There is an update to this video now that I've had a chance to test the V-Log upgrade and version 1.2 firmware. Check it out after watching this video. 🤓👌🙏 th-cam.com/video/CphwVNgX32s/w-d-xo.html
hey panasonic doesnt seem to respond. i'm having trouble getting out of night mode? where the screen is red. the camera works fine going through the menu but we are having trouble turning it off, have you had this issue as well?
My thoughts exactly. All camera reviews these days are simply reading out the spec sheet after using the camera for a day or two. This dives into real info that matters to people using the camera, in a way that's obvious you've truly tested it out. Great work :)
Great review as ever ! I'd like to buy the S1 now in 2023 because I don't need good AF but I really would like to try Lumix cameras details and colors, they look perfect for portrait, street and landscape photography
mediamannaman me too, brother! Its such a incredible camera, but so underated! To me the cons are only the sensor size and the lack of DPAF for video, for photo its pretty accurate and really fast already. With the hack, i can record video untill the sd card is full😅
nicolasch2 no not really, it gets warm but it just keep recording normally, no weird footages, no performance degradation whatsoever. The longest ive let it record 4k60 fps was around little over 30 minutes before i concluded the hack is good and everything is okay. But dont take it from me, every g9 owner need to do their own testing and i dont recommend the hack although iam just loving it😁 a perfect companion for my gh5 that ive been using for almost 2 years!
@@letsracewithrccar Having zero issues with the hack on my G9 recording unlimited 4K60 G9 videos every day, no problem. Better AF/IBIS/Price/Design than the GH5 for sure. Also, I'd much rather shoot video on the G9 with un-cropped 4K60 vs that unusable 1.5x cropped 4K60 on the S1. Also that non flip display on S1 and XQD+SD instead of dual-SD is a joke. Most importantly my G9 with 12-60 Leica I bought it for like a 3rd the price of the S1 with that 24-105.
Great Review and another quality job. The S1 does look interesting for an initial full frame offering from Panasonic. It will be interesting to see how it evolves. I always have been a fan of the beefier bodies. I also believe that a body with a little more mass gives a little more stability and balance especially with the longer lenses attached. I throw grips on my cameras so the smaller compact sizes are not a major selling point for me, Still in my Canon world, but love it when other companies do great things hopefully pushing others to one up. You reviews are still second to none and this community as a whole is great. 100K before you know it. (Also thank Julie from all of us for all of the help she has given you on some of your videos).
I received mine yesterday and have been pleasantly surprised by Dynamic Range and pretty minimal Chromatic Aberration. I have a EOS R which can see in the dark and has great lowlight focus but the layout of buttons and ergonomics kinda sucks. I need to film a long video event on May 2nd so will be testing very low light and unlimited record time in 4k which is why I initially got this camera. I think it will be great for portraits too. It's heavy yes but manageable. I'm looking forward to using it with EF glass. I'm hoping I can reduce my gear to this and possibly an X-T3 with a few lenses for a lighter carry around option. Great work as always Gerald! UPDATE: Filmed an extreme low light theater performance with the 70-200 lens and was blown away by the quality. 4k 30 went into Resolve in a snap and rendered like a dream. That lens is awesome.
Amazing review, bringing up every important point. Im using the S1 for about 3 weeks now and i love it! I also use it for actions, the only problem i have is the consistency of AF-C. It gets the job done for about 70% of the time (I shoot downhill riding, bmx, skating...). It's usable but not on the same leve as a A7III. I hope they can improve the contrast DFD af system to match phase detection in the future! Keep up the good work!
Basically, these cameras are all the same. Buy whatever you like and can afford. In the end no one can tell the difference if you actually know how to shoot.
Nice one Ger, super content. you're one of the most knowledgeable reviewers on this cam that I've watched. I like what you say when comparing to the gh5s at 16:00
Another great video Gerald. I appreciate your thorough review of the S1. Even though I have no intentions of switching from my a7iii I still watch your entire videos because of your style and delivery. It also makes me appreciate what I have more and lets me know what I want in the a7iiii. :)
I still think that with Canon, Nikon, and Panasonic launching their Mirrorless body's this year, these are only for the first adopters. I think the 2nd generation bodies will be better and more lens will be available and that will be a better time for most to consider the switch.
Having been a Sony, Canon and Nikon owner prior I too took a chance on this S1. Thus far for my usage it will be the ultimate producer of superb images. I do Real Estate, Portrait and Landscapes with NO sports or fast moving subjects. Occasional wildlife but they aren't moving much. So no challenges for what I've found to be a rather competent focus system. You got it all right otherwise. I do NO video so indeed as a photographic tool I consider it the top of the heap at this time.
Really good comprehensive and relevant review Gerald! This is why i come here. I mean, i haven't won the lottery and don't want to feel like i'm at the gym all the time lifting the thing so i won't be getting an S1, but it's great to know what it's all about anyway.
This with the 10 bit upgrade and a set of M 0.8 Leica lenses would be heaven. Great review, I think between this, the GH5s, the A7iii, the Z6, the X-T3 and the Pocket 4K all within a year or so I cannot remember a time when so many compelling cameras were released.
@@cinialvespow1054 It's a shit LCD, hard to know that it is if you haven't had a chance to check out the competition. But I own a GH5, have so for about a year and a half and my friend has a a73 and I was shocked at the quality of the screen. It lacks colour, clearly low resolution, was dim, limited touch screen usability. The issue is the screen, at least to me, doesn't inspire. The image doesn't pop and really gives off an industrial/corporate feel. The screen works fine, just not what it should be when looking at the competition. This goes for pretty much all of the aspects of the camera. It's raw output is amazing. But everything about it is so uninspiring. It's menu layout, button layout, functionality, customisability, everything about the sony is about raw output at compromise. This is what my friend, who is a long time Sony user said when he used my GH5 for a music video reshoot we did a little while ago. He was blown away by its usability, how fun and intuitive it was to use, the ergonomics, button layout, screen. I think this is what the OP was referring to.
