Panasonic presents Lumix S1R and S1 full-frame camera with L-mount
Panasonic has presented two full-frame cameras in the new Lumix S-series. It is the S1R with a sensor resolution of 47 megapixels and the cheaper S1 with a resolution of 24 megapixels. Many specifications are still unknown.
Apart from the resolution, the Panasonic SR1 and the S1 have many specifications. Both cameras use a new Venus image processor and have a 4k60fps movie function. Just as with the existing Panasonic G9, the depth-from-defocus autofocus system is used in combination with contrast autofocus and a form of artificial intelligence to improve autofocus. Both cameras would also enable high shutter speeds and flash synchronization speeds, but Panasonic does not give any concrete details on this.
The cameras have a stabilized sensor, although it is not clear how many axles there is stabilization. This involves cooperating with any optical stabilization in a used lens. Panasonic states that the electric viewfinder of the Lumix S-cameras has a high precision and comes close to the vision of the human eye, as is the case with a viewfinder of an SLR camera. However, the manufacturer does not mention a resolution, refresh rate or magnification factor.
Both new full-frame cameras have a dual card slot, one of which is suitable for SD cards and the other for xqd cards. The LCD on the back can be rotated over three axes and probably not fully fold out and turn forward, as is the case for example with the G9 or the GH5. The cameras are also sealed against moisture and dust and resistant to low temperatures.
Panasonic says that at the beginning of 2019, when the SR1 and S1 are released, three lenses will be introduced. First of all, this is a 24-105 mm standard zoom, supplemented by a 50 mm lens with a f / 1.4 aperture and a telephoto zoom lens with a range of 70-200 mm. Panasonic does not yet name the aperture of the zoom lenses. The company eventually comes up with at least seven other lenses within a year of the release of the cameras; they have to be released before 2020.
Panasonic says that Sigma will also make high-end lenses for the SR1 and S1, although no further details were mentioned. Meanwhile the collaboration between Panasonic, Leica and Sigma for the L-mount has been officially announced. Furthermore, the existing Leica lenses for the L-mount can be used on the new Panasonic cameras.
Panasonic also ensures that the micro four-thirds system will continue to exist alongside the new full-frame camera system and will be further developed. Leica, for example, still employs a DG Vario-Summilux 10-25 mm lens with a constant aperture of f / 1.7.
Specific release dates are still unknown, even though during the press presentation it was reported that the three aforementioned lenses come out somewhere in early 2019, which basically means that the cameras come onto the market at the same time. Panasonic has not yet published any prizes.