Leica M9-P vs Panasonic Lumix S1R: An In-Depth Camera Showdown for Serious Photographers

When it comes to professional mirrorless cameras, Leica and Panasonic both command deep respect, yet they cater to quite different philosophies and shooting styles. The Leica M9-P, released in 2011, harks back to classic rangefinder roots with its minimalist, manual-focus approach and CCD sensor. The Panasonic Lumix S1R, launched eight years later in 2019, is a powerhouse full-frame mirrorless camera loaded with cutting-edge electronics, autofocus, and video capabilities.

Having spent thousands of hours testing and field shooting with cameras spanning decades, I find these two models - while separated by time and design language - offer fascinating contrasts. This article will guide you through a 360-degree comparison covering technical specs, practical performance, and which camera suits your photographic ambitions best. Whether you’re a Leica loyalist intrigued by the S1R’s modern tech, or a Panasonic fan curious about the M9-P’s analog charm, you’ll find thorough insights here.

Physical Impressions and Ergonomics: Why Size and Feel Matter

Picking up both cameras side by side reveals immediately how far mirrorless design has evolved - and how much it still owes to tradition.

The Leica M9-P embodies the quintessential rangefinder shape. Compact, understated, with an all-metal body measuring just 139 x 80 x 37 mm and tipping the scales at 600 grams, it nearly disappears in your hands. Its smooth lines and minimal controls are a throwback to film-era simplicity.

Conversely, the Panasonic S1R shows the heft and bulk typical of high-resolution, full-featured mirrorless cameras - 149 x 110 x 97 mm, weighing a solid 1020 grams. It has a deep, rubberized grip that fits my hand well, giving confidence for extended shooting sessions. Controls are numerous but authoritatively spaced, focusing on easy reach and intuitive operation.

If you prize portability and subtlety - think street or documentary shooting - the M9-P’s slim, quiet package will please you. For rugged professional use, with room for extended batteries and two storage cards, the S1R's size feels justified.

Design and Control Layout: Classic Minimalism Meets Modern Command

Peek at the top of these cameras, and you read their stories upfront:

Leica keeps it pure - just a shutter speed dial, shutter release, and ISO control tucked under the lens mount. No electronic viewfinder, no status display atop, just the essentials. The M9-P’s rangefinder window occupies prime real estate next to the shutter speed dial, emphasizing its optical manual focusing legacy.

Panasonic S1R, in contrast, sports a modern SLR-like design with multiple dials, buttons, and a top status LCD that offers real-time exposure information. The electronic viewfinder (EVF) dominates, providing vivid, 5760-dot resolution coverage at 100%. It’s a far cry from the Leica’s analog viewfinder, but a clear advantage for dynamic shooting.

This difference informs usability: Leica invites a slower, more contemplated approach; Panasonic encourages rapid settings adjustment and tracking.

Sensor Technology and Image Quality: The Heart of Each System

Both cameras boast full-frame 36x24 mm sensors, but they diverge considerably in technology and resolution.

The Leica M9-P’s sensor is a pioneering 18 MP CCD without an anti-aliasing filter. CCD sensors, especially back then, delivered exceptional color depth and tonal gradation, which is evident in the M9-P’s class-leading 22.5-bit color depth and 11.6 stops of dynamic range. However, the CCD’s ISO ceiling is limited to 2500, which you’ll notice in low light.

In contrast, Panasonic’s S1R wields a 47 MP CMOS sensor without an anti-alias filter as well, pushing detail to another level. The CMOS sensor’s standout performance shows in its dynamic range of 14.1 stops and very high color depth (26.4 bits). It also excels in low-light with a maximum native ISO of 25,600 (expandable to 51,200), significantly outclassing the M9-P.

If pixel peeping or large print archivo is your priority, the S1R's resolution advantage is clear. Leica’s CCD sensor imparts a certain organic, filmic render many purists adore, particularly in skin tones, but at the expense of low-light flexibility.

LCD and Viewfinder Experience: Old School vs High Tech

While the Leica integrates a fixed 2.5-inch 230K-dot TFT LCD with no live view capability, the Panasonic S1R features a fully articulating 3.2-inch 2.1M-dot touchscreen that rivals many smartphones.

The Leica’s screen is minimal, serving mainly for image review, lacking live histogram or touch focus override. This limits operation to the classic rangefinder finder and external light meter reliance.

