While the 4K full frame camera market is seemingly about to burst, Panasonic made it that much more interesting last week with their unveiling of the LUMIX S1 and the LUMIX S1R (read our full write-up here).

However, not all the details were released with the first official unveiling. The most important aspects for film and video professionals have now come a week later with the full specs and details in to both cameras 4K video recording capabilities.

LUMIX S1 and S1R 4K Video

The big headline for the S1 and S1R release (like the majority of the cameras in its competition) was the 4K video recording at 60fps. However, as we’ve seen in many different cameras in the past, 4K video can mean a lot of different things.

For both the LUMIX S1 and the S1R the top-end 4K at 60fps video recording is going to be 8-bit 4:2:0 Long-GOP at 150Mbps (UHD 3840x2160). Both cameras will also record up to 180fps in NTSC.

Crop Factors

Panasonic is marketing its LUMIX S1 as its more video-friendly option (even at the lower price rate). Similar to how Nikon’s Z6 being the more video oriented option over the more expensive Z7. With the LUMIX S1’s 24 megapixel sensor it includes full-pixel readout in 4K.

However, the S1 will indeed have a crop factor of about 1.5x (similar to APS-C) when shooting 60fps. It should record full sensor 4K at 24, 25 and 30 fps though.

Paid Software Updates

One bit of news which is perhaps the most interesting (if not, alarming), is the news that the LUMIX S1 will require a “paid software update” to maximize its video recording potential.

Eventually (reported sometime this year) the S1 will offer 4K 30p 10-bit 4:2:2 Long-GOP internal recording and 4K 60p (10-bit 4:2:2 Long-GOP) via HDMI and V-log options.

However these will be paid software upgrades which will cost extra after your purchase. No word yet on what that price may be.

lumixs1S1RCamera Specspanasonic
Cinematography & Cameras