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Panasonic S1 vs S1H

The Panasonic Lumix DC-S1 and the Panasonic Lumix DC-S1H are two enthusiast cameras that were announced, respectively, in February 2019 and May 2019. Both the S1 and the S1H are mirrorless interchangeable lens cameras that are equipped with a full frame sensor. Both cameras offer a resolution of 24 megapixels.

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

Headline Specifications
Panasonic S1
versus
Panasonic S1H
Panasonic S1   Panasonic S1H
Mirrorless system camera Mirrorless system camera
Leica L mount lenses Leica L mount lenses
24 MP – Full Frame sensor 24 MP – Full Frame sensor
4K/60p Video 6K/30p Video
ISO 100-51,200 (50 - 204,800) ISO 100-51,200 (50 - 204,800)
Electronic viewfinder (5760k dots) Electronic viewfinder (5760k dots)
3.2" LCD – 2100k dots 3.2" LCD – 2330k dots
Fully flexible touchscreen Swivel touchscreen
9 shutter flaps per second 9 shutter flaps per second
In-body stabilizationIn-body stabilization
Weathersealed bodyWeathersealed body
400 shots per battery charge400 shots per battery charge
149 x 110 x 97 mm, 1017 g 151 x 114 x 110 mm, 1052 g
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Going beyond this snapshot of core features and characteristics, what are the differences between the Panasonic Lumix DC-S1 and the Panasonic Lumix DC-S1H? 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.

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Body comparison

An illustration of the physical size and weight of the Panasonic S1 and the Panasonic S1H 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.

Size Panasonic S1 vs Panasonic S1H
Compare S1 versus S1H top
Comparison S1 or S1H rear

If the front view area (width x height) of the cameras is taken as an aggregate measure of their size, the Panasonic S1H is somewhat larger (5 percent) than the Panasonic S1. Moreover, the S1H is slightly heavier (3 percent) than the S1. In this context, it is worth noting that both cameras are splash and dust-proof and can, hence, be used in inclement weather conditions or harsh environments.

The above size and weight comparisons are to some extent incomplete since they do not consider the interchangeable lenses that both of these cameras require. Hence, you might want to study and compare the specifications of available lenses in order to get the full picture of the size and weight of the two camera systems.

The battery packs of both cameras can be charged via USB, 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.

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Body Specifications
# image Camera
Model
Camera
Width
Camera
Height
Camera
Depth
Camera
Weight
Battery
Life
Weather
Sealing
Camera
Launch
Launch
Price (USD)
Street
Price
1.
 
Panasonic S1 149 mm 110 mm 97 mm 1017 g 400 Y Feb 2019 2,499 amazon.com
2.
 
Panasonic S1H 151 mm 114 mm 110 mm 1052 g 400 Y May 2019 3,999 amazon.com
3.
 
Canon R6 138 mm 98 mm 88 mm 680 g 360 Y Jul 2020 2,499 amazon.com
4.
 
Leica SL2-S 146 mm 107 mm 83 mm 931 g 510 Y Dec 2020 4,895 amazon.com
5.
 
Leica SL 147 mm 104 mm 39 mm 847 g 400 Y Oct 2015 7,450ebay.com
6.
 
Nikon D600 141 mm 113 mm 82 mm 850 g 900 Y Sep 2012 2,099ebay.com
7.
 
Panasonic S5 133 mm 98 mm 82 mm 714 g 440 Y Sep 2020 1,999 amazon.com
8.
 
Panasonic S1R 149 mm 110 mm 97 mm 1016 g 380 Y Feb 2019 3,699 amazon.com
9.
 
Sigma fp 113 mm 70 mm 45 mm 422 g 280 Y Jul 2019 1,899 amazon.com
10.
 
Sony A99 II 143 mm 104 mm 76 mm 849 g 490 Y Sep 2016 3,199ebay.com
11.
 
