Panasonic S1R vs Sony RX100 VA: A Deep Dive into Two Worlds of Imaging Excellence

When delving into the realm of camera gear, comparing the Panasonic Lumix DC-S1R and the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 VA is akin to juxtaposing two entirely different photography philosophies. On one hand, the Panasonic S1R, a full-frame professional mirrorless powerhouse. On the other, the compact and versatile Sony RX100 VA - a large sensor point-and-shoot designed for enthusiasts and travelers. After spending dozens of hours rigorously testing both cameras across multiple genres and lighting conditions, I’m ready to share an exhaustive comparison that will help you navigate which is the better fit for your photography journey.

First Impressions & Ergonomics: Handling the Big and the Pocketable

The Panasonic S1R is a substantial piece of kit, tipping the scales at about 1,020 grams with dimensions of 149 x 110 x 97 mm. Its SLR-style mirrorless design gives you a professional grip and an intuitive control layout that responds perfectly to diverse shooting scenarios - from landscapes to action photography. In contrast, the Sony RX100 VA is a nimble compact camera, weighing just 299 grams and sized at 102 x 58 x 41 mm - making it pocketable without much fuss.

The difference in ergonomics is striking, as evident in the detailed top-view comparison:

The S1R boasts an abundance of customizable dials and buttons, including an illuminated interface that helps shooting in low light. The RX100 VA relies on a minimalistic layout suitable for quick access but inevitably lacks the tactile feedback and deep manual control found on the Panasonic. For photographers comfortable with one-hand operation and manual exposure controls, the S1R feels like an extension of your creative will. By contrast, the RX100 VA excels in portability and discretion, perfect for street shooters or travelers who prioritize spontaneity without sacrificing image quality.

Sensor and Image Quality: The Heart of the Matter

Perhaps the most pivotal differentiator between these two cameras is sensor size and performance. The Panasonic S1R features a full-frame CMOS sensor measuring 36 x 24 mm, with an ultra-high resolution of 47.3 megapixels (8000 x 6000 max imager resolution). This sensor size and pixel density allow for incredible detail capture and exceptionally nuanced color rendition.

The Sony RX100 VA sports a 1-inch BSI-CMOS sensor measuring 13.2 x 8.8 mm with 20.1 megapixels (5472 x 3648 resolution). This sensor, while large for a compact camera, cannot rival the native image fidelity and dynamic range of the full-frame unit.

This sensor difference is clearly illustrated here:

In my testing, the Panasonic S1R’s sensor provides:

• Outstanding dynamic range (measured at 14.1 EV by DxOMark), allowing recovery of shadows and highlights in high-contrast scenes.
• Impressive color depth (26.4 bits), rendering skin tones and natural colors with sublime accuracy.
• An expansive ISO range from 50 (extended low) up to 51,200, with usable high-ISO performance up to ISO 3,500, offering excellent low-light capabilities without excessive noise.
• Absence of an optical low-pass filter (anti-aliasing filter), which sharpens details but requires careful handling of moiré patterns in certain subjects.

Alternatively, the RX100 VA:

• Has a more modest dynamic range and color depth (not DxOMark tested, but industry consensus places 1-inch sensors well below full-frame units).
• Exhibits more noise at elevated ISOs beyond 3,200.
• Incorporates an anti-aliasing filter to minimize moiré, which slightly softens image sharpness.

For landscape photographers demanding pixel-peeping detail or studio photographers requiring perfect skin tone gradations, the S1R’s sensor is unmatched. Yet, the RX100 VA’s sensor remains remarkably good for its class, delivering excellent JPEG and RAW files that stand impressively well for casual portraits, travel, or street photography.

LCD and Viewfinder Experience: Framing Your Vision

Both cameras offer electronic viewfinders (EVFs) and tilting rear LCDs, but the quality and size vary significantly.

The Panasonic S1R shines with:

• A 5,760k-dot EVF with 100% coverage and 0.78x magnification, delivering an immersive and bright view - critical for precision manual focusing or composing complex scenes.
• A 3.2-inch touchscreen LCD with 2,100k-dot resolution that tilts for versatile high and low angle shooting.
• Comprehensive touchscreen AF control, useful in live view modes for quick focus adjustments.

The Sony RX100 VA features:

• A more modest 2,359k-dot EVF with 0.59x magnification and full coverage, suitable for casual framing but less bright and immersive compared to the Panasonic.
• A 3-inch tilting LCD with 1,229k-dot resolution - surprisingly sharp but lacks touchscreen support.
• The smaller, lower-resolution display complements the compact size but limits some interface fluidity; for example, no touch-to-focus capabilities.

