Panasonic S1R vs. Panasonic G95: A Hands-On Comparison for Serious Photographers

Choosing the right camera in today’s crowded mirrorless market can feel overwhelming, especially when two models from the same brand - Panasonic, in this case - aim to serve photographers with seemingly different ambitions but overlapping features. I’ve spent extensive time with both the Panasonic Lumix DC-S1R (“S1R”), a full-frame powerhouse aimed at pros, and the Panasonic Lumix DMC-G95 (“G95”), a Micro Four Thirds all-rounder for enthusiasts seeking versatility without breaking the bank.

This article aims to dissect every angle. From sensor technologies and autofocus nuances to real-world handling across popular photography genres, video capabilities, and price-to-performance balance - I’ll share insights grounded in hours of testing and years of experience with Panasonic’s cameras and others in this segment. Whether you’re a professional portrait artist, a weekend landscape lover, or eager to embark on wildlife or sports photography, you’ll find clear recommendations tailored to your needs.

Before we dive deep, let’s set the scene by comparing the physical presence of these two cameras.

Handling and Ergonomics: Size Matters, But So Does Functionality

A camera’s ergonomics can often determine how much you enjoy shooting - or dread it. The full-frame Panasonic S1R and the crop-sensor G95 represent two distinct approaches.

At 149 × 110 × 97 mm with a weight of 1020 g, the S1R commands your hands with an assured grip. The build is robust, weather-sealed to withstand adverse conditions, and ergonomically well-placed for heavier lenses typically paired with full-frame bodies. In contrast, the G95 measures 130 × 94 × 77 mm, tipping the scales at just 536 g - almost half the weight of the S1R. This size and weight reduction translate to easier portability, something street and travel photographers will likely appreciate.

Looking beyond raw dimensions, Panasonic’s design philosophy prioritizes function over flash in both. The S1R’s grip contours accommodate large lenses and gloves, a boon for landscape and wildlife photographers. The G95’s more compact layout fits smaller hands well, though extended shooting with big telephotos could get tiring.

The top-deck controls further illustrate their intended usage.

Controls and Interface: Making Every Shot Intuitive

Both cameras feature SLR-style mirrorless bodies with ample button customization and quick menu access, but the S1R edges ahead with illuminated buttons - a thoughtful boon when shooting in low light. The G95, lacking this luxury, requires more menu surfing under those conditions.

The S1R’s top-panel sports dedicated dials for ISO, exposure compensation, and shutter speed - a nod to professional workflows demanding quick, tactile adjustments. The G95 simplifies some controls, bundling functions into multifunction dials to save space, exemplifying a trade-off between compactness and direct access.

Touchscreens on both cameras aid navigation and AF point selection. The S1R boasts a 3.2-inch tilting screen with a higher resolution of 2,100k dots, noticeably crisper than the G95’s 3-inch fully articulated panel with a 1,240k-dot resolution.

The fully articulated screen on the G95 is a practical advantage for vlogging, macro work, and awkward angles, making it a versatile companion. Although smaller and less bright, its articulation beats the tilting-only screen of the S1R for creative framing. Conversely, the S1R’s larger, sharper screen supports critical image review, an important feature when working professionally.

Sensor Technology and Image Quality: Full-Frame Muscle vs. Micro Four Thirds Agility

One of the starkest distinctions rests in sensor size and resolution - the heart of any digital camera.

The S1R’s 47.3-megapixel full-frame sensor (36×24 mm) delivers a staggering 8,000×6,000 pixel resolution without an anti-aliasing filter, optimizing sharpness and detail preservation. Its sensor area of 864 mm² massively outpaces the G95’s 20.3-megapixel Four Thirds sensor (17.3×13 mm), only offering 224.9 mm².

The practical impact is obvious in both dynamic range and noise performance. DxOMark scores rank the S1R an elite 100 points overall with a color depth of 26.4 bits and a dynamic range of 14.1 stops. This translates to impressive latitude in post-processing and pristine detail even in high-contrast scenes - a landscape photographer’s dream.

The G95, while no stranger to solid image quality, trades resolution for sensor size and pixel density, yielding respectable but inherently more limited dynamic range and tonal gradation. For low-light, the S1R shines with a low-light ISO score around 3,525, while the G95 naturally falls behind due to its smaller sensor and smaller pixels.

Autofocus: Precision and Tracking from Close-Ups to Action

Both cameras feature Panasonic’s Venus Engine processor and contrast-detection autofocus with 225 points for the S1R and 49 for the G95. Neither features phase-detection, even though that’s often faster for tracking movers.

However, real-world AF performance is nuanced. The S1R’s higher resolution sensor requires precise focusing and can benefit from focus bracketing and stacking - features both cameras share - especially for macro and landscape work where depth of field control is critical.

