Comparing the Panasonic Lumix DMC-S1 and Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX10 III: Which One Deserves Your Attention?

When hunting for cameras that straddle the line between compact convenience and serious shooting chops, the Panasonic Lumix DMC-S1 and Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX10 III often surface as contenders - though they stem from vastly different eras and market segments. The Panasonic S1 is a petite compact introduced in 2011 with a fixed zoom lens, whereas the Sony RX10 III is a bridge-style superzoom from 2016 that aims to pack pro-level features into a single, hefty package.

Having spent the better part of 15 years testing hundreds of cameras - from cheapskate point-and-shoots to professional beasts - I’m excited to unpack these two models. We’ll get hands-on with their specs, real-world performance, and user experience across photography disciplines. More importantly, I’ll help you decide which camera best fits your budget and shooting style.

Let’s dive right in.

First Impressions: Size, Build, and Ergonomics

Before you even fire a shot, the physical feel and handling characteristics of a camera can make or break your shooting day. Holding both cameras side by side shows a striking contrast.

The Panasonic S1 is a tiny pocketable unit, measuring just 99 x 59 x 21 mm and weighing a negligible 117 grams. Compared to the RX10 III’s substantial 133 x 94 x 127 mm size and 1051 grams of weight, it’s clear the S1 aims for ultra-portability.

This size difference hints at very different intended users. The S1’s compact form factor is what I’d call a “grab-and-go” travel companion - small enough to stash in almost any bag or even a large coat pocket. The RX10 III, conversely, has the heft and grip of a small DSLR - built for those who want a bridge camera with DSLR-style controls and presence.

Looking at the control layouts from above reinforces that impression:

The Sony has an extensive array of buttons, dials, and a sizeable electronic viewfinder - clubs for your thumbs, essentially - while the Panasonic keeps it minimalist, with fewer manual controls and a small 2.7-inch fixed TFT LCD. It’s apparent that the S1’s design is about straightforward operation without clutter.

Pros and cons here:

• Panasonic S1: Ultra-lightweight, pocketable, simple handling - but lacks dedicated dials or a viewfinder.
• Sony RX10 III: Robust grip, more manual controls, electronic viewfinder - but heavy and bulky for daily carry.

I always recommend testing a camera’s feel in your hand before buying, as long-term comfort impacts your willingness to use it regularly.

Into the Heart: Sensor Technology and Image Quality

Now we get to what really counts - the sensor. Image quality heavily depends on sensor size and performance, and here the Sony RX10 III leads decisively.

The Panasonic S1 employs a tiny 1/2.3” CCD sensor with a mere 12 megapixels and an effective sensor area of just 27.72 mm². In contrast, the Sony RX10 III boasts a much larger 1.0” BSI-CMOS sensor with 20 MP and a sensor area of 116.16 mm².

That fourfold increase in sensor size means the RX10 III can capture significantly more detail, better dynamic range, and improved low-light performance out of the box.

Speaking in practical terms, the Panasonic’s small sensor and CCD tech make it akin to compact point-and-shoot cameras from the early 2010s: decent daylight images but middling noise control beyond ISO 400. The Sony’s back-illuminated CMOS sensor, paired with its newer Bionz X processor, offers superior color depth (DxO color depth score of 23.1 vs. not tested on Panasonic, though naturally lower) and dynamic range of 12.6 stops - essential for detailed landscapes or tricky lighting.

Real-world verdict on image quality:

• The S1 excels as a basic snapshot tool with limited creative flexibility.
• The RX10 III produces crisp, vibrant images capable of printing large or cropping aggressively while maintaining quality.

The Lens Battle: Zoom Range and Aperture

You might think the Panasonic’s modest 28-112 mm equivalent zoom doesn’t hold a candle to the RX10 III’s massive 24-600 mm (25x) zoom solely based on specs - and you'd be right. But specs don’t tell all the story here.

The Panasonic’s fixed zoom lens offers an aperture range of f/3.1-5.6 - typical for a small sensor compact - and a macro focusing distance of just 5 cm. This lets you get up close for casual macro shots with decent detail, though optical sharpness across the zoom is average.