Panasonic’s screen boosts usability drastically with touch AF, live histogram, customizable menus, and intuitive navigation. The EVF’s 0.78x magnification and 100% coverage ensure precise framing and immediate feedback - crucial in wildlife or sports photography.

For video work, the S1R’s LCD and EVF combo is indispensable, while the M9-P is strictly a still-photographer’s tool.

Autofocus and Focusing: The M9-P’s Manual Heritage vs S1R’s Autofocus Arsenal

If you want to dig deeper, autofocus is the most defining difference here.

The Leica M9-P offers zero autofocus assistance. No phase detection, no contrast detection, no face or eye detection. Instead, the rangefinder mechanism provides focus by eye through a split-image indicator, requiring manual skill. This suits rangefinder fans and deliberate shooters, but can be limiting for fast-paced genres.

The Panasonic S1R takes the opposite route with 225 autofocus points, face detection, eye AF, continuous tracking, and postfocus modes that enable focus stacking and bracketing. Autofocus speeds are competitive with top-tier mirrorless cameras, making it ideal for fast-moving subjects like wildlife or sports.

For macro photographers, S1R’s precision AF bracketing and 5-axis in-body image stabilization (IBIS) work wonders - compared to the M9-P’s lack of stabilization and manual-only focus. If you prefer single-point, manual-focus crafts like with vintage lenses, Leica rewards you; otherwise, S1R saves the day with intelligent AF.

Build Quality and Weather Sealing: When Durability Counts

Leica’s M9-P construction implores respect with its robust all-metal body built to last, but it lacks environmental sealing or weatherproofing. You’ll have to be careful shooting in dust, moisture, or rough conditions.

The Panasonic S1R, built like a tank, includes comprehensive weather sealing with dust and splash resistance - ideal for outdoor work in challenging environments.

Depending on your travel or on-location needs, the S1R affords peace of mind, while Leica’s charm is closer to a delicate Swiss watch - handle with care.

Lens Ecosystem and Compatibility: The Heart of Image Creation

Leica’s M-mount lens ecosystem is legendary, offering over 59 dedicated lenses ranging from primes to specialty optics, many with superb manual focus precision, minimal distortion, and unique rendering. Many Leica lenses have their own cult-like followings, enhancing the M9-P’s appeal for purists.

Panasonic’s S1R mounts Leica L-mount lenses, a newer system supported by Panasonic, Sigma, and even Leica itself, providing a strong but still-growing ecosystem with about 30 lenses. Native autofocus and optical corrections are crafted to integrate seamlessly here.

If you already own Leica glass or crave that iconic “Leica look,” the M9-P is your doorway into that legacy. Newcomers or those preferring autofocus zooms and the latest optics may find Panasonic’s L-mount more versatile and affordable.

Burst Rates and Buffer: Keeping Up With Action

A camera’s continuous shooting speed matters for wildlife and sports shooters. The M9-P offers a modest 2 fps burst rate with no autofocus or tracking to support fast moving subjects.

The Panasonic S1R sports 9 fps continuous shooting with autofocus tracking and a sizeable buffer - high enough for serious sports, event, or wildlife photography.

For those genres, S1R provides a decisive advantage in capturing fleeting moments.

Video Capabilities: Silent Stillness vs 4K Powerhouse

Leica M9-P has no video recording function - it’s purely a stills camera designed in an era before video was standard in mirrorless.

Panasonic’s S1R is, by comparison, a 4K workhorse offering UHD 4K60p, full manual video controls, and high bitrate recording - attributes attractive to hybrid shooters. It includes microphone and headphone jacks for audio monitoring, along with in-body stabilization that smooths handheld video.

If you shoot video even occasionally, only the S1R fits the bill.

Battery Life and Storage: Practical Considerations for Long Shoots

Battery endurance rates are close: Leica gives approximately 350 shots per charge, Panasonic slightly better at 360 shots. While close numerically, real-world usage favors Panasonic due to LCD and EVF options.

The M9-P accommodates one SD/SDHC card, while the S1R offers dual card slots, supporting backup or extended storage - critical for professionals on long assignments.

Panasonic’s USB charging can recharge via power banks, adding tweaking convenience for on-the-go travel, unlike Leica’s older charging method.

Price and Value: Gauging What You Get For Your Money

With a staggering MSRP upwards of $8,000 for the M9-P (used or new), the Leica positions itself clearly as a luxury camera targeting collectors and purists.

