What exactly are the differences between the Panasonic Lumix S1 II and the slightly cheaper Lumix S1 IIE that were both released at the same time in 2025?

We're bringing you this in-depth Panasonic Lumix S1 II vs S1 IIE head-to-head comparison to explain the differences and help you choose between these two mirrorless cameras.

You can also read our detailed Panasonic Lumix S1 II review and Panasonic Lumix S1 IIE review to find out exactly what we think of each camera.

Sensor

The S1 IIE offers 24.2 megapixels of resolution via a 35mm full-frame sensor with no low-pass filter.

The S1 II's sensor is "inspired by the characteristics of the LUMIX S5 II", according to Panasonic - we're not entirely sure if they're the same or not.

The Panasonic S1 II features a newly developed partially stacked 24.1 megapixel full-frame CMOS sensor, which is a first for the Lumix range.

This new sensor allows the S1 II to offer higher speed burst shooting and video recording modes than the S1 IIE.

Both models use the Venus image processing engine.

High Resolution Mode

Both cameras offer a special High Resolution mode, which captures 96-megapixel equivalent photos by rapidly taking 8 separate images and combining them into one.

They can capture these high resolution images whilst hand-holding the camera even at the full 96-megapixel resolution, which makes it a lot more versatile than earlier Lumix models, although it's still best suited to non-moving subjects.

ISO Speed

The native sensitivity range of both the S1 II and the S1 IIE is ISO 100 to ISO 51,200, which can be expanded down to ISO 50 and up to ISO 204,800.

Dual Native ISO automatically switches between native ISO settings of 640 and 4000 without increasing noise by changing the way the camera reads out the image sensor.

Video

The S1 IIE offers C4K 60p recording with no crop, 6K Open Gate recording at 30p and a new Cinemascope video format (2.4:1) available in various frame rates including 6K 60/50p without cropping.

The S1 II's faster sensor provides high-speed video modes including C4K/4K 120p and 5.8K 60p. In addition 5.1K Open Gate recording at 60/50p is available on the S II, another Lumix first, and a future firmware update promises the addition of multiple frame marker displays and Arri Log C3 compatiblity.

Other standout video highlights of the more expensive model include up to 5.9k 60p recording with no crop, internal RAW recording in 5.8k 30p and C4K 60p to a CFexpress Type B card, and 32-bit float audio support for the first time on Lumix full-frame cameras.

Both cameras provide HFR (High Frame Rate) recording at up to 120fps and Slow & Quick capture at up to 180fps and they have a full-size HDMI Type A terminal.

Autofocus

Both cameras have the same hybrid contrast and phase-detection auto-focus system which provides fast and dependable and providing 779-area metering. Able to detect target subjects in difficult conditions such as low light and backlighting, once locked on it will remain tracking them even with other moving objects in the frame.

Auto-focusing is further improved in this generation with better eye and face detection and AI-driven tracking accuracy for people plus the addition of a new Urban Sports AF mode for street dance, freestyle football, skateboarding, BMX and parkour.

Burst Shooting

The S1 IIE offers 30fps high-speed blackout free continuous shooting with AF/AE, 10fps with the mechanical shutter, and there's also pre-burst shooting for up to 1.5 seconds.

The partially stacked sensor inside the S1 II allows it to shoot at 70fps high-speed blackout free with AF/AE, 10fps with the mechanical shutter, and there's also pre-burst shooting for up to 1.5 seconds.

Shutter Speeds

Both models can shoot stills at 1/16,000sec in the Electronic shutter Speed Priority mode and video at up to 1/10,000sec.

Body and Design

These two cameras are completely identical in terms of their design. Panasonic have essentially reused the design of the flagship Lumix S1R II, presumably standardizing on one chassis to make the camera smaller for end users and also cheaper to produce.

They are fully weather-sealed and splash/dust-proof and freeze-proof down to -10 degrees Celsius.

Viewfinder

The OLED viewfinder on both models has a phenomenal resolution of 5.76-million-dots, offers 100% field of view, and a magnification ratio of 0.78x with a 50mm lens at infinity.

The EVF operates at a native rate of 120fps with a minimum lag of less than 0.005 sec, which helps to make it completely flicker-free.

LCD Screen

Both cameras share exactly the same 1,840k vari-angle LCD screen.

Both have a touch screen, meaning that you can, if wish, drag the focus area around the screen with your finger or thumb. 

Alternatively, if you prefer physical controls, you can use the small thumb-operated joystick to the upper-right of the LCD to do the same.

IBIS

Both cameras have an enhanced in-body image stabilization system that offers 8 stops in the centre and 7 stops at the edges of the frame and 7.0-stops even in the telephoto range with Dual I.S. 2.

There's also a newly developed cropless E.I.S. video distortion correction which stabilizes footage without cropping the angle of view.

Both models have an Active I.S. mode which provides highly stable video recording by optimising horizontal, vertical and rotational correction.

This is especially effective in traditionally challenging conditions for handheld shooting, such as using telephoto lenses or filming while walking.

LUTs

Both models are compatible with the LUMIX Lab smart phone application, enabling you to load LUTs directly into the camera.

A new LUMIX Flow app has recently been launched to enhance production workflows across various scenarios, such as short films, documentaries, music videos, and corporate promotional videos. This app offers a range of features, from storyboard creation and shooting to file organization.

Capture One

Following on from the S1R II, the S1 II and IIE support tethering via Capture One, assisting various creators across various production scenarios.

Memory Cards

Both the S1 II and S1 IIE have dual memory card slots housed in a dedicated compartment on the side of the body, one UHS-II SD slot and one XQD / CFexpress slot.

Battery Life

The S1 IIE's 2,200mAh DMW-BLK22 battery provides 380 images (rear monitor), 340 images (LVF), 1,100 images (Power Save LVF mode), as measured using stringent CIPA industry standards.

Perhaps unsurprisingly on the more power-hungry S1 II, battery life drops to 320 shots when using the Live Viewfinder and 360 shots when using the rear LCD screen.

Both cameras can also be powered and charged via a USB-C connection, which is useful if you're out and about and have a compatible power-bank to plug the camera into. On both models UVC/UAC plug and play webcam support is provided.

Price

The Panasonic Lumix S1 IIE is available in June 2025 priced at £2,399 / €2,799 / $2,499 body-only in the UK, Europe and USA respectively.

The Panasonic Lumix S1 II is also available in June 2025 priced at £2,899 / €3,499 body-only.

Conclusion

As you'd perhaps expect, the more expensive S1 II improves on the cheaper S1 IIE model in quite a lot of ways, principally by offering higher speed burst shooting and video recording modes. They offer exactly the same design and user experience, though, so choosing between them essentially boils down to which image sensor you prefer.

So what do you think? Would you choose the Lumix S1 II or the cheaper S1 IIE? Leave a comment below!

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