The vast majority of our reviews come from verified purchases. Reviews from customers may include My Best Buy members, employees, and Tech Insider Network members (as tagged). Select reviewers may receive discounted products, promotional considerations or entries into drawings for honest, helpful reviews.
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Pros mentioned:
Autofocus performance, Image resolution
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
A Photo Centric Camera with Promising Capabilities
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Posted . Owned for 3 weeks when reviewed.
This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
As a long-time Panasonic user, I was eager to get my hands on the new S1Rii, and it hasn't disappointed. Right out of the box, the improvements over the original S1R are noticeable. The autofocus is significantly more accurate and responsive, making capturing those fleeting moments at events or nailing focus in the studio an absolute breeze. This alone is a game-changer.
What truly surprised me is how much more fun this camera is to use. The smaller size and lighter weight make a tangible difference during longer shoots. My shoulders and back certainly appreciate it after a full day covering an event! It's also much more convenient to carry around.
While the highly anticipated 8K Open Gate and external RAW video features are still on the horizon (slated for release later this year), the S1Rii already boasts excellent upgrades to its available codecs and resolutions. The image quality is stunning, and the flexibility in post-production is fantastic.
Panasonic markets this as a hybrid camera, and it certainly has the potential to be a strong contender in that space. However, in its current state, I still find it more beneficial to professional photographers. The incredible detail, robust build quality, and significantly improved autofocus cater directly to our needs. While serious videographers will appreciate the advancements, it currently lacks some of the dedicated film-centric features found in the S1H, such as an Optical Low-Pass Filter (OLPF) and the exceptionally well-managed thermal performance for very long recording sessions.
That being said, the S1Rii does offer some compelling advantages for video users, including False Color monitoring, a welcome addition for exposure control. The much less cropped 4K 60p codec is a significant improvement, providing a wider field of view. Furthermore, the advanced cropless Image Stabilization is remarkably effective, delivering smooth handheld footage.
Overall, if you're a serious photographer who occasionally dabbles in video, or a hybrid shooter looking for a highly capable camera that leans slightly towards photography, the Panasonic S1Rii is an absolute beast. For under $4,000, it offers a compelling blend of exceptional image quality, vastly improved performance, and promising video features that could evolve even further with future firmware updates. While dedicated cine cameras like the S1H still hold their ground for hardcore filmmakers, the S1Rii strikes an impressive balance and is a joy to work with.
I would recommend this to a friend
Brand response from Panasonic Team
Posted .
Hi there! We're truly grateful for your 5-star review! We’re delighted to hear that the S1RII has exceeded your expectations, especially in terms of autofocus and ease of use during long shoots. It’s great to know the camera’s improved performance and lighter weight have made a real difference for you in both photography and video. We truly appreciate your feedback on how the camera fits into your workflow as a professional photographer. It’s always our goal to create a tool that supports your creativity, whether you’re capturing stunning stills or experimenting with video. We are looking forward to making your experience even better in the future! - S
Pros mentioned:
Autofocus performance, Image resolution
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
Great upgrade
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Posted .
This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
Pretty great over all autofocus definitely better than my s5iix and skin colors are truly better
Also you can see the difference in those extra 20 megapixels or so.
I would recommend this to a friend
Brand response from Panasonic Team
Posted .
Hi Irvin! It's fantastic to receive your 5-star review. We’re thrilled to hear you’re enjoying the improved autofocus and skin tones! That extra resolution really does make a difference when you need it, and we’re glad it's delivering for you. We put a lot of care into refining the experience, so hearing this means a lot. - S
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
Waited so long for this camera.
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Posted .
This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
Great Camera. Had some issues with temp warnings, and if you are a “fast photographer” (sports, auto/racing, etc), Id skip for the S1II or another stacked sensor option.
I would recommend this to a friend
Brand response from Panasonic Team
Posted .
Hi there! Thank you so much for the 5-star rating and for patiently waiting to get your hands on the camera, we're thrilled to hear it's living up to expectations! We truly appreciate your thoughtful feedback regarding performance for high-speed photography. Every bit of insight from experienced users like you helps us continue pushing the boundaries of what our gear can do. Here's to many more amazing captures ahead! - F
Pros mentioned:
Autofocus performance, Image resolution
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
I have no regrets about this purchase
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Posted .
This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
The quality for both photos and videos is incredible!! The autofocus has come a long way as well, I’m definitely not scared of taking this camera with me to any type of event.
I would recommend this to a friend
Brand response from Panasonic Team
Posted .
Hello Esmeldy! Thank you for your wonderful feedback and 5-star rating! We're thrilled to hear the photo and video quality are exceeding your expectations, and that the autofocus gives you confidence to capture every event. Enjoy making amazing memories with your camera! - F
Customer reviews from Panasonic
User rating, 4.3 out of 5 stars with 6 reviews on Panasonic.