This is a double win for Panasonicand recently acquired his incredibly versatile Lumix S1 II. TechRadar Video Camera of the Year Award recently, and now he just took first place in our Guide to the Best Video Cameras.
Both awards are well deserved. I've been testing the camera for over a month, and for me it's the most complete camcorder for the money from any brand, including powerful competitors from Blackmagic. Sony, Canon and Nikon.
Highest quality in a highly competitive environment
Of all camera types, in my opinion, it's camcorders that have made the most significant improvements in 2025, so we have to give credit to the Lumix S1 II as our top pick in this increasingly controversial category.
With the arrival of the baby, Canon has made its cinema line smaller and more affordable EOS S50Nikon has made huge strides since acquisition of REDespecially with the recent ZR, while Blackmagic introduced a powerful Pixis 6K. I also expect Sony to get involved very soon.
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I believe that the Lumix S1 II is the best choice for most people who are not specifically looking for a cinema camera, beating out competitors such as Nikon Z6 III (And new ZR). It likely uses the same 24MP partial-frame full-frame sensor as the Nikon models, making it Panasonic's fastest Lumix to date. However, there are some lesser-known features that give it a real edge over its competitors.
Beating the Nikon, we get 6K open-shutter video recording, which is cleverly supported by a variety of video codecs (taking up 11 pages in the camera's menu), as well as double ISO boost for pure video quality day and night.
High Dynamic Range mode takes things to the next level for those who want natural 6K video with maximum detail in highlights and shadows—the quality straight out of the camera is nothing short of professional.
I've also always appreciated Panasonic's real-time LUT feature, which allows you to assign custom color profiles to the camera so videos and photos look the way you want. I'm not the only one who would use real-time LUTs for Fujifilm film simulations.
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We also get incredibly effective in-body image stabilization for video—a better full-frame alternative I've yet to see. Panasonic's autofocus is now much better than the competition, which is another reason to ignore Lumix cameras.
I don't care much about the S1 II's design, but there's no denying that it's a very capable video camera that provides the tools filmmakers need. I especially liked its dual-axis vari-angle screen, which is very similar to the design on Sony A9 III / A1 IIand Canon and Nikon are missing something. I wish the screen was bigger, but it's certainly versatile.
Overall, there are certain areas where some Sony, Nikon, Blackmagic and Canon competitors do better, but it's the consistency across all areas that makes the Lumix S1 II the best for me.
Is the Lumix S1 II the perfect solution?
Well, not really. There are several reasons that could potentially mean a competing camcorder is better for you.
First, battery life is mediocre, especially compared to Sony alternatives. For a typical day of shooting with the Lumix S1 II, I'd like to carry two spare batteries and have the added security of USB-C charging on the go, just in case.
Also, the rear 3″ touchscreen seems a bit small after using the Nikon ZR with its larger 4″ screen, not to mention Blackmagic Cinema 6K Camera stunning 5-inch screen. Even the Nikon Z6 III has a 3.2-inch display.
Given the size of the display, if the Lumix S1 II were to become my everyday workhorse – and it could be – I would definitely connect an external monitor, such as my (5-inch) Atomos Ninja.
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To realize 32-bit floating audio recording on the Lumix S1 II, you'll need the optional Panasonic DMW-XLR2 microphone adapter. It's certainly an impressive feature to have access to (even if the Nikon ZR offers these capabilities without an adapter), but it's another accessory worth considering.
Extra batteries, external monitor, XLR adapter – these accessories fold away and The S1 II is uncharacteristically expensive for a Lumix, especially since Nikon has improved the video game experience since acquiring RED, delivering excellent value for money camcorders, making it a top budget choice today.
However, the Lumix S1 II has the best built-in image stabilization for video of any camera I've tested, meaning it's the only camera I'm likely to use in handheld mode without using a gimbal.
Overall, I think the Lumix S1 II has the edge. It's the complete package in terms of handling and quality. Just keep in mind these potential additional costs, as well as the cost of decent L-mount glass if you don't already have lenses.
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