Panasonic Lumix S1H vs. Sony RX1R: A Hands-On Deep Dive from My Workshop

Choosing a camera is never just about pixel counts or specs slapped side by side. After decades of testing everything from pro DSLRs to niche compacts, I’m here to give you a grounded, honest comparison between two very different full-frame shooters: Panasonic’s 2019 powerhouse, the Lumix S1H, and Sony’s quirky but still venerated 2013 gem, the RX1R. They target very different users, but both carry full-frame sensors with 24MP resolution, promise stellar image quality, and have earned high regard from photographers worldwide.

In this article, I’ll walk you through real-world performance, ergonomics, autofocus behavior, video capabilities, and suitability across multiple photographic genres, all from my extensive hands-on experience with these cameras. We’ll uncover not just what’s on paper, but what it means for your shooting style and budget.

Let’s get comfortable and dig into this head-to-head.

The Build and Handling - First Impressions Matter

Before even snapping a frame, how a camera feels in your hands influences your mood and workflow. Panasonic’s S1H is a hefty, SLR-style mirrorless with full magnesium alloy chassis and extensive weather sealing. The RX1R is a compact giant, more like a traditional fixed-lens shooter that slips into bags easier but demands more from you ergonomically.

Take a look at their size and heft comparison:

At 151 x 114 x 110 mm and weighing over a kilo (1052g), the S1H sits firmly in the pro full-frame territory. That “clubs for thumbs” grip provides outstanding stability for long shoots and large lenses. Meanwhile, the RX1R’s compact 113 x 65 x 70 mm body and 482g weight make it arguably one of the smallest full-frame fixed-lens cameras ever - great for travel or discreet shooting, but don’t expect the same physical control or weather-sealing robustness.

Both cameras have fully articulating screens, but Panasonic’s is a bigger, higher-resolution touch LCD. Sony settles for a 3.0-inch fixed, non-touch TFT panel.

Note the distinct approach: Panasonic prioritizes physical dials, buttons, and a top LCD; Sony keeps controls minimalist, focusing on a simpler interface.

Ergonomics Verdict:
If you’re a DSLR refugee or someone who values well-spaced controls and tactile reassurance (especially for extended sessions), the S1H will feel like an old friend. The RX1R rewards those who can adapt to a stealthy, minimalist experience, trading controls for pocketability.

Sensor Performance and Image Quality

Both the Panasonic S1H and Sony RX1R sport 24MP full-frame CMOS sensors measuring roughly 35.6 x 23.8 mm for S1H and 35.8 x 23.9 mm for RX1R - typical for full frame.

• Panasonic S1H: Has an antialias filter, which slightly softens images but reduces moiré, favoring video.
• Sony RX1R: Notably lacks an antialiasing filter, resulting in sharper images at the cost of some moiré risk.

In real-world testing under controlled studio lights and outdoor environments, the RX1R edges ahead in sheer resolution and micro-contrast thanks to the lack of the AA filter. Skin textures, fine details on intricate fabrics, and landscapes with foliage showed a slightly crisper look from Sony’s sensor.

Panasonic’s Venus Engine does an excellent job managing noise levels and dynamic range, but the S1H’s sensor tilts more toward video optimization rather than pure still image crispness. That said, it delivers plenty of resolution and clean files suitable for large prints.

• Dynamic Range: Sony’s sensor offers a 13.6 EV dynamic range (per DxO Mark), which is excellent for recovering shadows and highlights. Panasonic’s S1H isn’t tested by DxO, but photographic raw files confirm comparable but slightly more conservative exposure latitudes.

• High ISO Performance: The RX1R handles up to ISO 25600 with graceful noise control, but the S1H doubles the ISO ceiling to ISO 204800 (boosted), really staking its claim for low-light shooting - particularly useful for videographers and astro photographers.

Image Quality Summary:

• Portraits and fine detail: Sony RX1R wins for tack-sharp detail and micro contrast.
• Low light and shadow recovery: Panasonic S1H slightly more flexible with higher boosted ISO and video-optimized image pipeline.

Focusing on Autofocus

Autofocus is often where a camera lives or dies in fast-paced scenarios like sports, wildlife, or street photography.

• S1H Autofocus System: Contrast detection only, 225 AF points with face detection, eye detection, touch AF, autofocus tracking, continuous AF - all essential for video and decent still tracking.

• RX1R Autofocus System: Contrast detection with 25 focus points, face detection, eye detection, no continuous AF or touch AF.

Both cameras rely on contrast detection (no phase detection hybrids). It’s a bit of a surprise in the modern market, but I found:

• The S1H’s system is notably more refined and faster, with serious continuous AF for video. It locks focus well in decent light and maintains tracking for medium-paced subjects.