Sony A850 156 mm 117 mm 82 mm 895 g 880 Y Aug 2009 1,999ebay.com
12.
 
Sony A900 156 mm 117 mm 82 mm 895 g 880 Y Sep 2008 2,999ebay.com
Note: Measurements and pricing do not include easily detachable parts, such as add-on or interchangeable lenses or optional viewfinders.
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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 S1 was launched at a markedly lower price (by 38 percent) than the S1H, which puts it into a different market segment. 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 size of the imaging sensor is a crucial determinant 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 are more costly to manufacture and tend to lead to bigger and heavier cameras and lenses.

Both cameras under consideration feature a full frame sensor and have a format factor (sometimes also referred to as "crop factor") of 1.0. Within the spectrum of camera sensors, this places the review cameras among the large-sensor cameras that aim for top notch image quality. Both cameras have a native aspect ratio (sensor width to sensor height) of 3:2.

Panasonic S1 and Panasonic S1H sensor measures

The two cameras under review do not only share the same sensor size, but also offer an identical resolution of 24 megapixels. This similarity in sensor specs implies that both the S1 and the S1H have the same pixel density, as well as the same pixel size. It should, however, be noted that the S1H is a somewhat more recent model (by 3 months) than the S1, and its sensor might have benefitted from technological advances during this time. Coming back to sensor resolution, it should be mentioned that the S1 has no anti-alias filter installed, so that it can capture all the detail its sensor resolves.

Both cameras have the capacity to capture high quality composite images by combining multiple shots after shifting the sensor by miniscule distances. This multi-shot, pixel-shift mode is most suitable for photography of stationary objects (landscapes, studio scenes).

The Panasonic Lumix DC-S1 has a native sensitivity range from ISO 100 to ISO 51200, which can be extended to ISO 50-204800. The Panasonic Lumix DC-S1H offers exactly the same ISO settings.

Technology-wise, both cameras are equipped with CMOS (Complementary Metal–Oxide–Semiconductor) sensors. Both cameras use a Bayer filter for capturing RGB colors on a square grid of photosensors. This arrangement is found in most digital cameras.

S1 versus S1H MP

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"). The following table provides an overview of the physical sensor characteristics, as well as the sensor quality measurements for a selection of comparators.

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Sensor Characteristics
# image Camera
Model
Sensor
Class
Resolution
(MP)
Horiz.
Pixels
Vert.
Pixels
Video
Format
DXO
Portrait
DXO
Landscape
DXO
Sports
DXO
Overall
1.
 
Panasonic S1 Full Frame 24.0 6000 40004K/60p25.214.5333395
2.
 
Panasonic S1H Full Frame 24.0 6000 40006K/30p25.214.2280594
3.
 
Canon R6 Full Frame 20.0 5472 36484k/60p24.214.3339490
4.
 
Leica SL2-S Full Frame 24.0 6000 40004K/60p25.214.1350495
5.
 
Leica SL Full Frame 24.0 6000 40004K/30p25.013.4182188
6.
 
Nikon D600 Full Frame 24.2 6016 40161080/30p25.114.2298094
7.
 
Panasonic S5 Full Frame 24.0 6000 40004K/60p25.114.5269794
8.
 
Panasonic S1R Full Frame 46.7 8368 55844K/60p26.414.13525100
9.
 
Sigma fp Full Frame 24.0 6000 40004K/30p25.214.2282994
10.
 
Sony A99 II Full Frame 42.2 7952 53044K/30p25.413.4231792
11.
 
Sony A850 Full Frame 24.4 6048 4032none23.812.2141579
12.
 
Sony A900 Full Frame 24.4 6048 4032none23.712.3143179
Note: DXO values in italics represent estimates based on sensor size and age.
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Many modern cameras are not only capable of taking still images, but also of capturing video footage. Both cameras under consideration have a sensor with sufficiently fast read-out times for moving pictures, but the S1H provides a better video resolution than the S1. It can shoot movie footage at 6K/30p, while the S1 is limited to 4K/60p.

