Panasonic Lumix DC-S1R vs Sony a7R IV — Which Is Better?

The Panasonic Lumix DC-S1R and the Sony a7R IV are 2019 full frame mirrorless cameras built for high resolution shooting. The clear split is body scale. The Sony measures 129 x 96 x 78 mm and weighs 665 g, while the Lumix runs larger at 149 x 110 x 97 mm and 1020 g. That 355 g difference favours the Sony for travel and hiking kits.

The Sony a7R IV is the stronger choice for heavy cropping and large prints, with 61.2 megapixels against 47.3 on the Lumix DC-S1R. That pixel count gives more latitude to crop a distant bird and still keep detail. Both use full frame CMOS sensors, so resolution is the useful difference here.

Other differences cut both ways. The Sony's 425 autofocus points outnumber the Lumix's 225 for off-centre subjects, while the Lumix's 1/16000 second maximum shutter against the Sony's 1/8000 gives a shorter exposure for bright, wide open work. The Lumix's 9 fps burst sits just under the Sony's 10 fps.

The Lumix DC-S1R is the better pick for slowing fast action in 4K, recording up to 60 frames per second where the Sony a7R IV tops out at 30. Twice the frame rate gives twice the stretch when the clip is slowed in the edit, at the same shared 4K maximum.

The Sony answers with a built-in interval timer for timelapse sequences, which the Lumix lacks, so timed sequences on the Lumix need external triggering. The Sony also records XAVC S and AVCHD Ver. 2.0 alongside MP4 for more editing choice, while the Lumix records MP4.

The Lumix DC-S1R gives a finer view when checking focus, with 2,100,000 dots on its 3.2 inch screen against the Sony's 1,440,000 dots on 3 inches. Both screens are touch-enabled and articulating, so overhead and low-angle framing works the same way. Both offer 5,760,000 dot electronic viewfinders.

Weather sealing, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth are shared, so remote control and image transfer work on either body. Neither includes GPS or a built-in flash, so geotagging needs a phone or external unit on both.

The Sony a7R IV leads for long days away from power, rated at 670 shots against 360 for the Lumix. That higher rating favours travel and event days with few charging chances. Both batteries top up over USB.

Both bodies have dual card slots for separating files or overflow. The card formats differ. The Sony takes UHS-II compatible SD cards, while the Lumix pairs SD with Compact Flash support.