• The RX1R’s focusing is slower - great for deliberate, contemplative photography, but definitely not cut out for high-action scenes. The single autofocus mode and no continuous AF limits its use for dynamic subjects.

My recommendation: If you want to shoot wildlife, sports, or spontaneous street photography with confidence, the Panasonic S1H is more capable. For portraiture or static landscapes, the RX1R’s focus is just fine.

The Screen and Viewfinder Experience

Live view and framing comfort matter more than ever, especially for video shooters and street photographers.

• The S1H’s 3.2-inch fully articulated touchscreen LCD with 2.33m dots is a huge win. It rotates to nearly any angle, perfect for low or high-angle shooting. Touch AF and menu navigation speed your workflow.

• The RX1R’s 3-inch fixed LCD feels a bit dated - non-touch and lower resolution (1.23m dots). It’s usable for live view but not nearly as flexible.

Viewfinders:

• S1H has a bright 5760-dot OLED electronic viewfinder with 100% coverage and 0.78x magnification. It’s crisp even in daylight and critical if you shoot in bright conditions.

• RX1R lacks a built-in EVF, instead offering an optional external electronic or optical viewfinder. This means you have to spend extra for this critical accessory - or deal with eye-level framing using the LCD alone.

For professionals or anyone shooting in bright light, I’d definitely lean toward the S1H’s built-in EVF + articulated display combo.

Lens Systems and Optical Versatility

Here’s where the cameras live in different worlds.

• Panasonic S1H: Uses Leica L-mount, a fast-growing ecosystem supported by Panasonic, Leica, and Sigma. Around 30 native lenses as of 2024 cover wide-angle, telephoto, zooms, primes, and specialty optics. With adapters, you can extend even further.

• Sony RX1R: Fixed lens (35mm f/2.0), built-in permanently - no swapping lenses here. This is both a charm and a limitation.

If you are a lens lover, dreamer, or need specialized lenses (macro, wildlife telephoto, video cine lenses), S1H’s native L-mount ecosystem is far superior. The RX1R, by contrast, is a beautifully designed compact with a high-quality Zeiss 35mm f/2 lens, ideal for street, documentary, and reportage photographers who want simple, unobtrusive gear.

Burst Shooting and Buffer Depth

• Panasonic S1H: 9 fps continuous shooting - respectable for full-frame video-centric body. Buffer depth holds up well when writing to fast UHS-II SD cards on dual card slots.

• Sony RX1R: 5 fps burst - not bad for a compact, but buffer fills quickly due to limited RAM and slower interface.

If capturing sports or wildlife action is your focus, the S1H is generally better.

Video Capabilities - The S1H's Playground

This is where the Panasonic S1H flexes hard. Designed with the cinematographer in mind, the S1H shoots:

• 6K video at 24p (5952 x 3988 pixels @ 23.98 fps)
• 4K DCI at 60p with 10-bit 4:2:2 internally
• Supports H.265 encoding, and has professional audio ports (mic and headphone)
• Sensor-based 5-axis stabilization
• Time-lapse video recording and a 4K photo mode

The Sony RX1R video maxes out at 1080p (Full HD) with limited frame rate options (up to 60fps). It lacks 4K entirely and offers no in-body stabilization, making handheld video more challenging.

Professional video shooters looking for a camera that delivers cinema-grade footage out of the box will favor the S1H hands-down.

Battery Life and Storage Flexibility

Battery life considerations are often overlooked but critical for long shoots and travel.

• Panasonic S1H uses the large capacity Battery Pack (model info unspecified but similar to DMW-BLC12), rated for about 400 shots per charge.

• Sony RX1R uses the smaller NP-BX1 battery, good for around 270 shots.

Dual card slots on the S1H support UHS-II SD cards, allowing overflow or backup recording. The RX1R has a single SD slot and also supports Memory Stick Duo - a quirky hybrid format mostly of legacy interest.

For day-long events or travel photography, S1H’s battery and dual slot advantage improves reliability and storage security.

Connectivity and Interface

• Panasonic S1H boasts built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth for fast remote control and file transfer. USB Type-C and full-size HDMI ports are onboard, assisting tethered shooting and external monitors.

• Sony RX1R lacks Bluetooth and NFC; uses Eye-Fi for wireless transfer and USB 2.0 (slower by today’s means). HDMI is mini.

For fast, on-the-go workflows, especially involving smartphones, the S1H remains modern and better integrated.

Price and Value Analysis

At launch - and even now - the Panasonic S1H retails around $4000, reflecting its pro video and pro stills hybrid design, build quality, and modern sensor tech.

The Sony RX1R, though an older camera, still commands a premium at approximately $2800 due to its unique fixed lens full-frame compact identity and image quality.

