CameraReview

Panasonic Lumix DC-S1

Panasonic · Mirrorless · 24.2 MP · Full Frame · 4K video

Panasonic Lumix DC-S1

Score Breakdown

Scores combine our editorial testing with published lab data.

Main features 80
Extra features 80
Construction and durability 87
Handling and ergonomics 80
Value for money 95
84
SCORE /100
Independent Lab Scores
THIRD-PARTY LAB DATA · DXOMARK
95
Overall score
25.2
Color depth
14.5
Dynamic range
3333
Low light ISO
Independent measurement — not part of our /100 score.
Buying Options

General

BrandPanasonic
ModelLumix DC-S1
Released
ⓘ
Refers to the year this camera was officially made available for sale.
2019
Announcement date
ⓘ
Refers to the date the manufacturer publicly announced the upcoming release and general specs of this camera.
February 1, 2019
Camera typeMirrorless
Camera size149 x 110 x 97 mm
Camera weight899 g

Optics

78/100
About the Optics

The Panasonic Lumix DC-S1 earns a solid score of 80/100 for its general specifications. Measuring 149 x 110 x 97mm and weighing 899g (1.98lbs), the DC-S1 offers a compact and lightweight design.

These specifications make the Lumix DC-S1 a competitive choice in the current camera market. Its combination of size, weight, and features ensures it remains a popular option for photographers seeking quality and performance.

Panasonic Lumix DC-S1 Overview and Optics

The Panasonic Lumix DC-S1 receives a score of 78/100 for its optics. With 24.2 megapixels, a shooting speed of 9, and a CMOS sensor, this camera is equipped to capture high-quality images. The Venus Engine processor further enhances its performance, while its DXOMARK score of 95 for the sensor is a testament to its capabilities.

The camera features a full-frame sensor size, providing excellent image quality and low-light performance. The Leica L lens mount allows for a wide range of compatible lenses, offering versatility for various shooting situations. Additionally, the built-in image stabilisation ensures sharp images, even in challenging conditions.

The 3:2 aspect ratio is a standard choice for photographers, making this camera suitable for both professional and amateur use. While there are cameras with higher specifications in the market, the Panasonic Lumix DC-S1 remains a strong contender due to its well-rounded features and reliable performance.

Megapixels
ⓘ
The higher the number of megapixels, the more detail the cameras sensor can capture.
24.2 MP050
Image resolution
ⓘ
Image resolution is measured in pixels and megapixels, width by height. The higher the number, the higher its resolution.
6000 x 4000
Sensor type
ⓘ
The camera sensor captures light and records the image. Sensors vary in physical size, the number of pixels, and quality.
CMOS
Sensor size
ⓘ
The sensor size contributes to the overall quality as well as the dynamic and tonal range a camera can capture. As a rule of thumb, the more surface there is to read the light, the more information it will capture.
23.8 x 35.6
Sensor format
ⓘ
Refers to the most commonly used sensor sizes.
Full Frame
Continuous shooting
ⓘ
The number of sequential frames per second the camera can write to the memory card when shooting in burst or continuous mode.
9 fps045
Lens mount
ⓘ
The lens mount will tell you what type of lens range you can fit onto the camera body. Often the same camera company will have different lens ranges for different cameras.
Leica L
Image processor
ⓘ
The image processor in the camera converts the information collected on the sensor for digital storage on the memory card.
Venus Engine
Aspect ratio
ⓘ
The aspect ratio refers to the proportional difference between width and height. The most popular aspect ratios are 3:2 and 4:3.
3:2
Min ISO
ⓘ
Refers to the lowest native (or 'base') ISO setting. Lower ISO are less sensitive to light but make a cleaner image.
10030200
Max ISO
ⓘ
Refers to the highest native (or 'base') ISO setting. Higher ISO is necessary for low-light situations or night photography, but higher ISOs often introduce grain or noise.
512003003280000
Min ISO (expanded)
ⓘ
Expanded (or extended) ISO is a digitally enhanced feature available on some cameras. It allows you to push beyond the native ISO range if necessary.
5030200
Max ISO (expanded)
ⓘ
Expanded (or extended) ISO is a digitally enhanced feature available on some cameras. It allows you to push beyond the native ISO range if necessary.
2048003003280000
Minimum shutter speed
ⓘ
The minimum shutter speed will tell you the longest exposure your camera can take without using an external accessory.
6044080
Max shutter speed
ⓘ
The maximum shutter speed tells you the length inside 1 second the camera will capture. These can sometimes be extended with accessories such as extra external batteries.
800080032000
Autofocus points
ⓘ
Autofocus points show where the camera is focusing graphically as squares or brackets in Live View or on an electronic viewfinder. These points are also used for light meter readings.
2250300
In-body stabilisation
ⓘ
In-body Stabilization means the camera has a certain technology embedded that counteracts camera shake.
Yes
Viewfinder type
ⓘ
The viewfinder type is either electronic or optical. Electronic viewfinders will have a small screen in the viewfinder. Optical viewfinders will use prisms and mirrors to look through the lens.
Electronic
Viewfinder dots576000009900000

Video

69/100
About the Video

The Panasonic Lumix DC-S1 boasts a video score of 69/100. With a maximum video resolution of 4K and dimensions of 3840 x 2160, the DC-S1 has the potential to capture high-quality footage. The camera allows for a maximum video frame rate of 60fps, enabling smooth and crisp motion capture.

