Panasonic Lumix DC-S1 Review
In this comprehensive Panasonic Lumix DC-S1 review, we will cover the most important aspects of company's newest Compact System Camera, including key features, body and handling, performance and image quality. You can also find the additional questions and answers concerning some particular features of the S1.
The Panasonic Lumix DC-S1 is a camera designed for enthusiast photographers that was revealed to the public on 04/01/2019 and is equipped with an 35mm sensor. When it comes to the price(buy Panasonic Lumix DC-S1 from Amazon), the Panasonic Lumix DC-S1 costs $2,498.00 for body-only and joins company’s 35mm camera line up with a 24.2MP CMOS sensor.
The combination of 24.2-MP sensor and latest image processing engine in a compact and affordable body is bound to be a tempting prospect for both new and existing users. Before going into the details of the Panasonic Lumix DC-S1 view, let's take a quick look at a summary of the features list. Then we can look deeper to the main features such as build quality, handling, ergonomics, performance and image quality.
| Introduction and Key Features | Body and Handling | Performance and Image Quality | Conclusions | Questions and Answers (FAQ) |
Panasonic Lumix DC-S1 - Key Features
Let's take a look at the features of this Compact System Camera at a glance before going into the Panasonic Lumix DC-S1 review. In this way, you get a preliminary idea. Check it out!
Sensor
24.2-megapixel 35mm CMOS
ISO
Auto, 100-51200, expandable to 50-204800
AF System
Contrast Detection with DFD and AI subject recognition: Auto Detection (Face, Eye, Body, Animal) / Tracking / 225-Area / Zone (Vertical/Horizontal) / Zone (Square) / Zone (Oval) / 1-Area+ / 1-Area / Pinpoint / Custom 1, 2, 3 (Full area touch is available) (Scalable AF frame size and flexible AF position)
Video
4K UHD up to 3840x2160 (60p/30p/24p)
Shutter speed
1/8000 - 60 sec
Continuous Shooting Speed
9.0 frames per second
Connectivity
Wi-Fi
Bluetooth
Dimensions
5.9 x 4.3 x 3.8 in. (149 x 110 x 97 mm)
Weight
36.0 oz (1,021 g) includes batteries
Continue reading... Panasonic Lumix DC-S1 Full Specifications
Panasonic Lumix DC-S1 - Body and Handling
Compared with the predecessors, The Panasonic Lumix DC-S1 has a deeper grip, as well as an improved texture. You can certainly notice the larger area for your hand between the lens and grip, and this makes the camera more comfortable to hold. The dimensions of the S1 are 5.9 x 4.3 x 3.8 in. (149 x 110 x 97 mm) and the camera weighs 36.0 oz (1,021 g) includes batteries for body-only.
Panasonic Lumix DC-S1 - Viewfinder
The S1 has a EVF / LCD viewfinder. The viewfinder has 0.78x magnification, which is a 35mm equivalent of 0.78x magnification. The 3.2-inch 2,100,000 dots (525,000 px) LCD screen feels solid and looks good with good colour and clear text. The LCD has an articulating screen which is useful for shooting at awkward angles, as well as being useful for video work. The touch-screen is very responsive, making it quick and easy to change settings and you can use it to scroll through the menus and change settings.
Panasonic Lumix DC-S1 - Battery
The camera uses the Proprietary 7.4V, 3050mAh battery. It is backward compatible and offers 360 shots per charge according to CIPA ratings. As usual with CIPA ratings, you may get many more than this with better use of LCD and OVF combination.
Panasonic Lumix DC-S1 - Memory Card Slot
By default, the Panasonic Lumix DC-S1 doesn't come with a memory card. Some retailers put together bundles that do include one, but chances are that you'll need to pick up an SD card separately.
Panasonic Lumix DC-S1 supports dual card slots. You can use XQD / SD / SDHC / SDXC type memory cards. The technical difference between those two specifications are in the filesystem they're formatted with, but the practical difference is that cards 32GB and smaller will be labeled SDHC and cards 64GB and larger will be labeled SDXC.
