The catch
Panasonic LUMIX S5IIX body
Tall 6K 3:2 tops out at 30p. ProRes at higher resolution requires the supported external SSD.
Side by side
Panasonic S5IIX vs S1II: S1II brings a tall 60p source, S5IIX stays with the two-SD setup
Quick verdict
The S1II brings a tall 60p source, and the S5IIX keeps the two-SD setup. The S1II is the choice if 5.1K 3:2 at 60p answers a real horizontal-and-portrait editing need, although its 6K 3:2 mode still tops out at 30p. The S5IIX is the choice if ordinary-speed tall 6K and the SD or supported SSD workflow you have already work. Both are body-only, and both turn off card recording in USB-SSD mode.
Before you buy
Why, and what it costs you
Slowing footage for a portrait edit works differently with a tall 60p file
In 5.1K 3:2, S1II records 5088×3392 at up to 60p, whereas the 6K 3:2 on S5IIX stops at 30p. For a dance rehearsal you need in both horizontal and vertical form, S1II can provide a taller source for slower playback. A full-height 9:16 crop of it measures 1908×3392. That is larger than 1080×1920 but smaller than 2160×3840, so promising portrait 4K at native resolution would be wrong. At 30p both offer 5952×3968. Pick S1II when the extra temporal frames matter more than the portrait crop room you give up, and S5IIX when ordinary speed already works for both edits.
Where this comes from
3392×9/16=1908 and 3968×9/16=2232. These are source dimensions before any additional crop. Frame-rate conversion is needed in editing, and there is no claim of native portrait 4K from 5.1K60.
The catch
Panasonic LUMIX S1II body
Slots are one CFexpress Type B and one SD. Optional DMW-XLR2 is required for 32-bit float audio, and 6K 3:2 does not reach 60p.
Panasonic LUMIX S5IIX body
- Why pick it
- Your 6K 3:2 work runs at ordinary speed, and two suitable SD cards you already own fit the backup plan.
- Your S5IIX SSD and power setup is verified and working, and a body 60g lighter is a plus.
- The catch
- Tall 6K 3:2 tops out at 30p. ProRes at higher resolution requires the supported external SSD.
Panasonic LUMIX S1II body
- Why pick it
- A tall 5.1K 3:2 source at 60p is what you need, and you accept portrait crop dimensions lower than those of 6K30.
- The broader recording setup justifies budgeting for CFexpress Type B and checking new power accessories.
- The catch
- Slots are one CFexpress Type B and one SD. Optional DMW-XLR2 is required for 32-bit float audio, and 6K 3:2 does not reach 60p.
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What this page compares
Panasonic S5IIX vs S1II for portrait slow motion, an SSD rig you already have and backup cards. Before upgrading, check the 3:2 modes and the power accessories.
This is a video-driven L-mount upgrade choice for people who may already own lenses, SSDs and power accessories. Tall 60p capture and mixed media count for more than any general newer-body claim.
Which one fits
Pick the situations that sound like you
Continue using two suitable SD cards you already own
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
On both, card recording is disabled in USB-SSD mode.
- Panasonic LUMIX S5IIX body
- Not suitable
- Panasonic LUMIX S1II body
- Not suitable
In practice
Differences you will notice
Slowing footage for a portrait edit works differently with a tall 60p file
In 5.1K 3:2, S1II records 5088×3392 at up to 60p, whereas the 6K 3:2 on S5IIX stops at 30p. For a dance rehearsal you need in both horizontal and vertical form, S1II can provide a taller source for slower playback. A full-height 9:16 crop of it measures 1908×3392. That is larger than 1080×1920 but smaller than 2160×3840, so promising portrait 4K at native resolution would be wrong. At 30p both offer 5952×3968. Pick S1II when the extra temporal frames matter more than the portrait crop room you give up, and S5IIX when ordinary speed already works for both edits.
How we worked this out
3392×9/16=1908 and 3968×9/16=2232. These are source dimensions before any additional crop. Frame-rate conversion is needed in editing, and there is no claim of native portrait 4K from 5.1K60.
Keeping your two-card routine may mean a new card and reader
For eligible backup recording, S5IIX takes two suitable SD cards. S1II pairs CFexpress Type B with SD, so your same pair of SD cards will not fit both slots. If you film important events, add the required Type B card and a compatible reader to the tally before you compare body prices. S1II also rules out backup for formats the SD side cannot record, and proxy or loop modes bring further restrictions. A headline internal recording format, then, does not automatically come with two identical copies. S5IIX is the easier one to stay with when your existing two-SD workflow already does the job.
