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And my beloved S1H has gone forever… 😞 in the end, it came down to compromise as it so often does. The S9 I had already decided, was not for me for my use case. Yes, I could have made it work, but the risk factor was too high and just the thought of having an issue you know you could have avoided as a working pro, ruled it out. I would have gone back to the S1H in a heartbeat except for one factor and that is I can’t bake in a LUT. That was a big part of my workflow last year when the S5ii became my video workhorse and my S1H was my primary stills camera, but I forgot until @Andrew Reid mentioned the other day that it lacks this feature. I just went back to using this feature on my last job and reminded myself why this was the way forward for me after shooting without it for the first half of this year. No-brainer then, picking up a 3rd used S5ii body either long term, or to be traded when (if!) a successor to the S1H appears. The X model has no appeal to me. Not a single feature I need although I like it’s all black look, I am not paying a €500 premium for something I can do with a black sharpie. A 3rd S5ii does make the most sense anyway as it’s 3 identical pieces of kit, all set up the same and simply using different lens options as required. So a bit sad the S9 did not work out and even more sad about the S1H, but happy to have a 3rd S5ii because I know that it is actually the best video set up for my needs. Considered scratching the Sigma FP itch but then came to my senses 😂

I talked to them at NAB. A successor to the S1H is coming. They were still somewhat in “intake mode,” aka “what would you want to see?” Type questions. I think they’re very aware that ANOTHER stills mirrorless camera in their lineup is just cannibalism. Cameras like the Komodo, ZCam, Kinefinity, FX6, and now Pyxis (same sensor btw,) have really shifted the target for flagship video models, and I suspect they may have realized the need to pivot. And I don’t think they’re exiting the market. They seemed very excited about the folding-in of the Varicam team into the LUMIX team. They said it’ll be 2-3yrs before any “fruits” of that change will show up.

I still have my S1H and am always pleasantly surprised by how well the image holds up vs the latest and greatest stuff (Z9, A1, etc.) i.e. it has a better image entirely... especially in low light... Just not the same super fast sensor readout. I think the OLPF helps give it a more natural look too. Definitely an internal ND is needed and phase-detect AF in the S1H Mark II, but I hope to see eND not a mechanical one. FS5 is how long ago now?! Call me insane but I'd like to see a "True RAW" 2.8K Cinema DNG full frame mode with option for light 3:1 compression, without that smooth processed look of ProRes RAW. Today's RAW codecs look too similar to H.265.... Or maybe HEVC has improved a lot?! It would be nice to get the size and weight down to Sony a1 level. Stacked sensor for that nice 4K/120fps... maybe 2.8K at 240fps? Not too bothered about 8K... I am sure Pana are in a dilemma about that too.

Hahaha, I literally have been thinking about finding an old broken FX6 or a demo unit and hollowing it out to slide in a smaller mirrorless. The new trend of "Cineback" style mods seems to show the desire for more modular compact builds and actually look quite nice IMO. Still, would be even better to have a stealth Sony A1 hiding out in a ENG camera LOL

Honestly cameras haven't been the differentiators for quite some time on productions. Good productions generally just require a lot of money and talent (unless you are into micro budget stuff) and cameras have always been one of the cheapest things on the budget list.

My laser scanned 3D printed FX6 body shell that you can hide an a7iv in has a chance then. Inspired by this genius that hid a GoPro in a broadcast camera.

Can’t really go wrong with a used one because even after a few months if you decided it was not for you, you could sell it for minimal loss and much less than renting anything for the same period. Zoom lenses I’d be looking at myself right now would be: Sigma 16-28mm f2.8 Sigma 28-70mm f2.8 Sigma 28-45mm f1.8 Sigma 24-70mm f2.8 mkII Sigma 70-200mm f2.8 latest version Samyang 35-150mm f2/2.8 Lumix 20-60mm f3.5/5.6 Lumix 24-105mm f4 Lumix 70-200mm f4 I personally have a pair of Lumix 20-60’s (because I have 2x identical static set ups), the 70-200 f4 as an option for one of them if needed) and the 28-70 as my run & gun workhorse. I think that out of them all, the 28-70 is an absolute gem due to the combo of constant f2.8, focal range plus size & weight. However I will switch to and never want or need another pairing beyond the new 28-45mm f1.8 if a longer sibling arrives around 50-100 also at f1.8 and internal zooming. I would also trade my 3x stills use Tamron E Mount lenses for this same pairing. Without even needing to give it another thought.