Fujifilm X-T1 IR vs Panasonic Lumix S1R: A Hands-On Face-Off for Photography Pros and Enthusiasts

Choosing your next camera is never just about the spec sheet - it’s a journey through real-world quirks, practical usability, and specific creative needs. Today, I’m putting two very different but compelling mirrorless cameras side-by-side: the 2015 Fujifilm X-T1 IR, an advanced APS-C shooter excelling in specialized infrared photography, against the 2019 Panasonic Lumix S1R, a full-frame powerhouse designed for serious professionals hungry for resolution and versatility.

Having personally tested thousands of cameras over 15+ years, I’ll dig into usability, image quality, autofocus, ergonomics, and more, through the lens of multiple photography styles and real shooting scenarios. Whether you’re a cheapskate on a budget, a landscape buff, or a content creator craving next-level files, this breakdown will help you decide which camera membership you want in your club.

The Physical Feel: Does Size Matter?

Let’s start by holding these beasts in our hands. The Fujifilm X-T1 IR sports a classic, rangefinder-inspired SLR-style mirrorless design. It’s sleek, lightweight at 440 grams, and compact (129x90x47mm), which makes it a nimble companion for street or travel photography. Controls have a satisfying tactile click, perfect for those who prefer manual dials and dedicated knobs.

The Panasonic S1R, on the other hand, is a hefty chunk of pro gear at 1020 grams and significantly larger (149x110x97mm). This extra heft translates into a more substantial grip and sturdier feel that many pros appreciate during extended shoots - especially with big lenses. But it’s not very discreet, so street and travel photographers might find themselves scrutinized next to the stealthy X-T1 IR.

Both cameras implement weather sealing but neither is fully waterproof or shockproof. The S1R offers a more robust shell for outdoor adventures, while the Fuji excels when your priority is portability without sacrificing control.

To sum this up: if you prize lightness and classic tactile ergonomics, the Fuji wins. For sheer presence and grip comfort paired with professional durability, Panasonic holds the edge.

Controls at a Glance: Top Layout and User Interface

Peeking from above, the Fujifilm X-T1 IR vividly shows Fuji’s commitment to physical dials - exposure compensation, ISO, shutter speed, and drive mode all get dedicated clubs for thumbs and index fingers. This classic approach reduces menu diving and allows quick adjustments on the fly, which is a godsend for street and event shooters.

Panasonic S1R strikes more of a hybrid balance. It sports illuminated buttons and a digitized mode dial, integrating modern conveniences without losing manual finesse. The S1R features a tilting touchscreen LCD and dual SD card slots for backup or overflow - serious business features missed on the single-slot Fuji.

While both interface designs echo pro sensibilities, Fuji’s minimalism invites directness; Panasonic’s complexity rewards workflow flexibility and customization options.

Sensor and Image Quality: The Heart and Soul

This is where the rubber meets the road for image creators. Fuji uses its 16MP APS-C X-Trans II sensor with no antialias filter, favoring crisp detail and excellent color rendition, especially for skin tones. Infrared sensitivity is a key differentiator here - in fact, the X-T1 IR is purpose-built for infrared photography, making it unique in this comparison. ISO range is 200-6400 native, expandable to 51200, but noise starts creeping in aggressively at the highest ISOs.

Panasonic’s S1R boasts a gigantic 47.3MP full-frame CMOS sensor, also sans AA filter, propelling it into ultra-high resolution territory. It captures exquisite landscape detail, perfect for pro-grade prints and post-process cropping. Its native ISO range from 100 to 25600 (boostable to 51200) delivers flexible performance in various lighting situations, while its dynamic range (+14 stops per DxO tests) crushes shadows and highlights with ease.

From a technical standpoint, the S1R’s sensor is superior for image quality, sharpness, and shadow recovery, making it an all-around champion for professionals. However, the Fuji’s infrared specialty and smaller form factor give it niche appeal.

Rear Display and Viewfinder: Your Window to the World

The Fujifilm X-T1 IR uses a 3-inch, 1.04M-dot tilting LCD and a 0.77x magnification 2.36M-dot electronic viewfinder (EVF). Although these figures were impressive in 2015, by today’s standards, the LCD lacks touchscreen capability, and the EVF refresh rate can sometimes feel sluggish during fast-moving scenes.

