Panasonic FZ1000 vs Sony A7S

The Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ1000 and the Sony Alpha A7S are two digital cameras that were announced, respectively, in June 2014 and April 2014. The FZ1000 is a fixed lens compact, while the A7S is a mirrorless interchangeable lens camera. The cameras are based on an one-inch (FZ1000) and a full frame (A7S) sensor. The Panasonic has a resolution of 20 megapixels, whereas the Sony provides 12 MP.

Below is an overview of the main specs of the two cameras as a starting point for the comparison.

Headline Specifications

Panasonic FZ1000		Sony A7S
Fixed lens compact camera		Mirrorless system camera
25-400mm f/2.8-4.0		Sony E mount lenses
20 MP, 1" Sensor		12 MP, Full Frame Sensor
4K/30p Video		1080/60p Video
ISO 125-12,800 (80 - 25,600)		ISO 100-102,400 (50 - 409,600)
Electronic viewfinder (2359k dots)		Electronic viewfinder (2400k dots)
3.0 LCD, 921k dots		3.0 LCD, 921k dots
Swivel screen (not touch-sensitive)		Tilting screen (not touch-sensitive)
12 shutter flaps per second		5 shutter flaps per second
not weather sealed		Weathersealed body
360 shots per battery charge		380 shots per battery charge
137 x 99 x 131 mm, 831 g		127 x 94 x 48 mm, 489 g

Going beyond this snapshot of core features and characteristics, what are the differences between the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ1000 and the Sony Alpha A7S? Which one should you buy? Read on to find out how these two cameras compare with respect to their body size, their imaging sensors, their shooting features, their input-output connections, and their reception by expert reviewers.

Body comparison

An illustration of the physical size and weight of the Panasonic FZ1000 and the Sony A7S is provided in the side-by-side display below. The two cameras are presented according to their relative size. Three successive views from the front, the top, and the rear are shown. All width, height and depth dimensions are rounded to the nearest millimeter.

If the front view area (width x height) of the cameras is taken as an aggregate measure of their size, the Sony A7S is notably smaller (12 percent) than the Panasonic FZ1000. It is noteworthy in this context that the A7S is splash and dust-proof, while the FZ1000 does not feature any corresponding weather-sealing.

The above size and weight comparisons are to some extent incomplete and possibly misleading, as the FZ1000 has a lens built in, whereas the A7S is an interchangeable lens camera that requires a separate lens. Attaching the latter will add extra weight and bulk to the setup. You can compare the optics available for the A7S and their specifications in the Sony FE Lens Catalog.

Concerning battery life, the FZ1000 gets 360 shots out of its DMW-BLC12 battery, while the A7S can take 380 images on a single charge of its NP-FW50 power pack. The power pack in the A7S can be charged via the USB port, which can be very convenient when travelling.

The following table provides a synthesis of the main physical specifications of the two cameras and other similar ones. If you want to switch the focus of the display and review another camera pair, you can move across to the CAM-parator tool and choose from the broad selection of possible camera comparisons there.

