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Panasonic S1R vs S1

The Panasonic Lumix DC-S1R and the Panasonic Lumix DC-S1 are two enthusiast cameras that were announced in February 2019. Both the S1R and the S1 are mirrorless interchangeable lens cameras that are equipped with a full frame sensor. The S1R has a resolution of 46.7 megapixels, whereas the S1 provides 24 MP.

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

Headline Specifications
Panasonic S1R
versus
Panasonic S1
Panasonic S1R   Panasonic S1
Mirrorless system camera Mirrorless system camera
Leica L mount lenses Leica L mount lenses
46.7 MP – Full Frame sensor 24 MP – Full Frame sensor
4K/60p Video 4K/60p Video
ISO 100-25,600 (50 - 51,200) ISO 100-51,200 (50 - 204,800)
Electronic viewfinder (5760k dots) Electronic viewfinder (5760k dots)
3.2" LCD – 2100k dots 3.2" LCD – 2100k dots
Fully flexible touchscreen Fully flexible touchscreen
9 shutter flaps per second 9 shutter flaps per second
In-body stabilizationIn-body stabilization
Weathersealed bodyWeathersealed body
380 shots per battery charge400 shots per battery charge
149 x 110 x 97 mm, 1016 g 149 x 110 x 97 mm, 1017 g
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Going beyond this snapshot of core features and characteristics, what are the differences between the Panasonic Lumix DC-S1R and the Panasonic Lumix DC-S1? 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 S1R and the Panasonic S1 is provided in the side-by-side display below. The two cameras are presented according to their relative size. Three consecutive views from the front, the top, and the rear side are shown. All size dimensions are rounded to the nearest millimeter.

Size Panasonic S1R vs Panasonic S1
Compare S1R versus S1 top
Comparison S1R or S1 rear

In this particular case, the Panasonic S1R and the Panasonic S1 have exactly the same width and height, and, thus, have identically-sized bodies. Moreover, the two cameras also share the same weight. 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. In case you want to display and compare another camera duo, you can use the CAM-parator app to select your camera combination among a large number of options.

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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 S1R 149 mm 110 mm 97 mm 1016 g 380 Y Feb 2019 3,699 amazon.com
2.
 
Panasonic S1 149 mm 110 mm 97 mm 1017 g 400 Y Feb 2019 2,499 amazon.com
3.
 
Canon R5 138 mm 98 mm 88 mm 738 g 320 Y Jul 2020 3,899 amazon.com
4.
 
Canon R6 138 mm 98 mm 88 mm 680 g 360 Y Jul 2020 2,499 amazon.com
5.
 
Canon 5DS 152 mm 116 mm 76 mm 930 g 700 Y Feb 2015 3,699ebay.com
6.
 
Leica SL2-S 146 mm 107 mm 83 mm 931 g 510 Y Dec 2020 4,895 amazon.com
7.
 
Leica SL2 146 mm 107 mm 42 mm 953 g 370 Y Nov 2019 5,999 amazon.com
8.
 
Nikon Z8 144 mm 119 mm 83 mm 910 g 340 Y May 2023 3,999 amazon.com
9.
 
Nikon Z7 134 mm 101 mm 67 mm 675 g 330 Y Aug 2018 3,399ebay.com
10.
 
Panasonic S5 133 mm 98 mm 82 mm 714 g 440 Y Sep 2020 1,999 amazon.com
11.
 
Panasonic S1H 151 mm 114 mm 110 mm 1052 g 400 Y May 2019 3,999 amazon.com
12.
 
Sony A99 II 143 mm 104 mm 76 mm 849 g 490 Y Sep 2016 3,199ebay.com
13.
 
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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Any camera decision will naturally be influenced heavily by the price. 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 32 percent) than the S1R, which puts it into a different market segment. Normally, street prices remain initially close to the MSRP, but after a couple of months, the first discounts appear. 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. Moreover, a large sensor camera will give the photographer more control over depth-of-field in the image and, thus, the ability to better isolate a subject from the 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, but their sensors differ slightly in size. The sensor area in the S1 is 2 percent smaller. They nevertheless have the same format factor of 1.0. Both cameras have a native aspect ratio (sensor width to sensor height) of 3:2.

Panasonic S1R and Panasonic S1 sensor measures

With 46.7MP, the S1R offers a higher resolution than the S1 (24MP), but the S1R has smaller individual pixels (pixel pitch of 4.30μm versus 5.94μm for the S1). 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. Coming back to sensor resolution, it should be mentioned that neither of the two cameras has an anti-alias filter installed, so they are able to capture all the detail the sensor resolves.