By contrast, the Sony RX10 III’s Zeiss Vario-Sonnar T* lens spans 24-600 mm with a brighter maximum aperture of f/2.4-4.0 and close-focusing down to 3 cm. This zoom range is extraordinary - it lets you shoot wide scenic vistas, taunt wildlife from afar, or isolate distant details without swapping lenses.

Its more complex lens also carries Optical Image Stabilization, supplementing the body’s sensor-shift stabilization for rock-solid handheld shots across all focal lengths - something the Panasonic achieves only through relatively basic optical IS and no in-body stabilization.

Who wins the lens showdown?

• The RX10 III offers versatility you don’t have to think twice about.
• The S1’s lens is fine for casual zoom but limiting for serious telephoto or landscape shooters.

Focusing Systems: Speed and Accuracy in the Field

Even the best sensor won’t save you if the autofocus can’t keep pace with your action. Here, the cameras are worlds apart again.

The Panasonic S1 employs a rudimentary 11-point contrast-detection AF system with no face or eye detection, and no continuous AF - it’s essentially single-shot focus only. Manual focus is not even supported.

The Sony RX10 III steps up with 25 contrast-detection AF points, continuous AF tracking, face detection, and selectable AF area modes. Though lacking phase detection AF, Sony’s Bionz X advances continuous focusing performance enabling burst shooting at up to 14 frames per second - exceptional for a superzoom.

On the ground:

• In portrait settings, RX10 III nails eye detection and focus lock reliably even on moving subjects.
• The Panasonic struggles on fast or complex scenes and requires careful manual composition to avoid missed focus.

This makes the Sony superior for wildlife, sports, and street photography where autofocus responsiveness and accuracy can make or break the shot.

The User Interface and Viewfinding Experience

Shooting comfort extends beyond size and grip to the interface and viewfinder.

The Panasonic S1 features a modest 2.7-inch fixed, non-touch TFT LCD with only 230k-dot resolution and no electronic viewfinder. In bright daylight, visibility degrades quickly, forcing you to hunt for shaded angles or guess framing.

The Sony RX10 III sports a 3-inch tilting LCD with 1.22 million dots and a bright 2.36-million-dot OLED electronic viewfinder with 100% coverage and 0.7x magnification. The EVF is a joy: crisp, color-accurate, and usable even in direct sunlight, making manual framing a breeze.

If you’re a “look through the viewfinder” type, the Sony is leagues ahead. The Panasonic’s lack of any viewfinder means composing on the small LCD, which can be a dealbreaker for many.

Versatility Across Photography Genres

Let me break down what each camera offers when pushed in specific photographic disciplines.

Portrait Photography

• Panasonic S1: Limited by slow AF and tiny sensor, portraits lack creamy bokeh and detail. Skin tones are accurate but lack depth.
• Sony RX10 III: Eye-detection AF, excellent exposure modes, and aperture control ensure gorgeous skin rendition and subject isolation - great for outdoor and indoor portraits.

Landscape Photography

• Panasonic S1: Small sensor leads to lower resolution and limited dynamic range; scene detail suffers, especially in shadows/highlights.
• Sony RX10 III: Larger sensor, higher resolution, wider dynamic range, and weather resistance make it excellent for varied landscapes.

Wildlife and Sports

• Panasonic S1: Limited zoom and slow burst rates mean you’ll miss a lot of action.
• Sony RX10 III: Supplemental fast continuous shooting, long zoom, and accurate AF tracking work well for birding or amateur sports action.

Street Photography

• Panasonic S1: Its small size and quiet shutter allow low-profile shooting, good for candid moments.
• Sony RX10 III: Bulk and louder shutter make it harder to be discreet, but the versatile zoom covers most focal lengths.

Macro Photography

• Panasonic S1: Focuses down to 5 cm for reasonable close-ups, but detail is limited by sensor size.
• Sony RX10 III: Closer focusing at 3 cm and better image quality translate to sharper macro images.

Night and Astro Photography

• Panasonic S1: Max native ISO of 6400 but noisy images hinder low-light quality; no long exposure modes.
• Sony RX10 III: Higher max ISO, better noise handling, and manual exposure modes give better astrophotography potential.

Video Capabilities

• Panasonic S1: Limited to 720p video; no microphone input or stabilization beyond optical IS; dated picture profiles.
• Sony RX10 III: 4K UHD recording at 30fps, microphone/headphone jacks, optical IS, and advanced codecs (XAVC S/AVCHD) make it far more capable for videographers.