Body Specifications

		Camera Model	Camera Width	Camera Height	Camera Depth	Camera Weight	Battery Life	Weather Sealing	Camera Launch	Launch Price (USD)		Street Price
1.		Panasonic FZ1000	137 mm	99 mm	131 mm	831 g	360	n	Jun 2014	899
2.		Sony A7S	127 mm	94 mm	48 mm	489 g	380	Y	Apr 2014	2,499
3.		Canon G3 X	123 mm	77 mm	105 mm	733 g	300	Y	Jun 2015	999
4.		Canon G9 X	98 mm	58 mm	31 mm	209 g	220	n	Oct 2015	529
5.		Canon G7 X	103 mm	60 mm	40 mm	304 g	210	n	Sep 2014	699
6.		Nikon Df	144 mm	110 mm	67 mm	760 g	1400	Y	Nov 2013	2,749
7.		Panasonic FZ1000 II	136 mm	97 mm	131 mm	810 g	350	n	Feb 2019	899
8.		Panasonic FZ2500	138 mm	102 mm	135 mm	915 g	350	n	Sep 2016	1,199
9.		Panasonic LX100	115 mm	66 mm	55 mm	393 g	300	n	Sep 2014	899
10.		Sony A7S II	127 mm	96 mm	60 mm	627 g	370	Y	Sep 2015	2,999
11.		Sony RX10 II	129 mm	88 mm	102 mm	813 g	400	Y	Jun 2015	1,299
12.		Sony RX100 IV	102 mm	58 mm	41 mm	298 g	280	n	Jun 2015	999
13.		Sony A7 II	127 mm	96 mm	60 mm	599 g	350	Y	Nov 2014	1,999
14.		Sony RX100 III	102 mm	58 mm	41 mm	290 g	320	n	May 2014	799
15.		Sony A7	127 mm	94 mm	48 mm	474 g	340	Y	Oct 2013	1,699
16.		Sony A7R	127 mm	94 mm	48 mm	465 g	340	Y	Oct 2013	2,299
17.		Sony RX100 II	102 mm	58 mm	38 mm	281 g	350	n	Jun 2013	749
Notes: Measurements and pricing do not include easily detachable parts, such as add-on or interchangeable lenses or optional viewfinders.
Convert to Imperial

The price is, of course, an important factor in any camera decision. The listed launch prices provide an indication of the market segment that the manufacturer of the cameras have been targeting. The FZ1000 was launched at a lower price than the A7S, despite having a lens built in. Usually, retail prices stay at first close to the launch price, but after several months, discounts become available. Later in the product cycle and, in particular, when the replacement model is about to appear, further discounting and stock clearance sales often push the camera price considerably down.

Sensor comparison

The imaging sensor is at the core of digital cameras and its size is one of the main determining factors of image quality. A large sensor will tend to have larger individual pixels that provide better low-light sensitivity, wider dynamic range, and richer color-depth than smaller pixel-units in a sensor of the same technological generation. Further, a large sensor camera will give the photographer additional creative options when using shallow depth-of-field to isolate a subject from its background. On the downside, larger sensors tend to be associated with larger, more expensive camera bodies and lenses.

Of the two cameras under consideration, the Panasonic FZ1000 features an one-inch sensor and the Sony A7S a full frame sensor. The sensor area in the A7S is 638 percent bigger. As a result of these sensor size differences, the cameras have a format factor of, respectively, 2.7 and 1.0. Both cameras have a native aspect ratio (sensor width to sensor height) of 3:2.

Despite having a smaller sensor, the Panasonic FZ1000 offers a higher resolution of 20 megapixels, compared with 12 MP of the Sony A7S. This megapixels advantage comes at the cost of a higher pixel density and a smaller size of the individual pixel (with a pixel pitch of 2.41μm versus 8.45μm for the A7S). It is noteworthy in this context that the two cameras were released in close succession, so that their sensors are from the same technological generation.

The resolution advantage of the Panasonic FZ1000 implies greater flexibility for cropping images or the possibility to print larger pictures. The maximum print size of the FZ1000 for good quality output (200 dots per inch) amounts to 27.4 x 18.2 inches or 69.5 x 46.3 cm, for very good quality (250 dpi) 21.9 x 14.6 inches or 55.6 x 37.1 cm, and for excellent quality (300 dpi) 18.2 x 12.2 inches or 46.3 x 30.9 cm. The corresponding values for the Sony A7S are 21.2 x 14.2 inches or 53.8 x 36 cm for good quality, 17 x 11.3 inches or 43.1 x 28.8 cm for very good quality, and 14.1 x 9.4 inches or 35.9 x 24 cm for excellent quality prints.

The Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ1000 has a native sensitivity range from ISO 125 to ISO 12800, which can be extended to ISO 80-25600. The corresponding ISO settings for the Sony Alpha A7S are ISO 100 to ISO 102400, with the possibility to increase the ISO range to 50-409600.

