currensheldon

It's practically an interchangeable lens Sony RX1 with 2019 specs. Quite amazing really.
Going to be huge fun for stills, not just video. I say give it a go.
Foveon has amazing film qualities and colour, but they really need to sort the low light out before I use a Foveon camera as my main one.

Ugh - B&H contacted me for my free firmware but said delivery would be mid-August. That’s a bummer.

I've written this elsewhere and on my first ever camera review, but the S1 is the most professional-feeling mirrorless camera I've ever used. In my opinion, it is perhaps the first true professional mirrorless outside of the GH5. I've used the A7s, A7rII, GH5, and EOS R. The GH5 has hung around, but the rest were all returned or sold. Yes, it's bigger than the rest, but once you put a lens on it, the difference isn't terribly noticeable than any other full-frame camera (and still feels a bit smaller/lighter than any full-frame DLSR). 
Compared to Sony, Panasonic's IBIS is superb, as is its color science and general image. The image quality is fantastic and I can't wait for the 10-bit and V-Log update - I think that will be a big step up. Image quality feels on par with the EVA-1 or C300 that are often my A-Cam already when they are all set to a Rec709 image. 
I really hope Panasonic or Sigma get some native f2 primes out for it fast, because I'm not on board with the giant f1.4 lenses most manufacturers seem to be creating now. I use pretty much Contax Zeiss lenses with it and it's a great combo. The AF with the 24-105mm is really very decent in video and I don't notice a huge difference for normal subjects (people walking, one-man interview AF) than with the EOS R. But I'm manually focusing video 98% of the time, so I don't really mind if the AF isn't great and the Sigma adapter AF isn't great. For native glass, the AF in photos mode is very fast - don't notice it to be any slower than Canon or Sony for the photos I take. 
My only gripe with it right now is the lens selection - in a few months, Canon will have a great selection of RF native glass and their adapters work flawlessly. Sony has an amazing lens lineup now and the lenses Zeiss are making for them are awesome as well. Same with Fuji - worth buying into that system solely for the lenses and compact size and I've thought about it. 
But all in all, the S1 is the most professional full-frame mirrorless camera out there. The only thing that competes on specs and usability is the GH5, but the S1 definitely seems to have a lot more detail in the image and the full V-Log coming seems like it will give it the best dynamic range in the mirrorless game. 
--
With all that said, I'd guess I'll buy the S1H when it comes out, unless there is a crop in 4K or just in general doesn't live up to the hype. But I have a feeling there are some serious goodies awaiting us (still holding out hope for an internal ND...)
 
 

I'm stoked on S1H...gonna have to review the S1 though...I know this...and I know I am probably gonna love it. It seems to create extremely rich files and love the color science. Such a shame no reliable video AF....but you can't have everything. S1 or S1H will pair perfectly with my CONTAX Zeiss lenses..

I've written this elsewhere and on my first ever camera review, but the S1 is the most professional-feeling mirrorless camera I've ever used. In my opinion, it is perhaps the first true professional mirrorless outside of the GH5. I've used the A7s, A7rII, GH5, and EOS R. The GH5 has hung around, but the rest were all returned or sold. Yes, it's bigger than the rest, but once you put a lens on it, the difference isn't terribly noticeable than any other full-frame camera (and still feels a bit smaller/lighter than any full-frame DLSR). 
Compared to Sony, Panasonic's IBIS is superb, as is its color science and general image. The image quality is fantastic and I can't wait for the 10-bit and V-Log update - I think that will be a big step up. Image quality feels on par with the EVA-1 or C300 that are often my A-Cam already when they are all set to a Rec709 image. 
I really hope Panasonic or Sigma get some native f2 primes out for it fast, because I'm not on board with the giant f1.4 lenses most manufacturers seem to be creating now. I use pretty much Contax Zeiss lenses with it and it's a great combo. The AF with the 24-105mm is really very decent in video and I don't notice a huge difference for normal subjects (people walking, one-man interview AF) than with the EOS R. But I'm manually focusing video 98% of the time, so I don't really mind if the AF isn't great and the Sigma adapter AF isn't great. For native glass, the AF in photos mode is very fast - don't notice it to be any slower than Canon or Sony for the photos I take. 
My only gripe with it right now is the lens selection - in a few months, Canon will have a great selection of RF native glass and their adapters work flawlessly. Sony has an amazing lens lineup now and the lenses Zeiss are making for them are awesome as well. Same with Fuji - worth buying into that system solely for the lenses and compact size and I've thought about it. 
But all in all, the S1 is the most professional full-frame mirrorless camera out there. The only thing that competes on specs and usability is the GH5, but the S1 definitely seems to have a lot more detail in the image and the full V-Log coming seems like it will give it the best dynamic range in the mirrorless game. 
--
With all that said, I'd guess I'll buy the S1H when it comes out, unless there is a crop in 4K or just in general doesn't live up to the hype. But I have a feeling there are some serious goodies awaiting us (still holding out hope for an internal ND...)
 
