S1 IIvs Z50
GearScore™ Verdict — Which should you buy?
Hybrid & Video — S1 II (2025): The S1 II is the full-frame L-mount hybrid camera Panasonic's system has been waiting for — phase-detect AF, 4K/120p, class-leading IBIS, and a professional build in one complete package. It addresses every weakness of the original S1 and positions Lumix firmly back in the conversation for serious hybrid shooters.
Beginner, Travel, Everyday — Z50 (2019): Nikon's Z system at its most accessible.
Who should buy what
S1 II (2025)
- Hybrid photographers who need excellent stills and serious video capability
- Video professionals who want full-frame quality with 4K/120p
- Landscape and portrait photographers who want maximum stabilisation
- L-mount system users upgrading from S1 or S5 II
Z50 (2019)
- Nikon DSLR users wanting a lighter mirrorless
- First-time enthusiast camera buyers
Quick take: The s1 ii has the highest resolution at 24mp; the z50 is the most affordable; only the s1 ii is weather sealed. Scroll down for the full spec breakdown.
Full specifications
| Specification | S1 II (2025) | Z50 (2019) |
|---|---|---|
| Price | £2,200 | £499 |
| Sensor | 24.2MP Full-Frame BSI CMOS | APS-C CMOS |
| Resolution | 24.2MP | 20.9MP |
| Video | 6K/30p, 4K/120p, 10-bit 4:2:2 internal | 4K 30fps (1.5× crop), 1080p 120fps |
| Autofocus | Phase-detect AF with subject recognition (human, animal, vehicle) | 209-point phase-detect hybrid AF |
| Stabilisation | 5-axis IBIS, up to 8 stops | None |
| Burst Rate | 30fps (electronic), 9fps (mechanical) | 11fps |
| Battery Life | ~400 shots (CIPA) | 300 shots (CIPA) |
| Weight | 680g (body only) | 397g (body only) |
| Dimensions | 138.5 × 100.0 × 91.5mm | 126.5 × 93.5 × 60.0mm |
| Weather Sealed | Yes | No |
| Viewfinder | Electronic, 3.68M dots, 0.78× | EVF 0.68× 2.36M-dot |
| Screen | 3.0" fully articulating touchscreen, 1.84M dots | 3.2" downward-tilting touchscreen, 1.04M-dot |
| Mount | Leica L-mount | Nikon Z-Mount (DX) |
| Memory Cards | Dual slot: CFexpress Type B + SD UHS-II | Single SD UHS-I |
| Connectivity | USB-C, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, HDMI | Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 4.2, Micro USB, Micro HDMI |
Suitability by genre
| Genre | S1 II | Z50 |
|---|---|---|
| Vlogging & Video | ||
| Portrait | ||
| Landscape | — | |
| Wedding & Events | — | |
| Travel | ||
| Sports & Action | ||
| Wildlife | — | |
| Street | ||
| Casual | — |
GearScore™ suitability scores are based on aggregated purchaser reviews weighted by photography genre. See how scores are calculated →
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Camera family history