The resolution advantage of the Panasonic S1R implies greater flexibility for cropping images or the possibility to print larger pictures. The maximum print size of the S1R for good quality output (200 dots per inch) amounts to 41.8 x 27.9 inches or 106.3 x 70.9 cm, for very good quality (250 dpi) 33.5 x 22.3 inches or 85 x 56.7 cm, and for excellent quality (300 dpi) 27.9 x 18.6 inches or 70.8 x 47.3 cm. The corresponding values for the Panasonic S1 are 30 x 20 inches or 76.2 x 50.8 cm for good quality, 24 x 16 inches or 61 x 40.6 cm for very good quality, and 20 x 13.3 inches or 50.8 x 33.9 cm for excellent quality prints.

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-S1R has a native sensitivity range from ISO 100 to ISO 25600, which can be extended to ISO 50-51200. The corresponding ISO settings for the Panasonic Lumix DC-S1 are ISO 100 to ISO 51200, with the possibility to increase the ISO range to 50-204800.

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.

S1R versus S1 MP

Since 2007, DXO Mark has published sensor performance measurements that have been derived using a consistent methodology. This service is based on lab testing and assigns an overall score to each camera sensor, as well as ratings for dynamic range ("DXO Landscape"), color depth ("DXO Portrait"), and low-light sensitivity ("DXO Sports"). Of the two cameras under review, the S1R has a notably higher overall DXO score than the S1 (overall score 5 points higher), which gives it an advantage in terms of imaging quality. This advantage is based on 1.2 bits higher color depth, 0.4 EV of lower dynamic range, and 0.1 stops in additional low light sensitivity. The table below summarizes the physical sensor characteristics and sensor quality findings and compares them across a set of similar cameras.

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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 S1R Full Frame 46.7 8368 55844K/60p26.414.13525100
2.
 
Panasonic S1 Full Frame 24.0 6000 40004K/60p25.214.5333395
3.
 
Canon R5 Full Frame 44.8 8192 54648K/30p25.314.6304295
4.
 
Canon R6 Full Frame 20.0 5472 36484k/60p24.214.3339490
5.
 
Canon 5DS Full Frame 50.3 8688 57921080/30p24.712.4238187
6.
 
Leica SL2-S Full Frame 24.0 6000 40004K/60p25.214.1350495
7.
 
Leica SL2 Full Frame 46.7 8368 55844K/60p25.314.3286695
8.
 
Nikon Z8 Full Frame 45.4 8256 55048K/30p26.314.2254898
9.
 
Nikon Z7 Full Frame 45.4 8256 55044K/30p26.314.6266899
10.
 
Panasonic S5 Full Frame 24.0 6000 40004K/60p25.114.5269794
11.
 
Panasonic S1H Full Frame 24.0 6000 40006K/30p25.214.2280594
12.
 
Sony A99 II Full Frame 42.2 7952 53044K/30p25.413.4231792
13.
 
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 are equipped with sensors that have a sufficiently high read-out speed for moving images, and both provide the same movie specifications (4K/60p).

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Feature comparison

Apart from body and sensor, cameras can and do differ across a range of features. The S1R and the S1 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 table below summarizes some of the other core capabilities of the Panasonic S1R and Panasonic S1 in connection with corresponding information for a sample of similar 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 S1R5760 Y3.2 / 2100 full-flex Y 1/8000s 9.0/s n Y
2.
 
Panasonic S15760 Y3.2 / 2100 full-flex Y 1/8000s 9.0/s n Y
3.
 
Canon R55760 Y3.2 / 2100 swivel Y 1/8000s 12.0/s n Y
4.
 
Canon R63690 n3.0 / 1620 swivel Y 1/8000s 12.0/s n Y
5.
 
Canon 5DSoptical Y3.2 / 1040 fixed n 1/8000s 5.0/s n n
6.
 
Leica SL2-S5760 Y3.2 / 2100 fixed Y 1/8000s 20.0/s n Y
7.
 
Leica SL25760 Y3.2 / 2100 fixed Y 1/8000s 10.0/s n Y
8.
 
Nikon Z83690 Y3.2 / 2089 full-flex Y 1/32000s 30.0/s n Y
9.
 
Nikon Z73690 Y3.2 / 2100 tilting Y 1/8000s 9.0/s n Y
10.
 