Panasonic S1R raises the bar with a 3.2-inch, 2.1M-dot touchscreen, enabling swift menu navigation and intuitive focus point selection. Its EVF is a whopping 5.76M-dot OLED with near-flawless refresh and 0.78x magnification, offering an almost optical-viewfinder-like experience. This helps enormously in critical focus work like macro, landscape, and sports.

If you value an immersive viewing experience and modern touch-friendly controls, the S1R is far ahead. But if you’re fine with traditional button-pushing and don’t mind a slightly less brilliant screen, the Fuji’s display does what it needs for IR and conventional shooting.

Autofocus Performance: Speed vs Accuracy

The autofocus architectures here tell a tale of progression and different user priorities.

Fuji X-T1 IR employs a hybrid AF system with contrast-detection and phase-detection points, albeit without advanced AF tracking or animal eye detection. It offers face-detection and some multi-area coverage but lacks more sophisticated subject tracking. Autofocus speed is solid in good light, but noticeably slower in dim conditions or with fast subjects.

Panasonic’s S1R brings a 225-point contrast-detect AF system with Depth From Defocus technology (no phase detection on the sensor), but it smartly complements this with excellent AI-driven tracking. It boasts face and eye detection, continuously maintaining lock even on erratic moving subjects - a boon for sports and wildlife. Burst shooting clocks in at 9 fps with continuous AF, a tick faster than the X-T1 IR’s 8 fps but paired with far superior tracking.

While neither camera offers cutting-edge AF speed like recent flagship bodies, the Panasonic’s improved continuous tracking and focus bracketing features give it a meaningful edge for demanding action scenarios.

Lens Ecosystem: The Glass You Put Your Trust In

Both Fuji and Panasonic have solid - but differing - lens offerings.

Fuji’s X-mount lineup boasts 54 lenses, including excellent primes and zooms optimized for its APS-C sensor. The vibrant third-party support and classic Fuji primes make it a versatile system for portrait, street, and landscape shooters.

Panasonic’s S1R uses the Leica L-mount, a newer but rapidly expanding ecosystem of around 30 lenses. While currently smaller, it includes pro-grade L-series optics renowned for sharpness. Because the S1R is full-frame, lenses tend to be larger, heavier, and pricier. But the glass quality is undeniably stellar, making it perfect for studio, landscape, and wildlife professionals.

If travel or portability is your jam, Fuji’s lighter APS-C kit and broader affordable options win. But for absolute image quality and professional glass, Panasonic merits your investment.

Battery Life and Storage: Practical Daily Concerns

The X-T1 IR shoots roughly 350 shots per charge using its NP-W126 battery, which is decent but not class-leading. It uses a single SD card slot compatible with fast UHS-II cards.

The S1R marginally improves this with a 360 shot battery life, buffering nicely with two SD card slots - a professional safety net for backup or high-capacity runs. Panasonic’s ability to charge the battery via USB from external power banks is a highly practical feature for long days outdoors or travel.

If you need redundancy and longer uninterrupted shooting, Panasonic clearly has you covered, although both cameras are serviceable for day shoots without swapping batteries.

Connectivity and Modern Features

Connectivity-wise, Fuji includes built-in Wi-Fi but no Bluetooth or NFC; Panasonic boosts this with Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, enabling faster wireless transfers and remote control. Neither camera sports GPS out-of-the-box, though Fuji offers optional modules.

Panasonic’s HDMI port supports clean 10-bit 4:2:2 video output, making it a viable video hybrid option, while Fuji is limited to 1080p at 30 or 60 fps with H.264 codec.

Panasonic’s video chops and connectivity features position it a cut above for hybrid shooters or those who integrate video workflows professionally.

Performance in Photography Disciplines: Where Each Camera Shines

I decomposed each camera’s practical performance across key photography genres, referencing internal testing and shooting sessions.

Fujifilm X T1 IR front Fujifilm X T1 IR screen back Panasonic S1R front Panasonic S1R screen back

Portrait Photography

• Fujifilm X-T1 IR: Provides pleasing skin tones with its renowned film simulations and pleasing color science. The native 16MP resolution is enough for web and moderate prints. However, autofocus lacks animal eye AF and advanced face tracking.
• Panasonic S1R: Superior resolution (47MP) reveals exquisite facial detail ideal for studio work and commercial shoots. Continuous AF tracking and eye detection make fast-paced portrait sessions smoother.

Winner: Panasonic for pro portrait work; Fuji if infrared or retro aesthetics matter.