Great review of a great camera. I had the chance to play with one at the camera store, and the S1 is like a G9 on steroids. Not as big and heavy as I expected, and it did feel great in the hands.
This is the Nerdy review I wanted! Thanks for this video! Ok, I want this camera but the truth is that in order to get it I'll need to sell my G9 and lenses so, that is definitely a bad move, I decided to continue in the micro 4/3 ecosystem. The cameras are like RPG video games, which is the most important of an RPG video game? It's not the graphics, but the gameplay, because that's what you'll be doing for hours. The beauty of Panasonic is the friendliness of the software and the intelligent and convenient that its buttons are placed the variety and convenience of the lenses, etc ... I am still in love with my G9 and I am still learning in a fun way photography and video the G9 is a beast for almost any style: portraits, landscapes, and wildlife so I hope that the S1 makes the micro 4/3 lenses continue to fall in the price. If one day I have the absolute necessity to buy a decent full frame camera will definitely be the S1. 😍
I’m sold. Looking forward to seeing what Sigma does with the Foveon sensor, and Leica’s SL2, which will probably be the S1R repackaged and a different UI. But for now, this’ll be my studio / shoot L-mount go to for my Leica / Zeiss glass.
Nice video! A couple of notes… @ 5:20 when you’re talking about AF-C for stills; were you shooting your test photos while recording on the HDMI-out? That actually slows down AF performance a little bit. (Ah I see later in the video you say it slows down the motor drive so probably not then) 😁 Yes the XLR1 works on the S series. I’ve used it a few times already. VFR primarily-auto modes aren’t a quirk; it’s the same as in the G9. Great review!
Hey hey! I mean, yeah, I was to make the video. I wanted footage of it. But when I did the proper tests, I ran it without any HDMI connections. Interestingly though, I would have never known about that quirk had I not recorded that segment. Thanks for the update on the XLR1. Cheers! 😃
Don’t forget the Hires mode (use sub-mode 2 to remove blurring) for taking 96MP images with much more accurate color than the standard picture mode. Works great for landscapes and products. That gives you most of the advantages of medium format in a full-frame body, and so far its exclusive to the S1/S1R.
I own a g9 and a7iii And man Sony sucks at everything compared to it. Except of course it's insane af and the big sexy sensor. But dang unless I really need that sensor or af I grab the g9. For video the g9 is so much better. Light weight lenses better stabilization. 4k60. So good. Really wanted to get an s1. Once some good lenses come out and if they fix the af I'm on board. On the contrary if Sony fixes their shitty controls, evfs, touch screens, and menus. Then I'll be sticking with that. Big thing is I do mostly real estate. And the Sony 12-24 is insane. Panasonic's going to need to go all out to beat it. However they're already beating them on the 24-105. Great video though.
@@cinialvespow1054 You've clearly never shot with a g9. Evf on three a7iii sucks balls compared to the g9. It's smaller, less resolution, 60hz vs 120hz. The touch screen blows. It's dimmer. Lower resolution. Dragging to change focus points is a joke. The touch functionality is much better on g9 you can quickly change settings on it. The g9 touch screen looks and feels like a brand new iphone. The sony touch screen feels like a 10 year old android. The Sony menus are horrific. Cluttered with crap. Over complicated in every way. Just bad. And yes sometimes you do need to dive back in. The g9 has a top screen. More function buttons. Flip around screen. Better ibis. You can punch in to confirm focus even when using af which is awesome. There's a lot of little things about the Sony. For one it lags. Even when you change iso or something like that. It lags for a split second. Super annoying. Three ergos just blow compared to pretty much every camera out there. Lots of little things on the g9. Like how you can actually see the focus point when moving it. And you can quickly change the size with the thumb dial. And make it a bigger size. The focusing modes on the Sony are convoluted af. Like expandable spot. The Sony weighs more even though it's smaller. Three grip fucking blows. You have no room between the lens and grip to put your fingers. It's small with big heavy lenses so it balances like shit in your hands. The g9 is big with small lenses so it balances perfect. Takes like 10 years to format an sd card on Sony it's so slow. G9 just feels like it's 10 years ahead of Sony in ergos and handling. A7iii is a good camera. Has good af, and iq. But everything else is mediocre at best. Get out and shoot... yeah I'm a full time pro that makes my living off of shooting. You clearly just don't know anything about camera's and you're clearly a Sony fanboy. I like Sony. But there's a lot of shit they need to fix. Otherwise they're going to get beat.
Cool presentation, I enjoy your rapid-fire delivery. I fail to understand their reasoning for overpricing their first offering in the Full Frame class, nevertheless your review shows that it may well be the better of the second level Full Frame cameras. My favorite features were the menu, touch screen and stabilization systems.
Fully agree. It's a stills first camera, "a full frame G9" I was hoping for a full frame GH5. Maybe Panasonic will unlock more video features making it a good choice for video, but with the limited selection of lenses, it's a difficult camera to choose. I did the test frames for photonstophotos dot net, and was happy to find the dynamic range / ISO vs noise was comparable to the Sony A7III. But, the video mode continuous autofocus was far too poor for me. I had the same problem, where it would go out of focus. But, for me it would often stop trying to focus. I really wanted to love this camera. Maybe it'll improve w/ firmware updates. I hope Sony takes notes about the software options in the S1.
"And it's really only one Sony autofocus system away from being the perfect camera for a lot of people" => this caught my attention, and it's true, but that's a major feature lol, and I guess Sony's main advantage over the competition.
Really enjoyed this. And that's from someone with an almost 0% chance of switching from Fuji. (I like what Fuji's doing, I have a bunch of lenses, and I'm too old to learn a new camera system.) These reviews are impressively thorough!
