MrSMW

Oh and why not S1R's?
Could be an option but whereas MPB have 10x S1H units, they have 0x S1R's.
They do as of today have 4x S1's, but I don't think I'd choose an S1 over an S1H...

It's actually quite tempting...
A pair of used 'like new' S1H's can be had on MPB for basically €3000.
Add an 18, 35, 50 and 85 f1.8's from LUMIX or 20, 35, 65 and 90 f2's from Sigma, and I'd be good to go.
I'd still need something longer, 70-200 equivalent, but could probably pick up a used older lens for that need.
Hmmm...
I'm talking primarily stills here, albeit with an option to go hybrid or even pure video if needed and this pair of S1H's in addition to the S9 and pair of S5ii's I already have.
All within budget trading what I already have from Sony, Tamron and Nikon.

For stills or video, as long as you were aware the AF is not always 100% reliable for forward motion tracking such as entrances and exits.
For anything else, the AF is actually pretty decent and sticky. It's just a bit slow to lock on initially in that forwards or subject moving away scenario, but not as big of a deal as some made out.
It could be improved by tweaking the settings, using S35 mode, lens choice (zooms better than primes) and shooting smaller apertures such as f8...but some of these are 'workarounds' and we'd all rather stuff just worked without having to align the planets.
It's quite funny though that the image is considered 'as good'. It's a 2019 camera vs a 2025. How is that progress??!!
But then to be fair, the S1H image was and still is very good.
Also a vastly underrated stills camera unless you absolutely had to have the sharpest images around such as for maybe say product photography, but for portraits and events, superb IMO.

For stills or video, as long as you were aware the AF is not always 100% reliable for forward motion tracking such as entrances and exits.
For anything else, the AF is actually pretty decent and sticky. It's just a bit slow to lock on initially in that forwards or subject moving away scenario, but not as big of a deal as some made out.
It could be improved by tweaking the settings, using S35 mode, lens choice (zooms better than primes) and shooting smaller apertures such as f8...but some of these are 'workarounds' and we'd all rather stuff just worked without having to align the planets.
It's quite funny though that the image is considered 'as good'. It's a 2019 camera vs a 2025. How is that progress??!!
But then to be fair, the S1H image was and still is very good.
Also a vastly underrated stills camera unless you absolutely had to have the sharpest images around such as for maybe say product photography, but for portraits and events, superb IMO.

This would be a 'maybe' for me.
What do I like?
The body. I think it's best in class for size, weight, ergos, build etc. It's Goldilocks for me from that perspective.
For video, easily nails my needs.
For stills, it would cover it, just... I'd rather have another 15 or so mp as with my A7RV, but...
Lenses is a bit of a tricky one in two regards.
1. I think the native Z line is still a bit thin. It has some of the rebadged Tamron lenses, but not all of them and the Tamron lenses, specifically the trio of 20-40, 25-75 and 70-180, all f2.8 and in their latest spec, are insanely good for their size & weight with no discernible real world difference to their fatter 24-70 and 70-200 equivalents.
2a. Adapted lenses. I wouldn't trust the adapted M lenses as far as AF goes and all the tests vindicate that as in it's 'OK' at best, in good light, but you would not rely on it for anything critical. But for using manually, I think adapting M glass is superb. Voigtlander especially for quality vs cost.
2b. Megadap. For video use, possibly less of an issue. For stills however, because there is no in camera correction that native Sony lenses provide, you can get some weird distortions that are almost impossible to correct. This is mostly in regard to verticals. I know because I used all 3 adapted Tamron lenses listed above on my Zf for 4-5 jobs at the start of last year and though it was not an issue or noticeable in over 90% of shots, especially outdoors, for indoor work, not so great.
AF though with the Megadap is very good. It's not quite native, but it's not that far off. 
I think for me as a user of currently 3 systems; Sony + Tamron for stills, LUMIX + Sigma for video and Nikon Zf for 'less serious' stills, ie, a foot in all 3 camps, the system that makes the most sense for my needs would still be L Mount with Sony & Nikon tied for second, Sony for stills and Nikon for video.
To be honest, I'd be happy with any of them and have come so close to pushing the Z8 button myself other than what it would cost for me to do so because any future changes for me, I want to go all in on one single system. Financially, that is currently beyond my means.

