John Matthews

Yeah, it certainly seems more like a S5iiR than anything else. Getting 2 S1H cameras (used) would still be a great starter setup for shooting weddings I imagine.

If the S1R II’s moiré performance is indeed better than the SH1’s, I cannot see any reason to choose the SH1 over the S1R II- except for cost.

I'd like to know how the 120fps 4k in the A1rii holds up to the GH7. Does anyone think it's better? Any tests?

No. He was testing other modes too. Look at the bottom of the screen where it says the mode he's testing (29 seconds in) which was full-sensor readout mode, then he talks about the crop modes. That guy doesn't strike me as the "sensational YouTube guy." As of right now, he's got under 500 subs. Clearly, the S1rii does better at not producing moiré than the S1H (at those distances). I'm sure the S1rii will produce moiré at other distances, just not in this example.

Back then, capturing detailed video was the priority—and the GH4 made that possible. As a bonus, it also eliminated many of the moiré issues we were dealing with. Over time, our focus shifted to achieving high-quality, detailed video with a shallow depth of field. Later, IBIS became the next major step forward. Panasonic has been at the forefront of all these innovations. The only real drawback was autofocus in video, which eventually became the defining feature on YouTube. This killed their sales. Fast forward to today, and most cameras have nearly everything—but Panasonic still excels in IBIS, video tools, and in-camera photographic features. Their autofocus is only slightly behind, if at all (in fact, they lag in AF far less than other brands do in IBIS, video tools, and built-in photography features). Their image quality is second to none. If there’s something drastically better that justifies a significant price jump, I’d love to hear what it is. Sure, rolling shutter can be an issue. So can slow motion. But even Panasonic would probably agree—if those are your top priorities, you might need a different camera. Personally, I’d take slightly worse rolling shutter and slow motion in exchange for that flip-out, flip-up screen—especially if it means saving a lot of money compared to other cameras with that feature. The "do everything" hybrid camera is not that far off. We're an in-camera ND filter and slightly faster sensor away. I bet Panasonic is going to get there first.

For video, this is the most important feature of this high MP camera:

There's a lot of whining about Panasonic not pushing hard enough in raw specs. Yet, many of these critics go silent when firmware updates completely transform the camera's usability. Panasonic focuses on features and tools that don’t generate the same hype as 4K 120fps or internal RAW—but they offer things like false color, shutter angle, and a lower price point. It’s just a different approach.

I think it's clear: if you prefer RS performance over DR and tools, go for the Sony, Canon, or Nikon (and if you don't mind paying significantly more too). I'm sure there will be in-camera workarounds like with the S5ii (shooting in APSC). I'm betting the S1rii will get significant improvements over the next 2 years. Who knows what the final product will be by then. However, Sony, Canon, and Nikon are practically WYSIWYG. To get more features, you'll need to shell out another 3 grand or so after selling the old one.

S1rii looks like a great upgrade over the original- lots of improvements. I won't be getting it as it's too expensive for me, but I think it's going to sell rather well. Don't really care about rolling shutter as long as it's reasonable. Also, it seems that if the rolling shutter performance were much better (like with a stacked sensor), there would be a cost elsewhere.

You're probably right about that for now. Currently, that highest MP count on an L-mount camera is 61MP. If it gets to 100MP, the pixel density will equal the highest resolution M43 sensor (25MP). This would mean you could double a focal length and still have the same output of a M43 camera, effectively "reducing the size" of the lens. Also, the lens size argument really only holds true today for longer focal lengths because the shorter ones have been roughly the same size (for pro zooms). Look at the 20-60 f/3.5-5.6 kit zoom- some would say it renders a 10-30mm f/1.7-2.8 in M43. That's not bad for what it weighs and what it costs. In M43 at the wide end, it's the 15mm and 20mm f/1.7 that are hard to beat (for now), but it'll happen soon enough. I doubt FF will ever be able to have a 24 to 600mm covered in under a kg, camera included. With M43, you could get a used E-M10 iii, Panasonic 12-32mm, Olympus 45mm f/1.8, and Olympus 75-300mm- that's not far off from 1kg. FF can't do that in any system.

Yes, it will. I was talking more in terms of "flagship," whatever that means. I'm really hoping they get the M43 cameras smaller with decent features. I want a small 4k 420 10bit camera with full-sensor readout. It's 2025 and should be possible for them now.

