Panasonic Lumix DC-S1R

The Lumix DC-S1R is a full-frame mirrorless camera released in 2019, built around a 47.3-megapixel sensor. That resolution puts it in high-detail territory, suiting photographers who print large or crop heavily.

It is a substantial camera at 149 x 110 x 97 mm and 1020 g, so its size and weight are worth factoring into how you plan to carry and handle it.

Lenses come through the Leica L mount, which is worth accounting for if you are moving over from another system.

The optics score of 83 sits in exceptional territory, and the camera places in the top 5% of cameras in our database for Optics. The 47.3-megapixel full-frame CMOS sensor is the heart of that result. Files carry enough detail for large prints and generous cropping.

In-body stabilisation works against camera shake, so handheld shots at slower shutter speeds stay usable as light falls. It does nothing for a moving subject, so freezing action still depends on shutter speed.

The electronic viewfinder packs 5.76 million dots, which shows fine detail when you check focus manually or judge edge sharpness. There are 225 autofocus points available for placing focus.

For action, the top burst rate is 9fps, though that is a maximum figure rather than a promise of sustained shooting. A 1/16000s top shutter speed is on hand for bright conditions, and the ISO range runs from 100 to 25600, covering bright days through dim interiors.

Video earns a good score of 69, which reflects a capable rather than standout setup. Recording tops out at 4K resolution, and the fastest frame rate on offer is 60fps. These are separate maximums, so the two may not combine in one recording mode. Files record as MP4, a format that drops straight into most editing software.

There is no built-in intervalometer, so time-lapse sequences need an external timer or assembly from individually captured stills. That absence is one of the deductions behind the score, and it matters if interval work is part of your plan.

With no flash built into the body, video in low light leans on fast lenses or an external unit mounted on the hot shoe.

The features score of 87 is very good, with screen size, detail and touch response among its contributors. At 3.2 inches with 2.1 million dots, the display shows plenty of detail, and it both flips and responds to touch. The flip helps at waist-level and overhead angles, while touch input speeds up focus placement and menu navigation.

Weather sealing is fitted for outdoor work. There is no built-in flash, so additional lighting comes through the hot shoe with an external unit when you need it.

Wi-Fi and Bluetooth are both fitted for wireless connectivity. GPS is absent, so location tagging relies on a phone or separate device.

Storage and battery scores 68, which is good rather than great. Two card slots are fitted, and between them they accept SD, SDHC and SDXC cards plus Compact Flash media. With files this size, cards fill quickly, so generous capacity is worth packing.

The DMW-BLJ31 battery is rated at 360 shots, though such ratings depend on test conditions rather than real-world use, and this rating is the main thing holding the section score back. For a long day of shooting, a charged spare is a sensible addition to the bag.

The battery can also be charged over USB, which cuts the need to carry the mains charger on shorter trips.