The Panasonic Lumix DC-S1H is a digital mirrorless single lens camera that delivers high-quality cinematic videos. It was released on the 27th of August 2017.
On the 25th of October 2019, the Lumix S1H became the first full-frame mirrorless camera to be approved by Netflix due to its high-end capabilities and functions.
It sports advanced and impressive video features, including 6k, 4K60, V-Log, 10-bit, and other dynamic capabilities. For stills, it features a 24.2-megapixel full-frame imaging sensor, dual ISO, 5-axis image stabilization, and a brilliant viewfinder.
General
Pros |
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5-axis image stabilization |
Impressive low-light performance |
Dual SD card slots |
Dual native ISO |
Cons |
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Heavy |
Expensive |
Doesn’t support raw video shooting |
Key Features And Extras
An Effective 24.2MP Full-Frame CMOS Sensor, Dual Native ISO And Venus Engine
The LUMIX S1H has an improved 24.2-megapixel full-frame CMOS sensor featuring dual native ISO technology, resulting in high-quality and well-detailed still images and videos at high or low sensitivity with minimal digital noise production, regardless of the lighting situation.
The Venus image processing engine helps the camera to render edge-to-edge sharp and true-to-life color-rich deliverables by suppressing color moiré. It also helps reduce the digital image noise level throughout the ISO range -100-51200 (expandable to ISO 204,800). Both work together to enhance the S1H overall speed, AF performance, and data processing capabilities.
5-Axis Sensor-Shift Image Stabilization System
The Lumix S1H features a 5-axis Dual I.S. 2 for utmost sharpness when shooting without a sturdy tripod or gimbal. This stabilization system can compensate for approx. 6.5 stops of camera shake experience during handheld shooting. This further improves the camera’s ability to capture and produce quality photos and movies with little to no image noise, even at high sensitivity.
225-area Depth From Defocus (DFD) Contrast-detection Autofocus System
The S1H has a contrast-detection autofocus system called “depth from defocus (DFD)” for improved and accurate AF performance. The DFD technology helps calculate the distance to the subject and achieve high-precision autofocus at approximately 0.08 seconds, with super-fast sensor and lens communication occurring at approximately 480 fps.
This helps the S1H to accurately detect, lock, and track a stationary or fast-moving subject, even in dim lighting environments.
V-Log, V-Gamut And HDR Mode
The Lumix S1H has V-Log/V-Gamut featuring a wider 14+ stops of dynamic range for accurate color reproduction, subtle gradations, and flexible color control in the post-processing phase.
High Dynamic Range (HDR) is also available. This processes and improves the contrast between the brighter and darker parts of an image and ensures the colors appear true and natural, just as the human eye will see them.
Body Build, Design, And Handling
The camera is durable and rugged. It has a magnesium alloy full die-cast frame. All the dials and buttons are weather-sealed, and the model’s overall system is dust and splash-resistant and designed for use in harsh temperatures as low as -10°C.
The S1H weighs approximately 1164g (including SD and battery). However, it is portable and feels comfortable on the hands. The grip feels natural when holding.
All the buttons are illuminated to enhance shooting in low light. All important controls are grouped within the thumb’s reach for quick access and operation.
Further, the body is fitted with a heat dispersing fan, which allows non-stop recording at high resolutions. Next, tally lamps are integrated on the front and back of the camera to tell the subjects and users if a recording is going on or not.
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Photo Clicked by Panasonic Lumix DC-S1H
Viewfinder And Display
It has a 5.76-million-dot OLED Live View Finder with approximately 100% frame coverage. The S1H also offers a large 3.2″ 2.33m-dot touchscreen TFT LCD monitor.
In addition, the model also has a 1.8-inch 303 x 230-dot high-Resolution Status LCD, which provides optimal information (such as settings) for still and videography.
Display
Viewfinder
Image And Video Qualities
Basically, the Lumix DC S1H is a video camera. So, its video deliverables are world-class. You can shoot 10-bit 6K (5952 x 3968) movies at 24.00p in 3:2 format using the entire area of the full-frame sensor, along with 5.9K (5888 x 3312) video at 29.97p in 16:9.
Full HD 1080p and Anamorphic 4K recording are also supported at up to 119.88p and 48.00p, respectively. The video is highly impressive and almost flawless, even in low light.
The camera is also capable of rendering stunning still images. It can capture and deliver pin-point sharp photos. However, the picture quality surpasses the stills’.
Speed Performance
It can click full-resolution shots at approximately 9 frames per second with AF-S and up to 6 frames per second with AF-C for more than 60 RAW / RAW+JPEG photos and more than 999 JPEG images when using an SD card with “UHS-II UHS Speed Class 3”.
Low Light Performance
The dual ISO system gives it incredible low light capability. So, the S1H thrives in low light. It is one of the best and most high-end low-light performing mirrorless cameras you can find on the market.
Battery Performance
According to CIPA, you can click approximately 400 images (rear monitor), 380 images (LVF), and 1,150 images (Power Save LVF mode) per charge. The battery can last for about two and a half hours during movie recording.
Price: $3,497. Buy from Amazon.
Exposure
Communication
Flash
What Type Of Photography Is The Panasonic Lumix DC-S1H Suitable For?
The Panasonic Lumix DC-S1H is designed for cinematic video recording. However, it can be optimized for portrait and landscape photography.
Value For Money? Who Should Buy?
The Lumix DC-S1H is designed for professional filmmakers. So, we recommend the model if you are looking for a versatile and high-performance mirrorless video camera.