Since 2007, DXO Mark has published sensor performance measurements that have been derived using a consistent methodology. This service determines an overall sensor rating, as well as sub-scores for low-light sensitivity ("DXO Sports"), dynamic range ("DXO Landscape"), and color depth ("DXO Portrait"). Of the two cameras under consideration, the A7S offers substantially better image quality than the FZ1000 (overall score 23 points higher). The advantage is based on 1.8 bits higher color depth, 1.5 EV in additional dynamic range, and 2.8 stops in additional low light sensitivity. The following table provides an overview of the physical sensor characteristics, as well as the sensor quality measurements for a selection of comparators.

Sensor Characteristics

		Camera Model	Sensor Class	Resolution (MP)	Horiz. Pixels	Vert. Pixels	Video Format	DXO Portrait	DXO Landscape	DXO Sports		DXO Overall
1.		Panasonic FZ1000	1-inch	20.0	5472	3648	4K/30p	22.1	11.7	517		64
2.		Sony A7S	Full Frame	12.0	4240	2832	1080/60p	23.9	13.2	3702		87
3.		Canon G3 X	1-inch	20.0	5472	3648	1080/60p	21.4	12.3	521		63
4.		Canon G9 X	1-inch	20.0	5472	3648	1080/60p	21.5	12.3	495		63
5.		Canon G7 X	1-inch	20.0	5472	3648	1080/60p	23.0	12.7	556		71
6.		Nikon Df	Full Frame	16.2	4928	3280	none	24.6	13.1	3279		89
7.		Panasonic FZ1000 II	1-inch	20.0	5472	3648	4K/30p	..	..	..		..
8.		Panasonic FZ2500	1-inch	20.0	5472	3648	4K/30p	..	..	..		..
9.		Panasonic LX100	Four Thirds	12.7	4112	3088	4K/30p	22.3	12.5	553		67
10.		Sony A7S II	Full Frame	12.0	4240	2832	4K/30p	23.6	13.3	2993		85
11.		Sony RX10 II	1-inch	20.0	5472	3648	4K/30p	23.0	12.6	531		70
12.		Sony RX100 IV	1-inch	20.0	5472	3648	4K/30p	22.8	12.6	591		70
13.		Sony A7 II	Full Frame	24.0	6000	4000	1080/60p	24.9	13.6	2449		90
14.		Sony RX100 III	1-inch	20.0	5472	3648	1080/60p	22.4	12.3	495		67
15.		Sony A7	Full Frame	24.0	6000	4000	1080/60p	24.8	14.2	2248		90
16.		Sony A7R	Full Frame	36.2	7360	4912	1080/60p	25.6	14.1	2746		95
17.		Sony RX100 II	1-inch	20.0	5472	3648	1080/60p	22.5	12.4	483		67

Many modern cameras cannot only take still pictures, but also record videos. Both cameras under consideration have a sensor with sufficiently fast read-out times for moving pictures, but the FZ1000 provides a higher video resolution than the A7S. It can shoot video footage at 4K/30p, while the Sony is limited to 1080/60p.

Feature comparison

Apart from body and sensor, cameras can and do differ across a range of features. The two cameras under review are similar with respect to both having an electronic viewfinder. However, the one in the A7S offers a slightly higher resolution than the one in the FZ1000 (2400k vs 2359k dots). The following table reports on some other key feature differences and similarities of the Panasonic FZ1000, the Sony A7S, and comparable cameras.

