2025 Camera Lab Tests: Full Breakdown & Insights – CineD Focus Check Episode 97

11 days ago5

In our annual lab test roundup podcast, Dr. Gunther Machu and Nino Leitner break down the results from seven cameras tested throughout 2025, revealing which delivered on their promises and which fell short.

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The year 2025 proved both evolutionary and revolutionary for camera technology. Canon released three new bodies, Nikon delivered the ZR with RED inside, Sony launched the FX2, and Blackmagic squeezed their 12K sensor into the compact PYXIS. Most significantly, Panasonic introduced dual gain output technology on a full-frame sensor, delivering dynamic range results matching cameras costing ten times as much.

Canon’s mixed results

Canon entered 2025 with the EOS C400, EOS R5 Mark II, and EOS R1. The C400 delivered solid 9.5ms rolling shutter in 6K but disappointed with only 10.5 stops dynamic range in RAW and 8 stops exposure latitude, limited by horizontal line artifacts in pushed shadows.

The R5 Mark II showed similar characteristics with worse rolling shutter (17.3ms). However, the R1 represented a notable improvement: 8.3ms rolling shutter, 11.3 stops dynamic range, and 9 stops latitude. This puts the R1 on par with the Sony A9 III and represents Canon’s best sensor technology yet.

The revolutionary Panasonic LUMIX S1II

The Panasonic LUMIX S1II rewrote expectations. With Dynamic Range Boost disabled, you get 12.7ms rolling shutter and 9 stops latitude. Enable it, and rolling shutter increases to 27.5ms, but dynamic range jumps to approximately 13 stops with over 10 stops exposure latitude.
The ARRI Alexa Mini LF, costing around $40,000, achieves 10 stops latitude. The S1II matches this at approximately $3,200. The caveat is that 27.5ms rolling shutter in DR Boost mode, requiring careful shot selection for fast motion.

Nikon ZR: Solid but not exceptional

The Nikon ZR generated enormous buzz as the first Nikon/RED collaboration. Rolling shutter measured 9.4ms for full-frame 6K, dynamic range hit 10.2 stops, and latitude reached 8 stops, placing it squarely mid-pack among full-frame cameras.

We found that REDCODE RAW NE’s highlight recovery can produce yellowish skin tones in recovered areas, and exposure differs by one stop versus ProRes RAW. The compressed H.265 codecs showed extreme noise reduction eliminating fine detail. With three internal RAW options, 32-bit float audio, and no overheating at €2,200, the ZR offers tremendous value, though image quality is solid rather than exceptional.

Sony FX2 lets down

The Sony FX2 disappointed with 27.5ms rolling shutter (matching the S1II in DR Boost mode) but without the dynamic range benefits. Worse, a horizontal line artifact at 5 stops underexposure limits practical latitude to 7-8 stops. Without internal RAW recording and compared to the S1II at similar pricing, the FX2 struggles to justify its position.

Blackmagic PYXIS 12K: Compromises in a compact body

The Blackmagic PYXIS 12K fits the exceptional 12K sensor from the URSA Cine 12K LF into a compact body. Rolling shutter in 12K mode measured 24.1ms (double the URSA Cine), though switching to 8K improves this to 11ms. Dynamic range came in approximately 0.3 stops below the URSA Cine, with 9 stops latitude.

At $5,500 with DaVinci Resolve Studio included, it remains compelling for users who can work within its frame rate limitations.

What’s next

We are currently processing results for the Canon C50, Sony A7V, and iPhone 17 Pro. The iPhone has proven particularly challenging, with computational processing showing different behavior depending on settings. We are working with Apple to understand these characteristics before publishing.

The Panasonic LUMIX S1II has proven that professional-level dynamic range is achievable at consumer prices. What camera delivered the best value in 2025 for you? Don’t hesitate to let us know in the comments below!