We’re back at it with another camera comparison. This time it’s the Sony A7R iii vs Panasonic S1R! Which one will come out on top? Let’s dive in to see.
Watch the whole video HERE
Picture Quality Test
Starting off with our picture quality test, we’re going to compare the sensors and see how each camera renders color.
We had a rough time with lighting on this day, but all of that aside, the red definitely pops more with the Panasonic but for some reason, her skin comes across as more ashy.
The resolution at 28 is really sharp!
Dynamic Range Test
Right off the bat, the 2 images look really similar, but like before we still have the red popping on the Panasonic S1R more! The Sony is a little more washed out and the skin tone is looking better on the Panasonic.
-1
Already starting out with a flat day, this dynamic range test isn’t going to tell us as much as it usually does.
-2
Still looks good, but we’re starting to see some extra texture.
-3
Zooming in on her eyebrows, we’re starting to see this red cast on the Sony, but we’re not seeing it on the Panasonic.
-4
The Panasonic washed out all of a sudden and the red became more extreme on the Sony.
+1
+2
+3
Now you can see that color shift in her skin. Both are starting to look a bit more yellow.
+4
The Sony has a bit more detail, but overall they are very similar in regards to dynamic range.
ISO Test
400ISO
Very clean!
800ISO
The roll off starts to feel like it’s showing grain and it’s not as soft as you want it.
1600ISO
3200ISO
You definitely start to see the skin losing detail and converting into grain.
6400ISO
It does seem the Sony is winning a little bit.
12800ISO
25600ISO
The grain is more pronounced in the Panasonic, but the color is still better in the Panasonic.
But neither of these are holding up compared to their little siblings, the Panasonic 1S and the Sony A7iii.
Auto Focus Test
Time for the autofocus test, where she walks towards the camera and we take as many frames as we can. Both cameras are shooting at medium drive, as high drive runs out of buffer too quickly.
The Panasonic delivered mostly sharp images but some were out of focus, so we weren’t too impressed with it. But we are dealing with contrast-based autofocus, and working with really soft lighting.
The Sony did really well and the images feel sharper than the Panasonic. The A7Riii has killer focus.
Video Test
We’re going to take a couple of video clips with these cameras. The Sony has traditionally been a heavy hitter in the video department. The Panasonic though is bringing a lot to the table in terms of, it shoots 60FPS in 4k which is more than Sony.
They both have clarity to them, but it does look like you get more perceived resolution from the Panasonic. It seems crisper, and the brick looks more mushy in the Sony.
CONCLUSION
Which one do we like? It’s a real toss-up.
We really do like the body of the Panasonic and the placement is great. The EVF is super clear and there are a couple great features like preview button for exposure and aperture.
Whereas neither of us has ever loved the EVF on the Sony line. But in saying that, the Sony really is a high megapixel workhorse of a camera and the color is beautiful.
Both of these are really incredible cameras in that category. We think anyone that’s been using a GH5 is going to be really happy switching to the S1.It’s going to feel familiar, just a little bit bigger.
Which would you choose?
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Gear used:
Panasonic S1R
Sony A7Riii
Planar T FE 50mm f1.4 ZA Lens
Lumix S Pro 50mm 1.4 Lens
Datacolor SpyderCHECKR
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Vanguard Alta Pro 2+
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