Hey photography enthusiasts, Leo Liang here, your friendly local photographer from LensClear.net. I’ve been breathing and living photography for years, not just behind the lens, but also evangelizing and sharing my knowledge through LensClear. Whether it’s writing in-depth pieces, podcasting, or talking to you all on social media, my goal is to help you take your photography to the next level. And of course, I’m always happy to talk about new gear!
Today, I’m going to get into something that’s been brewing in the photography world – the upcoming release of the Panasonic S1R2. Having been an early user and supporter of Panasonic’s innovative spirit, I’ve been eagerly anticipating its release. However, recent speculation and discussion surrounding its positioning made me wonder if Panasonic is truly acing it or if they’re overestimating the market landscape. Let’s examine this.
Is Panasonic S1R2 Shooting at the Wrong Market?
The buzz surrounding the Panasonic S1R2 is real. Speculation is high, and anticipation is high for its launch this month. But amidst all the buzz, there is a more critical question: Is Panasonic putting the S1R2 in the right place? Rumors suggest that Panasonic is eyeing the Sony a7R V as its primary competitor. On paper, yes, these cameras are fighting for the same space, but I believe comparing them side by side shows a possible Panasonic misstep.
In my view, direct confrontation with the Sony a7R V might not be the wisest approach for Panasonic. The a7R V is indeed a strong contender, particularly renowned for its excellent high-resolution sensor and sophisticated AI-based autofocus. It is perhaps a specialist tool, though, dominating in some niches but falling short to be an all-rounder behemoth.
What Panasonic actually desires, in my opinion, is a camera that can stand on its own with Nikon Z8 and Canon EOS R5 Mark II. These two are in a league of their own – machines that are designed for top-shelf performance, to meet a wider range of professional needs. Think about it: Nikon Z8 and Canon EOS R5 Mark II are loved for combining high-speed burst capture with great build build, pro-level functionality, as much as all sorts of pros seek best performance in almost all types of photography.
Is Panasonic aiming too low at a stab at the Sony a7R V? Are they perhaps letting a once-in-a-lifetime chance pass to create a camera that truly shakes up the high-end market and garners the notice of pros who demand the absolute best in stills as well as video features? Let’s consider this premise further.
Learning about Panasonic’s current S Series lineup
To determine where the S1R2 is going to fill in, let us look at Panasonic’s current Lumix S series lineup. Panasonic has segmenting its full-frame mirrorless products strategically with the aim to target a large spectrum of photo needs. S series now seems to be finding its niches:
Panasonic S5 Series: S5 and S5II models encapsulate Panasonic’s all-around approach. The cameras have been engineered to be adaptable devices and also excel in video and still photography. The most recent S5II, specifically, has received acclaim for its greatly enhanced autofocus system, rectifying an earlier shortcoming and demonstrating Panasonic’s dedication to ongoing development. Feedback emphasizes the Panasonic S5II as an intriguing hybrid camera with great performance for both photography and video, standing as a solid option for content creators that require versatility.
Panasonic S9 (Rumored): Not yet officially out, the rumored S9 is described as Panasonic’s entry into the compact and lightweight full-frame market. Convenient and fashion-savvy, this camera is said to concentrate on ease and fashion-forward looks, perhaps aimed at a new market – photographers who desire stealth and convenience without sacrificing full-frame image capability.
Panasonic S1 Series (S1, S1R, S1H): The S1, S1R, and S1H make up Panasonic’s professional series. The S1R is characterized by its high-res sensor, for photographers who require the utmost detail. The S1H, on the other hand, is renowned for its pro video capabilities, particularly its internal 6K and even 8K video recording. The budget S1 is a solid and reliable all-around performer in the pro segment.
This segmentation foretells a wise product line strategy. What’s the key missing piece to the puzzle is the S1R2 and its position therein.
Why Sony a7R V Targeting May Be A Misstep?
As good as the Sony a7R V is, facing the Panasonic S1R2 head-on against the same might be a strategic blunder. And that’s why:
The a7R V is a “Specialist”: The Sony a7R V excels in its absolute best when ultra-high resolution is required. Its 61-megapixel sensor is a workhorse for landscape, architecture, and studio photography where detail is paramount. Furthermore, its advanced AI autofocus is tailored for subject detection and tracking, a blessing for certain genres like wildlife and portraits. Nevertheless, there are some reviews that point out the a7R V is not the best option for high-speed action or for where ultimate versatility is paramount.