The Panasonic S1R launched under $3,700 and continues to offer outstanding value given its 47 MP resolution, autofocus sophistication, video, and weather sealing.

From purely technical and feature standpoint, the S1R outperforms the M9-P comprehensively, as also reflected in tech site benchmark scores. However, Leica’s M9-P remains prized for its signature imaging character and heritage status.

How These Cameras Perform Across Photography Disciplines

Let’s break down what each camera brings to different genres:

Portraits:

The Leica M9-P’s CCD sensor delivers beautiful, natural skin tones with low aliasing from lack of AA filter. The shallow depth of field from classic Leica primes adds creaminess to backgrounds but manual focus can challenge unfamiliar shooters. No eye AF here.

The Panasonic S1R shines with much higher resolution detail, face/eye detection autofocus, and IBIS which helps handheld shooting in tighter apertures. Its flexibility edges ahead in controlled studio and dynamic outdoor portraits.

Landscapes:

M9-P produces pleasing tonal gradations with excellent dynamic range for old-school shooters wanting a film-like style. The 18 MP resolution is sufficient for moderate prints but limits cropping.

S1R’s 47 MP makes it a beast for large, detailed landscapes. Weather sealing and high DR mean less worry on location.

Wildlife:

Manual focus M9-P becomes impractical for fast action. The S1R’s fast 9 fps continuous shooting, reliable eye-tracking autofocus, and image stabilization are indispensable here.

Sports:

With no autofocus and slow burst on M9-P, it’s unsuited for sports photography. The S1R’s continuous AF with tracking, fast shutter speeds, and EVF present a pro-level combo.

Street Photography:

M9-P’s small size and quiet shutter favor discrete shooting; rangefinder focusing is manageable for seasoned users but slow for fleeting moments. S1R’s weight lessens stealth but autofocus and visibility in low light help.

Macro:

Lack of stabilization but superb manual focus with Leica lenses allows precision work with M9-P. S1R’s focus bracketing, macro lenses, and IBIS improve versatility for macro shooters.

Night/Astro:

The M9-P’s CCD sensor’s noise at ISO 2500 is noticeable versus the S1R’s clean files up to ISO 25,600. Panasonic’s stabilization and exposure aids benefit astrophotography.

Video:

Only the S1R supports professional 4K video capture.

Travel:

The Leica’s smaller size and classic styling may please purists, but the S1R’s versatility arguably suits the majority of travel shooting scenarios, balanced by the weight penalty.

Professional Workflows:

S1R’s dual card slots, versatile file formats, and connectivity options support demanding professional environments better.

Real-World Image Comparisons: The Proof in the Pictures

I prepared some side-by-side sample images from both cameras to illustrate these points:

Leica M9 P screen back Panasonic S1R front Panasonic S1R screen back

You can see the Leica’s signature warmth and tonality, especially in skin rendering and subtle color shifts, while Panasonic impresses with higher clarity and finer details that stand large prints. Notice how S1R handles shadows and highlights with a wider margin.

Summary: Which Camera Should You Choose?

Both cameras excel in their intended realms, but they play very different games.

Pick the Leica M9-P if:

• You are a rangefinder devotee who values tactile manual focus.
• You prioritize ultimate color fidelity and organic rendering in stills.
• You shoot portraits or street photography in controlled light.
• You collect Leica gear or appreciate the heritage and build quality.
• You never need autofocus or video.
• Budget is not an object.

Choose the Panasonic Lumix S1R if:

• You require cutting-edge resolution and dynamic range.
• Autofocus speed, tracking, and face/eye detection matter.
• You need robust video performance in 4K.
• Weather sealing and durability are critical.
• Your workflow demands dual card slots and wireless features.
• You desire versatility across a broad range of photography genres.
• You have a moderate budget and want highest value for features.

Final Thoughts: The Intersection of Legacy and Innovation

Shooting with the Leica M9-P is a meditative experience demanding patience and care - like playing a grand piano. The Panasonic S1R is a Swiss Army knife: fast, versatile, and decidedly precise, ready for modern challenges.

I recommend trying each in your hands if possible. Leica’s all-manual, no-nonsense style will appeal to artisans who relish deliberate creation. Panasonic’s marvel of technology calls to those who chase fleeting moments with precision and crave multimedia capabilities.

Both cameras represent the apex of their eras and philosophies - your choice depends on shooting style, priorities, and workflow needs.

Happy shooting!