How we worked this out
Covers the slot formats and the exact S1II backup exclusions. It assumes nothing about price, included media or universal RAW duplication.
The SSD can come along, yet the power plan still has to be rebuilt
Qualified USB-SSD recording is supported on both models, and both turn card recording off while it runs. Upgrading does not get you out of that backup trade-off. Nor does it show that an existing mains-power kit carries over unchanged. Panasonic documents AC10/DCC17 for the S5IIX SSD arrangement and AC11/DCC18 for S1II. Confirm the exact drive and power compatibility before you assume the larger body drops into your old rig. For a solo recording session, weigh S1II’s new modes together with the setup and copy routine around them, as well as the camera and lens mount.
How we worked this out
Based on the separate official SSD power-accessory instructions and the card exclusion. Exact drive compatibility must still be confirmed. No claim that old power hardware is safely interchangeable.
Option A
Panasonic, DC-S5M2XBODY
Panasonic LUMIX S5IIX body
Your 6K 3:2 work runs at ordinary speed, and two suitable SD cards you already own fit the backup plan.
- Best for
- Your 6K 3:2 work runs at ordinary speed, and two suitable SD cards you already own fit the backup plan.
Facts we checked
- 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
Option B
Panasonic, DC-S1M2BODY9
Panasonic LUMIX S1II body
A tall 5.1K 3:2 source at 60p is what you need, and you accept portrait crop dimensions lower than those of 6K30.
- Best for
- A tall 5.1K 3:2 source at 60p is what you need, and you accept portrait crop dimensions lower than those of 6K30.
Facts we checked
- 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
Spec by spec
Where they really differ
| Spec | Panasonic LUMIX S5IIX body | Panasonic LUMIX S1II body | In practice |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tall video at 60p | 6K 3:2 stops at 30p | 5.1K 3:2 5088×3392 up to 60p | S1II lets you slow a tall source and does not start from 16:9. |
| Tall video at 30p | 5952×3968 | 5952×3968 | At ordinary speed, the source geometry matches. |
| Card setup | Two UHS-II SD | CFexpress Type B plus SD | S1II cannot be filled by an existing pair of SD cards. |
| SSD and cards together | Card recording disabled | Card recording disabled | Neither SSD workflow gives you a card copy made at the same time. |
| Body and optional mains power | 740g, documented AC10/DCC17 | 800g, documented AC11/DCC18 | A 60g change is small next to a whole rig, though the power parts still need checking. |
Trade-offs
What each pick costs you
With Panasonic LUMIX S5IIX body
- In SSD mode, card duplication is gone and battery load rises. Check copies separately.
With Panasonic LUMIX S1II body
- S5IIX power accessories you already own, AC10/DCC17, are not the AC11/DCC18 pair documented for S1II. Check the complete rig.
Change of plan
When the answer changes
Your current SD and ordinary-speed 6K workflow is already working
Go with Panasonic LUMIX S5IIX body. With S5IIX, you stay with the supporting kit you know.
Tall 60p makes a recurring difference in editing
Go with Panasonic LUMIX S1II body. S1II provides 5.1K 3:2 at 60p.
Decision guide
Before you buy
You want smoother footage in two orientations, without finding out that your familiar card and power kit no longer fits.
What this page can’t tell you
- Autofocus, thermal and codec quality have no measured winner.
- A 9:16 crop only works if the subject is framed well enough before stabilization.
By the numbers
What the data shows
What we found across the mirrorless cameras we compare, plus the checked facts behind each finding.
Show the facts and the math
| Product | Needs it meets | Facts we checked | Sources |
|---|---|---|---|
| Panasonic LUMIX S5IIX body |
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| Panasonic LUMIX S1II body |
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Ready to buy
See today’s price and what owners say
Open either model on Amazon for the current price, customer reviews and delivery options.
Panasonic LUMIX S5IIX body
Your 6K 3:2 work runs at ordinary speed, and two suitable SD cards you already own fit the backup plan.
Your S5IIX SSD and power setup is verified and working, and a body 60g lighter is a plus.
See price & reviews on AmazonPanasonic LUMIX S1II body
A tall 5.1K 3:2 source at 60p is what you need, and you accept portrait crop dimensions lower than those of 6K30.
The broader recording setup justifies budgeting for CFexpress Type B and checking new power accessories.
See price & reviews on AmazonEach link opens in a new tab.
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