S1 versus S1R (a smile)

I have not touched a S1R but I am very happy with my S1.

Those that own the S1R might comment further.

As far as I know the S1 and S1R share the build, evf, lcd, all the controls and the overall build quality of the same basic camera. The S1R has the more densely populated sensor and all that flows form that. Also as far as I know the firmware and features are the same excepting for the necessary differences caused by the sensor pixel population.

Therefore the S1 model has not been built down to a price and I think that this is significant. I don’t get the feeling that my S1 is a cheap version of the S1R.

For years cheaper models of the dslr type have been made. My experience has been mainly Canon and the lower rung camera bodies get progressively more pasticky until they are downright crude. Not so sure about the A7 series and whether Sony builds an A7iii compared to an A7Riii as closely in build quality and features as Panasonic builds the S1 to the S1R.

My thoughts have been that the S1 was clearly geared more towards the ones that wish to utilize the utmost of video capabilities of the current crop of cameras. 2nd to that the so called "benchmark" favorite resolution range was chosen to also squeak out that extra stop of low noise at higher ISO's. It's pretty clear that for those that are major croppers wanting the greatest detail and cropping capabilities would gravitate to the S1R obviously. The S1R is a landscape shooters dream in my estimation as well. It's not that the S1 isn't capable, just that the S1R was aimed at those specific needs to excel in them. The S1 is clearly the best "all arounder" for nearly all one would run into as the High Rez mode will address most of the needed landscape stuff if one is looking to shoot poster sizes. Also it's obvious that the S1 is going to be a tad more capable at the maximum levels of video.......although frankly the S1R does a fine job in it's own right. Just not perhaps the uber levels of the S1 in that regards. It's a "pick your poison" setup to be sure. But the S1 is by NO means a compromise in build and execution which is refreshing to see as compared to Sony clipping off all the good stuff of their lower end models (higher rez viewfinder and LCD etc.). Panasonic wisely threw in the kitchen sink with the S1 as well not leaving one to feel left out in any significant way.

I see them as the same body, but with different features sets for different photographers.

The S1 has great video features with a good set of photography features.

The S1R has an incredible photography features set and a good set of video capabilities.

Pick the one that fits your needs the best.

Personally, I have zero interest in videography so I chose the S1R and am thrilled with it.

Probably oversimplifying the decision for some people, but it worked for me.

I was able to try both the S1 and S1R, before purchasing the S1. Aside from a label, they are externally identical. Internally they are very similar. There are some firmware differences relating to video, but I think for stills they are the same (aside from the sensor resolution).

I have always been puzzled by the frame rate similarity between the two cameras. I would have expected the S1 to manage higher frame rates. Perhaps there is mechanical limitation with the shutter, or the autofocus system. The S1r is pretty amazing given the resolution it’s processing.

I also wondered if the precision of the DFD autofocus might actually scale with resolution (i.e. it becomes more accurate as revolution increases). From the recent tests, it’s seems frame rate is an important factor for video. Higher frame rates appears to give the camera more information to work with, and therefore faster response.

shadowwalker said:

Personally, I have zero interest in videography so I chose the S1R and am thrilled with it.

Probably oversimplifying the decision for some people, but it worked for me.

Click to expand...

While I've not made any final decisions and won't till early next spring, having worked with the S1 and have NO interest in video either I agree. I do indeed feel for those like us the S1R makes the most sense. It simply gives a photographer more to work with regarding the file taken. The S1 can do some thing in video the S1R won't. So for those video oriented folks the S1 will indeed be a better option. I think it IS an easy choice.

ProDude said:

shadowwalker said:

Personally, I have zero interest in videography so I chose the S1R and am thrilled with it.

Probably oversimplifying the decision for some people, but it worked for me.

Click to expand...

While I've not made any final decisions and won't till early next spring, having worked with the S1 and have NO interest in video either I agree. I do indeed feel for those like us the S1R makes the most sense. It simply gives a photographer more to work with regarding the file taken. The S1 can do some thing in video the S1R won't. So for those video oriented folks the S1 will indeed be a better option. I think it IS an easy choice.

Click to expand...

I have zero interest in video but have an S1 and am very happy with it.

The only real issue is with Sigma DC (aps-c image circle) lenses which auto-crop on the S1 to 10.5mp files. This seems smaller even than one might imagine and might be arguably worse that what the same lenses can be used focal reduced (full aps-c image circle) on to 20mp 4/3 sensors (even 16mp 4/3 sensors ...). I have not done a direct comparison yet but the lenses would auto crop to higher resolution on a S1R.

This is not a worry for me and only a comment as I did deliberately buy DC lenses in EF mount to focal reduce them on M4/3 bodies - which they do full-function and produce good images.

Any extra use on the S1 is just a bonus on my part, but maybe others might hesitate to buy and use DC format EF mount lenses on the S1.

I agree with most of the posters here, I think Panasonic did a great job with the S1 regarding not limited it's video or photography abilities. The S1 and S1R both very capable cameras in both competences; video and stills.

