S1 IIvs RX100 VI
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.
Travel & Vlogging — RX100 VI (2018): The RX100 VI trades fast apertures for a remarkable 24-200mm zoom range — giving it more versatility than any previous model. 4K/30p, 24fps burst, a pop-up EVF, and an articulating screen round out an exceptional compact package. Variable aperture limits low-light performance at the long end, but for travel and events where reach matters, there is no practical alternative at this size.
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
RX100 VI (2018)
- Travel photographers who need versatile reach in a pocketable body
- Vloggers and content creators who need 4K and an articulating screen
- Event photographers who want discreet, capable wide-to-tele coverage
- Wildlife and sports enthusiasts who want a compact travel option
Quick take: The s1 ii has the highest resolution at 24mp; the rx100 vi is the most affordable; only the s1 ii is weather sealed. Scroll down for the full spec breakdown.
Full specifications
| Specification | S1 II (2025) | RX100 VI (2018) |
|---|---|---|
| Price | £2,200 | £700 |
| Sensor | 24.2MP Full-Frame BSI CMOS | 20.1MP 1-inch BSI Stacked CMOS |
| Resolution | 24.2MP | 20.1MP |
| Video | 6K/30p, 4K/120p, 10-bit 4:2:2 internal | 4K/30p, 1080p/120p, 960fps HFR |
| Autofocus | Phase-detect AF with subject recognition (human, animal, vehicle) | Fast Hybrid AF, 315 phase-detect points, Eye AF |
| Stabilisation | 5-axis IBIS, up to 8 stops | Optical SteadyShot |
| Burst Rate | 30fps (electronic), 9fps (mechanical) | 24fps |
| Battery Life | ~400 shots (CIPA) | ~240 shots (CIPA) |
| Weight | 680g (body only) | 301g (with battery and card) |
| Dimensions | 138.5 × 100.0 × 91.5mm | 101.6 × 58.1 × 42.8mm |
| Weather Sealed | Yes | No |
| Viewfinder | Electronic, 3.68M dots, 0.78× | Pop-up EVF, 2.35M dots |
| Screen | 3.0" fully articulating touchscreen, 1.84M dots | 3.0" fully articulating touchscreen, 921k dots |
| Mount | Leica L-mount | Fixed Zeiss Vario-Sonnar T* 24-200mm f/2.8-4.5 |
| Memory Cards | Dual slot: CFexpress Type B + SD UHS-II | Single SD / Memory Stick PRO Duo slot |
| Connectivity | USB-C, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, HDMI | Micro USB, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth |
Suitability by genre
| Genre | S1 II | RX100 VI |
|---|---|---|
| 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