S1 IIvs ZV-E1
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.
Video Creators, Vloggers & Filmmakers — ZV-E1 (2023): Full-frame video quality in a vlogging body — exceptional low-light performance and a genuinely compact form factor.
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
ZV-E1 (2023)
- Video creators who want full-frame low-light quality in a compact body
- Vloggers stepping up from APS-C who prioritise image quality over resolution
- Filmmakers who want S-Log3 and cinematic colour in a run-and-gun package
- A7S III users who want the same sensor in a smaller, lighter body
Quick take: The s1 ii has the highest resolution at 24mp; the zv-e1 is the most affordable; only the s1 ii is weather sealed. Scroll down for the full spec breakdown.
Full specifications
| Specification | S1 II (2025) | ZV-E1 (2023) |
|---|---|---|
| Price | £2,200 | £1,999 |
| Sensor | 24.2MP Full-Frame BSI CMOS | 12.1MP Full-Frame BSI CMOS Exmor R |
| Resolution | 24.2MP | 12.1MP |
| Video | 6K/30p, 4K/120p, 10-bit 4:2:2 internal | 4K/60p (S-Cinetone, S-Log3), 4K/120p, 1080p/240p |
| Autofocus | Phase-detect AF with subject recognition (human, animal, vehicle) | Real-time Tracking AF with subject recognition |
| Stabilisation | 5-axis IBIS, up to 8 stops | IBIS — Active Mode for video |
| Burst Rate | 30fps (electronic), 9fps (mechanical) | 10fps |
| Battery Life | ~400 shots (CIPA) | ~570 shots (CIPA) / ~105 min video |
| Weight | 680g (body only) | 483g (with battery) |
| Dimensions | 138.5 × 100.0 × 91.5mm | 121.4 × 71.6 × 54.3mm |
| Weather Sealed | Yes | No |
| Viewfinder | Electronic, 3.68M dots, 0.78× | None — screen only |
| Screen | 3.0" fully articulating touchscreen, 1.84M dots | 3.0" fully articulating touchscreen |
| Mount | Leica L-mount | Sony FE mount (full-frame E-mount) |
| Memory Cards | Dual slot: CFexpress Type B + SD UHS-II | Single CFexpress Type A / SD UHS-II |
| Connectivity | USB-C, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, HDMI | USB-C, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, 3.5mm mic, Multi-Interface Shoe |
Suitability by genre
| Genre | S1 II | ZV-E1 |
|---|---|---|
| Vlogging & Video | ||
| Portrait | ||
| Landscape | ||
| Wedding & Events | — | |
| Travel | ||
| Sports & Action | — | |
| Wildlife | — | |
| Street | ||
| Low Light | — |
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