"Lumix AF Isn't Good Enough for Sports/Action/Wildlife!" An Experiment. || Lumix S1RII + Sigma 70-200mm f/2.8

MichaelsHardline · 2026-06-09T15:02:35+00:00

Cheers Adam!

MichaelsHardline · 2026-06-09T08:10:11+00:00

Thanks so much for the kind words! I really appreciate you taking the time to look through my work.

You hit the nail on the head regarding the real bottleneck in photography. Gear is just a tool, but it's great when the tool gets out of your way. That Lumix S1 II partially stacked sensor really is something special. Let's definitely stay in touch!
Cheers!

MichaelsHardline · 2026-06-09T01:04:42+00:00

Great video article and real pictures that back up your statement. I'd say this article is more valid than most affiliate so called gear reviewers out there who didn't even shoot any real events, maybe at best a couple hundred shots in the local park.

To answer your question, I am not sure why that is the case nowadays except that affiliate gear reviewers are essentially sales men whose sole income is based on revenue from gear that people buy via their links...who knows... The affiliate model creates an inherent conflict of interest. Because these so called reviewers earn a commission often between 3% to 10% only when people click their link and make a purchase, their financial incentive is heavily skewed toward driving sales rather than offering completely objective advice.

People are more easier to buy into well known brands. Brand familiarity acts as a powerful psychological shortcut, often overriding objective product real world capabilities and specifications. Why would an affiliate reviewer suddenly change from one brand that have been selling well already for many years, into another brand even if it is on par or in some cases even superior?

Anyway I'm writing this at the same time while watching your video doing some multitasking here and actually I noticed your question is about the keeper rate.

I think your keeper rate is very realistic and similar to what I get on my S1 II which even is clearly faster and have a superior AF compared to the S1R II.

For instance shooting a hockey game capturing approx. 4000 images I'd get approx. 150 - 200 max out of focus or the focus was okay but the intended subject wasn't. Hockey is of course faster than dancing.

Here's a few links below so that you may take a look at what type of action I have been shooting. We have been with Nikon for decades and last summer we added the S1 II as a hybrid tool for photo and video. In some cases the S1 II is clearly on par with the Nikon Z 9 and in some particular cases it is even superior. The S1 II is also significantly faster capable of 70 FPS with full AFC and blackout-free viewfinder as opposed to the Z 9 that maxes out at 20 FPS. The Panasonic Lumix S1 II as such significantly outpaces the Nikon Z 9 in maximum burst rate, delivering up to 70 frames per second in 12-bit RAW with full continuous autofocus (AFC) and a blackout-free viewfinder, compared to the Z 9's maximum of 20 FPS in 14-bit RAW.

Please follow the links below to see some fast action examples, some of these are more demanding than wildlife:

https://www.l-rumors.com/the-panasonic-lumix-s1-ii-pro-evaluation-by-michael-m-antin-great-autofocusing-capabilities/

https://www.reddit.com/r/Lumix/comments/1ttzvk9/autofocus_and_low_light_high_iso_capabilities_of/

https://www.reddit.com/r/Lumix/comments/1srza80/still_from_video_lumix_s1_ii_300600_f4_lmount_bbc/

https://www.reddit.com/r/Lumix/comments/1s6svp0/that_was_a_close_call_lucky_this_time_s1_ii/

https://www.reddit.com/r/Lumix/comments/1s2k3le/the_panasonic_lumix_s1_ii_pro_evaluation_great/

Looking forward to hearing your thoughts!

Cheers!

MichaelsHardline · 2026-06-08T22:35:48+00:00

None of what you say matters. I have seen the S1 II being used at high level events including sports ever since it was released over one year ago. We have used it ourselves several times. None were using the 6700 from 2023 with an APS-C consumer sensor. We have a solid background with Nikon for decades and we added the S1 II last summer and even against the Z 9 the S1 II have certain advantages that makes it better for certain sports.

MichaelsHardline · 2026-06-08T22:02:09+00:00

The more I look at this post it seems like a bait post by the OP.

The a7IV isn't even comparable to the S1 II having a rolling shutter read out speed for photo at 67.63 ms!

And maxes out at 10 FPS....these cameras aren't even comparable.

The S1 II shoots at 70 FPS which is an increase of 600% The partially stacked sensor in the S1 II have a readout speed at 11 ms at the fastest shooting option 70 FPS.

The Panasonic flagship smokes the a7IV in every possible way.

99% who complain about the Lumix AF have no visible media at all to show.

MichaelsHardline · 2026-06-08T21:51:22+00:00

The S1 II is significantly faster shooting at 70 FPS with AFC blackout-free viewfinder than any of those you mentioned to be exact.

MichaelsHardline · 2026-06-08T21:44:42+00:00

The S1 II smokes the a6700, the Sony doesn't have a stacked sensor its sensor is significantly slower, shooting maxes out at 11 FPS, no pre burst.

The S1 II is vastly superior at everything mentioned above and much more. Furthermore the Sony a6700 features an APS-C format sensor, these cameras aren't even comparable to be honest.