Comparing the DC-S1’s video capabilities to other cameras in today’s market, it holds a competitive edge in terms of resolution and frame rate. However, the camera lacks built-in time-lapse functionality, which may be a drawback for some users.

Taking all these factors into account, the Panasonic Lumix DC-S1 offers impressive video capabilities. Its strengths in resolution and frame rate make it a solid choice for those prioritizing video quality.

Video
ⓘ
Indicates if this camera is capable of recording video.
Yes
Max video resolution
ⓘ
The best resolution this camera can capture video in. Modern cameras can capture up to 8K video.
4K
Max video format
ⓘ
Video resolution measured by the greatest number of pixels possible in each frame, width by height. A higher resolution means more detail or clarity in your video.
3840 x 2160
Max video frame rate
ⓘ
How many frames per second your video will capture. Most cameras have options for multiple frame rates, depending on the resolution you shoot in. For a general video, 24p or 30p is the standard, but more serious filmmakers may need a higher frame rate for creative effect.
60 fps
Timelapse built in
ⓘ
A built in time-lapse mode will allow continuous shooting throughout a prolonged period of time to be compressed into a sped up video.
No
Video file format
ⓘ
Different cameras can record in various video file formats. The File format you record in can impact how you edit and use the files.
MP4

Features

87/100
About the Features

The Panasonic Lumix DC-S1 achieves a feature score of 87/100. With a 3.2-inch screen size and a resolution of 2,100,000 dots, the touchscreen provides clear and detailed image previews. The flip screen enhances usability for various shooting angles, while the absence of GPS might be a drawback for some users.

In today’s market, the Lumix DC-S1 competes well with other cameras, as it offers both WIFI and Bluetooth connectivity. These features make transferring images and controlling the camera remotely easy and efficient. The combination of a high-resolution touchscreen, flip screen, and wireless connectivity allows the Lumix DC-S1 to stand out among its competitors.

The Panasonic Lumix DC-S1 is a strong contender in the current market, thanks to its impressive features and user-friendly design. Its high feature score of 87/100 reflects the quality and functionality that this camera offers to photographers.

Builtin flash
ⓘ
A built-in flash will often be positioned right above the lens. This will automatically pop up when you activate it.
No
External flash
ⓘ
External flashes are often connected through a hot shoe at the top of a camera, or a cable at the side of the camera.
Yes
GPS
ⓘ
GPS features in a camera will include location metadata to each of your photographs.
No
Weather sealing
ⓘ
Weather sealing capabilities will give you more confidence when shooting in unfavourable conditions.
Yes
Screen typeLCD
Touch screen
ⓘ
Touchscreen allows you to change camera settings and access menus with a swipe of your finger, instead of using buttons.
Yes
Screen size3.2"
Screen dots
ⓘ
Screen dots indicate the resolution of the LCD screen by including each sub pixel.
21000001150001500000
Flip screen
ⓘ
A flip screen (or articulating screen) is a second screen which can flip out from the side or top of the camera. This rotating screen allows you more freedom to take photos at different angles.
Yes
Live view
ⓘ
Live View feature allows you to see a continuous live video of what is being seen through your lens.
Yes
Wi-Fi
ⓘ
Built-in Wi-Fi allows you to connect your camera and share images wirelessly.
Yes
Bluetooth
ⓘ
Bluetooth capabilities allow you wireless control of your camera with other external devices.
Yes

Storage & Battery

68/100
About the Storage & Battery

The Panasonic Lumix DC-S1 receives a score of 68/100 for its storage and battery capabilities. It has two memory card slots, accommodating both SD/SDHC/SDXC (UHS-II compatible) and XQD cards. This flexibility is an advantage for users who require multiple storage options.

Regarding battery life, the camera offers 380 shots per charge, utilizing the DMW-BLJ31 battery type. This performance is decent, but not exceptional in the current market. However, the camera supports USB charging, providing an added convenience for on-the-go users.

Considering these specifications, the Lumix DC-S1 has adequate storage and battery features, but there is room for improvement to compete with top-tier models.

Memory cardSD / SDHC / SDXC (UHS-II compatible), XQD
Dual memory card slotsYes
Battery typeDMW-BLJ31
Battery life
ⓘ
Approximately how long this cameras battery will last measured by how many photographs you will be able to take.
380 shots1505000
USB chargingYes