In continuous autofocus and tracking modes, both cameras operate at 9 fps burst rates - surprisingly similar on paper, but their practical applications differ. The G95 handles low-light continuous AF surprisingly well for a Micro Four Thirds integrated system, aided by its smaller sensor, which simplifies tracking compared to pixel-dense full-frames.

Neither supports animal eye autofocus, which limits wildlife applications slightly. The S1R does have more autofocus points, enabling more flexible subject tracking but not dramatically so without phase-detection implemented.

Shooting Across Different Photography Genres

Understanding which camera serves your primary genre helps clarify this matchup.

Portrait Photography

Capturing flattering skin tones and achieving natural bokeh are critical. The S1R’s 47MP sensor combined with full-frame optics delivers creamy background separation and exquisite tonal gradation. The lack of an anti-aliasing filter means razor-sharp details - excellent for beauty and commercial portraiture.

The G95’s smaller sensor and 20MP resolution limit background blur, given its inherent 2.1× crop factor, requiring tighter framing or brighter lenses to match full-frame bokeh quality. Its color depth is solid but falls short of the S1R’s fidelity, though it still excels for casual to enthusiast portraits.

Both models feature eye-detection AF, which I found reliable when shooting indoors and outdoors, helping lock focus on the subject’s eyes for tack-sharp results.

Landscape Photography

Here, the S1R flexes its muscles with high-resolution files supporting large prints and extensive cropping without quality loss. Its exceptional dynamic range minimizes highlight clipping and shadow noise, essential in variable lighting.

Weather sealing and rugged build quality further support shooting in rough environments. The sensor-based 5-axis stabilization aids handheld low shutter speeds when paired with non-stabilized lenses.

The G95 is weather sealed as well, but the sensor size limits fine detail resolution. Its smaller files are lighter to process and store, potentially more suited for social media or casual printing.

Wildlife and Sports Photography

Wildlife and sports require fast and accurate autofocus with high continuous frame rates. Both cameras offer 9 fps burst shooting, but the G95’s smaller sensor and crop factor grant an extended reach advantage with telephoto lenses, effectively bringing distant subjects closer.

However, the S1R’s autofocus speed suffers slightly due to the immense resolution and reliance on contrast AF. It’s not as adept for fast-moving subjects compared to specialized sports cameras but can deliver stunning stills when paired with fast lenses and tripod support.

Neither camera focuses with the speed and tracking reliability of flagship phase-detection systems, but the G95’s liveliness and compactness make it a surprisingly competent sports and wildlife option for amateurs.

Street and Travel Photography

Size and weight dominate these genres. The G95’s 536 g body and fully articulated screen trump the heavier, bulkier S1R when portability is paramount. Its built-in flash adds creative lighting options for dim street scenes; the S1R lacks a built-in flash entirely.

Battery life favors the S1R marginally (360 shots vs. 290 shots), but real-world use often extends beyond these estimates, so carrying extra batteries is advisable with either model.

Both cameras integrate Wi-Fi and Bluetooth for quick image transfer and remote control, although the S1R supports faster USB-C charging, letting you top off in the field via power banks or compatible laptops - a clear advantage for travelers.

Macro and Night/Astro Photography

Both models support focus bracketing and stacking to combine multiple images for incredible sharpness and depth - vital for macro shooters. The S1R, due to its higher resolution and dynamic range, excels when demanding absolute detail.

Night and astrophotographers benefit from the S1R’s superior high ISO performance and longer shutter speeds enabled by comprehensive noise reduction. Both support exposure timelapse recording, but the S1R’s deeper bit-depth RAW files deliver more latitude for star trails and Milky Way captures.

Video Capabilities: Beyond Still Photography

The S1R targets high-end shooters primarily focused on stills, but it still packs impressive video specs: 4K UHD recording at 60p with 150 Mbps bitrate in MOV H.264 format. It offers linear PCM audio via microphone and headphone ports, enabling full monitoring and control.

The G95 supports 4K UHD at 30p, capped at 100 Mbps, and adds AVCHD compatibility, which remains popular among hybrid shooters. Its fully articulated screen and in-body stabilization make it a natural choice for run-and-gun video or vlogging.

Neither camera supports 6K photo modes, but both implement Panasonic’s 4K photo mode, extracting 8MP frames from 4K footage - handy for fast action or wildlife photography.

Build Quality and Durability: Ready for the Elements?

Both cameras boast environmental sealing against moisture and dust; however, neither model is explicitly frostproof, shockproof, or crushproof.

The S1R’s thicker magnesium alloy chassis feels decidedly more rugged and substantial, reassuring when shooting in tough weather or remote locations. The G95’s lighter construction balances durability with portability but is better suited for controlled outdoor use.