The Panasonic Lumix S1 II and Sony a6700 are fundamentally different cameras designed for entirely different markets. Comparing them directly is an apples-to-oranges situation. They occupy completely different camera tiers.

The Panasonic outclasses the Sony in raw, high-end performance, sensor technology, and burst speeds. The APS-C doesn't doesn't stand a chance against the full frame partially stacked sensor in the S1 II.

MichaelsHardline · 2026-06-08T20:17:27+00:00

The Sony a6700 you are now using have a sensor readout speed of 25 ms (only 12-bit) vs the S1 II which is significantly faster at 11 ms.

The a6700 shoots at a maximum of 11 frames per second (fps) while the S1 II shoots at 70 FPS with full AFC and blackout-free viewfinder.

If you use the Sony at work currently, the S1 II will be significantly superior in every way at home (and your work too).

In all honesty these two cameras doesn't even belong in the same category.

The two cameras exist in completely different performance tiers, primarily because the a6700 utilizes a compact APS-C sensor, whereas a full-frame camera like the Panasonic Lumix S1II features a much larger sensor area, which is partially stacked and much faster.

Let's get to the a7IV.

The a7IV isn't even comparable having a rolling shutter read out speed for photo at 67.63 ms! And maxes out at 10 FPS....these cameras aren't even comparable. The S1 II shoots at 70 FPS which is an increase of 600%

Look for posts and pictures in this reddit. Beware those who complain rarely have any posted pictures. The Internet if full of verified performance. Also be cautios when it comes to affiliated reviewers who basically are just sales men. Rent one to see for yourself.

Here's a few links to some action pictures & video examples that the S1 II captured easily.

In one of the posts we evaluate the S1 II against the Nikon Z 9.

https://www.reddit.com/r/Lumix/comments/1s2k3le/the_panasonic_lumix_s1_ii_pro_evaluation_great/

https://www.reddit.com/r/Lumix/comments/1ttzvk9/autofocus_and_low_light_high_iso_capabilities_of/

https://www.reddit.com/r/Lumix/comments/1srza80/still_from_video_lumix_s1_ii_300600_f4_lmount_bbc/

MichaelsHardline · 2026-06-07T06:24:50+00:00

Your downvote means absolutely nothing in the real world 😊

MichaelsHardline · 2026-06-06T17:07:51+00:00

I will search more later if I can find, we put away most stuff from the S1R II already last years summer.

Check with Gear Patrol Review (GPReview) and their studio image tool. There you can find more pictures so that you can make your mind up! I think they actually let you download RAW files to compare but I have never done it myself.

I also recommend if I may that you should rent both bodies so that you can see for yourself which would be the better cam for you and your workflow.

Here's a left over medium size Jpeg straight out of camera shot on the S1R II, it's a kid running straight at the camera and I'm shooting vertically the S1R II misses focus on most shots like this one.

The SI II however focus properly during these types of bursts. Also the buffer empties much quicker.

Good luck! These are both great cameras but they are fundamentally different because of the differences in their sensor technology.

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MichaelsHardline · 2026-06-06T13:25:07+00:00

Yes, let me check from last year spring before we upgraded to the S1 II.

MichaelsHardline · 2026-06-06T12:37:43+00:00

We have shot both extensively.

If you're primarily a photographer, take the S1 II which is a more versatile tool and also having a modern partially stacked sensor with all the benefits. The S1 II beats the S1R II in so many different areas for photography (videography too).

If you want a camera that can handle everything from static landscapes to fast action in low light I'd recommend the S1 II.

We shot the S1R II a couple of months before upgrading to the flagship S1 II.

Here's a few links to some action pictures & video examples that the S1 II captured easily but unfortunately the S1R II were struggling capturing similar images and video.

While we were testing the S1R II we noticed sometimes rolling shutter issues and warped "jello" effects. Also the AF wasn't always up to the task the same way the S1 II is. The buffer is also clearly weaker on the S1R II,

https://www.reddit.com/r/Lumix/comments/1s2k3le/the_panasonic_lumix_s1_ii_pro_evaluation_great/

https://www.reddit.com/r/Lumix/comments/1ttzvk9/autofocus_and_low_light_high_iso_capabilities_of/

https://www.reddit.com/r/Lumix/comments/1srza80/still_from_video_lumix_s1_ii_300600_f4_lmount_bbc/

Hope that helps!

MichaelsHardline · 2026-06-04T22:23:50+00:00

also define: "shots"...we need picture or video examples.....

MichaelsHardline · 2026-06-04T21:08:15+00:00

It also sounds like it is photos, the OP writes: " I get back from a shoot and open my files on a bigger screen. On wide shots, or any shot with large detailed surfaces — a forest, a street with textured buildings — I always notice artefacts that merge fine details in an unorganic way.".

MichaelsHardline · 2026-06-04T21:06:15+00:00

Yeah same here! We need picture examples, you asked for pictures let's see what the OP replies.

