Panasonic S1R vs Sony A57

Here, we will be evaluating the Panasonic S1R vs Sony A57, one being a Pro Mirrorless and the latter is a Entry-Level DSLR by competitors Panasonic and Sony. There exists a sizeable gap among the image resolutions of the S1R (47MP) and A57 (16MP) and the S1R (Full frame) and A57 (APS-C) have totally different sensor sizes.

Japan-exclusive Leica Leitz Phone 3 features big sensor and new modes

The S1R was launched 6 years later than the A57 and that is a fairly large gap as far as camera technology is concerned. Each of the cameras feature different body design with the Panasonic S1R being a SLR-style mirrorless camera and the Sony A57 being a Compact SLR camera.

Before we go into a detailed comparison, here is a concise summation of how the S1R scores against the A57 when it comes to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

This is a preview of the gallery images for Panasonic Lumix DC-S1R and Sony SLT-A57. The complete galleries are viewable at Panasonic S1R Gallery and Sony A57 Gallery.

For those who are intending to carry your camera often, you need to take into account its weight and size. The Panasonic S1R has external dimensions of 149mm x 110mm x 97mm (5.9" x 4.3" x 3.8") along with a weight of 1020 grams (2.25 lbs) while the Sony A57 has specifications of 132mm x 98mm x 81mm (5.2" x 3.9" x 3.2") and a weight of 618 grams (1.36 lbs).

Analyze the Panasonic S1R vs Sony A57 in the latest Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Keep in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary based on the lens you have attached at that moment. Here is a front view dimension comparison of the S1R compared to the A57.

Taking into account dimensions and weight, the portability score of the S1R and A57 is 54 and 64 respectively.

Typically, it is very difficult to envision the difference in sensor sizing purely by researching specs. The graphic underneath might give you a much better sense of the sensor sizes in the S1R and A57.

All in all, the two cameras come with different megapixels and different sensor sizing. The S1R because of its bigger sensor will make achieving shallower DOF easier and the Panasonic S1R will result in greater detail utilizing its extra 31 Megapixels. Higher resolution can also make it easier to crop photographs a good deal more aggressively. The younger S1R will have an edge in sensor technology.