Nikon Z8 vs Panasonic Lumix S1 II
Panasonic Lumix S1 II has the edge on paper, but the right choice depends on what you shoot. The Z8 is the better pick for landscapes, wildlife, sports; the Lumix S1 II is better for portraits, astrophotography, vlogging.
Choose the Z8 for
- more resolution (45.7MP vs 24.1MP)
- a lower price (from £2,229)
- stronger video (8K 60p)
Choose the Lumix S1 II for
- faster bursts (70fps vs 20fps)
- better low-light performance
- a lighter body (800g vs 910g)
- more lenses in our database (64 vs 54)
- a newer design (2025)
Specs side by side
| Spec | Z8 | Lumix S1 II |
|---|---|---|
| Sensor | Full frame, 45.7MP | Full frame, 24.1MP |
| Mount | Nikon Z | L-Mount (Lumix S, Leica SL) |
| Released | 2023 | 2025 |
| Burst | 20 fps | 70 fps |
| Readout | ≈4 ms | — |
| Max ISO | 25,600 | 51,200 |
| Stabilisation | In-body | In-body |
| Video | 8K 60p | 6K 60p |
| Weather sealed | Yes | Yes |
| Viewfinder | Electronic | Electronic |
| Weight | 910 g | 800 g |
| Battery | Nikon EN-EL15c | Panasonic DMW-BLK22 |
| Card slots | CFexpress B + SD (UHS-II) | CFexpress B + SD (UHS-II) |
| New price | £2,999 | £2,599 |
| Used at MPB | £2,229–2,489 | None listed |
| Native lenses in our database | 54 (31 third-party) | 64 (39 third-party) |
Which is better for…
| Use | Better choice |
|---|---|
| Beginner-friendly | About equal |
| Everyday & travel | About equal |
| Portraits | Lumix S1 II |
| Landscape | Z8 |
| Wildlife & animals | Z8 |
| Sports & action | Z8 |
| Astrophotography | Lumix S1 II |
| Vlogging & video | Lumix S1 II |
| Vintage / film look | About equal |
Based on the specs that matter most for each type of photography: burst and readout for action, resolution for landscapes, sensor size and low light for portraits and astro, video and weight for vlogging.
Lenses and running costs
The Z8 uses Nikon Z (54 lenses in our database, 31 third-party) and the Lumix S1 II uses L-Mount (64 lenses, 39 third-party). Batteries: Nikon EN-EL15c (about £51) vs Panasonic DMW-BLK22.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Nikon Z8 better than the Panasonic Lumix S1 II?
It depends on your priorities. The Z8 offers more resolution (45.7MP vs 24.1MP), a lower price (from £2,229), stronger video (8K 60p); the Lumix S1 II offers faster bursts (70fps vs 20fps), better low-light performance, a lighter body (800g vs 910g).
Which is better for video, the Z8 or the Lumix S1 II?
The Z8 is stronger for video: Z8 records 8K 60p, Lumix S1 II records 6K 60p.
Which is cheaper, the Z8 or the Lumix S1 II?
The Z8 costs £2,999 new and from £2,229 used at MPB; the Lumix S1 II costs £2,599 new (checked 5 November 2026).
Can I use Nikon Z8 lenses on the Lumix S1 II?
Not directly. The Z8 uses Nikon Z and the Lumix S1 II uses L-Mount; switching usually means new lenses or an adapter where one exists.