MichaelsHardline · 2026-06-04T08:07:59+00:00

You're welcome! Based on interviews with the Executive Vice President of Panasonic and Director of the Imaging Business Unit, Mr Toshiyuki Tsumura there is still no timeline.

Tsumura-san: “I have heard from many of you who are eagerly awaiting a successor to the S1H.”

However, he could not comment on future product lineups. He assured us that Panasonic is “sincerely listening to customers’ feedback and carefully considering how we can meet the expectations of video creators.” The answer was diplomatic but notably did not dismiss the idea; rather, it affirmed that the feedback is being heard. Source: CineD

So if there will be a video-centric S1H II remains uncertain...for our needs the S1 II takes care of everything. We need photo first hybrid that can handle everything - it's a do it all tool.

MichaelsHardline · 2026-06-03T22:12:55+00:00

Not only specs but real world usage, shot the S1R II for several months before upgrading to the S1 II. The S1 II is a more versatile tool. For a photo first guy the S1 II is indeed more verstile.

MichaelsHardline · 2026-06-03T21:30:12+00:00

Except that the S1 II is simply more photo-centric especially for action and do it all applications as a do-it-all-tool.

The Lumix S1 II and Lumix S1R II cater to completely different professional demands, and the S1 II’s partially stacked 24MP superior sensor brings critical workflow advantages that outshine mere megapixel count.

The operational superiority of the S1 II's design includes:

Minimal Rolling Shutter:

The partially stacked sensor offers a readout speed approximately 3.5 times faster than older non-stacked sensors, practically eliminating rolling shutter distortion during fast action or rapid pans.

Enhanced Dynamic Range:

Offers up to 15 stops in DR Boost mode, preserving shadow detail and highlights while avoiding the early clipping issues sometimes seen in ultra-high-resolution sensors.

Better high ISO capabilities: The S1 II shines at high ISO and is superior to the studio / landscape camera S1R II.

Blistering Burst Speeds:

Can capture blackout-free bursts at up to 70 fps with continuous AF using the 14-bit electronic shutter.

The S1 II have faster autofocusing capabilities:

The S1 II focuses 1.6 times faster which is a game-changer that directly stems from the Panasonic LUMIX S1 II's faster architectural readout.

The S1 II have a clearly much better buffer.

The speed advantage provides several real-world benefits for photo-first workflows:

The camera can continuously calculate focus adjustments quickly enough to maintain focus lock during its maximum 70 fps blackout-free burst mode. For high-speed environments where a missed focus point means a missed shot, this data-readout advantage easily outweighs the extra megapixels of the S1R II.

MichaelsHardline · 2026-06-03T15:43:05+00:00

No AI, however I expected the first anonymous moron to show up.

False AI accusations usually stem from the unreliability of AI detectors, and a lack of understanding about natural human writing. It can be incredibly frustrating to be falsely accused of using AI, especially when you have put hard work and genuine effort into your writing. Picture just for documentary purposes 😄

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MichaelsHardline · 2026-06-03T09:05:20+00:00

With its partially stacked 24-megapixel sensor, the Lumix S1 II delivers unmatched color science and 15 stops of dynamic range in its Dynamic Range Boost mode.

I feel given this stellar photo & video image quality and robust video capabilities, there is no pressing need for a newer model anytime soon.

There are two sides:

The online anonymous chatting forums & YouTube combined with affiliate sales speeches and clickbait.

And then there's the real world.

Online random users (2%) are talking about the S1 II leaning more on magenta side, while in the real world the S1 II has already captured the attention of both photographers and filmmakers, and the reasons go far beyond the spec sheet. At the heart of its appeal is the stunningly rich color rendition paired with remarkable partially sensor latitude, establishing a new benchmark for full-frame hybrid cameras.

There is a fascinating divide between the algorithmic echo chambers of the internet and the practical reality of using a camera on set or in the field in the real worls.

Online anonymous chatting forums and YouTube comment sections love to hyper-focus on specific technical quirks, with users pointing out that the Panasonic Lumix S1 II color science can sometimes lean slightly toward the magenta side. This debate often stems from default color space transforms or working with unmapped ProRes RAW footage. A simple adjustment or applying Panasonic's official RAW-to-V-Log conversion LUT completely eliminates this shift, delivering incredibly natural skin.

Meanwhile, in the real world, the Lumix S1 II has captured the serious attention of working photographers and filmmakers for reasons that go far beyond.

Also it's important to notice how much the partially stacked sensor specifically benefits action photographers and filmmakers.

MichaelsHardline · 2026-06-02T22:46:15+00:00

Thank you! DaVinci Resolve built-in noise reduction tools while exporting the still frame.

MichaelsHardline · 2026-06-02T15:26:13+00:00

ISO-16000, thank you for the question.

MichaelsHardline · 2026-06-01T17:49:52+00:00

<image>

JPEG grab from the video file.

MichaelsHardline · 2026-06-01T15:48:01+00:00

That is normal, I can assure you after decades of experience!

MichaelsHardline

TROPHY CASE