If you look at the cameras being used by professional YouTubers and indie filmmakers in 2026, you will see a lot of Panasonic gear. Why? Because Panasonic has always treated video as a top priority. The brand-new Panasonic Lumix S1 II is the latest example of this video-first mindset. It isn’t just a camera that happens to take video; it is a cinema powerhouse that fits in your hand.
In this Panasonic S1 II review, we are going to explore why this machine has become the favorite tool for creators who need high-quality footage without the massive price tag of a Hollywood movie camera. With a new partially stacked sensor and the best stabilization in the business, the S1 II is ready to change the way you tell stories.
The Secret of the Partially Stacked Sensor
The most important upgrade in the Panasonic Lumix S1 II is its 24.1-megapixel partially stacked sensor. This is a very big deal for video. In older cameras, the sensor was slow at reading the image, which caused rolling shutter. This is that wobbly, jello effect you see when you move the camera quickly from side to side.
Because the S1 II sensor is so much faster, that wobbly effect is almost completely gone. This makes the camera perfect for:
- Action Sports: Tracking a fast-moving car or a skateboarder looks smooth and natural.
- Handheld Shooting: You can pan across a landscape without the trees looking like they are leaning over.
- High Frame Rates: The fast readout allows for amazing slow-motion options that were once very expensive.
6K Open Gate: The Ultimate Creative Freedom
One feature that makes the Panasonic Lumix S1 II unique is Open Gate recording. Most cameras only record in a 16:9 widescreen shape. But the S1 II can record using the entire 3:2 height of the sensor in 6K resolution.
This is a lifesaver for modern creators. Imagine you are filming a travel video. With Open Gate, you can record one clip and then crop it into a widescreen video for YouTube and a vertical video for TikTok or Instagram Reels. You don’t have to film everything twice! It gives you the highest quality possible for every platform from just one shot.
Autofocus You Can Finally Trust
For a long time, Panasonic cameras used a focusing system that would sometimes pulse or hunt for focus during video. Those days are over. The Panasonic Lumix S1 II features Phase Hybrid Autofocus with advanced AI.
This system has been trained to recognize more than just eyes and faces. It can now track:
- Urban Sports: It recognizes people doing parkour or skateboarding and stays locked on.
- Animals and Birds: Great for nature documentaries where the subject moves unpredictably.
- Vehicles: It can lock onto motorcycles, cars, and even trains.
- Human Bodies: If a person turns their back to you, the camera is smart enough to keep focusing on their head or torso until they turn around again.
Best in Class Image Stabilization
If there is one thing Panasonic is famous for, it is In-Body Image Stabilization (IBIS). The Panasonic Lumix S1 II takes this to a new level with 8.0 stops of stabilization. It also features Active I.S., which is specifically designed for people who want to film while walking.
In our tests, the stabilization is so good that you can often leave your heavy gimbal at home. If you use the Boost I.S. mode, you can even take stationary shots that look like the camera was on a tripod, even though you were just holding it in your hands. This is a huge advantage for run-and-gun filmmakers who need to move quickly.
Professional Codecs and ProRes Internal
In 2026, serious filmmakers want clean files that they can color grade. The Panasonic Lumix S1 II delivers this by offering Apple ProRes recording directly to the internal memory card or an external SSD.
ProRes files are thick with information, meaning you can change the colors, highlights, and shadows in your editing software without the image falling apart. It also supports V-Log, which gives you over 13 stops of dynamic range. This ensures that you can see detail in the brightest clouds and the darkest shadows at the same time.
Video Specs Checklist:
- Resolution: Up to 6K/30p Open Gate and 5.1K/60p.
- Slow Motion: 4K at 120fps for beautiful, crisp slow-motion shots.
- Cooling: Built-in fan and vents for unlimited recording time without overheating.
- Audio: Supports 4-channel audio and high-quality XLR microphones with an adapter.
- Storage: One CFexpress Type B slot and one SD slot, plus USB-SSD recording.
Built for the Long Haul
The Panasonic Lumix S1 II is built like a tank. It is larger than some other mirrorless cameras, but that size is used for a good reason. It features an active cooling fan that keeps the camera cool even when you are filming in the hot sun. This means you never have to worry about an overheating warning stopping your work.
It also has a full-size HDMI port, which is much more durable than the micro HDMI ports found on smaller cameras. The screen is a free-angle design that can tilt and rotate, making it easy to see what you are doing even when you have cables plugged into the side of the camera.
Common Video Questions Answered
Can I record directly to an SSD?
Yes! You can plug a portable SSD into the USB-C port and record high-quality video directly to it.26 This is often much cheaper than buying expensive CFexpress memory cards.
Does it have a recording limit?
No. Thanks to the internal fan, the S1 II can record video until your battery runs out or your memory card is full. It is designed for long interviews and live events.
Is it good for taking photos too?
Absolutely. While it is a video powerhouse, it can still take 24.1MP photos at up to 70 frames per second using the electronic shutter.27 It is a true hybrid.
What is the Real Time LUT feature?
This allows you to load your favorite color look (a LUT) into the camera.28 You can then see exactly how your final video will look while you are filming, or even bake the color into the video file to save time in editing.
Conclusion
The Panasonic Lumix S1 II is a remarkable tool for anyone who takes video seriously in 2026. It combines professional-grade features like ProRes RAW, 6K Open Gate, and unlimited recording with a user-friendly design and incredible stabilization.
While it is a bit heavier than some of its rivals, the peace of mind you get from the cooling system and the rock-solid autofocus makes it worth every ounce. If you are a creator who wants to spend more time filming and less time worrying about your gear, the S1 II is the camera you have been waiting for.