Panasonic Strengths Lie Elsewhere: Panasonic has built itself a strong niche, particularly when it comes to video performance and lens design. Their collaboration with Leica and Sigma through the L-Mount Alliance has generated a deep, high-quality lens ecosystem. Panasonic cameras are famously known for being packed with mighty video capabilities that usually outmatch the competition with internal recording format, codec, and workflow availability. Focusing on resolution by itself to match the a7R V can dilute Panasonic’s core strengths.
Missed Opportunity in the “Versatile Pro” Segment: Competing directly with the a7R V, Panasonic could be missing an even larger and perhaps more lucrative segment – the market for versatile professional bodies like the Nikon Z8 and Canon EOS R5 Mark II. Those cameras have broader appeal to more professionals who need to have one body perform well across a range of applications – from high-speed sports and wildlife and high-resolution studio work to pro video production.
Citing the photography expert, Cameralabs’ Gordon Laing, in his review of the Sony a7R V, he states, “The mark five model becomes even more specialised, aimed squarely at those who need the highest resolution and most sophisticated autofocus.” This emphasizes the fact that the a7R V is a specialist tool and not a generalist powerhouse.
Panasonic risks undermining the S1R2’s competitiveness by trying to simply keep up with only the a7R V’s specific strengths. It is more tactically advantageous, instead, to broaden the S1R2’s capability to encroach upon the “versatile pro” territory.
S1R2: A Rival to Nikon Z8 and Canon R5 Mark II?
Instead of being an outright clone of the Sony a7R V, I believe that the Panasonic S1R2 does have a golden opportunity to be a credible rival to the Nikon Z8 and Canon EOS R5 Mark II. Such a strategic shift would involve prioritizing a distinct set of things:
High-Speed Performance Matter: The Canon EOS R5 Mark II and Nikon Z8 are renowned for their impressive burst shooting. Both cameras can do up to 20fps when shooting RAW or 120fps when shooting in JPEG, but the R5 Mark II delivers up to 12fps using a mechanical shutter and up to 20fps using an electronic shutter. If the S1R2 would like to cut it, the camera must at least match that or even improve on the sustained shooting speeds. This is necessary for action, sports, and wildlife photography – categories in which Panasonic has historically been compromised.
Balance Resolution with Speed: High resolution is optimal, but never at the expense of speed and overall versatility. The Nikon Z8 finds an compelling balance at a 45.7MP sensor and rapid performance. So does the Canon EOS R5 Mark II at a 45MP sensor with excellent speed and video. The S1R2 must seek the same sweet spot – high-res sensor (maybe 45-50MP) without bursting the burst capability.
Embrace Panasonic’s Video Strength: Panasonic is already far ahead in video. The S1H is a benchmark for professional video production. The S1R2 must inherit and advance on this video DNA. Offering internal 6K or even 8K video recording, high-end codecs, and deep video assist features would make it an actual hybrid powerhouse, beating the Nikon Z8 and Canon EOS R5 Mark II in video capabilities.
Fine-Tune Autofocus, But Avoid Over-Specialization: While Sony’s a7R V AI autofocus is powerful, it is not the sole path to great autofocus. The Nikon Z8 and Canon EOS R5 Mark II have incredibly effective and reliable autofocus systems that work incredibly well in almost any scenario. Panasonic’s newer autofocus innovation in the S5II is also encouraging. The S1R2 needs to ride this wave, delivering a fast, accurate, and consistent autofocus system that rivals the best, without necessarily over-specializing in AI-driven subject recognition.
By returning to the “versatile pro” market and positioning itself against the Nikon Z8 and Canon EOS R5 Mark II, Panasonic can deliver an S1R2 that is truly attractive to a broader professional market and leverages its existing strengths.
What the Panasonic S1R2 Needs to Compete
To effectively compete with the Nikon Z8 and Canon EOS R5 Mark II, the Panasonic S1R2 should have some of the following features. Here is my wish list:
High-Speed Burst Shooting: As emphasized earlier, this matters. The S1R2 needs to shoot at a minimum of 20fps continuous RAW shooting in order to match the Nikon Z8 and beat the Canon EOS R5 Mark II’s mechanical shutter speed. An even higher speed electronic shutter mode would be a major plus.
