Video Champ

Panasonic invented the Micro Four Thirds format in 2007 and introduced a formidable range of cameras under that format.

- Rohinton Mehta

It used its extensive experience with video to make their cameras the best for video. For a long time, the GH5 and its successors were acknowledged to be the best in video. Last year, Panasonic entered the full frame market with the S1 and S1R. To that was added the S1H which basically is a full frame version of the GH5 plus plus.

Design & Build Quality

The S1H is an interchangeable single lens mirrorless camera. The construction appears to be good; the hand-grip is fairly deep which allows the index finger of the right hand to automatically align with the shutter release button, though users with smaller hands may feel different. The body is dust, splash and freeze resistant. The camera body is on the bulkier side and is made in China. The body weighs 1160 g with battery and memory card.

Key Features

The 24.2 megapixel S1H offers a newly designed full-frame CMOS sensor with Dual Native ISO technology. Generally, most cameras have an optimal ISO sensitivity of 100. This means that the camera will produce its optimum image quality when used at ISO 100. The Panasonic S1H, however, has two optimal (native) ISO settings – which will change depending on the profile you are shooting in. You can use this feature manually between LOW and HIGH or let the camera decide automatically (AUTO).

For Stills: In LOW, you can set ISO between 100 (lower limit) and AUTO for upper limit (or set the ISO manually between 200-800.

In HIGH, you can set ISO between 640 (lower limit) and AUTO for Upper limit (or set the ISO manually between 800 -51200).

For Video: You can set the Dual Native ISO Setting to AUTO/LOW/HIGH.

With V-Log: LOW: ISO AUTO Lower limit can be set from ISO 640-3200 and Upper limit can be set from ISO 800-5000. When set to HIGH, the lower limit is ISO 4000-25,600 and Upper limit is from ISO 6400-51,200.