I have to hand it to Sigma for trying new and different designs. This is probably a niche product, but the design seems like the antithesis of Panasonic design. The Sigma BF seems "industrial," more like a solid chunk of metal straight from the machine shop and forgetting that a human is going to touch it. The Panasonic is about the human hand and practical at all cost. It's great to have L-mount as no other mount has this type of variety of design. We now have classic design (Panasonic), minimalist design (Leica), and ultra-minimalist, "industrial" design (Sigma). Also, this should bode well for more pancakes which makes me happy.

From the look of it, I'm just happy that the S1rii definitely doesn't sound like a BS update where everyone will be saying "that could have been done with a firmware update." Sure, they don't release very often, but when they do, they make the most of it. Now, give us some pancakes. Objectively, the S1rii will become the "video camera" over the GH7 in the line-up. It makes me wonder where M43 is going to go after this.

Well for you, it's all about the shutter sound, right? ;-)

Obviously, a main competitor for this camera is the Sony A7r V (also at roughly the same price). I've been looking through the specs and found advantages for the Sony like: webcam capable, maybe slightly better AF, better lens selection, better card slots, and a little more resolution. If these Panasonic specs are correct, the Panasonic will have a host of things: Opengate Maybe better IBIS Dual ISO sensor (couldn't find anything with the Sony) More Pro Codecs 32-bit audio with the accessory High Resolution photo mode, in-camera AND handheld Support for anamorphic Fantastic video tools Realtime LUTs Live View Composite Already, that would be great! Am I missing something?

Yeah, could be amazing, but would it do video? I have serious doubts. Going from the Merrill series taking quite a long time to output 50 shots on one battery to a camera that can output 61MP shots anywhere in the realm of a modern camera with a Bayer sensor would be a stretch IMO. However, going back to any of the previous Foveon equipped cameras, the output was amazing and I'd love to have one.

Same here. If I were to think RS were a problem, I'd simply shoot in crop mode because it keeps up with everything in that mode. RS performance is way over-rated anyway. I've never said to myself "look at that crappy RS"! You only say that kind of thing in reviews and when you A-B test cameras.

I believe he had brain surgery a few years back. I don't remember what exactly the problem was. He's clearly fighting something. There have been others too on YouTube. It reminds me to make more efforts to eat healthily and take care of myself that much more. Life is so fragile. I send my good wishes his way.

I think what we're seeing from the S5Rii might be Panasonic moving to more broadly appealing cameras rather than the more video centric cameras. I don't think there's going to be a S1Hii because it's too niche. This camera could be "the one" though, a super-capable photo and video beast with many of the usability functions many like. I also like the S5 and S5ii/x bodies, except for not having a flip up screen. Otherwise they're great. I really just want a smaller, more-efficient flip-up and out GH6 style of screen on the back. It's not a deal-breaker though!

Count on people saying "it doesn't have internal NDs" or "only 44MP".

Yes, I have it too. Those radioactive lenses never match anything, really. It’s a one-and-done lens due to yellowing. Still, it’s really great IMO.

I'd love to see an fp Mini, an APS-C camera with IBIS and decent AF. That could be interesting, but it would be tough competition with the S9 unless it has a EVF and proper shutter. Now, I'm just dreaming. :-)

FYI: There are 18 total cameras in L-mount- 17 are Full-frame and one APS-C. There are 2 box cameras and one gimbal. It would be great to see another APS-C from anyone. Even better, I'd like to see where DJI might take the system. I suppose Sigma, Blackmagic, and DJI are just waiting to see what Panasonic and Leica are going to do in the end. The intriguing one is Sigma. I think they've said the fp and fp L were largely failures for them, but don't get the impression they're giving up.

Quick question: Has anyone used Konica lenses? Which one is your favorite? I already have quite a few, but I'm considering others. Namely the 28mm f/1.8 and the 85mm f/1.8. Maybe some other zooms?

I understand that most M43 cameras are about value. The OM-3 is not that. The pricing of the OM-3 says it. It should be cristal clear at this point. They're going after Leica wannabes, something that Olympus had done time and time again back in the days of Maitani Yoshihisa, a well-documented Leica lover.