Well as a former S1H, S1R and OG S5 owner plus currently an S9 + S5ii + A7RV + Zf user…
I don’t ‘mind’ them essentially reusing the S5ii chassis now that they have implemented the S1H style rear screen.
The S5ii body though to me is simply adequate. 
I don’t like; the shutter mechanism sound or feel. It’s not the worst, but compared with the S1H it’s pretty poor. That is only really an issue for the photographer side of me.
The rear LCD isn’t great. Anything under 2000 wotsits isn’t great so the S1Rii despite having a better mech, is still a bit  low res for me.
The rest of the body is just OK. 
It’s OK to hold, the build is generally OK, the design/visual appeal is OK but dull.
The size & weight is good. In fact, I would not object to it being slightly heavier, but not by much.
The new S1Rii has better locking dials and positioning.
It’s not a brand new body and I do not think ‘flagship’ worthy, but I think it is a reasonably decent upgrade and overall on a rating of 1-5 is now a 3.5/4.
Compared to OG S5 = much better and that didn’t have the cooling.
Compared to the S5ii = better.
Compared to the S9 = blows it out of the water, but I did not buy the S9 for it’s build but for it’s size & weight.
Compared to the S1R = hmmm equal. The build quality of the OG S1R was/is better as is the shutter mechanism, but a bit too much whiff of old school DSLR about the S1R for me.
Compared to the S1H = a downgrade. The S1H still remains my favourite camera ever.
(I would still be using it today as my principal unit except for one single factor and that is I can’t burn a LUT into Vlog like I can with my S5ii’s, so swapped it for an S9. It makes a MASSIVE difference to my workflow and I think stuff such as digital sharpness and moire).
Compared to Zf = totally different bodies so no comparison really. The Zf is more a ‘fun but pro’ camera to me but the S5ii/S1Rii is significantly better ergonomically.
Compared to the A7RV = this is where it falls apart a bit…
The A7RV is just better built, better to hold, better to use, has a better rear LCD, better AF, smaller and lighter lenses at the same apertures, twin Type A card slots, also shoots 8k though I think it’s video specs are not quite as good so as a pure video machine, the S1Rii probably beats it for video spec.
I am no Sony fanboi and would like to hate on it if I could, but for me, right now, it is the top dog.
Would I swap it for a Leica SL-3?
Yes if I had the funds.
Would I swap it for an S1Rii?
Possibly if I was not already invested.
Would I swap it for a Z8?
Maybe… I think the Z8 body is best in class, but doesn’t quite have the lenses and that AF is slightly suspect. My Zf is certainly not as good as my A7RV.

The new boy probably is a better option than the S1H now.
The S1H probably has the better build, albeit with a bit of extra size & weight.
The S1H has a higher res LCD and better battery life, but that's probably about it?
The S1H comfortably beats it on price however as you can pick up 2 for the price of a brand new S1Rii.
If I was shopping between the two today, with the cost taken out of the equation, it would almost certainly be the S1Rii even though I think the S1Rii is not a completely worthy successor to the S1R (which it is arguably replacing and not the S1H).

To return the design language, it would be a nice touch when the S1R II overheats to have a loud “DING!” to let you know it’s done instead of a boring symbol on the rear screen.

The new boy probably is a better option than the S1H now.
The S1H probably has the better build, albeit with a bit of extra size & weight.
The S1H has a higher res LCD and better battery life, but that's probably about it?
The S1H comfortably beats it on price however as you can pick up 2 for the price of a brand new S1Rii.
If I was shopping between the two today, with the cost taken out of the equation, it would almost certainly be the S1Rii even though I think the S1Rii is not a completely worthy successor to the S1R (which it is arguably replacing and not the S1H).

All the ex-BBC cameramen left to become wedding videographers ages ago.
I know this because they were always telling me so when I met them at weddings as a photographer. Which was really special for me.

All the ex-BBC cameramen left to become wedding videographers ages ago.
I know this because they were always telling me so when I met them at weddings as a photographer. Which was really special for me.