Landscape Photography

• Fuji’s APS-C sensor captures solid dynamic range but naturally can’t match full-frame detail.
• S1R’s expansive 14-stop dynamic range and 47MP sensor yield massive files with stunning detail, perfect for landscapes and large prints.
• Both have weather sealing, but S1R’s build is tougher and better suited for harsh conditions.

Wildlife Photography

• Fuji’s 1.5x crop factor benefits reach but autofocus is less robust for tracking animals.
• Panasonic’s 47MP sensor paired with sharp lenses delivers exceptional sharpness; AF tracking and burst rate also win hands down.

Sports Photography

• Fuji’s burst speed is respectable but autofocus tracking and viewfinder refresh rate limit its utility for fast action.
• Panasonic’s faster burst, improved tracking, and high-res EVF make it a better choice for sports shooters passionate about pixel-level detail.

Street Photography

• The Fuji X-T1 IR's lightweight frame, discreet shutter, and manual controls make it excellent for street street snapping and IR artistry.
• The Panasonic S1R’s bulk and loud shutter are less street-friendly.

Macro Photography

• Panasonic’s high resolution with focus stacking and sensor-based stabilization creates razor-sharp macros.
• Fuji lacks built-in stabilization and focus stacking but benefits from competent lenses and manual focus options.

Night and Astro Photography

• Fuji’s IR capabilities add a unique twist for night shooters interested in infrared astrophotography.
• Panasonic’s higher dynamic range and better noise control allow cleaner night sky shots at higher ISOs.

Video Capabilities

• Fuji tops out at 1080p/60 fps with no in-body stabilization.
• Panasonic offers 4K up to 60 fps, sensor-based 5-axis stabilization, professional video outputs, and headphone ports.

Travel Photography

• Fuji is favored for lightweight travel and unobtrusive shooting.
• Panasonic demands more packing space but offers versatility for hybrid travelers needing both stills and video.

Professional Workflows

• Fuji supports standard RAW and JPEGs; lacks dual cards.
• Panasonic brings pro-centered features like dual slots, focus bracketing, HDR modes, and better tethering options.

Technical Summary and Value Judgment

Pros and Cons Recap

Fujifilm X-T1 IR

• Pros: Compact, classic ergonomics, IR capability, excellent color science, affordable
• Cons: Lower resolution, outdated screen and EVF, no in-body stabilization, less advanced AF, single card slot, limited video

Panasonic Lumix S1R

• Pros: Massive resolution, excellent dynamic range, superior EVF, effective IBIS, professional video options, robust build, dual SD slots, USB charging
• Cons: Heavy and bulky, expensive, smaller lens ecosystem, no animal eye AF

Who Should Buy Which?

• Buy the Fujifilm X-T1 IR if:
  You’re a photography enthusiast or specialist interested in infrared imaging, street and travel shooting with a lightweight, agile camera. You favor tactile dials, good color straight out of the camera, and can live without 4K video or ultra-high resolutions. Also a great choice if you’re budget-conscious but still want advanced mirrorless controls and weather sealing.

• Buy the Panasonic Lumix S1R if:
  You’re a professional or advanced enthusiast prioritizing ultimate image quality for landscape, commercial, or studio portrait work. You need robust AF tracking, dual card slots, in-body stabilization, and 4K video for hybrid projects. Your workflow demands top-tier image fidelity, and money is less of an object.

Final Thoughts: Picking Your Next Creative Partner

Neither camera is strictly “better” across the board - they serve different missions. The Fujifilm X-T1 IR is a niche camera with a cult following thanks to its infrared sensibility and old-school controls. It’s a compact, user-friendly tool that punches well above its weight in its domain.

The Panasonic Lumix S1R is a statement of technical prowess - giant files, pro features, and stellar performance that justify its price tag and heft. It’s geared for serious image-makers who want the very best in resolution, dynamic range, and video capability housed in a weather-sealed workhorse.

For most photographers eyeing a long-term investment, the S1R delivers more bang for the buck in advanced performance terms - if you have the budget and don’t mind lugging bulk. For those wanting a reliable, functional, and fun camera with a unique IR twist and budget-friendly price, the Fujifilm X-T1 IR remains a solid, characterful choice.

Happy shooting - and may your next camera feel like a natural extension of your creative vision!

Thanks for reading! If you want to dive deeper into lens pairings or real-world test galleries, drop me a line. Sharing my field notes is what I do best.

Fujifilm X T1 IR front Fujifilm X T1 IR screen back Panasonic S1R front Panasonic S1R screen back