It’s a double win for Panasonic, as its incredibly versatile Lumix S1 II recently scooped TechRadar’s Video Camera of the Year Award recently, and now it’s just taken top spot in our best video cameras guide.
Both accolades are well deserved. I tested the camera for over a month, and for me it’s the most complete video camera for the money from any brand, and that includes powerful rivals from Blackmagic, Sony, Canon and Nikon.
Supreme quality in a fiercely contested space
Of all camera types, for me it was video cameras where the most dramatic improvements have been made in 2025, so further credit goes to the Lumix S1 II for being our top pick in what is an increasingly contested category.
Canon made its cinema line smaller and more affordable with the baby EOS C50, Nikon made huge strides following its RED acquisition, specifically with the recent ZR, while Blackmagic delivered the powerful Pyxis 6K. I’m also expecting Sony to get in on the action very soon.
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I believe the Lumix S1 II is the best overall pick for most people who aren’t specifically looking for a cinema camera, beating rivals such as the Nikon Z6 III (and new ZR). It shares what is likely the same partially stacked 24MP full-frame sensor as those Nikon models, enabling it to become Panasonic’s fastest Lumix to date. However, there are some lesser-known features that give it the real-world edge over its rivals.
Besting Nikon, we get open gate 6K video recording, which is ably supported by an abundance of video codecs – taking up 11 pages in the camera’s menu – plus dual-gain ISO for clean video quality day or night.
The dynamic range boost mode takes things to the next level for those wanting natural-looking 6K video with the most amount of detail in highlights and shadows – the quality straight out of camera is nothing short of professional.
I’ve always appreciated Panasonic’s Real Time LUTs feature, too, enabling you to assign custom color profiles in-camera to give you the look you want for video and photos. I’m not the only one who would take Real Time LUTs over Fujifilm’s film simulations.
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We also get incredibly effective in-body image stabilization for video – I’m yet to experience a better full-frame alternative. Panasonic’s autofocus now fares much better against rivals, too, which is one less reason to overlook Lumix cameras.
The S1 II’s design doesn’t particularly excite me, but there’s no denying that it’s a highly functional video camera, delivering the tools that filmmakers demand. I especially liked its dual-axis vari-angle screen, which is much like the design on the Sony A9 III / A1 II, and something Canon and Nikon miss. I’d like the screen to be bigger, but it sure is versatile.
Overall, there are specific areas where certain Sony, Nikon, Blackmagic and Canon rivals fare better, but it’s the consistency across all areas that makes the Lumix S1 II top dog for me.
Is the Lumix S1 II the perfect package?
Well, not exactly. There are a few reasons that could potentially mean a rival video camera is better for you.
For one, battery life is mediocre, certainly compared to Sony alternatives. For a typical shoot day with the Lumix S1 II, I would want to pack two spare batteries and have the additional assurance of on-the-go USB-C charging, to be on the safe side.
Also, the rear 3-inch touch display feels a little on the small side now that I’ve used the Nikon ZR with its generous 4-inch screen, not to mention the Blackmagic Cinema Camera 6K’s whopping 5-inch screen. Even the Nikon Z6 III has a 3.2-inch display.
Given the display size, if the Lumix S1 II were to become my daily workhorse – and it might – I would absolutely be attaching an external monitor, such as my (5-inch) Atomos Ninja.
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To unleash the Lumix S1 II’s 32-bit float audio recording, you’ll need the optional Panasonic DMW-XLR2 microphone adapter. Granted, it’s an impressive feature to have access to (even if the Nikon ZR offers these skills without an adapter), but that’s another accessory to consider.
Additional batteries, an external monitor, that XLR adapter – those accessories add up, and the S1 II is uncharacteristically pricey for a Lumix, especially since Nikon upped its video game after acquiring RED, delivering excellent-value video cameras which today make it the best budget choice.
That said, the Lumix S1 II has the best in-body image stabilization performance of video of any camera I’ve tested, meaning it’s the one camera I would most likely use handheld without needing a gimbal.
Overall, I believe the Lumix S1 II has the edge. It’s the complete package in terms of handling and quality. Just keep in mind those potential additional outlays, plus the cost of some decent L-mount glass if you don’t already have some lenses.
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