Fujifilm X-T2 vs Panasonic Lumix S1R: A Hands-On, In-Depth Camera Showdown

Choosing your next camera can feel like a complex maze, especially when options hail from different generations and sensor formats. Today, we'll get our hands dirty comparing the Fujifilm X-T2 and Panasonic Lumix S1R - two mirrorless powerhouses catering to serious enthusiasts and pros alike, but with very different philosophies under the hood.

I've spent weeks putting these bodies through their paces across genres, carefully assessing their strengths, weaknesses, and practical usability in real-world scenarios. Whether you’re a landscape artist, a portrait photographer, or a hybrid shooter craving strong video features, this comparison lays bare their capabilities - and points you straight to the right choice for your budget and photographic ambitions.

Let’s jump in with a physical and ergonomic overview, then unpack how these cameras excel (or stumble) in each major photography discipline.

Size Matters: Ergonomics and Handling Up Close

The Fujifilm X-T2 is a classic APS-C mirrorless camera that sports a compact, rangefinder-ish body aesthetic, while the Panasonic S1R boldly declares its full-frame pro credentials with a larger, heftier physique.

If you look at this size comparison, you’ll notice the S1R is significantly bigger and heavier at just over 1 kg (1020g) compared to the X-T2’s 507g. Those extra grams translate into more substantial grip, stability when pairing with heavy glass, and a feeling of rock-solid build quality. The S1R is carved to fit enthusiasts with clubs for thumbs thanks to a larger handgrip and tangible buttons, including some illuminated ones that help working in dim light. The X-T2, by contrast, projects an elegant, minimalist vibe but has enough physical controls for quick manual adjustments - great for those who prefer tactile dials over menu diving.

From above, the X-T2’s retro shutter speed dial and ISO dial give it real personality and a tactile shooting rhythm many users cherish; that said, it lacks a top-screen panel. The Panasonic S1R goes for a more modern approach with an LCD top panel that provides instant access to critical settings. It also sports a touchscreen rear LCD and touch-enabled autofocus, missing from Fuji’s older but still capable X-T2 LCD.

Both cameras feature tilting screens sized identically at 3.2 inches, but the Panasonic’s LCD boasts much higher resolution (2100k dots vs Fuji’s 1040k), which means crisper live view and playback - embracing a photographer’s need for precise focus confirmation on location.

Ergonomics-wise, if you’re on the go and value a lighter, less intimidating camera, the Fujifilm X-T2 feels more agile and pocketable, albeit bulkier lenses can still tip the scales. The S1R’s big body fits better in a pro bag and lends itself to longer shooting sessions without hand fatigue - but it’s less suited for discreet street shooting.

Sensor and Image Quality: APS-C Versus Full-Frame Firepower

This is where the two cameras fundamentally diverge. The X-T2 features a 24MP APS-C X-Trans III CMOS sensor renowned for its unique color filter array that reduces moiré without an anti-aliasing filter. Contrasting it, the Panasonic S1R rocks a 47MP full-frame CMOS sensor, delivering giant 864mm² photosites almost 2.5 times larger in area than Fuji’s 368mm² sensor.

The Panasonic’s sensor boasts class-leading DxOMark scores: 26.4 bits of color depth and 14.1 EV dynamic range, compared to the X-T2 - while not independently DxO-tested - expectedly behind due to smaller sensor size and generation gap. The S1R’s pixel density means jaw-dropping detail resolution, ideal for large prints, high-res commercial work, and heavy cropping. This superiority shines most in studio and landscape work, where resolution and DR govern output quality.

In real-world shooting, the X-T2 produces wonderfully filmic color rendition typical of Fujifilm’s heritage, with excellent skin tone reproduction and punchy JPEGs out of the camera. You can push ISO to 6400 with clean results; beyond that, it starts getting grainy, though its ISO 51200 boosted mode really is for emergencies only. The S1R handles noise superbly even up to 12800 native ISO, thanks mainly to the brighter full-frame sensor, making it a strong contender for low-light and night photography.

Autofocus: Speed, Accuracy, and Tracking

The X-T2’s hybrid AF system integrates 325 focus points, combining on-sensor phase-detection with contrast detection for fast, confident focusing. It includes face detection but lacks animal eye autofocus, a feature now quite standard on many new models.

The Panasonic S1R employs a 225-point contrast-detection autofocus system with DFD (Depth From Defocus) technology rather than traditional PDAF. While this method offers smooth and nearly silent focusing (excellent for video work), in fast action or wildlife situations, it can lag behind phase-detection-based rivals.

