p.1 #1 · First full-frame camera with dual-gain output sensor
I recently investigated why the new Panasonic S1 II has such impressive dynamic range, as compared to the Nikon Z6 III which shares the same sensor. That investigation revealed the camera is using dual-gain output. This is where the camera employs both low and high gains in the same exposure to combine the saturation capacity of low ISO with the clean shadows of high ISO. PetaPixel reached out to Panasonic with my findings and they confirmed the camera is using their "DR Boost" feature for stills, something which was previously only thought to be used for their video modes.
Here is a video I published that explains my findings:
.
And here is an article PetaPixel wrote about my investigation:
Cross-posting to Sony and Alt forums, because I predict we'll see this feature on future being used on Sony and other cameras. I previously posted this to the Nikon forum.
p.1 #2 · First full-frame camera with dual-gain output sensor
This dual gain technology also works in Panasonic G9II, albeit when the SS is faster than 1s. When SS is 1s or longer, the dynamic range drops dramatically (this is easily seen in the dark frames). I wonder if Panasonic S1II also has a SS limit for their dual gain readout.
p.1 #3 · First full-frame camera with dual-gain output sensor
Good for L mount users for now I guess. Eventually good for everyone.
Not enough to personally warrant even considering a change - particularly since software keeps getting better and better at reducing noise, sharpening images and upscaling.
Now my #1 priority is *getting* the shot. At the moment for me at least Sony still is more than adequate for that job.
p.1 #4 · First full-frame camera with dual-gain output sensor
Wow, great find! Has there been any instances of this being documented on the newer Sonys like the A1ii or A9iii? Since their readouts are so fast, could they capture more than simply dual non-destructive composites?
p.1 #5 · First full-frame camera with dual-gain output sensor
Time aliasing between high luminance parts of the scene and low luminance parts of the scene should produce some bizarre image distortion effects if there are moving elements in the scene or there is any camera motion.
p.1 #6 · First full-frame camera with dual-gain output sensor
ruthenium wrote:
This dual gain technology also works in Panasonic G9II, albeit when the SS is faster than 1s. When SS is 1s or longer, the dynamic range drops dramatically (this is easily seen in the dark frames). I wonder if Panasonic S1II also has a SS limit for their dual gain readout.
I cover this in the video. It works at all pre-defined shutter speeds on the S1II.
Btw, the GH7 shares the same sensor as the G9II but does not have the shutter-speed restrictions either.
p.1 #7 · First full-frame camera with dual-gain output sensor
dclark wrote:
Time aliasing between high luminance parts of the scene and low luminance parts of the scene should produce some bizarre image distortion effects if there are moving elements in the scene or there is any camera motion.
It's a single exposure read out twice - there are no temporal artifacts.
p.1 #8 · First full-frame camera with dual-gain output sensor
ftllens wrote:
Wow, great find! Has there been any instances of this being documented on the newer Sonys like the A1ii or A9iii? Since their readouts are so fast, could they capture more than simply dual non-destructive composites?
It's unclear which sensors have implemented it because the data sheets and programming guides for those and other FF sensors aren't publicly available for download. It's also not available for the partially-stacked sensor in the S1II / Z6 III.
p.1 #9 · First full-frame camera with dual-gain output sensor
Very interesting! That technology would be amazing to have in a landscape-oriented camera with a 45-60mp sensor (e.g. Nikon Z7iii or Z8ii), as demonstrated in the petapixel article.
p.1 #10 · First full-frame camera with dual-gain output sensor
snapsy wrote:
I recently investigated why the new Panasonic S1 II has such impressive dynamic range, as compared to the Nikon Z6 III which shares the same sensor. That investigation revealed the camera is using dual-gain output. This is where the camera employs both low and high gains in the same exposure to combine the saturation capacity of low ISO with the clean shadows of high ISO. PetaPixel reached out to Panasonic with my findings and they confirmed the camera is using their "DR Boost" feature for stills, something which was previously only thought to be used for their video modes.
Here is a video I published that explains my findings:
.
And here is an article PetaPixel wrote about my investigation:
Cross-posting to Sony and Alt forums, because I predict we'll see this feature on future being used on Sony and other cameras. I previously posted this to the Nikon forum....Show more →
p.1 #11 · First full-frame camera with dual-gain output sensor
A74me wrote:
the a6700 out performs them both in video
In what respect does the a6700 outperform the S1 II in video?
Sep 01, 2025 at 11:41 AM
AmbientMike Offline • • • • • • [X]
p.1 #12 · First full-frame camera with dual-gain output sensor
As mentioned in the article, Z6III has relatively poor DR, even behind D7200 on Bill Claff's tests, and the S1 II isnt really that far ahead, and actually behind the R3 and R5. So I'm not seeing how this is that big of a deal, really.
With all the fast frame rates you'd think they'd have come out with an HDR mode blending files years ago. Although I suppose auto bracketing is nothing new, to blend in pp if in camera processors lack the power.
p.1 #13 · First full-frame camera with dual-gain output sensor
The big deal is that the S1II takes this 24MP sensor that natively performs as tested in the Z6III and brings DR back up to a level competitive with the best native offerings. There is debate over Canon's DR claims because noise reduction is applied to achieve this level of performance. I'm not going to argue whether or not it's valid, because it does obviously measure competitively... Anyway, over the past 10 years as sensors have become vastly faster, DR hasn't changed and in many cases has regressed compared to older sensors as a tradeoff for achieving higher speed.
Faster sensor performance should help facilitate dual gain output without significant performance tradeoffs, which bumps DR from current fast sensor tech back up to class leading DR levels. DGO should also be possible with slower but inherently higher DR sensors to push those even higher. So for those of us who prioritize fast sensors but give up some DR, this has the potential to restore that 'lost' DR without really giving up much performance (though with the S1 II it's still not available in e-shutter). For those who prioritize DR, it should allow current slow but high DR sensor tech to potentially squeeze out more range.
