Despite being smaller and lighter, the S1RII also introduces faster phase-detect autofocus and improved stabilization.

The S1RII is lighter, more compact and more powerful than its high-resolution predecessor. The camera is designed to inspire photo and video enthusiasts.

The S1R II has a newly designed, much more compact body that is almost identical to the Lumix S5 II, which measures 134.3 x 102.3 x 91.8mm and weighs 712g / 1.57 lb body only. This does mean that the the large status LCD on top of the S1R which was useful for quickly checking the camera's key settings has been removed on the newer model.