Lumix S1II vs S1IIE vs S1RII

Lumix S1II vs S1IIe vs S1RII (and S5IIX): Which One Should You Buy?

With Panasonic announcing theLumixS1IIandS1IIeto join the already released S1RII, it’s understandable if you’re feeling overwhelmed trying to figure out which one suits you best.

After diving deep into spec sheets over the past few days, I’ve put together a comprehensive comparison of these cameras — including a helpful table you can download (more on that later). In this post, I’ll walk you through the key differences between these models, help you identify which features matter most depending on your workflow, and ultimately guide you toward the best investment for your needs.

A Quick Note: Watch These First

Before diving in, if you haven’t already seen my dedicated videos on theS1II and S1RII, I recommend checking them out first. They go into full detail on each model individually and can give you more context before reading this comparison.

The Comparison Table

You’ll find all four cameras — S1II, S1IIe, S1RII, andS5IIX— in the comparison table I’ve created. It includes:

• Current pricing

• A colour-coded feature list (green = yes, red = no, grey = nuance)

You’ll quickly see why the S5IIX is included here too — it shares many similarities with the newer models and makes for an interesting point of reference.

Sensor Talk: Why It Matters

Let’s start with the heart of every camera — the sensor. Both the S1II and S1IIe feature 24MP sensors, but they’re not identical. The S1II uses a partially stacked sensor, offering faster readout speeds, while the S1IIe uses a sensor more closely aligned with the S5II series — same Dual Native ISO, same dynamic range, and also some of the same limitations.

At the time of writing, theS1IIe is around $600 more than the S5IIX, though pricing varies depending on deals and region. While the S1IIe offers spec improvements over the S5IIX, the biggest benefit might be the body itself which includes:

• Dedicated photo/video switch

• Upgraded5.76M-dotEVF

• Lockable dials

• One of the best vari-angle screens available

• Tally lights

• Improved 2.1M-dot LCD display

• CFexpress Type B and SD card slots

• Shutter-close on power-off (protects sensor during lens changes)

If your budget doesn’t quite stretch to the S1II, but you want a significantupgrade from an S5II series body, the S1IIe is a very compelling option.

Major Feature Differences: The Dealbreakers

Let’s now zoom in on features that could make or break your buying decision.

1. 4K 60p with No Crop

You’ll only get full-frame 4K 60p from theS1IIandS1RII.However, here’s the nuance:

• The S1RII technically has a 1.1x crop at 4K 60p — still a full sensor readout, but not 100% uncropped.

• The S1IIe, like the S5IIX, has an APS-C crop at 4K 60p.

That said, the S1IIe offers a workaround: Full Area 4K 60p in 2.4:1 cinemascope. While you crop the top and bottom to get the cinematic widescreen look,you retain the full width of the sensor. Even better — the S1IIe can shoot 6K 60p in 2.4:1, exclusive to the S1II series.

Moving Up: S5II vs S1IIe

Here’s what you gain by stepping up from an S5II series body to the S1IIe:

• ProRes RAW internal recording (no need for an external recorder)

• 32-bit float audio support with the DMW-XLR2 (great for stress-free audio gain control)

• Card backup to SSD– great for quick handoffs or field backups

These features alone may justify the upgrade for many hybrid or video-focused shooters.

S1II vs S1RII: Speed vs Resolution

Once you move beyond the S1IIe, it comes down to two flagships:

S1II: Speed

• Features the fastest sensor readout of any full-frame Lumix camera

• Delivers 4K 120p with no line skipping or pixel binning— ultra-detailed and clean

• 70fps blackout-freeburst with electronic shutter in Super High mode

• Mechanical burst: 10fps (same as S1RII)

S1RII: Resolution

• Massive 44MP sensor

• Can shoot 8.1K 10-bit Open Gate (coming in a firmware update) — ideal for cropping vertical + horizontal content from one clip

• Hybrid zoom benefits (photo & video) from extra resolution

• Uses line skipping to achieve 4K 120p — image is slightly softer than the S1II’s

So in short:

• Want speed and highest-quality 4K slow motion? → S1II

• Need resolution for photography, cropping, or 8K video work? → S1RII

Battery Life & Overheating

A few additional things to note:

• TheS 1RII has slightly worse battery life than the S1II due to higher processing demands.

• Both models handle heat well — I’ve never had overheating issues with any Lumix camera, even the smaller S9.

Final Thoughts: Which One’s For You?

Here’s how I’d categorize these cameras based on user profile:

Personally, if you’re a full-time shooter like me, spending the extra ~$500 to jump from the S1IIe to the S1II is well worth it. That gives you uncropped 5.9K 60p, oversampled 4K 120, 5.1K Open Gate, and much more.

But as always, your use case may be different. Maybe you rarely use frame rates above 25fps, or maybe you need maximum resolution for large prints or punch-ins. Choose based on what you’ll actually use day to day.

Grab the Comparison Table

I’ve made the full spec comparison table available to download. Just follow the link in the video description, drop your email in, and I’ll send it straight to your inbox.

And if you want even more details about the S1II or S1RII, I’ve got full videos on both — check them out next to help finalize your decision.