This would be a 'maybe' for me.
What do I like?
The body. I think it's best in class for size, weight, ergos, build etc. It's Goldilocks for me from that perspective.
For video, easily nails my needs.
For stills, it would cover it, just... I'd rather have another 15 or so mp as with my A7RV, but...
Lenses is a bit of a tricky one in two regards.
1. I think the native Z line is still a bit thin. It has some of the rebadged Tamron lenses, but not all of them and the Tamron lenses, specifically the trio of 20-40, 25-75 and 70-180, all f2.8 and in their latest spec, are insanely good for their size & weight with no discernible real world difference to their fatter 24-70 and 70-200 equivalents.
2a. Adapted lenses. I wouldn't trust the adapted M lenses as far as AF goes and all the tests vindicate that as in it's 'OK' at best, in good light, but you would not rely on it for anything critical. But for using manually, I think adapting M glass is superb. Voigtlander especially for quality vs cost.
2b. Megadap. For video use, possibly less of an issue. For stills however, because there is no in camera correction that native Sony lenses provide, you can get some weird distortions that are almost impossible to correct. This is mostly in regard to verticals. I know because I used all 3 adapted Tamron lenses listed above on my Zf for 4-5 jobs at the start of last year and though it was not an issue or noticeable in over 90% of shots, especially outdoors, for indoor work, not so great.
AF though with the Megadap is very good. It's not quite native, but it's not that far off. 
I think for me as a user of currently 3 systems; Sony + Tamron for stills, LUMIX + Sigma for video and Nikon Zf for 'less serious' stills, ie, a foot in all 3 camps, the system that makes the most sense for my needs would still be L Mount with Sony & Nikon tied for second, Sony for stills and Nikon for video.
To be honest, I'd be happy with any of them and have come so close to pushing the Z8 button myself other than what it would cost for me to do so because any future changes for me, I want to go all in on one single system. Financially, that is currently beyond my means.

Well as a former S1H, S1R and OG S5 owner plus currently an S9 + S5ii + A7RV + Zf user…
I don’t ‘mind’ them essentially reusing the S5ii chassis now that they have implemented the S1H style rear screen.
The S5ii body though to me is simply adequate. 
I don’t like; the shutter mechanism sound or feel. It’s not the worst, but compared with the S1H it’s pretty poor. That is only really an issue for the photographer side of me.
The rear LCD isn’t great. Anything under 2000 wotsits isn’t great so the S1Rii despite having a better mech, is still a bit  low res for me.
The rest of the body is just OK. 
It’s OK to hold, the build is generally OK, the design/visual appeal is OK but dull.
The size & weight is good. In fact, I would not object to it being slightly heavier, but not by much.
The new S1Rii has better locking dials and positioning.
It’s not a brand new body and I do not think ‘flagship’ worthy, but I think it is a reasonably decent upgrade and overall on a rating of 1-5 is now a 3.5/4.
Compared to OG S5 = much better and that didn’t have the cooling.
Compared to the S5ii = better.
Compared to the S9 = blows it out of the water, but I did not buy the S9 for it’s build but for it’s size & weight.
Compared to the S1R = hmmm equal. The build quality of the OG S1R was/is better as is the shutter mechanism, but a bit too much whiff of old school DSLR about the S1R for me.
Compared to the S1H = a downgrade. The S1H still remains my favourite camera ever.
(I would still be using it today as my principal unit except for one single factor and that is I can’t burn a LUT into Vlog like I can with my S5ii’s, so swapped it for an S9. It makes a MASSIVE difference to my workflow and I think stuff such as digital sharpness and moire).
Compared to Zf = totally different bodies so no comparison really. The Zf is more a ‘fun but pro’ camera to me but the S5ii/S1Rii is significantly better ergonomically.
Compared to the A7RV = this is where it falls apart a bit…
The A7RV is just better built, better to hold, better to use, has a better rear LCD, better AF, smaller and lighter lenses at the same apertures, twin Type A card slots, also shoots 8k though I think it’s video specs are not quite as good so as a pure video machine, the S1Rii probably beats it for video spec.
I am no Sony fanboi and would like to hate on it if I could, but for me, right now, it is the top dog.
Would I swap it for a Leica SL-3?
Yes if I had the funds.
Would I swap it for an S1Rii?
Possibly if I was not already invested.
Would I swap it for a Z8?
Maybe… I think the Z8 body is best in class, but doesn’t quite have the lenses and that AF is slightly suspect. My Zf is certainly not as good as my A7RV.

