4 1/2 month review of the Lumix S1ii for video production

After four and a half months of daily professional use, Dorn To Film calls the Panasonic Lumix S1 II “the best mirrorless camera I’ve ever used.” It bridges the gap between hybrid and cinema cameras, offering image quality, ergonomics, and workflow tools that make it feel almost cinematic.

He highlights the new flip-tilt screen, higher-quality LCD, more custom modes, and dramatically improved autofocus and IBIS over the previous Lumix S5 II series. The faster readout speeds make handheld anamorphic shooting smoother, while color fidelity and tonality are noticeably better — “more life, less digital.”

He praises the low-light performance (dual ISO 5000) as competitive with Sony’s FX3 and A7S III, but with richer color retention at high ISO. Open-Gate 60 fps recording, internal ProRes RAW, false color, and CFexpress support round out a spec sheet that rivals cinema bodies. He also loves the ergonomics and value for money — “no other brand packs this much in for $3,200.”

The few downsides? No optical low-pass filter, no dedicated time-code port, no 32-bit float internal audio, and some overheating in hot sunlight unless you manage thermals carefully. Still, he believes firmware updates will fix it soon.

His conclusion: If you’re a working filmmaker shooting weddings, corporate, or commercial projects, the Lumix S1 II is one of the best A-cams on the market — cinematic image, strong low-light, and hybrid flexibility in a single body.