@photonewspn | photographynews.co.uk
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Specifications
Fast zoom is a compact star
Panasonic has been busy because, as well as the S1 II, there’s a lower-spec S1 II E camera that’s similar but utilises the older, more conventional 24-megapixel sensor from the S5. There’s also the Lumix S 24-60mm f/2.8 standard zoom lens that costs just £899. It might not have the same range as the higher-end S Pro 24-70mm f/2.8 with its 11-bladed iris, but it’s designed to be smaller, lighter and cheaper. The 24-60mm lens has 14 elements in 12 groups. But it’s an excellent performer with great bokeh and lots of detail.
When paired with most of the latest Lumix S cameras, the Hybrid Zoom can extend focal length digitally up to 187mm. A nice feature for when you need extra reach. The lens is the first Panasonic to use a dual-function focus ring that can be reassigned to control aperture or exposure compensation and reversed for a custom feel. Dust, splash and freeze resistant too, this is a very useful and well-priced optic that works brilliantly in many situations. You don’t notice the 10mm focal length deficit much at the long end anyway.
Sensor 23.8x35.8mm full-frame partially stacked CMOS, 24.1 megapixels, dual native ISO Processor Latest Venus Engine Stills formats HEIF, JPEG, Raw in 1:1, 2:1, 3:2, 4:3, 16:9, 65:24 Video formats MOV/MP4/Long GOP/ All-Intra/ProRes in 4:2:2/4:2:0 10-bit, ProRes Raw HQ. 6K in open gate 3:2 and 17:9, 5.9K 17:9 23.97/25/29.97p up to 200Mbps. Pro Res Raw/HQ 5.7K 23.97/25/29.97p up to 4.2Gbps, 4K/C4K 23.97/25/29.97/50/59.94p up to 4.2Gbps, FHD 23.97/25/29. 97/50/59.94/100/120p. H.264 All-I 4K/C4K 23.97/25/29.97/50/59.94p up to 800Mbps, FHD 23.98/25/25/29.97/50/59.94p/120/24 0fps up to 800Mbps Slow motion 4K/C4K 120fps, 300Mbps; FHD 240fps, 800Mbps External recording Apple ProRes Raw and Blackmagic Raw via HDMI Dynamic range 15 stops in V-Log Storage 1x CFexpress Type B, 1x SD/SDHC/SDXC ISO range 100-51,200. 50-204,800 extended. Dual base 100/800 Shutter Mechanical and electronic, 60secs-1/8000sec Drive modes Up to 70fps electronic, 10fps mechanical shutter Lens mount L Screen 7.6cm/3in LCD free-angle articulating touchscreen, 1.84 million dots Viewfinder OLED with 5760k dots Connectivity HDMI, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, USB-C 3.2, Lumix Lab app, RTMPS FHD streaming up to 60p Focusing 779-area hybrid phase detection AF Stabilisation Image sensor shift five-axis
Dimensions (wxhxd) 134.3x102.3x91.8mm Weight 718g body only
that cover most of the frame, and the subject recognition has been trained on everything from people and pets to cars, planes and even urban sports such as skateboarding. In real-world use, focus acquisition is snappy and tracking is reliable. While Sony and Canon might have a fraction of an edge in the fastest, most erratic action, Panasonic has closed the gap to the point where few photographers will feel limited. For portraits, street and general purpose work, the AF is fast, confident and accurate. Beyond speed and image quality, Panasonic has baked in a host of other clever touches for photographers – such as pre-burst shooting that can VIDEO READY The Lumix is great for moviemaking. Just add on an external mic and variable ND, and you’ll be able to shoot Hollywood-quality films
together beautifully in post-processing. For stills shooters, this camera delivers in almost any lighting conditions. The new phase of autofocus One of the biggest complaints about the earlier Lumix S1 bodies was their reliance on contrast-based AF, which felt hesitant next to phase detection systems from Sony, Canon and Nikon. But now that problem has finally been consigned to history. The new autofocus system, which was debuted on the S5 range, combines phase detection AF with Panasonic’s proven contrast-based algorithms – and this makes a world of difference. There are 779 selectable AF points
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