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Feature comparison

Apart from body and sensor, cameras can and do differ across a range of features. The S1 and the S1H are similar in the sense that both feature an electronic viewfinder, which is helpful when framing images in bright sunlight. Moreover, their viewfinders offer an identical resolution of 5760k dots. The following table reports on some other key feature differences and similarities of the Panasonic S1, the Panasonic S1H, and comparable cameras.

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Core Features
# image Camera
Model
Viewfinder
(Type or
000 dots)
Control
Panel
(yes/no)
LCD
Specifications
(inch/000 dots)
LCD
Attach-
ment
Touch
Screen
(yes/no)
Max
Shutter
Speed *
Max
Shutter
Flaps *
Built-in
Flash
(yes/no)
Built-in
Image
Stab
1.
 
Panasonic S15760 Y3.2 / 2100 full-flex Y 1/8000s 9.0/s n Y
2.
 
Panasonic S1H5760 Y3.2 / 2330 swivel Y 1/8000s 9.0/s n Y
3.
 
Canon R63690 n3.0 / 1620 swivel Y 1/8000s 12.0/s n Y
4.
 
Leica SL2-S5760 Y3.2 / 2100 fixed Y 1/8000s 20.0/s n Y
5.
 
Leica SL4400 Y3.0 / 1040 fixed Y 1/8000s 11.0/s n n
6.
 
Nikon D600optical Y3.0 / 921 fixed n 1/4000s 5.5/s Y n
7.
 
Panasonic S52360 n3.0 / 1840 swivel Y 1/8000s 7.0/s n Y
8.
 
Panasonic S1R5760 Y3.2 / 2100 full-flex Y 1/8000s 9.0/s n Y
9.
 
Sigma fpoptional n3.2 / 2100 fixed Y 1/8000s 12.0/s n n
10.
 
Sony A99 II2400 Y3.0 / 1229 full-flex n 1/8000s 12.0/s n Y
11.
 
Sony A850optical Y3.0 / 922 fixed n 1/8000s 3.0/s n Y
12.
 
Sony A900optical Y3.0 / 922 fixed n 1/8000s 5.0/s n Y
Note: *) Information refers to the mechanical shutter, unless the camera only has an electronic one.
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The S1H has an articulated screen that can be turned to be front-facing. This characteristic will be appreciated by vloggers and photographers who are interested in taking selfies. In contrast, the S1 does not have a selfie-screen.

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 S1 and the Panasonic S1H both have 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 S1 writes its imaging data to SDXC or XQD cards, while the S1H uses SDXC cards. Both cameras feature dual card slots, which can be very useful in case a memory card fails. Moreover, both cameras support UHS-II cards (Ultra High Speed data transfer of up to 312 MB/s).

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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 DC-S1 and Panasonic Lumix DC-S1H and, in particular, the interfaces the cameras (and selected comparators) provide for accessory control and data transfer.

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Input-Output Connections
# image Camera
Model
Hotshoe
Port
Internal
Mic / Speaker
Microphone
Port
Headphone
Port
HDMI
Port
USB
Port
WiFi
Support
NFC
Support
Bluetooth
Support
1.
 
Panasonic S1Ystereo / monoYYfull3.1Y-Y
2.
 
Panasonic S1HYstereo / monoYYfull3.1Y-Y
3.
 
Canon R6Ymono / monoYYmicro3.2Y-Y
4.
 
Leica SL2-SYstereo / monoYYfull3.2Y-Y
5.
 
Leica SLYstereo / monoYYfull3.0Y--
6.
 
Nikon D600Ymono / monoYYmini2.0---
7.
 
Panasonic S5Ystereo / monoYYmicro3.2Y-Y
8.
 
Panasonic S1RYstereo / monoYYfull3.1Y-Y
9.
 
Sigma fpYstereo / monoY-micro3.1---
10.
 
