S1 IIvs FX3
Sony
FX3 (2021)
Starting from £3799 new
Best for Professional video, documentary & cinematic filmmaking
View FX3
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.
Professional Video, Documentary & Cinematic Filmmaking — FX3 (2021): The definitive run-and-gun cinema camera — A7S III sensor quality in a body built specifically for video professionals.
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
FX3 (2021)
- Professional videographers and filmmakers who need cinema-quality colour science in a compact body
- Documentary and run-and-gun shooters who need 4K/120p and built-in XLR audio
- Sony A7S III owners who want a purpose-built video body alongside their stills camera
- Gimbal and drone operators who need a compact full-frame cinema camera
Quick take: The s1 ii has the highest resolution at 24mp; the s1 ii is the most affordable. Scroll down for the full spec breakdown.
Full specifications
| Specification | S1 II (2025) | FX3 (2021) |
|---|---|---|
| Price | £2,200 | £3,799 |
| Sensor | 24.2MP Full-Frame BSI CMOS | 12.1MP full-frame BSI Exmor R CMOS (same as A7S III) |
| Resolution | 24.2MP | 12.1MP |
| Video | 6K/30p, 4K/120p, 10-bit 4:2:2 internal | 4K/120p, 4K/60p 10-bit, 12-bit RAW output, S-Log3, S-Cinetone |
| Autofocus | Phase-detect AF with subject recognition (human, animal, vehicle) | Real-time tracking with subject recognition (human, animal) |
| Stabilisation | 5-axis IBIS, up to 8 stops | 5-axis IBIS — 5 stops |
| Burst Rate | 30fps (electronic), 9fps (mechanical) | 10fps mechanical, 10fps electronic |
| Battery Life | ~400 shots (CIPA) | ~640 shots (CIPA) |
| Weight | 680g (body only) | 715g body only (with XLR handle) |
| Dimensions | 138.5 × 100.0 × 91.5mm | 129.7 × 78.0 × 84.5mm |
| Weather Sealed | Yes | Yes |
| Viewfinder | Electronic, 3.68M dots, 0.78× | None — monitor/external EVF use only |
| Screen | 3.0" fully articulating touchscreen, 1.84M dots | 3.0" touchscreen, fully articulating |
| Mount | Leica L-mount | Sony FE mount (full-frame E-mount) |
| Memory Cards | Dual slot: CFexpress Type B + SD UHS-II | Dual CFexpress Type A / SD UHS-II slots |
| Connectivity | USB-C, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, HDMI | USB-C (10Gbps), full-size HDMI, XLR via handle, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi |
Suitability by genre
| Genre | S1 II | FX3 |
|---|---|---|
| Vlogging & Video | ||
| Portrait | ||
| Landscape | — | |
| Wedding & Events | — | |
| Travel | ||
| Sports & Action | — | |
| Wildlife | — | |
| Street | ||
| Low Light | — | |
| Wedding | — |
GearScore™ suitability scores are based on aggregated purchaser reviews weighted by photography genre. See how scores are calculated →
More comparisons with S1 II
Camera family history