Main trade-off
Panasonic LUMIX S5IIX body
Tall 6K 3:2 stops at 30p. Higher-resolution ProRes needs the supported external SSD.
Head-to-head
Panasonic S5IIX vs S1II: S1II adds a tall 60p source, S5IIX keeps the two-SD setup
The short answer
S1II adds a tall 60p source, while S5IIX keeps the two-SD setup. Choose S1II when 5.1K 3:2 at 60p solves a real horizontal-and-portrait editing need. Its 6K 3:2 mode still stops at 30p. Choose S5IIX when ordinary-speed tall 6K and the existing SD or supported SSD workflow already work. Both are body-only, and both disable card recording in USB-SSD mode.
Before you choose
The reasoning and the trade-offs
A tall 60p file changes what you can slow down for a portrait edit
S1II records 5088×3392 in 5.1K 3:2 at up to 60p, while S5IIX’s 6K 3:2 stops at 30p. For a dance rehearsal needed both horizontally and vertically, S1II can supply a taller source for slower playback. Its full-height 9:16 crop is 1908×3392. That exceeds 1080×1920, but it is below 2160×3840, so a native-resolution portrait 4K promise would be wrong. At 30p both offer 5952×3968. Choose S1II when the extra temporal frames matter more than that lost portrait crop room, and S5IIX when ordinary speed already serves both edits.
What this is based on
3392×9/16=1908, 3968×9/16=2232. Source dimensions before additional crop. Editing frame-rate conversion required, no native portrait 4K from 5.1K60 claim.
Main trade-off
Panasonic LUMIX S1II body
One CFexpress Type B plus one SD slot. 32-bit float audio requires optional DMW-XLR2, and 6K 3:2 is not 60p.
Panasonic LUMIX S5IIX body
- Choose it for
- Your 6K 3:2 work is ordinary speed and two existing suitable SD cards fit the backup plan.
- A verified S5IIX SSD and power setup already works, and a 60g lighter body helps.
- Main trade-off
- Tall 6K 3:2 stops at 30p. Higher-resolution ProRes needs the supported external SSD.
Panasonic LUMIX S1II body
- Choose it for
- You need a tall 5.1K 3:2 source at 60p and accept its lower portrait crop dimensions than 6K30.
- The broader recording setup is worth budgeting CFexpress Type B and checking new power accessories.
- Main trade-off
- One CFexpress Type B plus one SD slot. 32-bit float audio requires optional DMW-XLR2, and 6K 3:2 is not 60p.
About this comparison
Panasonic S5IIX vs S1II for portrait slow motion, an existing SSD rig and backup cards. Check the 3:2 modes and power accessories before upgrading.
A video-led L-mount upgrade decision where existing lenses, SSDs and power accessories may already be owned. Tall 60p capture and mixed media matter more than a general newer-body claim.
Winner by situation
Start with what you need it to do
Keep two existing suitable SD cards in the camera
S1II needs Type B for its first slot.
- Panasonic LUMIX S5IIX body
- Better fit
- Panasonic LUMIX S1II body
- Caution
Capture a tall 3:2 source at 60p
S1II supports 5.1K 3:2 at 60p.
- Panasonic LUMIX S5IIX body
- Not suitable
- Panasonic LUMIX S1II body
- Better fit
Minimize body weight in the same L-mount setup
S5IIX is 60g lighter before accessories.
- Panasonic LUMIX S5IIX body
- Better fit
- Panasonic LUMIX S1II body
- Good
Record SSD and a card copy simultaneously
USB-SSD mode disables card recording on both.
- Panasonic LUMIX S5IIX body
- Not suitable
- Panasonic LUMIX S1II body
- Not suitable
What matters in practice
The differences that matter
A tall 60p file changes what you can slow down for a portrait edit
S1II records 5088×3392 in 5.1K 3:2 at up to 60p, while S5IIX’s 6K 3:2 stops at 30p. For a dance rehearsal needed both horizontally and vertically, S1II can supply a taller source for slower playback. Its full-height 9:16 crop is 1908×3392. That exceeds 1080×1920, but it is below 2160×3840, so a native-resolution portrait 4K promise would be wrong. At 30p both offer 5952×3968. Choose S1II when the extra temporal frames matter more than that lost portrait crop room, and S5IIX when ordinary speed already serves both edits.
How we reached this conclusion
3392×9/16=1908, 3968×9/16=2232. Source dimensions before additional crop. Editing frame-rate conversion required, no native portrait 4K from 5.1K60 claim.
Your two-card routine may need a new card and reader
S5IIX accepts two suitable SD cards for eligible backup recording. S1II combines CFexpress Type B and SD, so the same pair of SD cards cannot occupy both slots. If you film important events, include the required Type B card and a compatible reader before comparing body prices. S1II also excludes backup for formats the SD side cannot record, and proxy or loop modes impose further restrictions. A headline internal recording format therefore does not automatically come with two identical copies. S5IIX is easier to retain when the existing two-SD workflow already meets the job.
