Canon EOS RP vs Panasonic Lumix DC-S1: A Hands-On Comparison of Two Full-Frame Mirrorless Contenders

Choosing between the Canon EOS RP and the Panasonic Lumix S1 can feel like navigating a dense forest of specifications - both are full-frame mirrorless cameras but with very different intentions and user experiences. Having spent years testing and shooting with these models across a variety of genres, I’ll walk you through this comparison with a focus on what really matters to photographers and videographers alike. From sensor technology and focusing prowess to ergonomics and day-to-day usability, I’ll share firsthand impressions and dive deep into their technical DNA.

Let’s cut through the specs and get to how these cameras perform in real-world scenarios, helping you decide which best fits your photography ambitions and budget.

A Tale of Two Cameras: Who Are They For?

Right out of the gate, these two cameras serve different audiences - the Canon EOS RP aims squarely at the advanced enthusiast seeking an affordable, compact full-frame solution, whereas the Panasonic Lumix S1 is geared towards professionals demanding robust build, versatility, and top-tier imaging prowess.

To set the stage visually:

The Canon RP is surprisingly light and pocketable for a full-frame, tipping the scales at just 485g, making it an ideal travel companion or a more discreet street photography option. The Panasonic S1, while not hefty for a professional body at 1021g, feels substantial and solid in hand - perfect for those long wildlife or sports shoots where stability and endurance matter.

Sensor Tech and Image Quality: Pixel Peeping and Beyond

Here’s where things get interesting. Both the RP and S1 sport full-frame sensors, but their approach to resolution, dynamic range, and noise performance differ markedly.

• The Canon RP’s 26.2MP sensor, paired with the DIGIC 8 processor, uses a traditional Bayer filter with an optical low-pass filter, which can soften images slightly but helps with moiré control. DxOMark scores it at 85 overall with a respectable dynamic range of 11.9 EV and a color depth of 24 bits.

• The Panasonic S1’s 24.2MP sensor impresses with no optical low-pass filter (OLPF), allowing for sharper details at the expense of a minor moiré risk (rare with modern lenses). The Venus Engine aids in noise reduction and color rendition, pushing its DxOMark score to an impressive 95 overall, with outstanding dynamic range at 14.5 EV and improved low-light ISO performance.

In practical shooting, this means the Panasonic S1 delivers files with slightly deeper tonal gradations and better shadow recovery, which landscape photographers will appreciate.

Ergonomics and Interface: Buttons, Dials, and Handling

If you care about how a camera feels during extended sessions, this section is crucial.

The Canon RP’s layout sticks close to traditional DSLR comfort, but with some compromises to keep size and cost low:

• The control scheme is intuitive but minimalist - fewer physical buttons and no top LCD.
• The fully articulating 3-inch touchscreen with 1.04M dots helps with creative angles.
• The electronic viewfinder offers 2.36M-dot resolution with 100% coverage - decent but not class-leading.
• Slight disappointment: no in-body image stabilization (IBIS), so you’re reliant on stabilized lenses.

On the other hand, the Panasonic S1 is a beast of ergonomics:

• A larger, chunkier grip accommodates long telephoto lenses without fatigue.
• Dedicated buttons abound with three customizable function buttons and an information LCD on top.
• The tilting 3.2-inch, 2.1M-dot touchscreen is responsive, complemented by a massive 5.76M-dot OLED EVF at 0.78x magnification, creating an immersive shooting experience.
• IBIS is a standout feature here, with five-axis sensor stabilization that shaves shutter speeds by several stops in handheld shooting.

Autofocus Performance: Speed, Accuracy, and Tracking

Autofocus can make or break a camera for action, wildlife, and portraiture. I’ve put both systems through paces involving moving subjects, face and eye detection, and low-light focusing.

• The Canon RP has a Dual Pixel CMOS AF system with 4,779 AF points covering a broad area. It excels in face and eye detection during stills, performing admirably for portraits. However, focus tracking lags slightly behind newer mirrorless models, and the continuous AF sometimes hunts under challenging light.

• The Panasonic S1 uses a contrast-detection Depth from Defocus (DFD) system with 225 focus points, fewer than the RP but optimized for accuracy. While it lacks Phase AF, the tracking is impressively smooth for video and solid for stills, though it can struggle with very fast subjects at times.

For wildlife and sports - where speed matters most - the RP’s dual pixel system may edge out tracking speed, but the S1’s continuous shooting at 9 fps (compared to RP’s 5 fps) and superior buffer-depth make the latter appealing for action shooters willing to wait on AF fine-tuning.

Shooting Speed and Buffer

Burst shooting isn’t always the headline spec but vital in sports and wildlife photography.

• Canon RP maxes out at a modest 5 frames per second with limited buffer capacity.
• Panasonic S1 impresses with a 9 fps burst, combined with a larger buffer, letting you nail rapid sequences without hiccups.

If you frequently capture motion, the S1 will serve you better here. If your style is slower-paced or you shoot landscapes or portraits, the RP’s speed is often sufficient.

Video Capabilities: Which is Better for Hybrid Shooters?

Both cameras offer strong video features but cater to slightly different users.

• The Canon RP can record 4K UHD at 24p, albeit with a 1.7x crop in this mode and no in-body stabilization to offset handheld shakiness. Canon’s color science shines in skin tones, making it a favorite for portrait videographers.
• Panasonic S1 supports 4K UHD at 60p without cropping and includes 10-bit 4:2:2 internal recording, making it a powerhouse for professional videographers. It also comes with IBIS (a big plus for handheld video) and includes both microphone and headphone jacks for audio monitoring.

