicest comparisons I could find (Josh Cameron had done a decent one too, I think). Unless you need AF while running between crowds of people or people who are addicted to running around the camera in and out of frame, the AF is more than sufficient. Definitely hyper capable and persistent for photography work. As someone who has used so many Panasonic systems, you'll feel at home I'm sure. As for me, I absolutely adore the Lumix S1 and plan to get two more next year, if my plans for a photography side-business materialise. It's a tank and shoots like it.

[stevewalkden]

I've had the S1 for since 2020 and the best things going for it is how similar your 'muscle memory' of where all the dials and buttons are when using it, especially as you have the G9. Yes it's a beast with the weight comparison to the S5 system (which I also have) but each time I want to do any stills I prefer to use the S1. The firmware updates that Panasonic have done over the last three years have all been solid and added more confidence in the system for me. I also did the V-Log upgrade for it about a year ago and that was also worth the investment.

[aaronbrando]

I moved down from the s1 to the s5 because of the weight, especially with the 24-105mm. Not the size, just the weight. Its an amazing camera/ lens combo, the viewfinder will spoil you to the point that you'll hate every other camera. For pro work it's properly worth using one xqd card and using the SD for backup but personally, I never had an SD card fail on me. *knock on wood* If you will be rough with the camera s1 is the better choice, much better build than the s5. Its all about the weight, if you are used to light m43 setups you might hate such a heavy and hefty camera, even with a light prime. Still miss the s1 on some days, vintage lenses with the viewfinder are chefs kiss. With the paid update you get 6k open gate, which is something to consider. Only using it for photography might be a bit of a waste making the s5 the better choice. You will shot videos on either camera you pick up at some point. I would rent it for a weekend if possible :)

[AnthonyEarle-ng]

Love my S1! Bang for buck you simply can't beat it. I considered Nikon, Canon and Sony full frame mirror-less but they all felt like plastic toys for those with girly hands. The S1 is a tank and built to last. I have no issues with the autofocus at all as I only do still photography. Video and action/sport photography don't interest me at all. I also prefer the tilt screen over the flippy screen of the S5 and the EVF of the S1 is simply the BEST.

[jamomorrissey]

I use the S1, S5II and GH5 II and they all compliment each other really well. I get the best of FF and M43.

[tommym]

I don't know what they are going for in the Australian market, but if you are going to invest in a FF Panasonic, you might as well pay a bit more and get a lovingly used S1R to take full advantage of the larger sensor by going to 47.3MP. It would basically be a FF version of your G9 with more than twice the resolution. In the US, a used S1R body is typically $200-300 more expensive than a standard S1.

[frontstandard]

Bought a mint S1 and with 750 frames taken, boxed with all accessories, for £750 just before Xmas. I got the Sigma 40mm 1.4 L mount for it for £600 new, with the 28mm on the way. For that money this is one hell of a camera. I’ve been using medium format film last 7 years so this camera is a marvel for me. Heavy combo but I’m used to that and image quality is my primary concern anyway. The camera is incredibly well built and functional. I saw a tear down of the S1r body and it’s so overbuilt it’s a marvel to me.

[Mechrank]

You won’t go wrong with it. Since you’re already loving it’s value. 👍

[starnutron]

In India couple of months ago I bought brand new Lumix S1 for around 1500 usd with free V-log upgrade key. Camera is very good except autofocus in video mode

[jonsil]

For the stills, the colours that come straight from the camera are just INCREDIBLE. All I do is adjust temperature. Nothing else. The colours are accurate, pleasing and very detailed. Got mind for AUD1300. A bargain.

[Ben-cxde]

If you wear glasses then S1 is excellent due to the large, high resolution EVF. The S5 is substandard in this regard (as is the s5II).

[jesseyules]

The S1 is a great 10 bit 4:2:2, 4K camera. It’s certainly all you need for most photography and YouTube video work. If you’re shooting weddings, you’ll want a newer model with phase detect. If you’re using crazy LUTs for colour grading, or shooting a run and gun documentary where you’re messing up exposure, you might want an internal RAW camera like the BlackMagic series.

[PaulMGleeson]

I am also looking to get one, I gather the mk2 firmware improved the camera no end from the camera that was originally reviewed. I want to get into L Mount and acquire some L Mount glass. I am playing a hopeful long game. I love Foveon sensors and a hoping (BIG IF) when the full frame Foveon sensor arrives, Sigma will put it in an L Mount body. I should live so long!

[martysgarden]

Always enjoy seeing another Aussie on YouTube, not enough of us here. Using a ZVI and Sony RX10IV for my work mostly at the moment. I have a full kit of pro lenses for micro four thirds and possibly heading in that direction.