Panasonic Lumix S1R versus Sony A7R III: Which powerhouse is better for the pixel-shift?

We recently compared the new Panasonic Lumix S1R to the Nikon Z 7, but there is another full-frame mirrorless camera in the 40-plus megapixel club that photographers should consider: the Sony A7R III. Despite being a couple of years old, the A7R III still holds its own against the Lumix S1R. These two models are quite different in design, but relatively similar in performance, and both offer pixel shift.

On paper, in some key areas, the Lumix S1R bests the Sony, but it comes at a cost— a literal one. As the A7R III has grown in years, its price has fallen as a result. For about $2,800, $900 less than the S1R, you can find it now. So is the S1R earning its price higher? Here's how they compare these two cameras.

Sensor 47.3-megapixel full-frame sensor 42-megapixel full-frame sensor
Burst speed Up to 9 fps (6 with AF-C) up to 10 fps (8 with live view)
Shutter speed 1/8,000 to 60 sec. 1/8,000 to 30 sec.
ISO 100-25,600 (50-51,200 expanded) 100-32,000 (50-102,400 expanded)
Autofocus 225-point contrast-detection DFD AF 399-point hybrid phase/contrast-detection AF
Image stabilization 5-axis sensor-shift stabilization 5-axis sensor-shift stabilization
Video 4K at 30 fps, 8-bit, HLG 4K at 30 fps, 8-bit, S-Log
Viewfinder 0.78x magnification, 5.7m-dot OLED 0.78x magnification, 3.69m-dot OLED
LCD 3.2-inch, 2.1m-dot tilting touchscreen 3-inch, 1.44m-dot tilting touchscreen
Connectivity Wi-Fi, Bluetooth Wi-Fi, Bluetooth
Battery Li-ion rated at 360 shots Li-ion rated at 650 shots
Dimensions (WxHxD) 5.87 x 4.33 x 3.82 inches 5 x 3.78 x 2.91 inches
Weight 35.8 ounces 23.2 ounces
Kit lens Available body only or with 24-105mm f/4 Available body only or with a 24-70mm f/4
Price $3,700 body-only $3,200 body-only

sensor

Both cameras easily crest the 40-megapixel hill, but the Lumix S1R pushes well beyond it to just over 47MP, giving it a 5MP lead over the Sony A7R III.Not really, but that's something. The bigger difference is how the two cameras use high-resolution pixel-shift modes that use sensor-shift stabilization systems to move the sensor in a box pattern by a pixel width, take multiple exposures and combine them into one for a super-resolution photograph. 

By taking just four images, the A7R III accomplishes this, enough to capture full RGB color data at each pixel location. This can dramatically reduce moiré chances, reduce noise, and bring out more detail — especially in red and blue areas (read more about sensor color filters if you're curious about how it works). The A7R III, unfortunately, can not combine these four in camera exposures 

The Lumix S1R takes a step further pixel-shift by capturing a total of eight exposures, sufficient not only to obtain full RGB data, but also to increase the pixel count to a stunning 187MP. You will not find a full-frame camera capable of capturing more detail. Moreover, it combines the separate images in the camera into a single RAW file that can be opened in Adobe Lightroom, Capture One or any other supplies .

However, high-resolution mode is not all. It requires a tripod and a non-moving subject, so for handheld work, portraits, wildlife photos, etc., the S1R does not hold a big lead. But it really can't beat for landscape photographers.

• 1. Shot on Lumix S1R 
• 2. Shot on Sony A7R III

SPEEDs

Both cameras perform at high ISO admirably, and while the Sony has the higher ISO maximum setting, the performance of the real world is very similar. These are both excellent sensors, and either way you can't go wrong, but for its higher quality and easier pixel-shift mode, the Lumix takes the win here.

With the A7R III topping out at 10 frames per second and the Lumix S1R just 1 fps behind it, both cameras are close in terms of burst rate. However, when you need it, the A7R III loses live view at that speed, forcing you to 8 fps. The Lumix S1R has a live view, but there is no continuous autofocus at 9 fps— if you need it, you'll need to drop to 6 fps. Bear in mind Neither of these cameras is advertised as sport photography machines in line with the Sony A9, but the ability of Sony to focus continuously at 10 fps gives it a slight edge here.

Winner: A7R III from Sony

AUTOPOSITION

The A7R III uses a rapid and accurate 399-point phase detection system, including in continuous mode. The S1R uses a system for contrast detection, divided into 225 zones.Usually contrast detection is much slower than phase detection, but with its proprietary Defocus Depth (DFD) technology, Panasonic takes a different approach to it. This dramatically improves performance and has usually been as fast as phase detection systems in our experience. However, it doesn't always work, and we have sometimes had problems with focus hunting Also, continuous autofocus does not match phase detection systems, although face and eye detection worked very well. In low light, it is also impressively good, with sensitivity down to-6 EV. The S1R is almost perfect for static subjects in still photography. The A7R III has the most reliable autofocus for moving subjects and video.