Core Features

		Camera Model	Viewfinder (Type or 000 dots)	Control Panel (yes/no)	LCD Size (inch)	LCD Resolution (000 dots)	LCD Attach- ment	Touch Screen (yes/no)	Mech Shutter Speed	Shutter Flaps (1/sec)	Built-in Flash (yes/no)	Built-in Image Stab
1.		Panasonic FZ1000	2359	n	3.0	921	swivel	n	1/4000s	12.0	Y	Y
2.		Sony A7S	2400	n	3.0	921	tilting	n	1/8000s	5.0	n	n
3.		Canon G3 X	optional	n	3.2	1620	tilting	Y	1/2000s	5.9	Y	Y
4.		Canon G9 X	none	n	3.0	1040	fixed	Y	1/2000s	6.0	Y	Y
5.		Canon G7 X	none	n	3.0	1040	tilting	Y	1/2000s	6.5	Y	Y
6.		Nikon Df	optical	Y	3.2	921	fixed	n	1/4000s	5.5	n	n
7.		Panasonic FZ1000 II	2360	n	3.0	1240	swivel	Y	1/4000s	12.0	Y	Y
8.		Panasonic FZ2500	2360	n	3.0	1040	swivel	Y	1/4000s	12.0	Y	Y
9.		Panasonic LX100	2764	n	3.0	921	fixed	n	1/4000s	11.0	n	Y
10.		Sony A7S II	2400	n	3.0	1229	tilting	n	1/8000s	5.0	n	Y
11.		Sony RX10 II	2359	Y	3.0	1229	tilting	n	1/3200s	14.0	Y	Y
12.		Sony RX100 IV	2359	n	3.0	1228	tilting	n	1/2000s	16.0	Y	Y
13.		Sony A7 II	2400	n	3.0	1230	tilting	n	1/8000s	5.0	n	Y
14.		Sony RX100 III	1440	n	3.0	1229	tilting	n	1/2000s	10.0	Y	Y
15.		Sony A7	2400	n	3.0	1230	tilting	n	1/8000s	5.0	n	n
16.		Sony A7R	2400	n	3.0	1230	tilting	n	1/8000s	4.0	n	n
17.		Sony RX100 II	optional	n	3.0	1229	tilting	n	1/2000s	10.0	Y	Y

One difference between the cameras concerns the presence of an on-board flash. The FZ1000 has one, while the A7S does not. While the built-in flash of the FZ1000 is not very powerful, it can at times be useful as a fill-in light.

The reported shutter speed information refers to the use of the mechanical shutter. Yet, some cameras only have an electronic shutter, while others have an electronic shutter in addition to a mechanical one. In fact, both cameras under consideration feature an electronic shutter, which makes completely silent shooting possible. However, this mode is less suitable for photographing moving objects (risk of rolling shutter) or shooting under artificial light sources (risk of flickering).

The Panasonic FZ1000 has an intervalometer built-in. This enables the photographer to capture time lapse sequences, such as flower blooming, a sunset or moon rise, without purchasing an external camera trigger and related software.

The FZ1000 writes its imaging data to SDXC cards, while the A7S uses SDXC or Memory Stick PRO Duo cards. Both cameras can use UHS-I cards, which provide for Ultra High Speed data transfer of up to 104 MB/s.

Connectivity comparison

For some imaging applications, the extent to which a camera can communicate with its environment can be an important aspect in the camera decision process. The table below provides an overview of the connectivity of the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ1000 and Sony Alpha A7S and, in particular, the interfaces the cameras (and selected comparators) provide for accessory control and data transfer.