Hey Gerald, would you argue that the a7iii is probably still the best money-value camera? Seems like even after more than a year it holds up quite well against newer models
An excellent and well-thought-out review, Gerald! As a landscape and product photographer, I ventured into the Fujifilm X-System (X-Pro2, X-T3, some stellar Fujinon XF lenses) and haven't looked back. I can print super sharp and detail-rich 24x36" posters. And using focus-stacking with my small product images, I think the detail and sharpness rivals FF or even medium format. That said, I've always wondered if I could see a noticable difference in overall sharpness and detail retention (when printing large) if I went with FF such as this S1 or the Sony a7III. (I currently use the stellar Fujinon XF80mm f/2.8 Macro, which is the sharpest lens I've used in 40 years of photography.) I am also curious about the sharpness and other image characteristics of Panny lenses for STILL photography, as I don't do video. Thank you sir.
Hey G, another great video. Thanks. Here’s something that I could not Klien from your view. I am both a professional videographer with the secondary love of nature photography. Obviously my frustration with my GH5S is that although it’s the best video camera I’ve owned to date, it couldn’t take a still picture to save it’s life. Especially against my Canon 5D Mark III. Anyway I use my gh5s with either my Canon EF glass with a metabones speed booster or My native micro 4/3 Panasonic 12 to 35mm with IS. My question is can I still use my canon glass and speed boaster and more importantly, with whatever adapter I will need, will The S1 will be able to take advantage of the dual is with the Panasonic lens. Btw the way, it totally sucks to be dumb, so let’s get undone.
Thanks, Robert! The answer is yes in theory. Because the flange distance is shorter, Canon glass can be adapted. But how it performs and the availability will be up to metabones. It wouldn't be a speed booster though, it would be just a straight mount adapter. How many features they retain will probably be part of a firmware development process.
Excellent video! I know it’s been a year since this video, but wondering if you know whether Panasonic has (or would be able to) release a firmware update that changes that annoying feature that prevents the user to to manually control exposure during high speed video recording.
YOU ARE A GENIUS ! WOW THANK YOU GERALD FOR THIS EXPLANATION , I JUST BUY THE CAMERA EN 3 DAYS I HAVE IN MY HANDS, AND I CAN WAIT FOR BEGING RECORDING, I SPECIALIZED IN MITZVAHS AND YOU ARE MAKING EASY FOR ME.I HAVE 2 GH5S AND I REALLY LOKING FOR THE BEST LOW LIGTH CAMERA ALWAYS.
best review ever. bravo. It would be great if you do some tutorials, too. in different scenarios and in each scenarios testing differents settings, both video and pics. few people do that
Cameback to say - thanks so much for this. really made a difference deciding between the A7III and this one. Wasn't really bothered by the AFC issues. I believe that with due time - it will improve. I personally haven't encountered any issues. The main thing for me was colour science - and I was pleasantly surpised. Thanks legend!
Well at least one of my favorite TH-camrs has legs Edit: Gerald, check out the level1techs review of the S1, Wendell figured out a workaround for the locked iso in high frame rate.
Hey Gerald. In AF-s, are you able to use the manual focus ring at the same time as firing off shots? This might be a work around for bad AF. I’ve tried this on my XT1... but it doesn’t work. Once you start firing at 8fps I’m manual mode it locks the focus at what it started at. TIA
Sounds great to me! Instead of upgrading my XT line to fourth iteration, I sold my last Sony ff camera and went with Panasonic s1r. It will complement my crop sensor xh1 and xt2 nicely. I'm all set :) Thanks for another great review!
Hey Gerald, I've just discovered your channel a few days ago and subscribed right away, your videos have just the right amount of nerdish data while managing to keep it simple and totally enjoyable at the same time. That's not easy, congratulations AND thank you! You said in another video (Evolution of Autofocus I think) that you shoot products and staged scenes... that's mostly what I do too (60% studio/40% outdoors, product, portrarits, staged scenes) and I'm looking to upgrade my APS-C gear. I'm not an hybrid shooter, I would say that my interest is 85/90% photo and maybe 10/15% video... With that in mind and having to buy almost everything from scratch (I'm in Nikon APS-C, all DX lenses) would you invest in new DSLR gear today? I know mirrorless are supposed to be the future (or present) but I keep finding them too small for me with weird layout of buttons and UI; and on top of that 99% of the reviews are from "hybrid shooters" saying they're fantastic for vlogging (what I would most positively never do). Being already in July 2019, would you save a few bucks and buy the Nikon D750 DSLR or go for a A7 III and just "embrace the new era"? (I loved the review you made on the Panasonic S1, that would be my absolute favourite choice but the $3500 of body+lens slips out of my budget right now) Sorry for the long comment, the most important part is the first one where I thank and congratulate you... Greetings from Argentina!
I totally understand where you're coming from. Thanks for the kind words. No, I wouldn't get a DSLR today. Despite the things you mentioned, I would still get a mirrorless. It was a learning curve for me as well, but I'm happy I did it, and I wouldn't go back.
Hello, I have a question. does the lumix s1 camera have a menu to change the language? For example, I want to buy a Japanese version of the Lumix S1 camera, can I change the language to English? Thank you
This may not be connected to this latest video, but from your previous reviews. You highly praise these 2 cameras the GH5 & A6400. We are really torn between GH5 and A6400. GH5 has a £300 cashback here in UK ending today, so GH5 for £1,100 versus A6400 for £950. I nearly snap up the GH5 but after watching your videos we now have to think twice. What do you reckon? should we buy the GH5 but time is running out.
I would base it on low light and autofocus. If those two things are a priority, get the a6400. Or if you take photos more than video, get the a6400. For most other purposes, I'd get the GH5.
Thanks for the great review . One Question: Is the IS-Scope available during video recording in IS-Lock-mode? The IS keeps the image centered as stable as possible in this mode and jumps if the limit of the IS is reached. This means that you get no feat back about your slow movements and after a few seconds you might drift away, the image jumps and the shot is ruined. On the GH5, I would be able to keep the camera much longer centered in IS-lock, if I had such a scope.