In my testing for sports and wildlife, the X-T2 offered snappier autofocus-acquisition times and more reliable continuous tracking, particularly when paired with fast Fujinon telephoto lenses. However, the S1R surprisingly did well in general tracking, helped by its powerful processing and stabilization. Still, for pure speed demons requiring milliseconds of autofocus lock, Fuji’s system edges ahead.

Regarding focus stacking and bracketing, the Panasonic S1R supports both focus stacking and post-focus features - an advantage for macro and studio photographers experimenting with precision focus control. The X-T2 supports focus bracketing but lacks focus stacking.

Weather Sealing and Durability

Both cameras feature weather-sealed bodies but no official dustproof, shockproof, or freeze-proof ratings. Fuji’s X-T2 is known for robust build quality with an alloy chassis, well-protected dials, and a classic shutter sound that gives tactile feedback. Panasonic’s S1R also boasts top-tier sealing, designed for tough professional use, with sealing around card doors and controls that should hold up well in rain or dusty environments.

Burst Shooting and Buffer Performance

Sports and wildlife enthusiasts assessing frame rates should note that the X-T2 offers a blazing fast 14 frames per second mechanical shutter in its Extended Mode, besting the S1R’s 9 fps max rate. However, Panasonic's full-frame sensor produces bigger files, so buffer depth and writing speed ultimately affect sustained burst lengths.

Despite this, I found the S1R’s dual UHS-II SD slots essential for handling those huge 47MP RAW files - and it delivers quieter shutter operation. The X-T2 also has dual slots supporting UHS-II for speedy writes but must work harder to keep up at 14 fps.

Lens Ecosystem and Compatibility

Given their different mounts - Fujifilm X-mount for the X-T2 and Leica L-mount for the Panasonic S1R - each system brings contrasting lens options.

The X-T2 boasts a mature ecosystem with over 50 native X-mount lenses, prized for their compactness, excellent optics, and affordability. Fuji’s primes and zooms excel particularly in portrait focal lengths, APS-C design makes lenses smaller and less expensive overall, and Fujinon glass has a solid reputation for rendering that favors character and color.

The Leica L-mount alliance governing the S1R includes Panasonic, Sigma, and Leica lenses. The base number of native lenses is smaller (~30), but offerings trend toward professional-grade, high-quality optics designed to exploit the large sensor’s resolution. These lenses are larger, heavier, and pricier but deliver impressive corner-to-corner sharpness and contrast. Sigma’s recent L-mount lenses help air out the selection for budget-conscious buyers.

Practical Performance Across Photography Genres

Next, let's examine how these cameras fare according to the types of photography you might be interested in. Refer to the detailed genre-centric performance chart below summarizing my test results:

Portrait Photography

Fujifilm X-T2: The APS-C sensor and X-Trans color array provide beautiful skin tones and creamy bokeh with Fuji primes like the 56mm f/1.2. The fine color rendition reduces the need for excessive post-processing. Eye detection AF helps lock focus on subjects efficiently but lacks animal eye-detection.

Panasonic S1R: The 47MP full-frame sensor delivers exquisite detail and smoother bokeh due to larger sensor size and aperture selection. Eye AF is solid but sometimes less snappy than Sony’s rivals; high resolution means you can crop tight portraits without losing clarity - a boon for pro headshot work.

Landscape Photography

Here the S1R dominates: the tremendous resolution and dynamic range capture the finest shadow and highlight details. Weather sealing and rugged build make it a rock-solid choice for outdoor shooters, despite the heft. The Fuji’s well-tuned colors and lighter package appeal if you favor portability without sacrificing APS-C level image quality.

Wildlife Photography

The X-T2 pulls ahead due to faster burst rates (14 fps vs 9 fps) and more responsive hybrid AF tracking. Paired with Fuji’s extensive telephoto lenses, it handles birding and fast critters well. The S1R’s larger sensor struggles a bit with continuous AF speed, although its stabilization benefits longer lenses.

Sports Photography

High continuous frame rates hint at the X-T2’s strength here, but the S1R’s lower burst rate is more than compensated by epic image quality. Both cameras’ AF tracking works, but the Fuji will better keep up with fast-moving subjects. Buffer depth and card write speed favor the S1R’s dual UHS-II slots, though.

Street Photography

The budget-conscious or discreet shooter is better served by the compact, quieter, and lighter X-T2. Its minimal size and retro look invite candid interaction, while the Panasonic’s weight and shutter make it less suitable for spontaneous street work.