Panasonic Lumix DC-S1 - Connectivity
On the side, you'll find USB-C, HDMI (Type A), 3.5mm microphone jack, 3.5mm headphone jack, 2.5mm remote jack. The camera can output clean HDMI, in case you want to record video to an external recorder. For sending captured images the camera offers Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. When it comes to GPS we have to say the camera has built-in support.
Panasonic Lumix DC-S1 - Performance and Image Quality
Panasonic Lumix DC-S1 - AF System
The AF system of the Panasonic Lumix DC-S1 is Contrast Detection with DFD and AI subject recognition: Auto Detection (Face, Eye, Body, Animal) / Tracking / 225-Area / Zone (Vertical/Horizontal) / Zone (Square) / Zone (Oval) / 1-Area+ / 1-Area / Pinpoint / Custom 1, 2, 3 (Full area touch is available) (Scalable AF frame size and flexible AF position). This is ideal for working with long lenses and teleconverters. The low-light working range of the autofocus system is rated for +/- 5.0EV in 0.3EV steps.
Autofocus system of the S1 includes metering modes like 1,728-zone Multiple, Center Weighted, Spot, Highlight Weighted.
Panasonic Lumix DC-S1 - ISO Sensitivity
Native ISO sensitivity range of Panasonic Lumix DC-S1 starts from 100 to 51200. The camera’s full ISO rates are as follows Auto, 100-51200, expandable to 50-204800.
Panasonic Lumix DC-S1 - Video Features
The Panasonic Lumix DC-S1 can record 4K UHD video at up to 3840x2160 (60p/30p/24p). However, since it’s captured from a 3840 x 2160 pixel area at the centre of the sensor, it a provides a detailed footage. The camera is also capable of Full HD video (1920 x 1080) capture at up to 60 fps. The S1 can create movies right in the camera.
Panasonic Lumix DC-S1 - Conclusions
The Panasonic Lumix DC-S1 is a great all round performer, which is well-suited to a range of photography subjects that the average enthusiast is likely to tackle. The camera is also smaller and lighter, arguably making it a better option for traveling.
If you regularly shoot in low light environments or high ISO speeds, and want to be able to record 4K UHD video, then the Panasonic Lumix DC-S1 will be a great choice.
Overall, the Panasonic Lumix DC-S1 is a great all-round enthusiast camera for those looking for their next step up Mirrorless with excellent image quality, and reliable performance.
What is the sensor technology found in the S1?
The camera comes with an 35mm image sensor and is a CMOS (Complementary Metal–Oxide–Semiconductor).
What is the native ISO sensitivity range of the S1?
The camera has a native ISO sensitivity from 100 to 51200.
What is the fastest shutter speed that can be used with flash?
The S1's flash sync speed is 1/250? (up to 1/320 at reduced power with DMW-FL580L).
What is the buffer size for RAW and JPEG shooting?
Buffer size for RAW is approximately 90, while the JPEG shooting is 999.
What battery does Panasonic Lumix DC-S1 use?
The camera uses the Proprietary 7.4V, 3050mAh, which is a Lithium-ion rechargeable.
What is the battery life of Panasonic Lumix DC-S1?
Shoot all day and well into the night with up to approximately 360 shots per charge (CIPA standard).
Notes About Panasonic Lumix DC-S1 Review
Specific assessments of the cameras should be instructive in revealing the technical characteristics of the cameras. For example, in practice, the Panasonic Lumix DC-S1 review should convey various details about usage, response, and overall viewing quality to the user. User comments, such as those found on Amazon, can sometimes give information about these issues, but such feedback is often incomplete, inconsistent, and biased.
As users, you should pay attention to the reviews made by experts. That's why we find it important to include the correct and expert opinions on the Panasonic Lumix DC-S1 review.