@@geraldundone Thanks So the mode can be used to improve holding the camera. Better than nothing, at least. I tried to film with 100mm and IS-lock by looking thru the EVF. This was pretty stable but without feat back, I couldn't hold the position longer than a few seconds but then the image jumps about 10-15% of the width.
Gerald, I do have a question, but it's about video on the S1. Do you know any information about the dynamic range of the camera's Flat pic. profile? I know it's significantly more than the standard profiles---but how much is not clear, and I'm not finding any decent sources on it, including the official S1 manual.
I don't know that either, William. When I do my testing of the new firmware, I can take a look. I find the flat profiles are usually halfway in-between Standard and Log. So, probably 11-12 stops, if I had to guess.
11:30 That's the kind of detail I could see a certain other TH-cam camera review channel (won't mention any names) missing. I've seen lots of little mistakes and flat out wrong info being given on a certain other channel. Very annoying. So thanks for taking the time and getting all the details correct :-)
There is an update to this video now that I've had a chance to test the V-Log upgrade and version 1.2 firmware. Check it out after watching this video. 🤓👌🙏 th-cam.com/video/CphwVNgX32s/w-d-xo.html
hey panasonic doesnt seem to respond. i'm having trouble getting out of night mode? where the screen is red. the camera works fine going through the menu but we are having trouble turning it off, have you had this issue as well?
There is a detailed review and then there is the Undone Review. Absolute pleasure and highest appreciation with the work you put into each video
Thanks, Wayne! That means a lot. This one especially took a lot of work. Cheers!
My thoughts exactly. All camera reviews these days are simply reading out the spec sheet after using the camera for a day or two. This dives into real info that matters to people using the camera, in a way that's obvious you've truly tested it out. Great work :)
Truth!
I was at Panasonic headquarters in UK 2 months ago and your name came up in a meeting. Some of the guys are big fans of your channel.
That's awesome! Thanks for letting me know. Made my day!
More review facts and features per minute than anyone on TH-cam. Well done.
Holy moly, this was the most thorough camera review I've ever watched. Wonderfully done sir!
Thank you very much! I'm glad you feel that way. Took a lot of work! 😃🙏
Best review of the S1 I've seen yet (and I don't think it can get much better 😉)
Great work as always Gerald 👍🏼👍🏼📸
Big compliment. Appreciate that. Thank you, Thomas!
A camera review by a guy who actually uses and understands camera gear?? A rare sight on TH-cam. Thank you for this very detailed review, Gerald.
"This is Gerald Undone. Please ensure that your seat backs and tray tables are in their full upright and locked position".
Great review as ever ! I'd like to buy the S1 now in 2023 because I don't need good AF but I really would like to try Lumix cameras details and colors, they look perfect for portrait, street and landscape photography
Same here, in 2024. Coming from Canon 5Dmk2/Mk3 :)
Well now i will put my G9 under my pillow before i go to bed, hopefully it will turn into S1 in the morning..😋🤤
Random Denny - I’m very happy with my G9 for now. Love it! Maybe I’ll consider the S1 someday when there are more lenses ... and price breaks.
mediamannaman me too, brother! Its such a incredible camera, but so underated! To me the cons are only the sensor size and the lack of DPAF for video, for photo its pretty accurate and really fast already. With the hack, i can record video untill the sd card is full😅
@@letsracewithrccar any thermal issues with the hack?
nicolasch2 no not really, it gets warm but it just keep recording normally, no weird footages, no performance degradation whatsoever. The longest ive let it record 4k60 fps was around little over 30 minutes before i concluded the hack is good and everything is okay. But dont take it from me, every g9 owner need to do their own testing and i dont recommend the hack although iam just loving it😁 a perfect companion for my gh5 that ive been using for almost 2 years!
@@letsracewithrccar Having zero issues with the hack on my G9 recording unlimited 4K60 G9 videos every day, no problem. Better AF/IBIS/Price/Design than the GH5 for sure. Also, I'd much rather shoot video on the G9 with un-cropped 4K60 vs that unusable 1.5x cropped 4K60 on the S1. Also that non flip display on S1 and XQD+SD instead of dual-SD is a joke. Most importantly my G9 with 12-60 Leica I bought it for like a 3rd the price of the S1 with that 24-105.
Best review of the S1. Period.
Thank you very much! 😃🙏
Gerald Undone you’re welcome!
My wife thought I had the video on fast forward 😆 ... great content and a excellent high pace. Keep up the good work 👍🏻
😂😜👍
One of the best S1 reviews I've seen thus far! Great Job!!!
Man, you're so thorough. I appreciate all the work you put into your videos! I'm curious to see what Panasonic has up next in the GH line!
Thanks a lot, man! 😀
Once again, Mr. Crazy delivers a consise, detailed, real world use review.
Thanks!
😃🙏
Great Review and another quality job. The S1 does look interesting for an initial full frame offering from Panasonic. It will be interesting to see how it evolves. I always have been a fan of the beefier bodies. I also believe that a body with a little more mass gives a little more stability and balance especially with the longer lenses attached. I throw grips on my cameras so the smaller compact sizes are not a major selling point for me, Still in my Canon world, but love it when other companies do great things hopefully pushing others to one up. You reviews are still second to none and this community as a whole is great. 100K before you know it. (Also thank Julie from all of us for all of the help she has given you on some of your videos).
Thanks, Phil.
Julie definitely helped with this one.
I totally agree about bigger bodies. I know they aren't for everyone, but I really like them.
Happy to see Panasonic is still innovating in the mirrorless space!
This is the most comprehensive video on the S1 ive seen. Very much appreciated Gerald
Great review man :) Good to see Panasonic is still in the game
You are the king of the comprehensive, impartial pragmatic reviews! Thanks for taking the time yet again.
