Panasonic Lumix DC-S1 vs Sony a7R IV — Which Is Better?

The Panasonic Lumix DC-S1 and the Sony a7R IV are both full-frame mirrorless cameras from 2019, and the first decision between them is which native lens system you want. The S1 uses the Leica L mount, while the a7R IV uses Sony FE, so each body draws on its own brand's lens range. Neither mount fits the other's lenses directly.

The S1 is the larger and heavier body. It measures 149 x 110 x 97 mm and weighs 899 g, against 129 x 96 x 78 mm and 665 g for the a7R IV, a 234 g difference in Sony's favour. That makes the a7R IV the more compact body to pack.

The a7R IV is the clear choice for heavy cropping and large prints, because its 61.2 megapixel sensor holds about two and a half times the pixels of the S1's 24.2 megapixel sensor. A wildlife shooter can crop into a distant bird and still keep detail for output.

A difference in the S1's favour is its higher native ISO ceiling, 51200 against 32000, giving more room to raise ISO before expanded settings. Sony counters with 425 autofocus points against 225 and a 10 fps top burst against 9 fps. Both cameras offer in-body stabilisation, a 1/8000 second top shutter speed and 5760000-dot electronic viewfinders.

The S1 is the better pick for motion-heavy footage, because its video frame rate tops out at 60 fps against 30 fps on the a7R IV. That higher ceiling doubles the latitude for slowing fast action, and both cameras cap at 4K.

The a7R IV counters with a built-in timelapse function, which the S1 lacks, plus XAVC S recording alongside MP4. For timelapse projects shot without extra gear, the Sony is the more convenient body.

The S1 has the better rear screen for checking focus and detail on location. Its 3.2-inch LCD offers 2100000 dots, against 1440000 on the a7R IV's 3-inch screen, so playback shows finer detail on the Panasonic.

Both cameras offer weather sealing, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, along with touch control and articulating screens. Neither has a built-in flash or GPS, so any flash work calls for external units and neither body tags files with location data.

The a7R IV holds the endurance advantage, rated at 670 shots against 380 for the S1, a 290-shot difference. Both cameras charge over USB, so either can be topped up between shoots.

The S1 is the one to choose if you shoot on XQD cards, because its second slot takes them alongside UHS-II SD. The a7R IV uses SD cards in both of its dual slots.