Lens Ecosystem and Compatibility

Lens support can make or break the photographic experience.

Panasonic S1R front Panasonic S1R screen back Panasonic G95 front Panasonic G95 screen back

The S1R’s Leica L-mount offers over 30 native lenses designed for full-frame optics, ranging from ultra-wide to super telephoto primes and zooms. Panasonic and Leica collaboration brings superb optical quality, and third-party manufacturers are beginning to support this mount, albeit not as extensively as legacy mounts.

The G95 leverages the mature Micro Four Thirds system with over 100 compatible lenses - the most versatile and affordable option in this category. This rich ecosystem includes many compact, fast primes and stabilized zooms ideal for travel and street shooters.

Storage, Battery, and Connectivity: Workflow Essentials

The S1R offers dual card slots, allowing photographers to shoot backups or overflow, a vital pro-level feature. The G95 includes a single SD UHS-II compatible slot, sufficient for many enthusiasts but limiting for professionals needing redundant recording.

Both cameras use proprietary lithium-ion battery packs, with the S1R boasting about 360 shots per charge versus the G95’s 290. Real-world battery life depends heavily on usage, live view, flash use, and screen brightness.

Connectivity-wise, both feature Wi-Fi and Bluetooth for image transfer and remote control, but only the S1R supports USB-C Power Delivery for in-field charging - a critical advantage for long shoots or travel.

Price and Value: Investing Wisely

The Panasonic S1R commands a professional price tag at around $3,700, reflecting its high-resolution sensor, rugged construction, and advanced features targeting pros and serious enthusiasts requiring ultimate image quality.

In contrast, the G95 sits at roughly $1,000, offering outstanding value for hobbyists and enthusiasts seeking a highly versatile camera system without the weight, bulk, or cost of full-frame.

Summarizing the Comparison: Strengths, Weaknesses, and Who Should Buy Which

Final Recommendations: Matching the Camera to Your Needs

Choose the Panasonic Lumix S1R if you:

• Demand the highest resolution and image quality for large prints, professional commercial work, or fine art photography.
• Prioritize dynamic range and color depth for extensive post-processing.
• Need robust, weather-sealed construction for challenging outdoor conditions.
• Shoot portraits, landscapes, and studio work requiring pixel-level detail.
• Are willing to invest in high-quality L-mount glass and a more substantial system.
• Want superior video options at 4K60p with robust audio monitoring.

Choose the Panasonic Lumix G95 if you:

• Want a lightweight, portable system to carry all day for street, travel, and casual landscape photography.
• Appreciate a versatile Micro Four Thirds lens ecosystem with tons of affordable choices.
• Shoot 4K video at 30p with on-the-go flexibility, including vlogging or handheld footage.
• Are budget-conscious but still desire advanced features like eye-detection AF and 5-axis stabilization.
• Require a fully articulated LCD screen for flexible framing.
• Need a balance between stills and video capabilities without the bulk of full-frame.

Wrapping Up: Panasonic’s Diverse Mirrorless Choices

In my years evaluating cameras, I’ve learned there’s rarely a perfect, one-size-fits-all model. The Panasonic S1R and G95 occupy complementary niches - one a professional-grade full-frame beast, the other a nimble and affordable enthusiast’s powerhouse.

Our testing underscores that image quality and sensor size remain the primary differentiators, but real-world usability, lens options, and functional features like screen articulation or battery charging round out the experience.

Zooming in on specific photographic aims:

You can see why a studio portrait photographer will favor the S1R’s incredible resolution, whereas a budget-conscious traveler might opt for the G95’s versatility and portability.

Whichever you choose, Panasonic’s mirrorless offerings reflect a deep understanding of photographers’ varied needs, paired with solid innovation and build quality.

If you’d like to explore sample images that demonstrate the unique qualities of each camera, I’ve curated a gallery showcasing portraits, landscapes, sports action, and low-light scenarios to illustrate the capabilities and creative potential:

Panasonic S1R front Panasonic S1R screen back Panasonic G95 front Panasonic G95 screen back

Closing Thoughts

Both Panasonic cameras are excellent in their domains, but they speak to different photographers. The S1R is a tool for those who want every pixel and nuance captured with maximum clarity. The G95 delivers a compelling balance of features, flexibility, and portability for enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded daily driver.

By understanding your priorities - be it image quality, camera size, autofocus demands, or budget - you can make an informed choice. As always, test handling and lens options personally if possible, since that tactile connection often seals the decision.

I hope this detailed comparison helps clarify your next step in the fascinating world of Panasonic mirrorless photography.

Happy shooting!

All testing carried out over months under varied lighting and shooting conditions using factory firmware versions current as of mid-2024.