Which one represents better bang for your buck?

• For professional hybrid shooters or filmmakers, the S1H is a clear investment, combining stills and video prowess with robustness and flexibility.

• For enthusiasts, street photographers, or travel shooters who prioritize pocketability and image quality but don’t need video or heavy lens kits, the RX1R remains a relevant, and slightly more affordable, classic.

How They Perform Across Photography Genres

Let’s break down how these beasts fare in popular genres.

Portrait Photography

• Panasonic S1H: Excellent skin tone reproduction thanks to 14-bit RAW, natural color science, and sensor-based stabilization for sharp portraits even handheld. Eye AF is dependable, though no animal eye AF.

• Sony RX1R: Impressive portrait sharpness from lack of AA filter; Zeiss 35mm lens creates punchy bokeh, though it’s a wide-ish standard focal length (you might want longer lenses for tighter portraits).

Verdict: Both shine, but if you want versatility to swap lenses or get closer, S1H has the edge.

Landscape Photography

• Panasonic S1H: Strong dynamic range and weather sealing allow outdoor landscape exploration in rough conditions.

• Sony RX1R: Superb resolution and micro-detail for landscapes, though no weather sealing - you have to treat it gently outdoors.

Wildlife Photography

S1H’s 9 fps burst and decent AF tracking make it a capable wildlife shooter when paired with telephoto lenses. The RX1R's slow AF and fixed 35mm focal length make it unsuitable.

Sports Photography

The S1H is better - faster burst, continuous AF, durable build. RX1R is too slow and limited.

Street Photography

RX1R excels thanks to compact size, quiet operation, and discreet appearance. The S1H is big and bulky, more likely to draw attention.

Macro Photography

Neither camera is macro-centric; however, lens choice is key here. The S1H’s ecosystem allows pairing with dedicated macro lenses and benefits from IBIS. RX1R fixed lens limits your macro options.

Night/Astro Photography

S1H is more flexible with higher boosted ISO and video-centric exposure control for long exposures.

Video

S1H is the champion here, capable of cinema 6K recording, robust codecs, and pro features. RX1R shoots standard Full HD, suitable for casual video.

Travel Photography

RX1R’s small form factor and lightweight design make it a perfect travel companion for image quality fanatics who don’t want to carry bags of gear.

Professional Work

S1H’s ruggedness, dual cards, full exposure controls, and high bit-rate video codecs fit professional workflows better.

Sample Images for Visual Reference

No comparison is complete without seeing them in action.

Panasonic S1H front Panasonic S1H screen back Sony RX1R front Sony RX1R screen back

Pros and Cons Summary

Panasonic Lumix S1H

Pros:

• Cinema-quality 6K video recording capability
• Large, bright electronic viewfinder and articulating touchscreen
• Weather-sealed robust body for professional use
• Extensive Leica L-mount lens ecosystem
• Sensor-based 5-axis stabilization
• Dual SD card slots

Cons:

• Large and heavy, not pocketable
• Contrast-detect AF sometimes slower than phase-detection rivals
• Expensive

Sony RX1R

Pros:

• Ultra-compact full-frame shooter with fixed Zeiss 35mm f/2 lens
• Sharp, clean images with high micro-detail thanks to no AA filter
• Simplicity and stealth for street and travel shooting
• Affordable relative to some pro bodies

Cons:

• Limited autofocus capability and slower burst
• No internal image stabilization or weather sealing
• Fixed lens limits creative flexibility
• Outdated connectivity options

Final Verdict: Which Camera is Right For You?

The Panasonic Lumix S1H and Sony RX1R are cameras for very different photographers and use cases. After hundreds of hours wielding both, I’d say:

• Choose the S1H if you’re a hybrid shooter, professional video creator, or someone needing a rugged, versatile full-frame body with up-to-date tech and excellent all-round capabilities. It’s a beast for demanding workflows but demands a serious investment - both in cash and carrying capacity.

• Choose the RX1R if you treasure ultimate image quality in a compact, fixed-lens full-frame camera, often shooting portraits, street, and travel photography. It rewards careful shooting, deliberate framing, and the joy of simplicity, but doesn’t keep pace with modern AF or video requirements.

For most pros or serious enthusiasts, the S1H delivers more flexibility and a future-proof feature set, but if your budget is more restrained or you prefer a pocketable companion that can outperform many larger cameras in IQ, the RX1R remains a stellar option today.

If you want me to help narrow down further based on your specific shooting style or budget, just let me know - I’ve logged thousands of hours on these and their kin, so I’m happy to share more tailored advice.

Happy shooting!

Appendix: Key Specs at a Glance

Thanks for sticking with me through this in-depth comparison - may your next camera be one that truly inspires your creative vision!