If video is a major part of your workflow, the Panasonic S1 offers more flexibility and future-proof options.

Viewfinder and LCD: How You See Matters

The EVF and rear LCD are your primary interface:

• The RP has a 2.36M-dot EVF with 0.7x magnification - good but shows slight pixelation on closer inspection.
• Panasonic’s 5.76M-dot EVF is jaw-dropping in resolution, providing a near-optical viewfinder experience with precise framing.
• The RP’s fully articulating 3” LCD is great for vlogging or overhead shots. The S1’s tilting 3.2” screen is slightly larger and higher resolution but lacks the 180-degree outwards flip for selfies (a minor complaint).

Weather-Sealing and Build Quality: Reliability in the Field

Both have similar environmental resistance - no official waterproofing, but weather sealing against dust and moisture.

The Panasonic’s full magnesium alloy body is noticeably more robust, better suited for demanding pro assignments and harsh environments. The Canon RP’s plastic build keeps weight down but is less rugged - something to consider for travel or outdoor work.

Lens Ecosystem and Compatibility: What Are Your Glass Options?

Lens availability can make or break a system choice:

• Canon’s RF mount is young but rapidly growing with 17 native lenses, including superb optics like the RF 85mm f/1.2L and RF 24-70 f/2.8L. It also adapts effortlessly to EF lenses with the Canon mount adapter - vastly increasing options.
• Panasonic’s L-mount alliance expands choice with over 30 lenses from Panasonic, Leica, and Sigma, from fast primes to heavy-duty zooms. L lenses can sometimes be pricier, but quality is top-notch.

If you already own Canon DSLR glass, the RP makes the transition painless. For new users, both systems offer great native lenses but bear in mind the cost and availability.

Battery Life and Storage: How Long Will You Shoot?

Battery life can be the Achilles’ heel for mirrorless cameras:

The RP’s single card slot and shorter battery life suggest you’ll want spares and careful management on long days. The S1, with dual card slots and longer endurance, is better for uninterrupted shooting sessions, especially in remote or professional settings.

Connectivity and Extras: Wireless Features and More

Both cameras offer built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth for image transfer and remote control, but the Panasonic S1 supports USB charging - handy for travelers who want to top up quickly without bulky chargers.

The S1 also boasts illuminated buttons to aid night shooting - a small but appreciated touch.

Price-to-Performance: What Are You Really Paying For?

Here’s the sticker shock corner:

The RP is an entry into full-frame without breaking the bank, ideal for budget-conscious enthusiasts interested mainly in photography and some casual video.

The Panasonic S1 commands a premium aimed at professionals and serious hobbyists needing versatility, ruggedness, and advanced video features.

Real-World Shootout: Sample Images from Both Cameras

Seeing is believing. Here’s a side-by-side glance at RAW files processed fairly in Lightroom.

Canon RP front Canon RP screen back Panasonic S1 front Panasonic S1 screen back

• The Canon RP excels with natural skin tones and pleasing colors straight out of camera.
• The Panasonic S1 pulls ahead with richer shadow details and resilience to highlight clipping. Look closely, and the sharpness advantage from its no OLPF sensor is clear in landscape shots.

Performance Scores Summarized: Objective Evaluation

The Panasonic S1 outperforms the RP across nearly every DxOMark subcategory, but the RP holds its own impressively given its lower price and size.

How They Stack Up in Different Photography Genres

Finally, here’s a breakdown based on my testing across major photography disciplines:

• Portraits: Canon RP offers superior skin tones and effective eye detect AF. Panasonic S1 adds more control and IBIS for stable handheld portraits.
• Landscape: Panasonic S1 is preferable due to dynamic range and weather sealing.
• Wildlife: Panasonic’s faster burst and IBIS make it a better choice, but Canon’s AF is slightly quicker.
• Sports: Panasonic S1’s 9 fps frame rate and big buffer advantage wins.
• Street photography: Canon RP wins for portability and discretion.
• Macro: IBIS on Panasonic helps, but Canon’s lighter body feels more nimble.
• Night/Astro: Panasonic S1’s low noise and dynamic range outperform RP.
• Video: Panasonic S1 is the clear winner (10-bit, 4K 60p, IBIS).
• Travel: Canon RP’s compact size and good image quality suit travel better.
• Professional work: Panasonic S1’s build quality, dual cards, and expanded codec options make it more reliable.

Final Thoughts: Which Camera Should You Choose?

In my experience, both cameras serve very different purposes well:

• Go with the Canon EOS RP if:

  • You want an affordable, lightweight full-frame camera.
  • You’re primarily a stills shooter focused on portraits, landscapes, or travel.
  • You’re on a budget or upgrading from APS-C or DSLR.
  • Lens adaptability is important; existing Canon glass usable at full quality.
  • You prefer a compact system without compromising essential features.

• Choose the Panasonic Lumix S1 if:

  • You are a professional or serious hobbyist demanding rugged build and weather sealing.
  • You shoot fast action, wildlife, or sports, where burst rate and stabilization matter.
  • Video capabilities are essential, especially 4K 60p with log profiles and IBIS.
  • You need dual card slots for backup and more battery endurance.
  • You want a versatile one-body-for-everything solution.

Final Image Gallery – The Canon RP and Panasonic S1 in Action

Here’s a glimpse of these cameras in the field, capturing moments that matter:

Canon RP front Canon RP screen back Panasonic S1 front Panasonic S1 screen back

I hope this detailed comparison helps you pick the camera that will unleash your creativity and elevate your photography or videography to new heights. Remember, while specs matter, what truly counts is how a camera sits in your hand, fits your workflow, and inspires you to press the shutter.

Happy shooting!