Winner: A7R III from Sony

DESIGN

With the battery charged, the Lumix S1R is by far the heavier and larger of the two, weighing in at more than 2 pounds. But if you can get over the weight, it provides the most functional and complete control layout of any mirrorless camera that we've ever tested ; by comparison, the A7R III looks spares.

While both cameras claim to have sealed the environment, the S1R certainly feels like the two's more durable. It also boasts the market's highest-resolution electronic viewfinder with 5.7 million pixels— 2 million more than the A7R III. Also, the 3.2-inch, 2.1-million-dot screen is larger and higher than the 3-inch, 1.44-million-dot screen from Sony. 

Both cameras offer dual memory card slots, but the S1R gives you one SD and one XQD where the A7R III uses both SD cards.

Winner: S1R from Lumix

STABILIZATION

Both cameras use 5-axis sensor-shift stabilization when handholding to counter camera movement, and both do a very good job in both still and video mode. Stabilization of the A7R III is rated for 5.5 shake reduction stops, where the S1R is good for 6 — or 6.5 in combination with an optically stabilized lens. It's not a big difference, but here the Lumix is taking another win. 

Winner: S1R from Lumix

Video

As a video company, both Sony and Panasonic are well known. Sony was one of the first to put 4 K into a mirrorless camera, and the GH series of Panasonic (built on the smaller Micro Four Thirds format) continues to show us some of the best video cameras you can buy. But the Lumix S1R does not really target the same audience. In fact, even in the S series, when it comes to video, the S1R falls behind the cheaper Lumix S1. 

That's not to say it's not capable; it's capable of shooting 4 K resolution up to 60 fps, where the A7R III is up to 30. That's its only advantage, though, and all 4 K video is recorded from a slightly cropped sensor region and without over-sampling, so quality won't stack up to some other cameras. The A7R III is capable of shooting both full-width 4 K and oversampled Super 35 4 K (which crops from an area of APS-C size), giving you a choice between a broader perspective or maximum detail. It also incorporates the different image profiles of Sony, including S-Log, a logarithmic tone curve that preserves a higher dynamic range. Internal recording is still restricted to 4:2:0 8-bit, so the A7R III is not the best. But if you're still a video-dabbling photographer, it will deliver what you need. 

Winner: A7R III from Sony

BATTERY LIFE

Compared to their DSLR counterparts, mirrorless cameras are suffering when it comes to battery life. The Lumix S1R manages a paltry 360 shots per charge based on CIPA ratings, even with its huge 3,050mAh battery. Keep in mind that it has to power an EVF of 5.7 million pixels, which probably attracts a lot of power, so it can be a fair deal. But before exhausting its battery, the Sony will take you through some 650 photos, again based on CIPA ratings (real world performance for both cameras may be much better). 

Panasonic built in a special Power Save Live View Finder (LVF) shooting mode, perhaps because its engineers realized how much power the S1R was going to consume, which somehow mimics how a DSLR manages power. In this mode, after a short time, the camera will go to sleep, but some functions will remain active, such as the EVF eye sensor and shutter button. In this mode, battery life is reported as more than 1,000 exposures. We still call this one in favor of Sony, but whatever camera you choose, we recommend that you pick up one or two spare batteries. 

Winner: A7R III from Sony 

LENSES

Sony's E-mount is part of a much more mature system than the Panasonic S series, so at this time there are quite a few more native lenses. However, the S1R is built around the Leica L mount, which already has a full compatible (if expensive— they're made by Leica after all) collection of lenses. Sigma also signed on to develop L-mount lenses, with 11 of their acclaimed Art-series lenses on the way. As of this moment, Sony is ahead — but in the next twelve months, things will look a lot different. This one is too close to calling, but it's a good idea to check before you buy into it if a system has any specific lenses you want. 

Winner: Tie

PICKING AN OVERALL WINNER

In the product names of both these cameras you may have noticed the R; that means resolution. And when it comes to resolution, the Lumix S1R simply doesn't beat. Its 47MP sensor outperforms the Sony slightly for normal photography, but takes a giant leap forward in high-resolution mode, offering 187MP, about four times the normal resolution. It's also the two's more durable and professional, with an absolutely fantastic EVF and control layout. 

But in some areas, such as continuous shooting speed and video features, the Sony still comes out ahead. It is also significantly cheaper (especially at the time of writing with current instant rebates), which means you can save some money for a nice lens. If money isn't an object, we may lean slightly towards the S1R, but it's hard to argue that the A7R III doesn't give you more value for your dollar.