S1 IIvs KF
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.
Landscape & Outdoor — KF (2022): The Pentax KF is a rare thing — a weather-sealed DSLR with in-body stabilisation and an articulating screen at an accessible price. Video is modest at 1080p/60p, but for outdoor and landscape photographers who prefer optical viewfinders and want real weather sealing, the KF delivers in a format that is increasingly hard to find.
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
KF (2022)
- Outdoor and landscape photographers who want weather sealing at an accessible price
- DSLR users who want IBIS and an articulating screen without switching systems
- Pentax K-mount lens collectors who want a modern body for their glass
- Photographers who prefer the natural feel of an optical viewfinder
Quick take: The kf is the most affordable. Scroll down for the full spec breakdown.
Full specifications
| Specification | S1 II (2025) | KF (2022) |
|---|---|---|
| Price | £2,200 | £700 |
| Sensor | 24.2MP Full-Frame BSI CMOS | 24.2MP APS-C CMOS |
| Resolution | 24.2MP | 24.2MP |
| Video | 6K/30p, 4K/120p, 10-bit 4:2:2 internal | 1080p/60p |
| Autofocus | Phase-detect AF with subject recognition (human, animal, vehicle) | SAFOX 13 phase-detect AF with 11 points |
| Stabilisation | 5-axis IBIS, up to 8 stops | In-body Shake Reduction (SR II), up to 5.5 stops |
| Burst Rate | 30fps (electronic), 9fps (mechanical) | 6fps |
| Battery Life | ~400 shots (CIPA) | ~410 shots (CIPA) |
| Weight | 680g (body only) | 643g (body only) |
| Dimensions | 138.5 × 100.0 × 91.5mm | 131.0 × 101.0 × 76.0mm |
| Weather Sealed | Yes | Yes |
| Viewfinder | Electronic, 3.68M dots, 0.78× | Optical pentamirror, 0.95× magnification, ~100% coverage |
| Screen | 3.0" fully articulating touchscreen, 1.84M dots | 3.0" fully articulating touchscreen, 1.04M dots |
| Mount | Leica L-mount | Pentax KF-mount |
| Memory Cards | Dual slot: CFexpress Type B + SD UHS-II | Single SD UHS-I slot |
| Connectivity | USB-C, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, HDMI | USB, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth |
Suitability by genre
| Genre | S1 II | KF |
|---|---|---|
| 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