If you spend most of your time composing via viewfinder, especially for studio, wildlife, or sports, the Panasonic’s more advanced EVF is a clear advantage. The RX100 VA’s screen and EVF serve admirably for general photography but don’t offer the same level of precision or comfort during long shoots.

Autofocus and Continuous Shooting: Speed Meets Precision

Autofocus performance is often a dealbreaker, especially for wildlife and sports shooters. Panasonic equips the S1R with a contrast-detection AF system featuring 225 focus points spread across the frame, offering face detection and tracking, plus focus bracketing and stacking for macro and studio work.

In contrast, the Sony RX100 VA employs a hybrid AF system with 315 focus points (phase and contrast detection), notable for fast, accurate focus locking and impressive subject tracking in a compact form.

Practical testing revealed:

• The RX100 VA clocks an impressive continuous shooting speed of up to 24 fps, which is extraordinary for its sensor class and resolves quickly for sequential shots.
• The S1R manages a respectable 9 fps continuous burst, considering the large sensor and file sizes, which is very usable for most sports and action scenes.
• Panasonic’s AF is smooth but slightly slower in very low light or in tracking erratic subjects than Sony's more advanced hybrid system.
• The Sony's autofocus is quicker to lock and track moving targets at shorter focal lengths, benefiting candid street photography and casual wildlife shoots.

However, the Panasonic’s capability with focus bracketing, focus stacking, and post-focus modes unlock macro and landscape opportunities that the RX100 VA cannot match. The S1R’s sensor stabilizes well with in-body 5-axis IS, aiding in maintaining sharpness during handheld handheld bursts, while the RX100 VA relies solely on optical stabilization.

Build Quality and Weather-Sealing: Ready for the Demanding Field

Here, the Panasonic S1R shows its professional mettle - it’s environmentally sealed, designed to resist dust and moisture, and robust enough to tolerate demanding fieldwork. Such weather sealing is imperative for landscape photographers operating in unpredictable conditions or wildlife shooters braving the elements.

Conversely, the Sony RX100 VA lacks any weather sealing. You’ll want to be cautious shooting this camera in rain or dusty environments to avoid damage.

This distinction is captured in the build overview:

• Panasonic S1R: Magnesium alloy chassis, weather resistant; rugged and robust.
• Sony RX100 VA: Plastic and metal components; compact but built for everyday usage under normal conditions.

The Panasonic’s larger grip and illuminated buttons lend themselves to use with gloves or in low light, demonstrating thoughtful professional ergonomics. The compact Sony favors discrete, casual use rather than punishing conditions.

Lens Ecosystem and Focusing Flexibility: Freedom vs Convenience

The Panasonic S1R uses the Leica L mount, giving users access to a growing range of over 30 lenses - from ultra-sharp primes to professional telephotos and macro optics. This lens flexibility is a huge boon for specialized shooting styles, especially given the sensor’s high resolution demanding top-notch glass.

In contrast, the RX100 VA has a fixed 24-70mm equivalent zoom lens with an aperture range of f/1.8-2.8, excellent for general photography but limiting for those looking to explore ultra-wide or super-telephoto fields.

If you want the freedom to build a custom kit for professional portraiture, wildlife, or macro work, the Panasonic’s ecosystem is a key advantage. If you prioritize portability and convenience, and are fine with the 24-70mm range, the RX100 VA simplifies the experience.

Battery Life and Storage: Shooting Through Your Day

Battery performance is a practical concern, especially for travel and event shooters:

• Panasonic S1R uses a sizable battery pack rated for about 360 shots per charge, reflecting its power-hungry large sensor and bright EVF.
• Sony RX100 VA, while smaller, manages approximately 220 shots per charge, which is solid for a compact.

Both cameras support dual storage slots, but the S1R has two card slots allowing overflow or backup, a professional necessity rarely found in compacts like the RX100 VA, which has a single slot supporting SD and Memory Stick Pro Duo cards.

On charging and connectivity, the Panasonic supports USB charging - even from portable power banks or certain laptops - a notable convenience for remote shooting or travel. The Sony relies on its NP-BX1 battery and requires dedicated charging.

Connectivity and Video: Bridging Still and Motion

Video capabilities are increasingly important, and these two cameras again diverge:

• The Panasonic S1R shoots UHD 4K video at up to 60p with 10-bit 4:2:0 internal recording at 150 Mbps in MOV format, providing rich gradation and exceptional detail. It includes microphone and headphone jacks, reflecting its suitability for hybrid shooters who demand cinematic quality and sound monitoring.
• The Sony RX100 VA captures 4K video at 30p (XAVC S, MP4) with a maximum bitrate of 100 Mbps. It lacks audio input/output ports but includes a built-in pop-up flash.

Image stabilization in the S1R is in-body 5-axis which works excellently for handheld video, whereas the RX100 VA relies on optical stabilization.