Thank you very much! That means a lot.
Wow. You promised this review in the Live the other day but that was damn fast. Awesome review. Deeply appreciated.
Thank you very much! 😃🙏
I received mine yesterday and have been pleasantly surprised by Dynamic Range and pretty minimal Chromatic Aberration. I have a EOS R which can see in the dark and has great lowlight focus but the layout of buttons and ergonomics kinda sucks. I need to film a long video event on May 2nd so will be testing very low light and unlimited record time in 4k which is why I initially got this camera. I think it will be great for portraits too. It's heavy yes but manageable. I'm looking forward to using it with EF glass. I'm hoping I can reduce my gear to this and possibly an X-T3 with a few lenses for a lighter carry around option.
Great work as always Gerald!
UPDATE: Filmed an extreme low light theater performance with the 70-200 lens and was blown away by the quality. 4k 30 went into Resolve in a snap and rendered like a dream. That lens is awesome.
So I have EF glas the 24-70mm 2.8(1.8 L with the metabones xl.64) is there a good adapter to go from EF to the s1?🤷♂️🙏🙏
Dude, I absolutely love your channel. Thanks for creating such excellent content!
Thanks so much, Michael! Really appreciate that. Cheers! 😃🙏
Wow, he squeezes all the information in, without any wasted time at all. Very thorough, and very informative!
Thank you very much! 😃🙏
So happy I saw this. The most comprehensive review and analysis on the S1. Thank you.
Best camera review ever made. Cheers sir, most impressive.
Amazing review, bringing up every important point. Im using the S1 for about 3 weeks now and i love it! I also use it for actions, the only problem i have is the consistency of AF-C. It gets the job done for about 70% of the time (I shoot downhill riding, bmx, skating...). It's usable but not on the same leve as a A7III. I hope they can improve the contrast DFD af system to match phase detection in the future!
Keep up the good work!
Thanks for the kind words and for sharing your experiences. Cheers!
Such a well balanced review chocked with lots of useful info as all of your videos are. Why am I just now subscribing🤔
Thanks, Eric! Appreciate your kind words and happy to have a new sub! Cheers.
You're right Gerald, it's a stills first camera. Strange that so many want to believe it's a "full frame GH5", when as you say, it's a full frame G9.
That being said, you can definitely record pretty solid video on the G9. 😃
@@geraldundone Many believe Panasonic have a video version in the wings. A rival to the Sony A7S. What are your thoughts?
Dude that was awesome. A great walk through. Much needed. 👍
Your videos are fantastic. You always sound so prepared and put the info out in such a delightful way!
Thanks, Matt! Really appreciate that.
Basically, these cameras are all the same. Buy whatever you like and can afford. In the end no one can tell the difference if you actually know how to shoot.
Your reviews are pretty amazing and so is this camera . Saving my pennies maybe I can afford one by Christmas.
LOVE that intro ditty. Am in! Now to see what you think of the S1, hits PLAY...
Haha. Thanks! Hopefully you enjoyed the rest of the video too. 😃
Nice one Ger, super content. you're one of the most knowledgeable reviewers on this cam that I've watched. I like what you say when comparing to the gh5s at 16:00
Thanks, Hugh! Much appreciated. Very kind of you to say.
Another great video Gerald. I appreciate your thorough review of the S1. Even though I have no intentions of switching from my a7iii I still watch your entire videos because of your style and delivery. It also makes me appreciate what I have more and lets me know what I want in the a7iiii. :)
Thanks so much! I appreciate your kind words and sharing your perspective
The details u do on cameras are quantum physically detailed wow i feel smarter after this review lol
I still think that with Canon, Nikon, and Panasonic launching their Mirrorless body's this year, these are only for the first adopters. I think the 2nd generation bodies will be better and more lens will be available and that will be a better time for most to consider the switch.
That's an interesting idea, my friend.
Yet another EPIC video
Great job Gerold
Thanks for all you do
Regards, Rick
Thank you, Rick!
Having been a Sony, Canon and Nikon owner prior I too took a chance on this S1. Thus far for my usage it will be the ultimate producer of superb images. I do Real Estate, Portrait and Landscapes with NO sports or fast moving subjects. Occasional wildlife but they aren't moving much. So no challenges for what I've found to be a rather competent focus system. You got it all right otherwise. I do NO video so indeed as a photographic tool I consider it the top of the heap at this time.
Very excellent and thorough review! Thanks!
Really good comprehensive and relevant review Gerald! This is why i come here. I mean, i haven't won the lottery and don't want to feel like i'm at the gym all the time lifting the thing so i won't be getting an S1, but it's great to know what it's all about anyway.
Haha. Thanks, Jeff! 😃
This with the 10 bit upgrade and a set of M 0.8 Leica lenses would be heaven. Great review, I think between this, the GH5s, the A7iii, the Z6, the X-T3 and the Pocket 4K all within a year or so I cannot remember a time when so many compelling cameras were released.
I agree, Tony, it's a great time to be in the market for a new system.
Thanks for another great vid.
Also worth noting, yes the XLR-1 adapter does work on the S1, like it does the GH5.
Thank you! And thanks for the update. 😃
After one year since its release, A7iii is still the "best value camera of all time", according to Gerald Undone.
@Phil Jones65 Once the sigma EF to L adapter comes out the lens issue will be a non issue.
Except that customer satisfaction for Sony is an incidental peripheral concern.
@@cinialvespow1054 It's a shit LCD, hard to know that it is if you haven't had a chance to check out the competition. But I own a GH5, have so for about a year and a half and my friend has a a73 and I was shocked at the quality of the screen. It lacks colour, clearly low resolution, was dim, limited touch screen usability. The issue is the screen, at least to me, doesn't inspire. The image doesn't pop and really gives off an industrial/corporate feel.
The screen works fine, just not what it should be when looking at the competition.
