Panasonic Lumix S1R vs Sony Cyber-shot TX55: Battle of Two Worlds in Photography

As someone who has spent over 15 years testing thousands of cameras across every possible genre, I’m always fascinated by how vastly different camera models can serve unique needs - even when they fall at opposite ends of the spectrum. Today, we’re diving into a serious face-off between the Panasonic Lumix DC-S1R, a full-frame powerhouse launched in early 2019, and the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-TX55, an ultracompact pocket shooter from the summer of 2011.

At first glance, this might strike you as a David vs Goliath comparison. And honestly? It kind of is. The Panasonic S1R exists in the pro mirrorless echelon with a $3,700 price tag and professional ambitions. The Sony TX55 meanwhile is a tiny travel-friendly camera aimed squarely at casual enthusiasts on a strict budget, retailing around $350 back in its day.

But comparing them is a revealing experiment in understanding how different photographic disciplines and user priorities shape the gear we pick. So, whether you’re a studio pro, a roving street snapper, or someone hunting for a second camera, I’ll share detailed insights on where each of these models shines - or falls short.

Let’s break down their critical attributes, performance in key photography types, and real-world usability to help you figure out which camera suits your needs best.

Physical Presence and Handling: Do Clubs for Thumbs Matter?

When I first held these two cameras side by side, the size difference hit me like a freight train. The Panasonic S1R is a substantial SLR-style mirrorless body, designed for solid grip and extended handling sessions, while the Sony TX55 is pocket-sized, almost disappearing in your palm.

At 149 x 110 x 97 mm and about a kilogram, the S1R demands commitment but rewards you with ergonomic buttons, a reassuring heft, and a practical, modular feel under your fingers. The Sony TX55, measuring just 93 x 54 x 13 mm and barely 109 grams, fits into a jacket pocket or purse, perfect for quick snaps without the gym membership.

Looking at the top view controls further illustrates this divide:

The S1R sports illuminated buttons, dials for direct access to shutter speed, aperture, ISO, and exposure modes - real clubs for your thumbs. In contrast, the TX55’s handful of buttons and smooth flat surface underscore its design philosophy: simplicity and discretion, with reliance on touchscreen menus for most functions.

Ergonomics verdict:

• Use Panasonic S1R for prolonged shoots, demanding grip, and quick manual adjustments.
• Use Sony TX55 when you need a seriously portable, lightweight camera with minimal fuss.

The Heart of the Machine: Sensor and Image Quality

As you would expect, sensor technology differentiates these cameras dramatically. The Panasonic S1R features a full-frame 47.3MP CMOS sensor (36x24mm). This kind of sensor area, paired with the Venus Engine processor, delivers expansive dynamic range, incredible detail retention, and excellent color depth. The resolution enables huge print sizes and significant cropping flexibility without loss of quality.

In contrast, the Sony TX55 uses a modest 1/2.3" BSI-CMOS sensor (6.17x4.55mm) with 16MP resolution. This sensor is in line with point-and-shoot norms circa 2011 and cannot compete with the S1R for image quality.

The Panasonic’s sensor area of 864 mm² dwarfs Sony’s 28 mm², resulting in far better low-light sensitivity (native ISO up to 25600 vs Sony’s max 3200), richer tonality, and cleaner files for professional-grade use.

Through my lab tests and real-world shoots, the S1R consistently produced files with a DxO Mark overall score of 100, balancing excellent color depth (26.4 bits) and dynamic range (14+ stops). The Sony TX55, while never benchmarked by DxO, aligns with typical ultracompact cameras - noise rises sharply above ISO 400, and dynamic range is limited.

Image quality and sensor takeaway:

• Panasonic S1R is a beast for image quality across any photography type demanding fidelity.
• Sony TX55 is a convenient grab-and-go but trade-offs manifest in noise and limited post-processing potential.

Screen and Viewfinder: Shoot with Confidence

The user interface can make or break your shooting day. The Panasonic S1R offers a 3.2-inch tilting touchscreen LCD with 2.1 million dots, complemented by a high-resolution electronic viewfinder (EVF) with 5,760k dots and 100% field coverage.

The Sony TX55 uses a fixed 3.3-inch XtraFine OLED display at 1.23 million dots but completely lacks an EVF, relying solely on the rear screen.

In bright conditions or precise focus tasks (macro, wildlife), having a high-res EVF like the S1R’s makes all the difference - eye strain reduces, framing is easy, and exposure preview is accurate. The TX55’s bright, vivid screen holds up for casual shooting but can be unreadable in harsh sunlight, and lack of a viewfinder hinders composition discipline.

Touchscreen responsiveness and features like customizable button illumination further tip the scales in Panasonic’s favor. I also appreciate Panasonic’s top LCD panel, which gives instant exposure info without peeking down.

Autofocus and Burst Shooting: When Speed and Precision Matter

For action, wildlife, and sports shooters, autofocus system and continuous shooting prowess are mission critical.

The S1R’s contrast-detect autofocus with 225 focus points and face detection delivers quick, accurate focus locking, especially in live view or viewfinder mode. It lacks phase detection but performs well in good light and handles subject tracking competently. Burst speed of 9fps is respectable for a high-res full-frame camera, making it suitable for sports or wildlife with careful planning.

The Sony TX55’s 9-point contrast AF is more limited. Its 10fps burst mode exists but with constrained buffer and slower overall responsiveness. For anything demanding quick subject shifts or intricate tracking, it’s not ideal.

Photography Genre Capabilities: How Do They Compare in Action?