I can understand how some of the reviewer YouTools can get a bit overexcited:
Hello this is LUMIX calling. Would you like a free all expenses paid trip to Norway?
You would, great.
Would you also like to keep and take away the camera that you will be gifted?
OK cool, we thought you might.
No, you are not obliged to say nice things but next time we plan one of these trips…
-
They say the weather was not great on this trip but regardless, all I have seen is a few clips of each other on the same boat and a couple of reindeer. A bit weird, but fortunately a few who are actual working filmmakers and photographers, took the time to then go and shoot some real material which is low beginning to appear.
As with the S9, give it a few weeks and it’s going to be quite well regarded I think.
Once we have all got over the slightly disappointing dull design and the overhyped RS issue. I think…

That's what I keep telling my brides...but they don't listen 🤪

I thought Elon had a rocket?
But then again, he couldn’t get that up could he…

That's what I keep telling my brides...but they don't listen 🤪

That's what I keep telling my brides...but they don't listen 🤪

I can understand how some of the reviewer YouTools can get a bit overexcited:
Hello this is LUMIX calling. Would you like a free all expenses paid trip to Norway?
You would, great.
Would you also like to keep and take away the camera that you will be gifted?
OK cool, we thought you might.
No, you are not obliged to say nice things but next time we plan one of these trips…
-
They say the weather was not great on this trip but regardless, all I have seen is a few clips of each other on the same boat and a couple of reindeer. A bit weird, but fortunately a few who are actual working filmmakers and photographers, took the time to then go and shoot some real material which is low beginning to appear.
As with the S9, give it a few weeks and it’s going to be quite well regarded I think.
Once we have all got over the slightly disappointing dull design and the overhyped RS issue. I think…

That ^ is Dave, well known camera reviewer and influencer.
Normally ends his reviews by smashing the kit to pieces.
And here is a pic below after he went on the Matt Granger diet.

He’s a well known camera reviewer who wears oversized trousers (pants to the US brethren but trousers in the more civilised world who can also spell words like civilised properly) with his pockets stuffed full of camera gear like flashes and tripods and snacks.
Who the hell are Jane’s Addiction?

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Thanks NordVPN!
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Thanks NordVPN!
Thanks Bingoplus!

Right, I am getting myself sponsored by NordVPN and Bingoplus.com because whenever I am on Bingoplus.com which is the only on-line betting platform I use for all my on-line bingo needs, it is always whilst using NordVPN and I wouldn’t trust anyone more for my on-line privacy than Nord.VPN
Thanks NordVPN!
Thanks Bingoplus!

This for me is where I think so many of the so called ‘influencers’ have got it wrong and that is short term gain with zero medium, never mind long term plan. Other than rose tinted spectacles.
I have no idea how much folks really make from YouTube other than unless you are pretty big, it can’t be too much surely?
And whilst you can maybe sell free gear on a for a profit, if you don’t use it, you will have to because you can’t eat it or use it to pay your electric bill or mortgage.
The other thing that makes me laugh is the folks who maybe were in the industry…but for 5 minutes and then decide to jack it in for 5 minutes of fame.
And for the vast majority it will be 5 minutes and the ‘fame’ is not much more than a temporary shallow ego boost.
I have far more respect for those for whom YouTube etc is a sideline hustle, ie, they make the greater proportion of their income from having a real paying job that has a little more stability.
Or maybe I’m just an ageing fuddy duddy who is out of touch. Possibly…
The bottom line is I like and support folks who make content because they feel someone else might be also interested.
I dislike folks who make content for content sake because they either make money from simply making content or think if they make enough content, they will eventually make money.
The reality though is I suspect somewhat grey and the more ‘artistic’ types sharing for the right reasons get swept away by the masses spouting garbage.
In a fair and just world, the cretins would all lose in the end, but it’s not a fair world is it?