In our annual lab take a look at roundup podcast, Dr. Gunther Machu and Nino Leitner break down the outcomes from seven cameras examined all through 2025, revealing which delivered on their guarantees and which fell brief.

The 12 months 2025 proved each evolutionary and revolutionary for digital camera know-how. Canon launched three new our bodies, Nikon delivered the ZR with RED inside, Sony launched the FX2, and Blackmagic squeezed their 12K sensor into the compact PYXIS. Most importantly, Panasonic launched twin achieve output know-how on a full-frame sensor, delivering dynamic vary outcomes matching cameras costing ten occasions as a lot.

Canon’s combined outcomes

Canon entered 2025 with the EOS C400, EOS R5 Mark II, and EOS R1. The C400 delivered strong 9.5ms rolling shutter in 6K however upset with solely 10.5 stops dynamic vary in RAW and eight stops publicity latitude, restricted by horizontal line artifacts in pushed shadows.

The R5 Mark II confirmed related traits with worse rolling shutter (17.3ms). Nonetheless, the R1 represented a notable enchancment: 8.3ms rolling shutter, 11.3 stops dynamic vary, and 9 stops latitude. This places the R1 on par with the Sony A9 III and represents Canon’s greatest sensor know-how but.

The revolutionary Panasonic LUMIX S1II

The Panasonic LUMIX S1II rewrote expectations. With Dynamic Vary Enhance disabled, you get 12.7ms rolling shutter and 9 stops latitude. Allow it, and rolling shutter will increase to 27.5ms, however dynamic vary jumps to roughly 13 stops with over 10 stops publicity latitude.
The ARRI Alexa Mini LF, costing round $40,000, achieves 10 stops latitude. The S1II matches this at roughly $3,200. The caveat is that 27.5ms rolling shutter in DR Enhance mode, requiring cautious shot choice for quick movement.

Nikon ZR: Strong however not distinctive

The Nikon ZR generated monumental buzz as the primary Nikon/RED collaboration. Rolling shutter measured 9.4ms for full-frame 6K, dynamic vary hit 10.2 stops, and latitude reached 8 stops, inserting it squarely mid-pack amongst full-frame cameras.

We discovered that REDCODE RAW NE’s spotlight restoration can produce yellowish pores and skin tones in recovered areas, and publicity differs by one cease versus ProRes RAW. The compressed H.265 codecs confirmed excessive noise discount eliminating effective element. With three inside RAW choices, 32-bit float audio, and no overheating at €2,200, the ZR presents great worth, although picture high quality is strong relatively than distinctive.

Sony FX2 lets down

The Sony FX2 upset with 27.5ms rolling shutter (matching the S1II in DR Enhance mode) however with out the dynamic vary advantages. Worse, a horizontal line artifact at 5 stops underexposure limits sensible latitude to 7-8 stops. With out inside RAW recording and in comparison with the S1II at related pricing, the FX2 struggles to justify its place.

Blackmagic PYXIS 12K: Compromises in a compact physique

The Blackmagic PYXIS 12K suits the distinctive 12K sensor from the URSA Cine 12K LF right into a compact physique. Rolling shutter in 12K mode measured 24.1ms (double the URSA Cine), although switching to 8K improves this to 11ms. Dynamic vary got here in roughly 0.3 stops beneath the URSA Cine, with 9 stops latitude.

At $5,500 with DaVinci Resolve Studio included, it stays compelling for customers who can work inside its body price limitations.

What’s subsequent

We’re presently processing outcomes for the Canon C50, Sony A7V, and iPhone 17 Professional. The iPhone has confirmed notably difficult, with computational processing exhibiting totally different conduct relying on settings. We’re working with Apple to know these traits earlier than publishing.

The Panasonic LUMIX S1II has confirmed that professional-level dynamic vary is achievable at client costs. What digital camera delivered one of the best worth in 2025 for you? Don’t hesitate to tell us within the feedback beneath!

Chapters and Articles in This Episode

00:00 – Intro

03:18 – evolution vs. revolution

08:40 – Canon EOS C400 Lab Check – Rolling Shutter, Dynamic Vary and Publicity Latitude

Canon EOS C400 Lab Test – Rolling Shutter, Dynamic Range and Exposure Latitude

13:14 – Canon EOS R5 Mark II Lab Check – Rolling Shutter, Dynamic Vary and Publicity Latitude

Canon EOS R5 Mark II Lab Test – Rolling Shutter, Dynamic Range and Exposure Latitude

17:17 – Canon EOS R1 Lab Check – Rolling Shutter, Dynamic Vary and Publicity Latitude

Canon EOS R1 Lab Test – Rolling Shutter, Dynamic Range and Exposure Latitude

20.44 – Panasonic LUMIX S1II Lab Check – Rolling Shutter, Dynamic Vary, and Publicity Latitude

Panasonic LUMIX S1II Lab Test – Rolling Shutter, Dynamic Range, and Exposure Latitude

34:08 – Nikon ZR Lab Check – Rolling Shutter, Dynamic Vary, and Publicity Latitude

Nikon ZR Lab Test – Rolling Shutter, Dynamic Range, and Exposure Latitude

45:35 – Sony FX2 Lab Check – Rolling Shutter, Dynamic Vary and Publicity Latitude

Sony FX2 Lab Test – Rolling Shutter, Dynamic Range and Exposure Latitude

53:38 – Blackmagic PYXIS 12K Lab Check – Rolling Shutter, Dynamic Vary and Publicity Latitude

Blackmagic PYXIS 12K Lab Test – Rolling Shutter, Dynamic Range and Exposure Latitude

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