Panasonic LUMIX S1IIE Camera Announced – the “Essential” Version of the S1II

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by Omri Keren LapidotMay 13^th, 2025

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Panasonic announces a new hybrid camera, the LUMIX S1IIE. Moving forward with their lineup rehaul, Panasonic addresses the 24-megapixel segment with the S1II and S1IIE duo, shortly after announcing the impressive S1RII, aiming at an emerging hybrid standard. The “E” stands for “Essential”, as this camera is a lower-tier version of the S1II, equipped with an older sensor. This article will dive into the essential “e” version.

While a new generation of high-resolution hybrid cameras brings both high-res stills and 8K motion capture to the market, none will deny the importance and advantages of the 24-megapixel hybrid cameras, the absolute workhorses of most hybrid creation. With that in mind, Panasonic set out to update their first generation of full-framers, bringing a slew of contemporary, video-centric upgrades into the mix.

What is the S1IIE

The LUMIX S1IIE essentially (pun intended) sits between the S5II and the S1II. The sensor is the main differentiator between the S1II and the S1IIE, with the latter lacking the “partially stacked sensor” (as the company describes it) used in the former. This will limit the camera’s recording formats and will allow for 60/48P recording in either S35 or 2.4:1 crop from the full width of the sensor. It will also affect burst shooting, which will “only” go as far as 30 fps, compared to the S1II’s 70 fps. The older sensor technology will probably also affect read speed, but we will have to take the time to examine the cameras in our lab to assess the real-world effect. From a market perspective, the S1II-S1IIE duo covers the sweet spot of mid-tier full-frame cameras. This segment includes the Sony a7IV, Canon EOS R6 Mark II, Nikon Z6 III, etc. 

While bearing the ‘e’ monicker, the S1IIE is far from basic. A tried and true 24 megapixel sensor will provide users with enough resolution, dynamic range, and noise performance. Panasonic’s excellent synchronized stabilization system and a new generation of phase-detect autofocus sensors are also onboard, along with some additional impressive capabilities:

• 5.8K internal ProRes RAW recording
• 6K 30P at 4:2:0, 10-bit open gate recording
• proxy recording
• V-Log, V-Gamut, Cinelike A2
• 2.4:1 open gate Cinemascope options for both S35 and FF optics at up to 60P / 48P
• LUMIX Lab / LUMIX Flow app support
• 32-bit float audio recording (with the optional mixer unit)
• High-end monitoring tools
• Tiltable, fully articulated rear screen and 5.76 million dot EVF
• Active cooling
• Weather-sealed Alloy body, the same as the S1II

Body and design

The new Panasonic LUMIX S1IIE gets the exact same chassis as its “non-E” sibling, which seems quite similar to the S1RII as well. This is great news. The body is about 20% lighter and smaller than the original LUMIX S1 body (which was one of the largest FF mirrorless cameras around). This makes it comparable to most of its direct competitors, but with some significant tricks up its sleeves.

As we’ve come to expect from Panasonic, the LUMIX S1IIE is thoughtfully designed and honed for motion capture and filmmaking. An integrated active cooling fan, front and rear tally lamps, tiltable, fully articulated screen (first seen on the LUMIX S1H), and dedicated buttons make it a tool for filmmakers and cinematographers. These are complemented by what is probably the most advanced monitoring tool kit in any hybrid camera, CFExpress B + SD card slots, and more.

Do you really need more?

The differences between the S1II and the S1IIE beg the question: Do you really need the pricier camera? While I’m sure some filmmakers will prefer the faster-reading sensor, better slow-motion performance, and deeper aspect ratio capabilities (I myself really like these options), I suspect many of us will find the “E” has whatever we need. Most mainstream, narrative, documentary, and day-to-day necessities are well-covered, but if you must have the added features, speed, and various aspect ratios, the S1II will be the better choice at a slightly higher price tag. We probably could also use the spare funds to invest in a nice DMW-XLR2 XLR unit or a nice S 24-60mm f/2.8 lens to complement the body.

But wait, there’s more!

Alongside the launch, Panasonic also announced a future firmware update that will include ARRI LogC3, multiple frame markers, and Bluetooth connectivity to DJI gimbals. There’s no specific due date, but Panasonic says it’s “Coming Soon”, and you can read about it here. The update will also include the S1RII and the S1II. 

Price and availability

The Panasonic LUMIX S1IIE pre-orders will start on June 16th. The body will cost $2,497.99. This price tag puts the LUMIX S1IIE at the higher end of its segment, pricier than the likes of the Nikon Z6III, Canon EOS R6 Mark II, and the same as the Sony a7VI, but it offers some significant advantages, especially regarding motion capture. At this point, Panasonic hasn’t disclosed kit options, but we’ll let you know when we have the details.

Will this “Essential” version cover what you need? Or will you opt for the higher-end S1II or even the S1RII? Let us know in the comments.