How we reached this conclusion
Slot formats and exact S1II backup exclusions. No assumption of price, included media or universal RAW duplication.
The SSD can move across while the power plan still needs rebuilding
Both models support qualified USB-SSD recording and both disable card recording while it is active. The upgrade does not remove that backup trade-off. It also does not prove that an existing mains-power kit transfers unchanged. Panasonic documents AC10/DCC17 for the S5IIX SSD arrangement and AC11/DCC18 for S1II. Check the exact drive and power compatibility before assuming the larger body drops into the old rig. For a solo recording session, the value of S1II’s new modes must include the setup and copy routine around them, rather than only the camera and lens mount.
How we reached this conclusion
Separate official SSD power-accessory instructions and card exclusion. Exact drive compatibility still required. No claim old power hardware is safely interchangeable.
Choice A
Panasonic, DC-S5M2XBODY
Panasonic LUMIX S5IIX body
Your 6K 3:2 work is ordinary speed and two existing suitable SD cards fit the backup plan.
- Best matched use
- Your 6K 3:2 work is ordinary speed and two existing suitable SD cards fit the backup plan.
Checked facts
- Tall video at 60p: 6K 3:2 stops at 30p
- Tall video at 30p: 5952×3968
- Card setup: Two UHS-II SD
- SSD and cards together: Card recording disabled
Choice B
Panasonic, DC-S1M2BODY9
Panasonic LUMIX S1II body
You need a tall 5.1K 3:2 source at 60p and accept its lower portrait crop dimensions than 6K30.
- Best matched use
- You need a tall 5.1K 3:2 source at 60p and accept its lower portrait crop dimensions than 6K30.
Checked facts
- Tall video at 60p: 5.1K 3:2 5088×3392 up to 60p
- Tall video at 30p: 5952×3968
- Card setup: CFexpress Type B plus SD
- SSD and cards together: Card recording disabled
Meaningful differences
What changes the fit
| What changes | Panasonic LUMIX S5IIX body | Panasonic LUMIX S1II body | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tall video at 60p | 6K 3:2 stops at 30p | 5.1K 3:2 5088×3392 up to 60p | S1II can slow a tall source without beginning from 16:9. |
| Tall video at 30p | 5952×3968 | 5952×3968 | The ordinary-speed source geometry is the same. |
| Card setup | Two UHS-II SD | CFexpress Type B plus SD | An existing pair of SD cards does not fill S1II. |
| SSD and cards together | Card recording disabled | Card recording disabled | Neither SSD workflow supplies a simultaneous card copy. |
| Body and optional mains power | 740g, documented AC10/DCC17 | 800g, documented AC11/DCC18 | The 60g change is smaller than a whole rig, but power parts need checking. |
What you give up
Every choice has a cost
If you choose Panasonic LUMIX S5IIX body
- SSD mode removes card duplication and adds battery load. Verify copies separately.
If you choose Panasonic LUMIX S1II body
- Existing S5IIX AC10/DCC17 power accessories are not the documented S1II AC11/DCC18 pair. Check the complete rig.
Recommendation switch
The decision flips if...
Existing SD and ordinary-speed 6K workflow already works
Choose Panasonic LUMIX S5IIX body. S5IIX retains the familiar supporting kit.
Tall 60p makes a repeatable editing difference
Choose Panasonic LUMIX S1II body. S1II provides 5.1K 3:2 at 60p.
What matters in practice
Before you choose
You want smoother footage for two orientations without discovering that the familiar card and power kit no longer fits.
What this comparison cannot tell you
- No measured autofocus, thermal or codec-quality winner.
- A 9:16 crop assumes sufficient subject framing before stabilization.
What the facts say
What the comparison shows
Useful conclusions from the current mirrorless cameras comparison, followed by the checked facts used to reach them.
See the checked facts and calculation notes
| Product | Needs matched | Checked facts | Source records |
|---|---|---|---|
| Panasonic LUMIX S5IIX body |
|
|
|
| Panasonic LUMIX S1II body |
|
|
Ready to choose?
Check the price. Read the owner reviews.
Open either model on Amazon to check the current price, customer reviews and delivery options.
Panasonic LUMIX S5IIX body
Your 6K 3:2 work is ordinary speed and two existing suitable SD cards fit the backup plan.
A verified S5IIX SSD and power setup already works, and a 60g lighter body helps.
See price & reviews on AmazonPanasonic LUMIX S1II body
You need a tall 5.1K 3:2 source at 60p and accept its lower portrait crop dimensions than 6K30.
The broader recording setup is worth budgeting CFexpress Type B and checking new power accessories.
See price & reviews on AmazonLinks open in a new tab.