Macro Photography

The Panasonic S1R leads with sensor-based 5-axis stabilization and support for focus stacking/post-focus features, critical for macro detail refinement. The X-T2’s bracketing helps but can’t match the S1R's precision.

Night & Astro Photography

High ISO performance goes to S1R thanks to full-frame advantage and 14 stops dynamic range. The X-T2’s noise rises quickly above ISO 6400, but it still holds value with solid color fidelity at lower ISOs.

Video Capabilities

Both cameras shoot 4K UHD video but with key differences:

• Panasonic S1R records 4K up to 60p with a higher bitrate and supports microphone and headphone jacks - a real plus for serious videographers. It also includes in-body image stabilization, aiding handheld shooting.
• Fujifilm X-T2 shoots 4K up to 30p, lacks headphone output and in-body stabilization, limiting its appeal for hybrid shooters relying on stable video and good audio monitoring.

Travel Photography

The lighter X-T2 combines good battery life with compactness, making it easier to carry for hikes and city strolls. The S1R’s bulk pays off in image quality but demands a bigger travel bag and more careful handling.

Professional Workflows

Pro users will appreciate the Panasonic’s advanced raw options, expanded ISO range starting at ISO 50, dual card slots, and sturdy build. The Fuji supports dual cards but doesn’t offer as comprehensive RAW flexibility or video functionality. Both have USB 3.0 (Panasonic can be charged via USB-C), WiFi connectivity, and robust tethering potential.

Fujifilm X T2 front Panasonic S1R front Panasonic S1R screen back

This gallery highlights the raw resolving power difference and color science between the cameras. The S1R’s images reveal higher detail in foliage and textures, whereas the X-T2’s shots pop with distinctive color rendering, especially skin tones.

Battery Life and Storage

The Panasonic S1R slightly edges out the X-T2 in battery life - roughly 360 vs 340 shots per charge - which is typical for full-frame vs APS-C cameras. Both use removable battery packs (NP-W126S for Fuji), and dual UHS-II SD card slots support robust shooting workflows. The S1R’s USB-C charging compatibility adds flexibility for on-travel top-ups.

Connectivity and Price-to-Performance Ratio

The Fujifilm X-T2 comes in at about $1600 body-only, making it a highly competitive choice for enthusiasts wanting rugged build and excellent still image quality at a moderate price.

The Panasonic S1R weighs in at nearly $3700 body-only, catering to professionals who demand maximum resolution, wider dynamic range, and advanced video capabilities - and are ready to pay a premium for them.

Both cameras have built-in WiFi; the S1R adds Bluetooth for fast pairing - a convenience for remote operation or quick image transfer.

After extensive testing, here are my overall ratings summarizing both cameras weighted by various performance and usability aspects. The S1R leads comfortably in sheer image quality and professional feature set, but the X-T2 impresses with speed, size, and strong value.

The Final Verdict: Who Is Each Camera For?

Choose the Fujifilm X-T2 if:

• You want a highly portable, retro-styled APS-C camera
• You shoot a wide variety of genres but prioritize speed and handling
• You appreciate Fujifilm’s color science and tactile controls
• Your budget is around $1600 and you want excellent image quality without breaking the bank
• You focus on still photography and dabble in 4K video without professional demands

Choose the Panasonic Lumix S1R if:

• You demand superb full-frame image quality with 47MP resolution
• You are a commercial or fine art photographer needing top-tier landscape, portrait, or studio performance
• Video shooting at 4K60p with professional audio support is important
• You want built-in 5-axis stabilization and advanced autofocus features for macro or travel use
• You can accommodate the sizable body and higher price tag (around $3700)

Wrapping Up: Making Your Next Camera Count

Selecting between these two is less about one being objectively “better” and more about what suits your style, genre, and budget. The Fujifilm X-T2 remains a workhorse APS-C champ nearly half a decade after release, delivering speed, color, and a legendary user experience at wallet-friendly pricing. Meanwhile, the Panasonic S1R is a full-frame titan aimed squarely at pros or highly motivated enthusiasts ready to invest in unlocking ultimate image detail, dynamic range, and video features.

Whichever you pick, understanding how they perform across disciplines - from portrait to sports, nightscapes to video - will maximize your return on investment and spur your creative vision. Hopefully, this detailed, evidence-backed comparison guides you straight to your ideal photographic partner.

Happy shooting!