Optimized Sensor Resolution: A 45-50 megapixel sensor would be the ideal balance of resolution and file size, but still contain more than sufficient detail for most professional applications. This range of resolutions is where the Nikon Z8 and Canon EOS R5 Mark II are, placing the S1R2 squarely in their competitive range.
Uncompromising Video Capability: Internal 6K or 8K video recording has to be a requirement. Panasonic needs to push the envelope of video performance, offering future-proof codecs like ProRes RAW internal recording, comprehensive video assist features, and low-light video capability. This is where Panasonic will truly excel.
Next-Generation Autofocus: Continuing the improvements in the S5II, the S1R2 needs a state-of-the-art autofocus system that is fast, accurate, and reliable in variable shooting conditions. Although AI-driven subject recognition has its advantages, attention should be maintained on system performance and responsiveness. Reliable human and animal eye-detection autofocus is not in question in this class.
Robust Build and Ergonomics: Professional-grade cameras need to be able to withstand rough handling. The S1R2 should inherit the rugged build quality of the S1 series with fantastic weather sealing and robustness. Professional photography also relies on excellent ergonomics – simple handling, sane control placement, and high-resolution electronic viewfinder are a prerequisite.
Dual Card Slots (CFexpress Type B and SD UHS-II): Having both CFexpress Type B for high-speed data transfer and SD UHS-II for compatibility and versatility would be a reasonable and professional choice. Combined, they offer speed and versatility.
More Connectivity: Professional workflows require seamless connectivity. Fast Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and possibly bundled Ethernet would appease photographers requiring fast and secure image transfer and remote camera control.
These specifications would turn Panasonic S1R2 into a legitimate contender in the high-end, all-purpose professional camera market, head-to-head with Nikon and Canon domination.
Leaning on Panasonic’s Strengths for S1R2 Success
Panasonic is not starting from scratch. They have several key assets that they can lean on to ensure the S1R2 is a massive success:
Video Heritage: Panasonic’s video credibility is unmatched among mirrorless cameras. They are known for pushing video technology boundaries. The S1R2 must ride this heritage, offering industry-leading video specifications and features that leave the competition in the dust. This is a significant Panasonic differentiator.
L-Mount Alliance and Lens Ecosystem: The L-Mount Alliance with Leica and Sigma provides access to a flexible and growing ecosystem of high-quality lenses. This is a significant advantage. Panasonic is able to promote the S1R2 as part of a comprehensive system, highlighting that these lens options are accessible to clients. Having wonderful lenses available is a significant consideration for professional photographers.
Established Track Record of Innovation: Panasonic has always shown that it is eager to innovate and break new grounds in technology. From being amongst the first adopters of mirrorless technology to leading the pack in innovative video features, Panasonic has a tradition of shaking up the camera space. The S1R2 is a chance to carry forward this legacy.
Improved Autofocus (S5II as Evidence): The Panasonic S5II demonstrated a significant leap in autofocus ability. This is evidence of Panasonic’s ability to improve on past weaknesses and offer competitive autofocus mechanisms. The S1R2 can build on from there and offer an even more sophisticated and capable autofocus system.
Through skillful deployment of these resources, Panasonic can construct an S1R2 that not only competes with the Nikon Z8 and Canon EOS R5 Mark II but also carves out its own niche in the market, providing professionals with the best in stills and video.
A Bright Future for Panasonic S Series?
Finally, the Panasonic S1R2 either gets it right or gets it wrong depending on positioning and feature set. Poking a stick in the Sony a7R V’s eye could superficially make sense, but I believe there is greater opportunity for Panasonic to create a camera that actually challenges the Nikon Z8 and Canon EOS R5 Mark II.
By making speed of performance the top priority, resolution balance, video-leading performance at class, and advanced autofocus, Panasonic can provide an S1R2 with broad appeal to more pro-level photographers and videographers. Building on what they already possess as strength in video, lens system, and innovation will be the way to make this happen.
I, for one, am excited to see what Panasonic has planned with the S1R2. I really hope they step up to the challenge of creating an actual flagship camera that redefines the high-end mirrorless space. The potential is there; it’s now a matter of strategic execution.
What do you think? Do you agree with my positioning speculation? Let me know in the comments below! And as always, keep shooting!
Let me know if you’d like me to tweak anything or dive deeper into a specific aspect! Happy to help you on your photography journey. – Leo Liang, LensClear.
References
Nikon Z8 – Digital Photography Review
Nikon Z8 香港價錢、評測報告、相機規格及相關報道 – DCFever.com