This goes for pretty much all of the aspects of the camera. It's raw output is amazing. But everything about it is so uninspiring. It's menu layout, button layout, functionality, customisability, everything about the sony is about raw output at compromise. This is what my friend, who is a long time Sony user said when he used my GH5 for a music video reshoot we did a little while ago. He was blown away by its usability, how fun and intuitive it was to use, the ergonomics, button layout, screen.
I think this is what the OP was referring to.
color me impressed you shoved a 2 hour long review into 17 minutes. no bull shit and no padding
Thanks, Luke! Cheers.
Great review of a great camera. I had the chance to play with one at the camera store, and the S1 is like a G9 on steroids. Not as big and heavy as I expected, and it did feel great in the hands.
This is the Nerdy review I wanted! Thanks for this video!
Ok, I want this camera but the truth is that in order to get it I'll need to sell my G9 and lenses so, that is definitely a bad move, I decided to continue in the micro 4/3 ecosystem.
The cameras are like RPG video games, which is the most important of an RPG video game? It's not the graphics, but the gameplay, because that's what you'll be doing for hours.
The beauty of Panasonic is the friendliness of the software and the intelligent and convenient that its buttons are placed the variety and convenience of the lenses, etc ... I am still in love with my G9 and I am still learning in a fun way photography and video the G9 is a beast for almost any style: portraits, landscapes, and wildlife so I hope that the S1 makes the micro 4/3 lenses continue to fall in the price.
If one day I have the absolute necessity to buy a decent full frame camera will definitely be the S1. 😍
Thanks for sharing your thoughts and for the kind words. Appreciate it.
I’m sold. Looking forward to seeing what Sigma does with the Foveon sensor, and Leica’s SL2, which will probably be the S1R repackaged and a different UI. But for now, this’ll be my studio / shoot L-mount go to for my Leica / Zeiss glass.
No flippy screen! Casey will be so disappointed
😂😂
As will anybody else -- the standard flip screen is the only variation of "movable screen" that matters...
Nice video! A couple of notes…
@ 5:20 when you’re talking about AF-C for stills; were you shooting your test photos while recording on the HDMI-out? That actually slows down AF performance a little bit. (Ah I see later in the video you say it slows down the motor drive so probably not then) 😁
Yes the XLR1 works on the S series. I’ve used it a few times already.
VFR primarily-auto modes aren’t a quirk; it’s the same as in the G9.
Great review!
Hey hey!
I mean, yeah, I was to make the video. I wanted footage of it. But when I did the proper tests, I ran it without any HDMI connections. Interestingly though, I would have never known about that quirk had I not recorded that segment.
Thanks for the update on the XLR1.
Cheers! 😃
tabarnak, mouchoirs avec 3 épaisseurs ?! 😂😂
so much french on this tissue box ahaha, pleasantly surprised considering you live in Ontario!
🤣🤣👍
Benoit Levesque j’ai eu la même réflexion 🤣🤣🤣
Hey brother. I been looking for my second camera coming from a medium format and truthfully you just sold me the S1 . Outstanding job 😎❤️🇺🇸
Thanks, Luis! Appreciate the kind words.
Don’t forget the Hires mode (use sub-mode 2 to remove blurring) for taking 96MP images with much more accurate color than the standard picture mode. Works great for landscapes and products. That gives you most of the advantages of medium format in a full-frame body, and so far its exclusive to the S1/S1R.
I was hoping you'd make this video so I wouldn't have to go over several channels and websites to get the same info. Thank you Gerald! 👏👏
I own a g9 and a7iii
And man Sony sucks at everything compared to it. Except of course it's insane af and the big sexy sensor. But dang unless I really need that sensor or af I grab the g9. For video the g9 is so much better. Light weight lenses better stabilization. 4k60. So good.
Really wanted to get an s1. Once some good lenses come out and if they fix the af I'm on board.
On the contrary if Sony fixes their shitty controls, evfs, touch screens, and menus. Then I'll be sticking with that.
Big thing is I do mostly real estate. And the Sony 12-24 is insane. Panasonic's going to need to go all out to beat it. However they're already beating them on the 24-105.
Great video though.
@@cinialvespow1054 You've clearly never shot with a g9.
Evf on three a7iii sucks balls compared to the g9. It's smaller, less resolution, 60hz vs 120hz. The touch screen blows. It's dimmer. Lower resolution. Dragging to change focus points is a joke. The touch functionality is much better on g9 you can quickly change settings on it. The g9 touch screen looks and feels like a brand new iphone. The sony touch screen feels like a 10 year old android.
The Sony menus are horrific. Cluttered with crap. Over complicated in every way. Just bad. And yes sometimes you do need to dive back in.
The g9 has a top screen. More function buttons. Flip around screen. Better ibis. You can punch in to confirm focus even when using af which is awesome.
There's a lot of little things about the Sony. For one it lags. Even when you change iso or something like that. It lags for a split second. Super annoying. Three ergos just blow compared to pretty much every camera out there.
Lots of little things on the g9. Like how you can actually see the focus point when moving it. And you can quickly change the size with the thumb dial. And make it a bigger size. The focusing modes on the Sony are convoluted af. Like expandable spot.
The Sony weighs more even though it's smaller.
Three grip fucking blows. You have no room between the lens and grip to put your fingers. It's small with big heavy lenses so it balances like shit in your hands. The g9 is big with small lenses so it balances perfect.
Takes like 10 years to format an sd card on Sony it's so slow.
G9 just feels like it's 10 years ahead of Sony in ergos and handling.
A7iii is a good camera. Has good af, and iq. But everything else is mediocre at best.
Get out and shoot... yeah I'm a full time pro that makes my living off of shooting.
You clearly just don't know anything about camera's and you're clearly a Sony fanboy.
I like Sony. But there's a lot of shit they need to fix. Otherwise they're going to get beat.
