Mirrorless camera technology is no longer just about building lighter weight alternatives to DSLRs , but Panasonic is the first company to completely embrace this concept with its new full-frame Lumix S-series.

Best viewfinder on the market; Exceptional build quality; Very effective image stabilization; Excellent control layout and user interface; Great subject-tracking autofocus

Very big and heavy; DFD autofocus doesn't always work; Strong moiré in slow-motion video

Panasonic has taken its time announcing its first full-frame mirrorless cameras, entering the market a tad late. That time, though, has been well spent in making sure nearly everything about the Lumix S1 is perfect.

Best-in-class EVF; Solidly built with weather-sealing; Exceptional image stabilization; HLG Photo Mode; 4K video at 50/60fps; Near-perfect subject tracking autofocus; Easy-to-use menu system and control buttons

Power switch awkwardly positioned; Bigger and heavier than some rivals; V-Log available as paid-for firmware update

The Panasonic Lumix S1 is a full-frame mirrorless camera with 24 Megapixels, built-in stabilisation and 4k 60p video. it's one of two bodies launched by Panasonic as part of its new L-mount alliance with Leica and Sigma; the two new Lumix S bodies are differentiated by resolution with the S1...

The Panasonic Lumix S1 is a formidable full-frame offering that's packed with features and potential. Its only real problems That lens mount makes for massive optics and there are minor hiccups with low-light autofocus being slow or hunting a little.

Full-frame image quality is excellent; Lots of potential quality and sharpness from Leica mount; Exceptional image stabilisation system; Eye AF works very well; Best-in-class OLED viewfinder; High-end video features will entice a whole new audience

It's a big and chunky system to use; Being later to the game than the other major players may limit appeal; Leica mount means lenses are massive; Shutter and rear toggle control can be hypersensitive; Some low-light autofocus slowness/hunting

Please

The Panasonic Lumix DC-S1 is an incredibly well-built (but heavy) camera with excellent image and video quality. The body has numerous control points and is highly customizable. The S1's built-in image stabilization is effective, and the camera can use this system to produce ultra-high-res stills.

Those seeking a stills/video hybrid camera with a solid; weather-sealed body with excellent image and video quality

Photographers requiring a top-notch autofocus system; Those looking for a lighter, more portable body

I was at Photokina in Cologne last fall when Panasonic, Leica, and Sigma held a joint press conference to announce their L-Mount Alliance . Uniting around Leica's existing lens mount, the trio made a commitment to rapidly flesh out a new ecosystem of lenses for full-frame mirrorless cameras.

Superb image quality and sharpness; In-body stabilization plus OIS in the lens make anyone a steady shooter; Weather-sealed; rugged construction; USB-C; touchscreen; and fast EVF make smartphone users feel at home

Really; really chunky; Control scheme isn't as natural as Nikon's; Sony's A7 III and Nikon's Z6 offer better value

But for most folks, the Sony a7 III is the better choice when it comes to full-frame mirrorless. It's a full $500 less expensive, offers nearly identical image quality, very good video in its own right, and stronger battery life.

24MP full-frame image sensor; 5-axis sensor stabilization; Outstanding EVF; Solid controls and ergonomics; Backlit buttons; Dust and splash protection; Top information display; 4K video with 10-bit output

Pricier than competitors; Heavy; Contrast focus limits tracking speed and burst rate; Lens selection limited at this time

Where other camera brands are just getting started with mirrorless, it feels like the Lumix S1 and S1R are more interested in pushing boundaries forward - and that's something that's easy to get on-board with.

Stellar ergonomics; Great results & expansive lens ecosystem

Autofocus not as fast as G9; Video record button placement not ideal

Panasonic has taken on Nikon and Canon with the launch of its new full-frame mirrorless ‘Lumix S1' (A$3,599) - its first digital single lens mirrorless camera t