I have the S1R since the launch date as I am coming from the Sony A7RIII, as I am 90% still shooter. I love capturing architecture, anything old and rusty, macro and landscape, so detail was a important factor to me as well as the ability to crop from time to time. - This isn't to say that the S1 can't.

It is something about the Jazz Tower sensor in S1R that shines more then my Sony A7R3. I thought that I was going to miss the low-light capabilities from my A7R3, the S1R shines in that area as well.

If you have the S1 you should be extremely pleased, and likewise, if you have the S1R you should also be pleased. They both are going to excel in their intended areas and you can not go wrong with either one, which is a testament to Panasonic.

As I have said many of times on this forum, I thank Sony for there innovations in the MFF arena and I still have love for them, been with them going on 10 years, but the Panasonic S1/R simply stole my heart.

Kind Regards,

j-

I'm curious whether the SR1 is made in Japan. Or has the entire Lumix line been moved to China?

Jack

filmluvr said:

I'm curious whether the SR1 is made in Japan. Or has the entire Lumix line been moved to China?

Jack

Click to expand...

Yup Panasonic set up their manufacture facility for the S series in China. But obviously they have a nice heavy hand on the production quality.

ProDude said:

filmluvr said:

I'm curious whether the SR1 is made in Japan. Or has the entire Lumix line been moved to China?

Jack

Click to expand...

Yup Panasonic set up their manufacture facility for the S series in China. But obviously they have a nice heavy hand on the production quality.

Click to expand...

Thanks, I wasn't able to find that info elsewhere.

Jack

Tom Caldwell said:

I have not touched a S1R but I am very happy with my S1.

Those that own the S1R might comment further.

As far as I know the S1 and S1R share the build, evf, lcd, all the controls and the overall build quality of the same basic camera. The S1R has the more densely populated sensor and all that flows form that. Also as far as I know the firmware and features are the same excepting for the necessary differences caused by the sensor pixel population.

Therefore the S1 model has not been built down to a price and I think that this is significant. I don’t get the feeling that my S1 is a cheap version of the S1R.

For years cheaper models of the dslr type have been made. My experience has been mainly Canon and the lower rung camera bodies get progressively more pasticky until they are downright crude. Not so sure about the A7 series and whether Sony builds an A7iii compared to an A7Riii as closely in build quality and features as Panasonic builds the S1 to the S1R.

Click to expand...

I share your appreciation of Panasonic for making 2 identical bodies with sensors being the differentiator. Pick your performance/ tools without having to weigh other forced compromises. I’ve said all along Panasonic is not chasing price shoppers with the S line. I hope they have the fortitude to hold firm in the face of the inevitable smaller market this strategy will produce.

The a7iii has lower spec’d evf and rear lcd vs a7riii so there is at least that difference.

JonBH said:

Tom Caldwell said:

I have not touched a S1R but I am very happy with my S1.

Those that own the S1R might comment further.

As far as I know the S1 and S1R share the build, evf, lcd, all the controls and the overall build quality of the same basic camera. The S1R has the more densely populated sensor and all that flows form that. Also as far as I know the firmware and features are the same excepting for the necessary differences caused by the sensor pixel population.

Therefore the S1 model has not been built down to a price and I think that this is significant. I don’t get the feeling that my S1 is a cheap version of the S1R.

For years cheaper models of the dslr type have been made. My experience has been mainly Canon and the lower rung camera bodies get progressively more pasticky until they are downright crude. Not so sure about the A7 series and whether Sony builds an A7iii compared to an A7Riii as closely in build quality and features as Panasonic builds the S1 to the S1R.

Click to expand...

I share your appreciation of Panasonic for making 2 identical bodies with sensors being the differentiator. Pick your performance/ tools without having to weigh other forced compromises. I’ve said all along Panasonic is not chasing price shoppers with the S line. I hope they have the fortitude to hold firm in the face of the inevitable smaller market this strategy will produce.

The a7iii has lower spec’d evf and rear lcd vs a7riii so there is at least that difference.

Click to expand...

As Leica has traditionally been almost a bespoke manufacturer the advent of Panasonic in the L-Mount was to bring a potentially mass market producer into the mount system.

But quite sensibly Panasonic has not gone for volume. This would have entailed entry camera bodies and lenses and/or significant price competition. Not only would this be financially risky but it would risk the brand becoming labeled as a cheap-brand. Obviously Panasonic (Leica and Sigma) which to see the L-Mount as a premium mount system.

So they have started their product range at a level above their opposition and presumably opted for “good value” rather than cheap. This strategy and being a new player in “FF” would mean relatively low volumes - at least for some considerable time.

Therefore it would make sense to make two models only differenced by a brand numbering and a sensor pixel population.

Bravo - and those that buy the S1 can find that this camera has some advantages in its own right rather than be seen as a somehow lacking version made to keep the price down. I like that approach.