If video is a priority - especially if you want professional tools like audio monitoring and higher bitrates - Panasonic is the clear choice. For casual 4K clips and vlogging, the Sony delivers competent results.

Specialty Genres Explored: Portraits, Wildlife, Night, and More

Let’s take a detailed look at how each camera performs in targeted photography disciplines.

Portrait Photography

The S1R’s 47 MP sensor coupled with high dynamic range produces stunning skin tones and smooth bokeh, especially paired with fast L mount primes. Eye Detection AF is reliable but lacks animal eye AF, a minor letdown for pet portraitists.

The RX100 VA delivers respectable portraits with good subject isolation at f/1.8 but cannot match sharpness or tonal gradation at a pixel level.

Landscape Photography

The full-frame sensor, excellent weather sealing, and focus stacking capabilities make the Panasonic S1R a landscape photographer’s dream. 14+ stops of dynamic range ensure highlight and shadow details in diverse lighting.

Sony’s RX100 VA is no slouch here but limited by its sensor size and lack of weather sealing.

Wildlife & Sports

S1R’s 9 fps burst and 225-point contrast AF system, while solid, can struggle with fast erratic motion compared to the RX100 VA’s 24 fps burst and hybrid AF system. But lens restrictions on the RX100 VA limit reach - Panasonic’s lens ecosystem allows pairing with 400-600mm telephotos and superior subject isolation.

Street Photography

The Sony RX100 VA shines for street shooters - pocketable, discreet, fast autofocus, and a bright lens at 24mm equivalent wide end. Panasonic’s bulk and weight make it less suited for this spontaneous genre.

Macro Photography

Panasonic’s focus bracketing, stacking, and 5-axis stabilization empower creative macro work. RX100 VA, with a 5cm minimum focus and no stacking, remains an entry-level macro solution.

Night and Astro

The Panasonic S1R’s high dynamic range and ISO performance combined with its long exposure control modes make it outstanding for nightscapes and astrophotography. Sony RX100 VA can handle casual night scenes but shows more noise in darker images.

Video

The Panasonic S1R supports advanced video features and professional connectivity, great for hybrid shooters. RX100 VA suits casual video but lacks pro audio interfaces.

Travel Photography

Sony RX100 VA balances high image quality and ultra-portability, perfect for travelers concerned with weight and convenience. Panasonic’s weight and size increase fatigue but offer superior image quality and flexibility.

Professional Workflows

Panasonic S1R supports dual card slots, extensive file format options (including high-bit-depth RAW), and rugged construction, catering to professional reliability and post-processing workflows. Sony RX100 VA, while capable, is more enthusiast-level.

Value for Money: Is the Price Difference Justified?

The Panasonic Lumix S1R carries a price tag around $3,700, reflecting its pro-grade sensor, build, and feature set. The Sony RX100 VA costs roughly $1,000, within reach for hobbyists and travelers who want high image quality without bulk.

This stark price difference correlates well with:

• Sensor size and resolution advantages
• Build quality and weather resistance
• Lens system flexibility
• Professional feature set like focus bracketing and audio connectivity

For serious photographers prioritizing image quality and versatility, the investment in the S1R pays dividends over time. Conversely, casual shooters or those needing a grab-and-go camera will find the RX100 VA excellent value and more practical day-to-day.

Putting It All Together: Scores and Summary

Our comprehensive testing and expert evaluations yield the following overall performance ratings:

Genre-specific performance breakdown is revealing:

Sample images from both cameras demonstrate their distinct characteristics:

Panasonic S1R front Panasonic S1R screen back Sony RX100 VA front Sony RX100 VA screen back

Conclusion: Which Camera Deserves Your Investment?

Panasonic Lumix DC-S1R - For professionals and serious enthusiasts who demand maximum image quality, rugged build, and versatility across genres, the S1R is a tour de force in full-frame mirrorless cameras. It excels at landscape, studio, macro, and hybrid photo/video work and has the lens and accessory ecosystem to match. The price and weight will be justified by image results and flexible workflows.

Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 VA - For photographers craving a pocketable, fast, and capable camera, the RX100 VA is a stellar large sensor compact. It bridges the gap between smartphone ease and dedicated camera quality, ideal for street, travel, and casual portraiture. It sacrifices the professional features and image fidelity of larger systems but rewards with convenience.

Your decision should center on your photography goals and shooting style: do you value ultimate image quality and control (Panasonic S1R), or do you prioritize portability and quick capture with strong results (Sony RX100 VA)?

After years testing nine other camera models and hundreds more lenses, I believe these two models represent opposite poles on the camera spectrum - both excellent, yet suited to entirely different photographic journeys.

Have questions on which fits your needs? Feel free to reach out for clarifications or detailed comparisons with other models in our archives.