Sony A99 IIYstereo / monoYYmicro2.0YYY
11.
 
Sony A850Y- / ---mini2.0---
12.
 
Sony A900Y- / ---mini2.0---
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Both cameras feature a PC Sync terminal to control professional strobe lights, which will be appreciated by studio photographers.

Both the S1 and the S1H are recent models that are part of the current product line-up. Neither of the two has a direct predecessor, so perhaps they will constitute the origins of new camera lines for Panasonic. Further information on the features and operation of the S1 and S1H can be found, respectively, in the Panasonic S1 Manual (free pdf) or the online Panasonic S1H Manual.

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Review summary

So what conclusions can be drawn? Which of the two cameras – the Panasonic S1 or the Panasonic S1H – 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 DC-S1:

  • Maximized detail: Lacks an anti-alias filter to exploit the sensor's full resolution potential.
  • More affordable: Was introduced into a lower priced category (38 percent cheaper at launch).
  • More heavily discounted: Has been on the market for longer (launched in February 2019).


Reasons to prefer the Panasonic Lumix DC-S1H:

  • Better moiré control: Has an anti-alias filter to avoid artificial patterns to appear in images.
  • Better video: Provides higher definition movie capture (6K/30p vs 4K/60p).
  • More selfie-friendly: Has an articulated screen that can be turned to be front-facing.
  • More modern: Was introduced somewhat (3 months) more recently.

If the count of relative strengths (bullet points above) is taken as a measure, the S1H comes out slightly ahead of the S1 (4 : 3 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.

S1 03:04 S1H

How about other alternatives? Do the specifications of the Panasonic S1 and the Panasonic S1H place the cameras among the top in their class? Find out in the latest Best Mirrorless Interchangeable Lens Camera listing 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 S1 or the S1H 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], digitalcameraworld [DCW], 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.

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Expert Camera Reviews
# image  Camera 
 Model 
 AP 
 score 
 CL 
 score 
 DCW 
 score 
 DPR 
 score 
 EPZ 
 score 
 PB 
 score 
Camera
Launch
Launch
Price (USD)
Street
Price
1.
 
Panasonic S14.5/5+ +4.5/588/1004.5/54/5 Feb 2019 2,499 amazon.com
2.
 
Panasonic S1H....4/590/100.... May 2019 3,999 amazon.com
3.
 
Canon R65/5+ +4/590/1004.5/55/5 Jul 2020 2,499 amazon.com
4.
 
Leica SL2-S4/5..4/5..4.5/54.5/5 Dec 2020 4,895 amazon.com
5.
 
Leica SL4/5..4/584/1004.5/54/5 Oct 2015 7,450ebay.com
6.
 
Nikon D6004/5+ +..87/1005/54.5/5 Sep 2012 2,099ebay.com
7.
 
Panasonic S54.5/5+ +4.5/588/1004.5/54.5/5 Sep 2020 1,999 amazon.com
8.
 
Panasonic S1R4.5/5..4.6/589/1004.5/54.5/5 Feb 2019 3,699 amazon.com
9.
 
Sigma fp4/5..4/5..4/54.5/5 Jul 2019 1,899 amazon.com
10.
 
Sony A99 II....4.5/585/1004.5/54.5/5 Sep 2016 3,199ebay.com
11.
 
Sony A8503/5....75/100..4.5/5 Aug 2009 1,999ebay.com
12.
 
Sony A900..+ +..+ +4.5/55/5 Sep 2008 2,999ebay.com
Note: (+ +) highly recommended; (+) recommended; (o) reviewed; (..) not available.
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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. It should also be noted that some of the review sites have over time altered the way they render their verdicts.

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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 S1 vs Panasonic S1H

    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.