Ted P im tired of my Sony, im just waiting for lumix s series to mature. I mean, that evf blows Sony
Excellent overview man!! Love my S1.
Cool presentation, I enjoy your rapid-fire delivery. I fail to understand their reasoning for overpricing their first offering in the Full Frame class, nevertheless your review shows that it may well be the better of the second level Full Frame cameras. My favorite features were the menu, touch screen and stabilization systems.
Rick Mentore because it has the best build quality, features and menu system of any of the FF cameras?
Yeah man..I've been looking forward to you breaking this beast down!
😃🙏
Fully agree. It's a stills first camera, "a full frame G9" I was hoping for a full frame GH5. Maybe Panasonic will unlock more video features making it a good choice for video, but with the limited selection of lenses, it's a difficult camera to choose. I did the test frames for photonstophotos dot net, and was happy to find the dynamic range / ISO vs noise was comparable to the Sony A7III. But, the video mode continuous autofocus was far too poor for me. I had the same problem, where it would go out of focus. But, for me it would often stop trying to focus. I really wanted to love this camera. Maybe it'll improve w/ firmware updates. I hope Sony takes notes about the software options in the S1.
My Xt3 is always “in charge”...with the help of Anker pb
"And it's really only one Sony autofocus system away from being the perfect camera for a lot of people" => this caught my attention, and it's true, but that's a major feature lol, and I guess Sony's main advantage over the competition.
Pretty much my assessment too. The missing waveform monitor is the biggest problem for me.
Thanks Gerald. Typically awesome.
Cheers! Appreciate it.
Fantastic concise review! 😃🙏🏾
Such a great review! I'm feeling well over excited for this camera. Is there NO record limit for Panasonic cameras ?! GH5 and S1 ? 😲
Thanks, Art. And correct, no record limit, except for the 4K60 on the S1, which is 30 minutes.
@@geraldundone That's amazing! 😍 I hope to see more comparison videos in the future 😁
Really enjoyed this. And that's from someone with an almost 0% chance of switching from Fuji. (I like what Fuji's doing, I have a bunch of lenses, and I'm too old to learn a new camera system.) These reviews are impressively thorough!
Thanks a lot. Glad you enjoyed it. Cheers!
Fuji’s the only other real competitor to Sony right now in mirrorless.
Hey Gerald, would you argue that the a7iii is probably still the best money-value camera? Seems like even after more than a year it holds up quite well against newer models
Yeah, I'd probably say so.
Your the best reviewer out there !!
Well done or should i say Undone 👌😉
An excellent and well-thought-out review, Gerald! As a landscape and product photographer, I ventured into the Fujifilm X-System (X-Pro2, X-T3, some stellar Fujinon XF lenses) and haven't looked back. I can print super sharp and detail-rich 24x36" posters. And using focus-stacking with my small product images, I think the detail and sharpness rivals FF or even medium format. That said, I've always wondered if I could see a noticable difference in overall sharpness and detail retention (when printing large) if I went with FF such as this S1 or the Sony a7III. (I currently use the stellar Fujinon XF80mm f/2.8 Macro, which is the sharpest lens I've used in 40 years of photography.) I am also curious about the sharpness and other image characteristics of Panny lenses for STILL photography, as I don't do video. Thank you sir.
Thanks for sharing your experiences, Steve. Appreciate you chiming in.
Hey G, another great video. Thanks. Here’s something that I could not Klien from your view. I am both a professional videographer with the secondary love of nature photography. Obviously my frustration with my GH5S is that although it’s the best video camera I’ve owned to date, it couldn’t take a still picture to save it’s life. Especially against my Canon 5D Mark III. Anyway I use my gh5s with either my Canon EF glass with a metabones speed booster or My native micro 4/3 Panasonic 12 to 35mm with IS. My question is can I still use my canon glass and speed boaster and more importantly, with whatever adapter I will need, will The S1 will be able to take advantage of the dual is with the Panasonic lens. Btw the way, it totally sucks to be dumb, so let’s get undone.
Thanks, Robert! The answer is yes in theory. Because the flange distance is shorter, Canon glass can be adapted. But how it performs and the availability will be up to metabones. It wouldn't be a speed booster though, it would be just a straight mount adapter. How many features they retain will probably be part of a firmware development process.
Excellent video!
I know it’s been a year since this video, but wondering if you know whether Panasonic has (or would be able to) release a firmware update that changes that annoying feature that prevents the user to to manually control exposure during high speed video recording.
Great review, mate! Cheers for sharing with us
Thanks a lot, Rafael! Cheers.
haha the intro is soo nice :D
YOU ARE A GENIUS ! WOW THANK YOU GERALD FOR THIS EXPLANATION , I JUST BUY THE CAMERA EN 3 DAYS I HAVE IN MY HANDS, AND I CAN WAIT FOR BEGING RECORDING, I SPECIALIZED IN MITZVAHS AND YOU ARE MAKING EASY FOR ME.I HAVE 2 GH5S AND I REALLY LOKING FOR THE BEST LOW LIGTH CAMERA ALWAYS.
Incredible review!
would you say the ibis is on par with the G9? if so, I wonder how they were able to achieve that with such a large sensor.
best review ever. bravo. It would be great if you do some tutorials, too. in different scenarios and in each scenarios testing differents settings, both video and pics. few people do that
Cameback to say - thanks so much for this. really made a difference deciding between the A7III and this one.
Wasn't really bothered by the AFC issues. I believe that with due time - it will improve. I personally haven't encountered any issues. The main thing for me was colour science - and I was pleasantly surpised.
Thanks legend!
Appreciate that. Glad I could help. Thanks for sharing your thoughts too!
Panasonic has confirmed the xlr adapter for the gh5 works on the s1
Thanks for letting us know.
The S1 makes you into a tripod ... 😂 Watching too much Camera Conspiracies lately? Excellent review !