 

I've written this elsewhere and on my first ever camera review, but the S1 is the most professional-feeling mirrorless camera I've ever used. In my opinion, it is perhaps the first true professional mirrorless outside of the GH5. I've used the A7s, A7rII, GH5, and EOS R. The GH5 has hung around, but the rest were all returned or sold. Yes, it's bigger than the rest, but once you put a lens on it, the difference isn't terribly noticeable than any other full-frame camera (and still feels a bit smaller/lighter than any full-frame DLSR). 
Compared to Sony, Panasonic's IBIS is superb, as is its color science and general image. The image quality is fantastic and I can't wait for the 10-bit and V-Log update - I think that will be a big step up. Image quality feels on par with the EVA-1 or C300 that are often my A-Cam already when they are all set to a Rec709 image. 
I really hope Panasonic or Sigma get some native f2 primes out for it fast, because I'm not on board with the giant f1.4 lenses most manufacturers seem to be creating now. I use pretty much Contax Zeiss lenses with it and it's a great combo. The AF with the 24-105mm is really very decent in video and I don't notice a huge difference for normal subjects (people walking, one-man interview AF) than with the EOS R. But I'm manually focusing video 98% of the time, so I don't really mind if the AF isn't great and the Sigma adapter AF isn't great. For native glass, the AF in photos mode is very fast - don't notice it to be any slower than Canon or Sony for the photos I take. 
My only gripe with it right now is the lens selection - in a few months, Canon will have a great selection of RF native glass and their adapters work flawlessly. Sony has an amazing lens lineup now and the lenses Zeiss are making for them are awesome as well. Same with Fuji - worth buying into that system solely for the lenses and compact size and I've thought about it. 
But all in all, the S1 is the most professional full-frame mirrorless camera out there. The only thing that competes on specs and usability is the GH5, but the S1 definitely seems to have a lot more detail in the image and the full V-Log coming seems like it will give it the best dynamic range in the mirrorless game. 
--
With all that said, I'd guess I'll buy the S1H when it comes out, unless there is a crop in 4K or just in general doesn't live up to the hype. But I have a feeling there are some serious goodies awaiting us (still holding out hope for an internal ND...)
 
 

I agree. Just like with the S1, Panasonic has built a body that can and will be able to handle heavier loads in the future. So while Sony will surely have to start from scratch to match even the 10-bit, 60fps S1 specs with the A7sIII body, Panasonic has already built a larger body with a vent and cooling system for even more intensive work loads than the S1 - the S1H. 
Which means we'll see at least 10-bit 4K All-I 400mbps, probably in 60p as well, plus the 6K already announced (hopefully in 10-bit H265 or compressed raw) and any other firmware updates they want to throw in there as competitors release their own high-end video hybrids - their system is already built for future processing loads. 
 

I think this might finally fill that $3-6k gap of a highly capable, small cinema camera that I’ve been waiting for for a few years.
Definitely high expectations though. 

I agree. Just like with the S1, Panasonic has built a body that can and will be able to handle heavier loads in the future. So while Sony will surely have to start from scratch to match even the 10-bit, 60fps S1 specs with the A7sIII body, Panasonic has already built a larger body with a vent and cooling system for even more intensive work loads than the S1 - the S1H. 
Which means we'll see at least 10-bit 4K All-I 400mbps, probably in 60p as well, plus the 6K already announced (hopefully in 10-bit H265 or compressed raw) and any other firmware updates they want to throw in there as competitors release their own high-end video hybrids - their system is already built for future processing loads. 
 