Input-Output Connections

		Camera Model	Hotshoe Port	Internal Microphone	Internal Speaker	Microphone Port	Headphone Port	HDMI Port	USB Port	WiFi Support	NFC Support	Bluetooth Support
1.		Panasonic FZ1000	Y	stereo	mono	Y	-	micro	2.0	Y	Y	-
2.		Sony A7S	Y	stereo	mono	Y	Y	micro	2.0	Y	Y	-
3.		Canon G3 X	Y	stereo	mono	Y	Y	mini	2.0	Y	Y	-
4.		Canon G9 X	-	stereo	mono	-	-	micro	2.0	Y	Y	-
5.		Canon G7 X	-	stereo	mono	-	-	micro	2.0	Y	Y	-
6.		Nikon Df	Y	-	-	-	-	mini	2.0	-	-	-
7.		Panasonic FZ1000 II	Y	stereo	mono	Y	-	micro	2.0	Y	-	Y
8.		Panasonic FZ2500	Y	stereo	mono	Y	Y	micro	2.0	Y	-	-
9.		Panasonic LX100	Y	stereo	mono	-	-	micro	2.0	Y	Y	-
10.		Sony A7S II	Y	stereo	mono	Y	Y	micro	2.0	Y	Y	-
11.		Sony RX10 II	Y	stereo	mono	Y	Y	micro	2.0	Y	Y	-
12.		Sony RX100 IV	-	stereo	mono	-	-	micro	2.0	Y	Y	-
13.		Sony A7 II	Y	stereo	mono	Y	Y	micro	2.0	Y	Y	-
14.		Sony RX100 III	-	stereo	mono	-	-	micro	2.0	Y	Y	-
15.		Sony A7	Y	stereo	mono	Y	Y	micro	2.0	Y	Y	-
16.		Sony A7R	Y	stereo	mono	Y	Y	micro	2.0	Y	Y	-
17.		Sony RX100 II	Y	stereo	mono	-	-	micro	2.0	Y	Y	-

Both the FZ1000 and the A7S have been discontinued, but can regularly be found used on eBay. The A7S was replaced by the Sony A7S II, while the FZ1000 was followed by the Panasonic FZ2500. Further information on the two cameras (e.g. user guides, manuals), as well as related accessories, can be found on the official Panasonic and Sony websites.

Review summary

So what conclusions can be drawn? Which of the two cameras – the Panasonic FZ1000 or the Sony A7S – has the upper hand? Is one clearly better than the other? Below is a summary of the relative strengths of each of the two contestants.

Arguments in favor of the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ1000:

• More detail: Offers more megapixels (20 vs 12MP) with a 29% higher linear resolution.
• Better video: Provides higher definition movie capture (4K/30p vs 1080/60p).
• More flexible LCD: Has a swivel screen for odd-angle shots in portrait or landscape orientation.
• More selfie-friendly: Has an articulated screen that can be turned to be front-facing.
• Faster burst: Shoots at higher frequency (12 vs 5 flaps/sec) to capture the decisive moment.
• Easier time-lapse photography: Has an intervalometer built-in for low frequency shooting.
• Ready to shoot: Has a lens built-in, whereas the A7S requires a separate lens.
• Sharper images: Has hand-shake reducing image stabilization built-in.
• Easier fill-in: Is equipped with a small onboard flash to brighten deep shadow areas.
• More affordable: Was introduced at a lower price, despite coming with a built-in lens.

Reasons to prefer the Sony Alpha A7S:

• Better image quality: Scores substantially higher (23 points) in the DXO overall evaluation.
• Richer colors: Generates noticeably more natural colors (1.8 bits more color depth).
• More dynamic range: Captures a broader range of light and dark details (1.5 EV of extra DR).
• Better low-light sensitivity: Can shoot in dim conditions (2.8 stops ISO advantage).
• Better sound control: Has a headphone port that enables audio monitoring while recording.
• Larger viewfinder image: Features a viewfinder with a higher magnification (0.71x vs 0.70x).
• Faster shutter: Has higher mechanical shutter speed (1/8000s vs 1/4000s) to freeze action.
• More flexible: Takes interchangeable lenses and can thus be used with specialty optics.
• More compact: Is smaller (127x94mm vs 137x99mm) and will fit more readily into a bag.
• Easier travel charging: Can be conveniently charged via its USB port.
• Better sealing: Is splash and dust sealed for shooting in inclement weather conditions.

If the count of relative strengths (bullet points above) is taken as a measure, the A7S comes out slightly ahead of the FZ1000 (11 : 10 points). However, the relative importance of the various individual camera aspects will vary according to personal preferences and needs, so that you might like to apply corresponding weights to the particular features before making a decision on a new camera. A professional wedding photographer will view the differences between cameras in a way that diverges from the perspective of a travel photog, and a person interested in cityscapes has distinct needs from a macro shooter. Hence, the decision which camera is best and worth buying is often a very personal one.