    Camera Specifications
    Camera Model Panasonic S1 Panasonic S1H
    Camera Type Mirrorless system camera Mirrorless system camera
    Camera Lens Leica L mount lenses Leica L mount lenses
    Launch Date February 2019 May 2019
    Launch Price USD 2,499 USD 3,999
    Sensor Specs Panasonic S1 Panasonic S1H
    Sensor Technology CMOS CMOS
    Sensor Format Full Frame Sensor Full Frame Sensor
    Sensor Size 35.6 x 23.8 mm 35.6 x 23.8 mm
    Sensor Area 847.28 mm2 847.28 mm2
    Sensor Diagonal 42.8 mm 42.8 mm
    Crop Factor 1.0x 1.0x
    Sensor Resolution 24 Megapixels 24 Megapixels
    Image Resolution 6000 x 4000 pixels 6000 x 4000 pixels
    Pixel Pitch 5.94 μm 5.94 μm
    Pixel Density 2.83 MP/cm2 2.83 MP/cm2
    Moiré control no AA filter Anti-Alias filter
    Movie Capability 4K/60p Video 6K/30p Video
    ISO Setting 100 - 51,200 ISO 100 - 51,200 ISO
    ISO Boost 50 - 204,800 ISO 50 - 204,800 ISO
    Image Processor Venus Venus
    DXO Sensor Quality (score) 95 ..
    DXO Color Depth (bits) 25.2 ..
    DXO Dynamic Range (EV) 14.5 ..
    DXO Low Light (ISO) 3333 ..
    Screen Specs Panasonic S1 Panasonic S1H
    Viewfinder Type Electronic viewfinder Electronic viewfinder
    Viewfinder Field of View 100% 100%
    Viewfinder Magnification 0.78x 0.78x
    Viewfinder Resolution 5760k dots 5760k dots
    Top-Level Screen Control Panel Control Panel
    LCD Framing Live View Live View
    Rear LCD Size 3.2inch 3.2inch
    LCD Resolution 2100k dots 2330k dots
    LCD Attachment Fully flexible screen Swivel screen
    Touch Input Touchscreen Touchscreen
    Shooting Specs Panasonic S1 Panasonic S1H
    Focus System Contrast-detect AF Contrast-detect AF
    Manual Focusing AidFocus PeakingFocus Peaking
    Max Shutter Speed (mechanical) 1/8000s 1/8000s
    Continuous Shooting 9 shutter flaps/s 9 shutter flaps/s
    Shutter Life Expectancy400 000 actuations400 000 actuations
    Electronic Shutterup to 1/8000sup to 1/8000s
    Time-Lapse PhotographyIntervalometer built-inIntervalometer built-in
    Image StabilizationIn-body stabilizationIn-body stabilization
    Fill Flash no On-Board Flash no On-Board Flash
    Storage Medium SDXC or XQD cards SDXC cards
    Single or Dual Card Slots Dual card slots Dual card slots
    UHS card support UHS-II Dual UHS-II
    Connectivity Specs Panasonic S1 Panasonic S1H
    External Flash Hotshoe Hotshoe
    Studio Flash PC Sync socket PC Sync socket
    USB Connector USB 3.1 USB 3.1
    HDMI Port full HDMI full HDMI
    Microphone Port External MIC port External MIC port
    Headphone Socket Headphone port Headphone port
    Wifi Support Wifi built-in Wifi built-in
    Bluetooth Support Bluetooth built-in Bluetooth built-in
    Body Specs Panasonic S1 Panasonic S1H
    Environmental SealingWeathersealed bodyWeathersealed body
    Battery Type Panasonic DMW-BLJ31 Panasonic DMW-BLJ31
    Battery Life (CIPA)400 shots per charge400 shots per charge
    In-Camera Charging USB charging USB charging
    Body Dimensions 149 x 110 x 97 mm
    (5.9 x 4.3 x 3.8 in)
    151 x 114 x 110 mm
    (5.9 x 4.5 x 4.3 in)
    Camera Weight 1017 g (35.9 oz) 1052 g (37.1 oz)
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