Terry Warfield explains why he is leaving Sony for Panasonic

Terry Warfield made this video to explain why he sold the Sony ZV-E1 for the new Panasonic Lumix S1 Mark II.

Why he loved the ZV-1

  • Ultra-compact full-frame video camera (same 12 MP sensor as FX3/FX6/A7S III)
  • Excellent low-light performance (dual base ISO), fast read-out (minimal rolling shutter)
  • Uncropped 4K 60 fps and 4K 120 fps (10 % crop), built-in ND filter, stellar autofocus, in-body stabilization
  • Great “vlog” features (flip-out mic, picture profiles) and 12 MP stills for social media

ZV-1 drawbacks

  • Overheats in long-form or warm-weather shooting (small body, no active cooling)
  • Tiny micro-HDMI port limits external-monitor hookups; no built-in waveforms/vector scopes/anamorphic support
  • Rear LCD is low-quality
  • Only 12 MP photos—limits cropping or high-res still work

Why the Lumix S1 Mark II

  • Full-frame hybrid powerhouse: 24 MP (doubles resolution), up to 6K 60 fps “open­gate,” 4K 120 fps with minimal crop
  • Partially-stacked sensor yields nearly the same fast read-out (rolling shutter) as the ZV-1
  • Superb low-light/dynamic-range at ISO 6 400 and above—competes with the ZV-1’s dual-base ISO
  • Full-size HDMI, built-in cooling fan, USB streaming, real-time LUTs (built-in scopes, markers, anamorphic modes)
  • Solid stills (70 fps burst) plus video assist tools—no need for external monitor 99 % of the time

Trade-off

  • S1 II is ~$3 200 vs. ZV-1 at ~$2 200—different price brackets
  • S1 II body is larger and heavier, but still reasonably compact for a full-frame cine-hybrid
  • Sony’s lens ecosystem remains stronger (photo and cinema glass), but Panasonic covers almost every need in-camera

Bottom line: Ty’s ZV-1 remains a stellar compact video camera, but the Panasonic S1 Mark II better addresses his needs for extended recording, advanced monitoring, higher-res stills, and pro-level codecs—making it his new go-to rig.

Preorders:
Lumix S1II at Bhphoto, Amazon, Adorama, Fotokoch, FotoErhardt, WexUK.
Lumix S1IIE at Bhphoto, Amazon, Adorama, Fotokoch, FotoErhardt, WexUK.
24-60mm f/2.8 at Bhphoto, Amazon, Adorama, Fotokoch, FotoErhardt, WexUK.

Chris Niccolls review of the new Sirui Aurora 85mm F/1.4 lens

Chris Niccolls tested the E-mount version of the new Sirui 85mm lens. But the lens is also available for L-mount so conclusions are the same:

  • Versatile Lens Choice: Chris praises the 85mm focal length for portraits and street photography. The lens is compatible with Sony E, Nikon Z, Fujifilm X, and L-mount, unlike the Viltrox which is Sony-only.
  • Surprisingly Lightweight: Weighs only 540g—lighter than the Sony G Master and Viltrox equivalents—making it a great walkaround option.
  • Feature-Rich Build: Offers AF/MF switch, customizable button, de-clickable aperture ring, and full weather sealing—all at an affordable price (~$600 or less).
  • Mixed Autofocus Performance: Uses a stepping motor—decent but slower than Viltrox Pro and Sony G Master.
  • Beautiful Bokeh & Sharpness: 15-blade aperture delivers smooth, clean bokeh similar to G Master. Sharp wide open, even in corners. Minor chromatic aberration, minimal vignetting.
  • Flare & Breathing Weaknesses: Struggles with flare and ghosting wide open. Noticeable focus breathing—less ideal for video.
  • Studio Portrait Test: Great wide-open performance for portraits at f/2 using off-camera flash outdoors. Smooth transitions and catchlight quality praised.
  • Exceptional Value: Performs well across mounts, rivals more expensive lenses optically, though autofocus and flare are its key weaknesses.

You can preorder it now at Amazon US, BHphoto, Amazon DE, Amazon FR, Amazon UK, Amazon IT, Amazon ES.