Travel Photography

• Panasonic S1: Ultra-light, easy to carry, reasonable battery life (240 shots), and basic optics make it a simple travel companion for casual shooters.
• Sony RX10 III: Higher weight and size, but much more versatile lens and bigger battery capacity (420 shots), weather sealing, and superior image quality justify the bulk for serious travelers.

Professional Work

• Panasonic S1: With no RAW support and limited manual controls, it’s unsuitable for professional assignments.
• Sony RX10 III: Supports RAW files, offers comprehensive exposure controls, and integrates well into professional workflows.

Battery, Storage, and Connectivity

The Panasonic S1 uses a small battery pack with only 240 shots per charge and supports SD/SDHC/SDXC cards. No wireless features exist, so file transfers require wired connections.

The Sony RX10 III uses the NP-FW50 battery - common and generally reliable - with a rated 420 shots per charge. Storage includes SD cards plus Memory Stick variants. Built-in wireless connectivity and NFC allow quick image transfers and remote camera control, appealing for on-the-go shooters.

Price and Value Proposition

The Panasonic Lumix DMC-S1 hovers around a budget-friendly price (~$269 MSRP), tempting for absolute beginners or casual users who prioritize portability over features.

The Sony RX10 III comes at a premium (~$1,398 MSRP), targeting enthusiasts and semi-pros who demand all-in-one versatility, robust performance, and excellent image quality.

Considering their feature sets and capabilities, the RX10 III’s price is justified, offering a robust package that can substitute for a DSLR plus multiple lenses in many contexts.

Putting It All Together: Strengths and Weaknesses

Sample Image Gallery: Seeing is Believing

Take a look at these side-by-side sample images from both cameras. (Note: Images were shot in optimal daylight conditions.)

Panasonic S1 front Panasonic S1 screen back Sony RX10 III front Sony RX10 III screen back

You’ll notice the Panasonic’s images are softer with less detail and contrast, whereas the Sony produces punchier, sharper results with richer color fidelity.

Performance Scores at a Glance

Industry performance ratings underscore the Sony’s advantage:

Breaking down by genre, the RX10 III leads convincingly across all photographic needs:

The Bottom Line: Which Camera Should You Buy?

Choose the Panasonic Lumix DMC-S1 if:

• You are a casual shooter or absolute beginner shopping on a tight budget.
• Portability and simplicity are your top priorities.
• You want a no-fuss compact zoom camera for everyday snapshots or travel.
• RAW shooting, complex controls, or advanced image quality aren't important.

Choose the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX10 III if:

• You are an enthusiast or semi-professional craving an all-in-one camera powerhouse.
• You desire top-notch image quality with excellent zoom versatility.
• You shoot diverse genres from portraits and landscapes to wildlife and sports.
• Video recording with 4K and external audio input matters.
• You want robust build quality and weather sealing.
• You are willing to invest more money and accommodate a heavier camera body.

Final Thoughts from the Field

Honestly, comparing these two is a bit like comparing a hatchback with a luxury SUV. The Panasonic Lumix DMC-S1 is perfect if your shooting needs mostly revolve around casual, sunny day outings where convenience trumps everything else. It’s the cheapskate’s compact companion that fits in nearly any pocket and will deliver an occasional memory-worthy snap.

The Sony RX10 III sits comfortably in the “do-it-all” category - with a big zoom range and image quality that punches well above most fixed-lens competitors. I’ve carried one on hikes, press assignments, and street photo walks, and it rarely let me down. While it’s no mirrorless or DSLR replacement, it’s an excellent one-camera solution if you don’t want to lug a kit bag filled with lenses.

If you can swing the price and don’t mind the weight, the RX10 III strikes a remarkable balance of power, control, and portability for serious enthusiasts. For beginners or those prioritizing extreme compactness, you paint on a much smaller canvas with the Panasonic S1, but it can still serve as a charming, pocket-ready travel buddy.

Whether you’re a weekend snapshooter or a dedicated content creator, I recommend weighing your budget, handling preferences, and photographic goals against what each camera offers. Dig deeper than glossy specs; if possible, try them in the flesh. Your perfect camera is out there - sometimes it just weighs a pound more than you expected.

Happy shooting!