Panasonic Lumix S1R II

The Panasonic Lumix S1R II is a 60.4-megapixel full-frame mirrorless camera with a 35.8 × 23.9 mm CMOS sensor, 14 fps burst shooting, 4K/60p video, 779 autofocus points, in-body image stabilisation, dual UHS-II card slots, and a 5.76-million-dot electronic viewfinder — all wrapped in a weather-sealed body rated to 400,000 shutter actuations.

Key Specifications

• Sensor: 60.4 MP full-frame CMOS (35.8 × 23.9 mm), 4.40 µm pixel pitch — maximum output of 8,144 × 5,424 pixels
• ISO Range: Native 80–51,200, extended 40–102,400
• Autofocus: 779 AF points with subject-tracking via the Venus engine processor
• Burst Speed: Up to 14 fps at full resolution
• Video: 4K UHD (3840 × 2160) up to 60 fps; maximum video frame rate 60 fps
• Viewfinder: 5,760,000-dot EVF, 0.78× magnification, 100% coverage
• Stabilisation: Built-in IBIS — Panasonic L cameras support dual IS when paired with compatible lenses
• Storage: Dual SD card slots (UHS-II), USB-C charging, HDMI out
• Body: Weather-sealed, 814 g, 134 × 102 × 92 mm; 3.2-inch articulating touchscreen (2,100,000 dots)
• Connectivity: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, headphone jack, microphone jack, hot shoe (Panasonic TTL flash compatible)

What makes the Panasonic Lumix S1R II special?

At 60.4 megapixels, the S1R II sits in a rarified group of high-resolution full-frame cameras. Compared to the Nikon Z8 — which tops out at around 45 MP — you get noticeably more cropping headroom and finer detail in large prints. The Sony A7R V edges ahead on raw pixel count at 61 MP and offers slightly more resolved detail in direct side-by-side tests, but the S1R II counters with Panasonic's colour science and a wider selection of professional video codecs that serious hybrid shooters tend to prefer.

Against the Leica SL3, which shares the Leica L mount, the S1R II offers more video flexibility and a faster burst ceiling at 14 fps, while the SL3 leans harder into minimalist design and Leica's own processing look. If you're comparing to the original Panasonic S1R, the jump to the S1R II is substantial: the new sensor architecture brings a dual-gain design with dramatically improved high-ISO headroom, and the autofocus system is in a different league entirely with 779 dedicated AF points versus the contrast-detect system of its predecessor.

The Panasonic S1 II, the brand's lower-resolution sibling, is worth considering if resolution isn't your priority — it's lighter on the wallet used and still shares the same Leica L mount ecosystem. But for landscape, studio, and architectural work where every pixel counts, the S1R II's 8,144 × 5,424-pixel files give you options no 24 MP or 45 MP body can match.

One practical differentiator: the 400,000-shot shutter rating is among the most generous in the mirrorless segment, making a used S1R II a realistic long-term investment even if it already has significant mileage on it.

Who is the Panasonic Lumix S1R II for?

This camera was built for photographers and filmmakers who genuinely need resolution — not just on paper, but in the field. Here's who gets the most out of it:

• Landscape & astro photographers: The extended ISO ceiling of 102,400, combined with 60.4 MP of full-frame real estate and in-body stabilisation, means you can shoot the Milky Way handheld and still have room to crop. The 4.40 µm pixel pitch keeps individual pixels large enough to collect plenty of light even at those high sensitivities.
• Portrait & wedding photographers: A 14 fps burst at 60 MP gives you a safety net on decisive moments without sacrificing resolution for speed. The articulating touchscreen is genuinely useful when you're shooting from low angles at a reception, and the weather sealing means outdoor ceremonies in unpredictable weather aren't a gamble.
• Hybrid shooters & videographers: 4K/60p with a wide codec selection puts this in the conversation for commercial video work. The headphone jack, microphone input, and full-size HDMI port mean you can build a proper audio-monitored rig without adapters. Check out the range of Leica L lenses — including Lumix S Pro glass and Sigma Art L-mount options — to complete a cinema-capable kit.
• Studio & product photographers: Files this large are a natural fit for advertising and e-commerce work where art directors need to crop heavily. The dual UHS-II card slots keep your backup workflow clean, and USB-C charging means one less cable on location.

If you shoot across all these genres — which many working professionals do — the S1R II's combination of resolution, speed, video capability, and weather sealing makes it one of the most versatile high-resolution tools available as a mirrorless body.

Buying a used Panasonic Lumix S1R II

Buying a used S1R II is a smart move given how recent and capable this body is. Here's what to look for before you commit:

• Shutter count: With a 400,000-shot shutter rating, even a heavily used body likely has plenty of life left. Still, ask for the count — a number under 50,000 is excellent for a used high-resolution body.
• Sensor check: At 60.4 megapixels, even a single stuck pixel is more visible in prints than it would be on a lower-resolution sensor. Run a sensor check at a mid-range ISO in live view before buying, or check the seller's sample images for hot pixels.
• Weather sealing condition: Inspect the rubber gaskets around the card slot door, battery compartment, and lens mount. Cracked seals compromise the weather resistance that makes this camera suitable for outdoor work.
• Articulating screen: The hinge mechanism on flip screens can wear over time. Open and close it a few times to confirm smooth operation with no play in the hinge.
• Battery health: The DMW-BLK22 battery is rated for around 350 shots per charge under CIPA conditions. A degraded cell will fall noticeably short of that — check whether the seller includes original batteries and how they hold charge.
• Firmware version: The S1R II has received firmware updates post-launch. Confirm the body is on current firmware, or factor in updating it yourself — it's free and straightforward via Panasonic's website.

Every pre-owned S1R II sold here comes with a minimum 12 months warranty and has been individually photographed and professionally inspected. You also get a 14-day return window, so you have time to run the camera through real shooting conditions before committing fully. Browse the full range of second-hand Panasonic bodies alongside to compare grades and prices.