48 Hours in Austin with the Panasonic S1 II: Is It The Real Deal?
Welcome to beautiful Austin, Texas! Panasonic recently invited me out for a “secret event,” and while I had a hunch we were getting a new camera, I wasn’t prepared for exactly how much they were about to drop on us! I didn’t even have to fly for this one since I live right down the road, which is a massive win!
The Surprise Reveal: Not One, But Two Cameras!
Panasonic didn’t just announce one camera; they announced two new full-frame powerhouses and a brand new lens! First up is the 24-60mm F2.8. Now, you might be thinking, “Matt, why not a 24-70?” Well, here is the kicker: this lens is only going to cost $900 new! Seeing high-quality L-mount glass become this accessible is huge for filmmakers on a budget!
Then we have the big boy: the brand new Panasonic S1 II. It has been years since the original S1 dropped back in 2018 or 2019, and this is a massive jump forward. But wait, there is more! They also announced the S1 II E (the “E” stands for Essentials). It packs many of the same features into a body that is about $700 cheaper! If you are trying to decide which one to buy, stay tuned because I am still putting them both through their paces!
First Impressions: Autofocus and Video Features
The first thing that struck me about the S1 II was the autofocus. It feels just like the excellent phase-detect autofocus we saw on the GH7, but now it is on a full-frame sensor! It was tracking people in weird poses and even staying locked on the back of people’s heads while skating at the park! It really feels like Panasonic has finally caught up to Sony in the autofocus department!
I also have to mention Open Gate. Panasonic is still the king of open gate and anamorphic shooting! While other brands seem to ignore it, Panasonic is leaning in hard. If you want to edit videos like a pro and need that extra vertical room for social media crops, the S1 II is going to be your best friend!
Speaking of making your footage look incredible, if you are looking to level up your colors, you definitely need to check out my wedding film LUTs. They work perfectly with Panasonic’s V-Log to give you that cinematic look instantly!
Is the S1H II Even Necessary?
One thing that surprised me is that the S1 II actually has a built-in fan. This has me wondering if we even need an S1H II! This camera is already a video beast with 15 stops of dynamic range (thanks to the Dynamic Range Boost mode) and incredible low-light performance. It feels like everything I loved about the GH7 but with that full-frame goodness we all crave!
Barbecue and Good Vibes
Of course, you can’t come to Austin and not eat. I took the crew over to Terry Black’s Barbecue, and let’s just say the beef ribs were life-changing! We even made a pilgrimage to Buc-ee’s because you haven’t truly experienced Texas until you’ve seen a gas station with 60 urinals and endless beaver nuggets!
If you want to see exactly what wedding filmmaking gear I’m currently using alongside cameras like this, be sure to check out my full gear guide! I’ve also posted deep-dive reviews for both the S1 II and the S1 II E, so go watch those for the full technical breakdown!
Thanks for coming along on this 48-hour whirlwind! This camera is a serious game changer for full-frame filmmakers!