How about other alternatives? Do the specifications of the Panasonic FZ1000 and the Sony A7S place the cameras among the top in their class? Find out in the latest Best Superzoom Camera and Best Mirrorless Interchangeable Lens Camera listings whether the two cameras rank among the cream of the crop.

In any case, while the comparison of the spec-sheets of cameras can offer a general idea of their imaging potential, it remains incomplete and does no justice, for example, to the way the FZ1000 or the A7S perform in practice. User reviews that are available, for instance, at amazon can sometimes shed light on these issues, but such feedback is all too often partial, inconsistent, and inaccurate.

Expert reviews

This is where reviews by experts come in. The following table reports the overall ratings of the cameras as published by some of the major camera review sites (amateurphotographer [AP], cameralabs [CL], dpreview [DPR], ephotozine [EPZ], photographyblog [PB]). As can be seen, the professional reviewers agree in many cases on the quality of different cameras, but sometimes their assessments diverge, reinforcing the earlier point that a camera decision is often a very personal choice.

Expert Camera Reviews

		Camera   Model	AP   score	CL   score	DPR   score	EPZ   score	PB   score	Camera Launch	Launch Price (USD)			Street Price
1.		Panasonic FZ1000	4/5	+ +	82/100	4.5/5	4.5/5	Jun 2014	899
2.		Sony A7S	4/5	..	86/100	4.5/5	5/5	Apr 2014	2,499
3.		Canon G3 X	3.5/5	+	..	4.5/5	4/5	Jun 2015	999
4.		Canon G9 X	3.5/5	+ +	..	4.5/5	4.5/5	Oct 2015	529
5.		Canon G7 X	4/5	+ +	77/100	4.5/5	4.5/5	Sep 2014	699
6.		Nikon Df	4/5	..	81/100	4/5	4/5	Nov 2013	2,749
7.		Panasonic FZ1000 II	..	..	83/100	4.5/5	4.5/5	Feb 2019	899
8.		Panasonic FZ2500	..	+	82/100	4.5/5	5/5	Sep 2016	1,199
9.		Panasonic LX100	5/5	+ +	85/100	5/5	5/5	Sep 2014	899
10.		Sony A7S II	5/5	+	..	4.5/5	5/5	Sep 2015	2,999
11.		Sony RX10 II	5/5	+ +	82/100	4.5/5	4/5	Jun 2015	1,299
12.		Sony RX100 IV	4.5/5	+ +	85/100	4/5	4.5/5	Jun 2015	999
13.		Sony A7 II	5/5	+	82/100	4.5/5	5/5	Nov 2014	1,999
14.		Sony RX100 III	5/5	+ +	82/100	4.5/5	5/5	May 2014	799
15.		Sony A7	5/5	+ +	80/100	5/5	5/5	Oct 2013	1,699
16.		Sony A7R	5/5	+ +	82/100	4.5/5	5/5	Oct 2013	2,299
17.		Sony RX100 II	5/5	+ +	79/100	4.5/5	4.5/5	Jun 2013	749
Notes: (+ +) highly recommended; (+) recommended; (o) reviewed; (..) not available.

The above review scores should be interpreted with care, though. The ratings were established in reference to similarly priced cameras that were available in the market at the time of the review. A score, therefore, has to be seen in close connection to the price and market introduction time of the camera, and rating-comparisons among cameras that span long time periods or concern very differently equipped models make little sense. Also, kindly note that some of the listed sites have over time developped their review approaches and their reporting style.

Other camera comparisons

Did this review help to inform your camera decision process? In case you would like to check on the differences and similarities of other camera models, just use the search menu below. Alternatively, you can follow any of the listed hyperlinks for comparisons that others found interesting.

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Specifications: Panasonic FZ1000 vs Sony A7S

Below is a side-by-side comparison of the specs of the two cameras to facilitate a quick review of their differences and common features.

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