From all the interviews I'v watched, definitely seems there are some big features not  yet announced. 6K and Anamorphic are not the only BIG features the S1H has over the S1. Every Panasonic rep has said this and done a bit of "wink wink," wonder what that vent is for, etc etc - it's going to have some other big features (IBIS, internal raw, compressed raw, NDs, something...) and they are just holding back so that when they fully announce the specs (probably early September or so), they have some more headline-grabbing features. Especially since that will be around the time the Sony A7sIII is announced. 
But we definitely don't know yet what this camera can fully do, but we can be sure it will have quite a few more powerful features to differentiate it from the competition and warrant its $4000 price tag. 
I will say that if there is one place Panasonic always delivers, it's in value for money - from Varicam LT vs Sony F5/F55/C700 to EVA-1 vs C200/FS7/C300 and, even though everyone says it's too expensive, the S1 (with free firmware forthcoming) vs any other mirrorless/DLSR camera out there. 

Agreed! With pre-record or post-record functionalities, that function is actually pretty great. Having 120fps in 4K would be great, but I don't need it for continuous recording. But, they would have to figure out how to write it quickly because the only camera I've used this one (Sony FS5) was slowwwwww. But I'm guessing that had more to do with old processors and slow SD cards. With an XQD card, I'm guessing you could write 4-8 seconds in 120fps 4K pretty darn quickly. Or even allow it to write to the XQD while you keep shooting normal speed on the SD Card.
 
 

Well, Panasonic delivered some beasts and a lot of the internet are still complaining. Then there’s a guy on here saying the GH5 is outdated. What a strange world. 
As a Panasonic shooter, the S1 is looking tasty - too early to call on the S1H. 
Wish all these brand new lenses were more affordable though - the premium has certainly increased over the last few years. 

Wow! That's a really nice move by Panasonic - really looking after us early adopters. Suddenly now, this is definitely the best value for money pro mirrorless camera at $2500 (or so). 

Or Sony is deadly afraid of Panasonic.
Now that a $2500 Panasonic S1 offer free MC-21 and free VLOG update with internal 4K30/25 10 bit, 4K60 10 bit external. How will A7SIII exceed it for much higher price especially they got push back due to heat issues? Panasonic S1 will even cheaper when A7SIII is released. Panasonic is able to do this with a bigger body, can Sony do it for unlimited recording and similiar features?

With all the rage of full-frame video on the high-end (C700, Venice, Alexa Mini LF, Monstro, etc), pretty crazy there is a $4k full-frame camera that shoots 6K and does it in what will at least be a 10-bit codec (probably). No, it may not be what everyone wants, but it is quite the accomplishment.
I really do think there are a couple of big features not announced today - probably just in case the A7sIII is announced in the next 3-4 months, Panasonic can come back and say "well, we've got that too!" - the flippy screen is a great example of something they didn't announce and yet, there it is... 

Probably a case of sending your receipt to Panasonic by email or sending them your serial number, then they send you the Upgrade Key.
It's free 10bit 422 VLOG so probably worth a quick email, just my guess.
So $600 more than a Sony A7 III but superior specs in almost every category? Picture quality, colour, video modes, codec, frame rates, 4K 60, slow-mo 180fps, EVF, back screen, ergonomics, weather sealing, build quality, battery life, HDMI output (full size) and top LCD display?
Sounds like a terrible deal! Damn if only it came with a freebie like a memory card!

With all the rage of full-frame video on the high-end (C700, Venice, Alexa Mini LF, Monstro, etc), pretty crazy there is a $4k full-frame camera that shoots 6K and does it in what will at least be a 10-bit codec (probably). No, it may not be what everyone wants, but it is quite the accomplishment.
I really do think there are a couple of big features not announced today - probably just in case the A7sIII is announced in the next 3-4 months, Panasonic can come back and say "well, we've got that too!" - the flippy screen is a great example of something they didn't announce and yet, there it is... 

With all the rage of full-frame video on the high-end (C700, Venice, Alexa Mini LF, Monstro, etc), pretty crazy there is a $4k full-frame camera that shoots 6K and does it in what will at least be a 10-bit codec (probably). No, it may not be what everyone wants, but it is quite the accomplishment.
I really do think there are a couple of big features not announced today - probably just in case the A7sIII is announced in the next 3-4 months, Panasonic can come back and say "well, we've got that too!" - the flippy screen is a great example of something they didn't announce and yet, there it is... 

With all the rage of full-frame video on the high-end (C700, Venice, Alexa Mini LF, Monstro, etc), pretty crazy there is a $4k full-frame camera that shoots 6K and does it in what will at least be a 10-bit codec (probably). No, it may not be what everyone wants, but it is quite the accomplishment.
I really do think there are a couple of big features not announced today - probably just in case the A7sIII is announced in the next 3-4 months, Panasonic can come back and say "well, we've got that too!" - the flippy screen is a great example of something they didn't announce and yet, there it is... 

