Panasonic Lumix S1R
Announced September 25, 2018
PixelMeter The PixelMeter is our 1–100 aggregate of reviewer scores from trusted publications and creators. Weighted by source tier — not a raw average, and not PetaPixel’s own review.
Reviewer Consensus
Strong
The Panasonic Lumix S1R is a robust, high-resolution full-frame mirrorless camera that provides excellent image quality and a professional-grade build suited for studio and landscape work. That said, its substantial weight and size, combined with a limited native lens selection and less competitive autofocus performance, make it a specialized tool rather than a portable everyday camera.
Weighted from 23 reviewer scores
Pros
- Durable, weather-sealed build with professional ergonomics
- Superb electronic viewfinder and high-quality display
- Effective in-body image stabilization
- Exceptional image resolution and high-res multi-shot mode
- Versatile connectivity including dual card slots
Cons
- Large, heavy body design
- Autofocus performance lags behind competitors
- Short battery life
- High price point compared to rivals
- Limited native lens selection
- Launch price $3,699 (USD)
- Sensor 47.3MP Full-Frame CMOS
- Video 4K 59.94p
- Stabilization In-body IS
- Burst 9 fps electronic
What the Reviewers Say
All 23 expert reviews, weighted into the PixelMeter score.
Is this product missing a reputable review? Share a link to a review article or YouTube video for consideration.
- DPReview 89/100
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.
-
[U]nless you're a vlogger who needs a forward-facing screen and the best face tracking, the Panasonic Lumix S1R becomes the most capable full-frame camera overall for video to date.
-
The Panasonic S1R handles more like a top-quality DSLR than a top-quality mirrorless, but that’s not necessarily a bad thing.
-
My lasting impression from using the Lumix S1R for a few hours is that it’s one very capable camera indeed and there’s much to like.
-
[P]anasonic kept telling us this is a no compromise camera [...] and you can really see it, really feel it. [...] This is an excellent first attempt in their full frame market for them.
-
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.
-
Panasonic's first attempt at a 35mm full-frame mirrorless camera is an impressive one, offering a long list of mouth-watering features, superb image quality, and great handling.
-
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.
-
The Panasonic S1R, or Lumix S1R to give it its full title, is big, hefty and solid and feels like it means business.
-
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.
-
[T]he S1R is a very well specified camera with an excellent sensor and a superb build – and the fact that it's very much a pleasure to use only makes it better.
-
In the meantime, if you really need the S1R's ruggedness, excellent handling and video capability, then it's worth a look.
- Digital Trends 8/10
Panasonics’ Lumix S1R is amazing, but few photographers will need its killer feature.
- Photo Review 8.8/10
The S1R is particularly suitable for portrait and landscape photographers as well as pro photographers who shoot weddings, fashion and commercial products, particularly where high-resolution images are needed for making poster-sized enlargements.
-
What a piece of kit. [...] We’re optimistic about the future of the L-mount, and the kit lens that came with our review camera is certainly good enough to take the fight to Nikon and Canon’s pro lenses.
-
If it wasn't obvious by now, I am properly impressed by this camera from the features point of view; it has everything. From the image quality point of view, it is top level as well. It is expensive, but it delivers; if you can afford it, I don't see why not to recommend it.
-
[I] am very impressed by the first generation full-frame mirrorless camera from Panasonic.
-
[T]he S1R is very good entry to full-frame mirrorless market. Panasonic has targeted professionals and it has tailored these cameras so that it fits their needs.
-
[I]t’s a great camera to use, and yes, I could happily use it to replace my 5Ds for much of our paying work.
-
[I]t works really well for what I do, and especially after the latest firmware update, it works pretty well also in video [...] I can't really complain about the autofocus; it's fast and it's accurate and that's enough for me.
-
[T]he Lumix S1R is definitely a professional’s camera and should satisfy many photographers, particularly those who are studio based as well as wedding and portrait shooters.
-
[T]he Panasonic Lumix S1R [...] becomes like an absolute steal considering that you're getting all of this performance, build quality, high resolution goodness for how much money.
-
[T]he Panasonic Lumix S1R is more catered for people who do a lot more high-end photography such as press, studio, as well as landscape photography.