Well at least one of my favorite TH-camrs has legs
Edit: Gerald, check out the level1techs review of the S1, Wendell figured out a workaround for the locked iso in high frame rate.
At first I read this to mean longevity, but now I'm thinking you were talking about my literal legs. 😜👍
Hey Gerald. In AF-s, are you able to use the manual focus ring at the same time as firing off shots? This might be a work around for bad AF. I’ve tried this on my XT1... but it doesn’t work. Once you start firing at 8fps I’m manual mode it locks the focus at what it started at. TIA
Sounds great to me! Instead of upgrading my XT line to fourth iteration, I sold my last Sony ff camera and went with Panasonic s1r. It will complement my crop sensor xh1 and xt2 nicely. I'm all set :) Thanks for another great review!
Hey Gerald, I've just discovered your channel a few days ago and subscribed right away, your videos have just the right amount of nerdish data while managing to keep it simple and totally enjoyable at the same time. That's not easy, congratulations AND thank you!
You said in another video (Evolution of Autofocus I think) that you shoot products and staged scenes... that's mostly what I do too (60% studio/40% outdoors, product, portrarits, staged scenes) and I'm looking to upgrade my APS-C gear.
I'm not an hybrid shooter, I would say that my interest is 85/90% photo and maybe 10/15% video... With that in mind and having to buy almost everything from scratch (I'm in Nikon APS-C, all DX lenses) would you invest in new DSLR gear today?
I know mirrorless are supposed to be the future (or present) but I keep finding them too small for me with weird layout of buttons and UI; and on top of that 99% of the reviews are from "hybrid shooters" saying they're fantastic for vlogging (what I would most positively never do).
Being already in July 2019, would you save a few bucks and buy the Nikon D750 DSLR or go for a A7 III and just "embrace the new era"? (I loved the review you made on the Panasonic S1, that would be my absolute favourite choice but the $3500 of body+lens slips out of my budget right now)
Sorry for the long comment, the most important part is the first one where I thank and congratulate you... Greetings from Argentina!
I totally understand where you're coming from. Thanks for the kind words.
No, I wouldn't get a DSLR today. Despite the things you mentioned, I would still get a mirrorless. It was a learning curve for me as well, but I'm happy I did it, and I wouldn't go back.
@@geraldundone Thanks a lot for taking a the time to answer... I guess I'll make the jump then.
Thanks again, love the channel!
ohhh been waiting for this. Goes for popcorn
Full Stack Creative sent me! Loving it so far!
Thanks a lot, Ashley! Cheers. 😃👍
Great review! different than others and good points.
It’s between this and a Blackmagic pocket 4k for me.. any recommends?
What cards did you use with this camera. XQD cards cost to much. What am I limited to with recording on the sd cards
I only used SD cards for the tests. I didn't run into any buffer issues or video problems with any of my tests using a UHS-I v30 card.
So if the firmware turns out great, it's preferable over the GH5 for video?
It could be. I'll make a followup video when it's available.
Would you say the boost mode is as good as the GH5's IS lock mode?
Yeah, they're pretty much the same function by the looks of it.
Hello, I have a question.
does the lumix s1 camera have a menu to change the language? For example, I want to buy a Japanese version of the Lumix S1 camera, can I change the language to English? Thank you
Look suave with the hair bro 👍 keep it up
Haha. Thanks, Jeffrey! 😃
This may not be connected to this latest video, but from your previous reviews. You highly praise these 2 cameras the GH5 & A6400. We are really torn between GH5 and A6400. GH5 has a £300 cashback here in UK ending today, so GH5 for £1,100 versus A6400 for £950. I nearly snap up the GH5 but after watching your videos we now have to think twice. What do you reckon? should we buy the GH5 but time is running out.
Do you want better video? Smaller size?
I would base it on low light and autofocus. If those two things are a priority, get the a6400. Or if you take photos more than video, get the a6400. For most other purposes, I'd get the GH5.
You have me lusting for the S1!!!
Thanks for the great review .
One Question: Is the IS-Scope available during video recording in IS-Lock-mode? The IS keeps the image centered as stable as possible in this mode and jumps if the limit of the IS is reached. This means that you get no feat back about your slow movements and after a few seconds you might drift away, the image jumps and the shot is ruined. On the GH5, I would be able to keep the camera much longer centered in IS-lock, if I had such a scope.
I'll test that now...
Unfortunately, no. It seems like it's more targeted at photography. As soon as you start recording, the I.S. Scope disappears.
@@geraldundone Thanks
So the mode can be used to improve holding the camera. Better than nothing, at least. I tried to film with 100mm and IS-lock by looking thru the EVF. This was pretty stable but without feat back, I couldn't hold the position longer than a few seconds but then the image jumps about 10-15% of the width.
Gerald, I do have a question, but it's about video on the S1.
Do you know any information about the dynamic range of the camera's Flat pic. profile? I know it's significantly more than the standard profiles---but how much is not clear, and I'm not finding any decent sources on it, including the official S1 manual.
I don't know that either, William. When I do my testing of the new firmware, I can take a look. I find the flat profiles are usually halfway in-between Standard and Log. So, probably 11-12 stops, if I had to guess.
I have been waiting for something like that sheer overlay function for years!!!! Does it work with video? Is it weird that got me very excited?
Yeah, it's awesome! Unfortunately, no video at the moment. Only photo mode.
You can always switch from photo mode to video mode after you've checked.
11:30 That's the kind of detail I could see a certain other TH-cam camera review channel (won't mention any names) missing. I've seen lots of little mistakes and flat out wrong info being given on a certain other channel. Very annoying. So thanks for taking the time and getting all the details correct :-)
Thanks for your kind words! 😃🙏
great review! - so disapointed with my Z6, when I see all this innovative functions...
Hey buddy, as someone who's considering the z6, could you elaborate?
At f4 i know its hard to test the low light, but that kit lens looks extremely sharp which makes extremely useful!