Shooting with the LUMIX S1 in 2025: Still the Best Hybrid Camera Value Under $1,000

In 2025, it’s tempting to chase the latest and greatest camera releases. But after putting the Panasonic LUMIX S1 through real world sports assignments and comparing it to newer options one thing is crystal clear. This camera is still one of the best values on the market today. Pair it with its smaller sibling, the Panasonic G9, and you’ve got two workhorse hybrid cameras under $1,000 that outperform expectations and even out feature some of today’s “next gen” cameras. The value, performance, and durability these two deliver are unmatched at their current price points.

Rugged Build, Pro Features, Bargain Price

The LUMIX S1 may have launched in 2019, but it's built like a flagship.

You get:

• A 24.2MP full-frame sensor with incredible dynamic range

• Dual I.S. image stabilization for razor-sharp handheld shots

• Weather sealed magnesium alloy body- Dual card slots (XQD + SD)

• One of the best EVFs ever made (5.76M-dot OLED)

• Top LCD, full-size HDMI, USB-C power delivery, and more…

L-Mount Alliance = Long Term Lens Investment

The S1 is part of the L-Mount Alliance, which includes Leica, Sigma, Panasonic, and now Sirui. That means:

• Access to Leica’s legendary optics

• Sigma’s affordable, sharp Art and Contemporary lenses

• Panasonic’s hybrid focused zooms and primes

• Sirui’s growing lineup of full frame and cine style glass

Sports Proven: 6K Photo Mode at 60 fps

I’ve personally used the LUMIX S1 to shoot collegiate softball, volleyball, and basketball, and it held its own in every scenario. One standout feature is the 6K Photo Mode, which captures bursts at 60 frames per second and lets you pull 18MP stills from the footage. For fast paced sports moments slides, spikes, dunks it’s like having a rewind button in your camera. You can go back and select the exact frame where everything lined up perfectly. That’s not a gimmick it’s a genuine edge over newer cameras that still don’t offer this level of burst capture flexibility.

Autofocus: Better Than Its Reputation (for Photos)

While video autofocus still isn’t perfect, photo AF is excellent, fast, sticky, and dependable. For sports photography, I was impressed with the S1’s ability to track fast moving subjects, even in mixed lighting indoors. It kept up with high speed action and delivered consistent, sharp frames across bursts.

Let’s Not Forget the G9

Don’t sleep on the Panasonic G9, either. This Micro Four Thirds body shares many of the same features as the S1:

• Dual I.S. stabilization

• High-res EVF

• 6K Photo Mode

• Pro-level ergonomics and weather sealing

• Excellent stills quality and surprisingly capable video

For smaller budgets or lighter travel kits, the G9 is a micro sized powerhouse. Together, the S1 and G9 form a perfect one two punch for hybrid shooters on a budget.

Final Thoughts: The Best Value Cameras of 2025?

The LUMIX S1 and G9 aren’t just good for the price they’re exceptional tools, period. In a world where new cameras seem to prioritize marketing buzz over real world features, these two Panasonic bodies deliver pro level results at a fraction of the cost. They’re built to last, loaded with features that many 2025 cameras still don’t have, and supported by a growing ecosystem of high quality lenses. If you’re looking to shoot sports, portraits, video, or hybrid work and don’t want to break the bank the Panasonic S1 and G9 should be at the top of your list.