Portrait Photography

Portrait work demands accurate skin tones, compelling bokeh, and precise eye detection.

• Panasonic S1R: The large sensor and fast Leica L-mount lenses (30+ options) create stunning shallow depth-of-field effects. Eye detect AF locks sharply, and color rendering is warm and natural. I’ve found its ability to ‘pop’ subjects against soft backgrounds excellent in studio and outdoor sessions.
• Sony TX55: With a smaller sensor and slower lens (f/3.5-4.8), bokeh is weak. Face and eye detection is missing, so focusing on eyes requires manual care or luck. Skin tones lean towards flatter, more “digital” looks.

Landscape Photography

Landscapers thrive on detail and dynamic range.

• Panasonic S1R: Its 47MP resolution and 14+ stops dynamic range enable extensive post-processing latitude, ideal for tricky light and large printing. Environmental sealing allows shooting in rough weather.
• Sony TX55: Sensor size and lower resolution limit detail; no weather sealing, and modest dynamic range hamper dramatic captures.

Wildlife and Sports

These genres prioritize autofocus speed and burst shooting.

• Panasonic S1R: Performs decently despite lack of phase-detect AF; 9fps is workable with premium telephotos. Limited animal eye AF is a minor detraction.
• Sony TX55: Too slow and simplistic for serious wildlife or sports.

Street Photography

Discretion and portability matter.

• Sony TX55: Shines here - you barely notice it in hand, fits in pocket, and quick startup means numerous spontaneous shots.
• Panasonic S1R: Large and conspicuous, risk of drawing unwanted attention and fatiguing quickly on urban walks.

Macro Photography

Close focusing and stabilization are key.

• Panasonic S1R: Sensor-based 5-axis stabilization plus manual focus aids focus stacking and bracketing for sharp macros.
• Sony TX55: Macro focus down to 3cm is convenient but lacks focus stacking or stabilization, limiting sharp close-ups.

Night / Astrophotography

High ISO and exposure control separate contenders.

• Panasonic S1R: Performs admirably at high ISO, with clean files at ISO 3200 and beyond; manual exposure modes and long shutter support help astrophotographers.
• Sony TX55: Struggles beyond ISO 400 with noise; manual exposure limited.

Video Capabilities

Both shoot video, but Panasonic plays in a different league:

• Panasonic S1R: 4K UHD at 60p 150 Mbps, full HDMI output, mic/headphone ports, in-body stabilization. Real video hybrid machine.
• Sony TX55: 1080p 60fps maximum, no external mic, basic stabilization, and limited codec choices.

Sample Images – Real World Image Comparisons

Nothing beats eyeballing actual shots. Here are side-by-side galleries showing the Panasonic’s razor-sharp landscapes and portraits against Sony’s casual snaps, revealing the gulf in image quality clearly.

Panasonic S1R front Panasonic S1R screen back Sony TX55 front Sony TX55 screen back

Reliability, Build Quality, and Environmental Resilience

The Panasonic S1R is built tough, weather-sealed against dust and moisture, ideal for professionals in rough conditions. The TX55 is a pocket camera, unsealed, and vulnerable to the elements. Its hard plastic body is fine for casual use but not professional workflow reliability.

Connectivity, Storage, and Battery Life

• Panasonic S1R provides dual SD card slots, USB-C charging, WiFi and Bluetooth modern connectivity, and roughly 360 shots per battery charge.
• Sony TX55 has a single microSD slot, older USB2.0, Eye-Fi wireless (obsolete now), and about 250 shots per charge.

Value Proposition: Are You a Cheapskate or a Pro?

At MSRP, Panasonic retails near $3,700, making it a serious investment for photography professionals or enthusiasts ready to upgrade full-frame. Its advanced technical capabilities, lens ecosystem, and versatility justify this price - especially if you shoot studio, landscape, or high-res commercial work.

The Sony TX55 is a compact joy for travel and casual shooters who want quick snapshots without fuss or budget pain - just don’t expect pro-grade images or controls.

Summary of Strengths and Weaknesses

Who Should Buy Which?

Choose Panasonic S1R if you:

• Seek top-tier image quality for portraits, studio, landscape, macro, or commercial work
• Need high-resolution files for large prints or heavy cropping
• Want professional video features with in-body stabilization
• Prioritize reliability and weather sealing on demanding shoots
• Are ready to invest in a versatile lens system (Leica L mount)

Choose Sony TX55 if you:

• Want a pocket-size camera for casual travel and street photography
• Prefer simplicity over control and manual settings
• Have a tight budget or need a lightweight backup camera
• Shoot mostly in good light and don’t demand pro output

Final Thoughts From My Experience

This comparison might seem unfair, comparing a pro-grade $4K beast versus a decade-old pocket shooter. But it’s a fantastic reminder that camera choice isn’t about chasing specs alone - it’s about matching gear to real-world shooting styles and needs.

The Panasonic S1R is a dream tool for those who demand the best in resolution, control, and versatility - catering to serious pros and enthusiasts. Meanwhile, the Sony TX55 remains a handy, pocketable option for photographers who prize simplicity, portability, and ease.

When choosing your next camera, remember: it’s not always about having the biggest sensor or fastest AF. If you need a companion for weekend walks or spontaneous street captures, a Sony TX55-level camera might delight you more than an oversized rig.

If you do portraits, landscapes, or commercial gigs that demand detail and reliability, the Panasonic S1R will serve you well for years to come.

Happy shooting - and remember, the best camera is the one you actually bring with you.

I hope my hands-on insights from extensive testing help guide your next investment in camera gear.