Panasonic Lumix S1R Review

Panasonic S1R
88%
Overall Rating
Based on 13 expert reviews



The two things that struck reviewers most about the Panasonic Lumix S1R is that it's a very large and heavy camera and that it can capture some gorgeous high-resolution images. If you don't mind a mirrorless camera as big and bulky as a pro DSLR and want/need a lot of exquisite detail in your images, the Panasonic S1R might be for you. The S1R's 47.3MP full frame sensor produces "good Raw and excellent JPEG image quality," according to DPReview, while Digital Camera World says it offers "superb resolution." Other high-end features on this $3700 camera include a "best-in-class" electronic viewfinder, effective 5-axis image stabilization, crisp 4K video that records in versatile 60p, a handy tri-tilting rear LCD screen and dual card slots. Also noteworthy is the Panasonic's S1R's durable, weather-sealed build, which offers comfortable ergonomics but, as most reviewers noted, makes the camera rather hefty. Or, in the words of PC Magazine, the S1R is "obnoxiously heavy." There's also a limited number of lenses currently available for the S1R, which uses the new L-mount system. (That should change over time but, for now, it's a liability.) So, this luxe Lumix is a bit of conundrum. There's certainly a lot to like about the S1R but there are trade-offs for this "first wave" full frame camera from Panasonic.
PROS & CONS
Pros
+ Captures gorgeous, high-resolution images
+ Effective 5-axis image stabilization
+ Good subject-detection autofocus; fast and precise single AF
+ Crisp 4K video at 60/50p
+ Robust, durable, weather-sealed body with good ergonomics
+ Big and sharp electronic viewfinder
+ Nice overall design with top info LCD, backlit buttons and AF joystick control
+ Handy 3-axis tilting rear LCD screen
+ Dual card slots
Cons
- Expensive
- Very large and heavy for a mirrorless camera
- Limited L-mount lens selection at time of launch
- Some autofocus limitations
- Mediocre battery life
SPECIFICATIONS
Manufacturer
Panasonic
Full Model Name
Panasonic Lumix DC-S1R
Camera Type
Mirrorless Camera
Sensor Format
Full Frame
Resolution
47.3MP
Frame Rate
9 frames per second (fps) , 6fps with CAF (continuous autofocus)
Video
4K 60p/50p
Stabilization
Combines 5-axis Body I.S. (Image Stabilizer) with 2-axis O.I.S. (Optical Image Stabilizer) for Dual I.S. stabilizing system
ISO Range
100-25,600
Viewfinder
Large high-resolution (5,760k-dot) resolution OLED electronic viewfinder (EVF)
Weather/Water Proofing
Rugged camera design for “heavy field use, durability, and expandability” with 100% sealing
Rear Screen
3.2-inch, 3-axis tilting rear LCD screen
Card Slots
Dual card slots for XQD and SD cards
Connectivity
Built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth
Dimensions
5.9 x 4.3 x 3.8 inches
Weight
36 ounces
Price
$3,699
Top Reviews
80

"Panasonic’s S1R is a good, high-resolution, full-frame mirrorless camera, but it can’t hold up to the competition. Images are sharp and color-accurate, but can’t hold up to the Sony A7R III in terms of low-light noise and dynamic range." - Engadget, read the full review here.

92

"The Panasonic S1R is big, hefty and solid and feels like it means business. It handles well and produces excellent image quality – and offers 60p 4K video, too. [But] it's entering a full frame mirrorless camera market that's suddenly looking quite crowded." - Digital Camera World, read the full review here.

89

"The Panasonic Lumix DC-S1R is an impressively well-built full-frame mirrorless camera with lots of resolution, well thought-out controls and ergonomics and competitive video quality. Unfortunately its burst shooting speeds are simply outdone by the competition and for less money, and it falls slightly behind in overall image quality and autofocus performance as well." - DPReview, read the full review here.

90

"The Panasonic Lumix S1R is blessed with an effective image stabilization system, a cracking EVF and a solid build, while its image and video quality also impress. The AF system is behind its peers, however, and the camera doesn't really exhibit any size and weight advantages over equivalent DSLRs." - Tech Radar, read the full review here.

90

"Panasonics’ Lumix S1R is amazing, but few photographers will need its killer feature. The S1R is a niche camera for a small group of customers with only one feature — that 47.3MP sensor — separating it from the more affordable S1." - Digital Trends, read the full review here.

85

"The Panasonic Lumix DC-S1R delivers impeccable high-resolution images thanks to a stabilized 47MP full-frame sensor, but it's heavier and more expensive than competing models." - PC Magazine, read the full review here.

89

Panasonic has packed the features into the Lumix S1R. Like the 24Mp S1, it takes a little getting used to, but its control arrangement and handling are good. If you’re looking for the size advantage offered by a mirrorless design, however, the Panasonic Lumix S1R is not going to fit the bill. Naturally, the main reason for investing in a 47Mp camera is to produce images with lots of detail. The Panasonic Lumix S1R certainly delivers on this score." - Camera Jabber, read the full review here.

89

"In many ways, the Panasonic S1R is the best mirrorless camera on the market right now (at least of the full-frame variety). It has the most advanced features you’ll find today – everything from sensor-shift mode to illuminated rear buttons – and an excellent 47 megapixel sensor. So, why don’t I highly recommend it? Two main reasons: price and weight." - Photography Life, read the full review here.

93

"The Panasonic Lumix S1R has it all: excellent image quality, excellent video quality, great handling, weather sealing, fast performance, and an easy to use menu system.The biggest negative, is the camera’s size and weight, being easily the same size and weight as a full-frame DSLR, but without the long battery life of a DSLR." - ePHOTOzine, read the full review here.

91

"An extremely capable full-frame mirrorless camera – if you're a pro who likes larger bodies, dual card slots and features like 6K Photo, then the S1R is a strong alternative to high-res rivals from Nikon and Sony. Its lens collection is far from fully developed, though, and anyone looking for a small and light mirrorless camera should look elsewhere." - Trusted Reviews, read the full review here.

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