With all the rage of full-frame video on the high-end (C700, Venice, Alexa Mini LF, Monstro, etc), pretty crazy there is a $4k full-frame camera that shoots 6K and does it in what will at least be a 10-bit codec (probably). No, it may not be what everyone wants, but it is quite the accomplishment.
I really do think there are a couple of big features not announced today - probably just in case the A7sIII is announced in the next 3-4 months, Panasonic can come back and say "well, we've got that too!" - the flippy screen is a great example of something they didn't announce and yet, there it is... 

Woah! And check out that fan vent.
Also looks like it will fix my problem with the flip-out screen (blocking the ports or bumping into things that are plugged into the ports) - looks to have enough room to at least tilt 45-degrees or so without bumping into the HDMI chord and should clear the microphone and headphone chords completely (though hard to tell).
Love the recessed grip. 
I have a feeling this thing has some more goodies up its sleeve that Panasonic hasn't told us about yet. Let everyone talk about 6K and 10-bit for a couple of months and then drop a few more big things - still holding out hope for internal ND... 
 
 
 

You make a lot of fair points, well done. I am not going to argue that much.
I do think the S1 + Filmmaker Update is a good deal. Yes it has cons, as a system it is early days, the autofocus is a problem for many, many people... I get that, but let's not lose sight of the stuff we should be excited about, like the full frame sensor, doing oversampled 4K from 6K, really nice 10bit codec, V-LOG (from July), great colour science, market leading EVF better than even the Leica SL, superb ergonomics, articulated screen and huge battery. Also, it's a great stills camera for manual focus glass with that huge EVF.
I think full frame 10bit 4:2:2 V-LOG and nice 1080p up to 180fps is something no other camera currently offers. Not Sony, not Canon, not Fuji, and when you consider it is $2500, that's a very good offer.
I agree with your deal-breakers though. The AF situation will lose Panasonic a lot of customers. The lens situation is, shall we say, challenging when it comes to native stuff. Expensive, may be another word. Built in ND should be there on the S1H, but would add to the cost as well. I think Panasonic wanted to make an S1H based as closely on the S1 as possible without too much mission creep.
I agree that larger screens we are seeing on a select few... BM Pocket 4K and Sharp 8K cams - would be great to have... but those cameras don't even have an EVF. Let's not decry the S1 for lacking a few niceties when it packs in a FAR more complete and well rounded feature-set.
As one-man operator who needs AF, IBIS, built in ND, 10bit, 4K.60p, honesty you are not gonna find it ALL in one camera for $2000... Let's be real.
Closest you will get is Fuji X-H1 or X-T3.... Maybe the A7 III... But not even these do all of that in one body.
And if you go Blackmagic, you lose even more convenience.
And good luck with an EOS R... You might need to buy new lenses to get any sort of wide end, if all you have is designed for full frame... And the rolling shutter is shit. No IBIS. No 10bit. No 4K/60p. No built in ND, the adapter is needed and it's not a pro piece of kit, sucks in dirt, not easy to go instantly to clear filter, and to top it all off, there's no kind of 120fps at all... Unless you count the 720p line skipped shite. I don't.

Wow! That's a really nice move by Panasonic - really looking after us early adopters. Suddenly now, this is definitely the best value for money pro mirrorless camera at $2500 (or so). 

I think B&H jumped the gun this morning and it appears they have the Panasonic S1 firmware update key available already (and it's free with an S1 purchase right now). Nothing really happens when you click it, but looks like it will be $199. 

Sort of annoying you can get it for free with an S1 purchase after I bought mine already. I did get a free battery and battery grip with my purchase, but the battery is $86 and I'll probably never use the battery grip, so I think I'd rather have the free firmware upgrade... 

Yeah, this is spot on.
I’m still excited for the release and hope there are some more surprises. I really enjoy Panasonic cameras. They get a lot right with ergos and menus systems, codecs options, and firmware upgrades. I enjoy using my GH5S way more than when I had a A7iii. I think the image looks way better and has more weight to it. I’m don’t put bokeh as high on my list as other people.
I do wish though that if they can’t improve their CDAF then they should use PDAF in the meantime. I think the S1 has improved in that regard, not a leap, but a skip and a hop.
I do wish they would continue to push the boundaries like they did with the GH5 2 years ago with things like built in vari-NDs in DSLR form factor.