Panasonic S52360 n3.0 / 1840 swivel Y 1/8000s 7.0/s n Y
11.
 
Panasonic S1H5760 Y3.2 / 2330 swivel Y 1/8000s 9.0/s n Y
12.
 
Sony A99 II2400 Y3.0 / 1229 full-flex n 1/8000s 12.0/s n Y
13.
 
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.
padding

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 S1R and the Panasonic S1 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.

Concerning the storage of imaging data, both the S1R and the S1 write their files to SDXC or XQD cards. Both cameras feature dual card slots, which can be very useful in case a memory card fails. Both cameras support UHS-II cards, which provide for 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-S1R and Panasonic Lumix DC-S1 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 S1RYstereo / monoYYfull3.1Y-Y
2.
 
Panasonic S1Ystereo / monoYYfull3.1Y-Y
3.
 
Canon R5Ymono / monoYYmicro3.2Y-Y
4.
 
Canon R6Ymono / monoYYmicro3.2Y-Y
5.
 
Canon 5DSYmono / monoY-mini3.0---
6.
 
Leica SL2-SYstereo / monoYYfull3.2Y-Y
7.
 
Leica SL2Ystereo / monoYYfull3.1Y-Y
8.
 
Nikon Z8Ystereo / monoYYfull3.2Y-Y
9.
 
Nikon Z7Ystereo / monoYYmicro3.1Y-Y
10.
 
Panasonic S5Ystereo / monoYYmicro3.2Y-Y
11.
 
Panasonic S1HYstereo / monoYYfull3.1Y-Y
12.
 
Sony A99 IIYstereo / monoYYmicro2.0YYY
13.
 
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 S1R and the S1 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 S1R and S1 can be found, respectively, in the Panasonic S1R Manual (free pdf) or the online Panasonic S1 Manual.

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Review summary

So how do things add up? Is the Panasonic S1R better than the Panasonic S1 or vice versa? The listing below highlights the relative strengths of the two models.


Advantages of the Panasonic Lumix DC-S1R:

  • More detail: Offers more megapixels (46.7 vs 24MP) with a 40% higher linear resolution.
  • Better image quality: Scores markedly higher (5 points) in the DXO overall assessment.
  • Richer colors: Generates images with noticeably better colors (1.2 bits more color depth).


Reasons to prefer the Panasonic Lumix DC-S1:

  • More affordable: Was introduced into a lower priced category (32 percent cheaper at launch).

If the count of individual advantages (bullet points above) is taken as a guide, the S1R emerges as the winner of the contest (3 : 1 points). However, the relevance of individual strengths will vary across photographers, so that you might want to apply your own weighing scheme to the summary points when reflecting and deciding on a new camera. A professional wildlife photographer will view the differences between cameras in a way that diverges from the perspective of a family photog, and a person interested in architecture has distinct needs from a sports shooter. Hence, the decision which camera is best and worth buying is often a very personal one.

S1R 03:01 S1

How about other alternatives? Do the specifications of the Panasonic S1R and the Panasonic S1 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 specs-based evaluation of cameras can be instructive in revealing their potential as photographic tools, it says little about, for example, the shooting experience and imaging performance of the S1R and the S1 in practical situations. At times, user reviews, such as those published at amazon, address these issues in a useful manner, but such feedback is on many occasions incomplete, inconsistent, and unreliable.

Expert reviews

This is why expert reviews are important. The table below provides a synthesis of the camera assessments of some of the best known photo-gear 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 S1R4.5/5..4.6/589/1004.5/54.5/5 Feb 2019 3,699 amazon.com
2.
 
Panasonic S14.5/5+ +4.5/588/1004.5/54/5 Feb 2019 2,499 amazon.com
3.
 
Canon R54.5/5+4/591/1004.5/54.5/5 Jul 2020 3,899 amazon.com
4.
 
Canon R65/5+ +4/590/1004.5/55/5 Jul 2020 2,499 amazon.com
5.
 
Canon 5DS..+..83/1004.5/54.5/5 Feb 2015 3,699ebay.com
6.
 
Leica SL2-S4/5..4/5..4.5/54.5/5 Dec 2020 4,895 amazon.com
7.
 
Leica SL24/5..4.5/5..4.5/54/5 Nov 2019 5,999 amazon.com
8.
 
Nikon Z85/5..5/594/1005/54.5/5 May 2023 3,999 amazon.com
9.
 
Nikon Z75/5+4.8/589/1004.5/55/5 Aug 2018 3,399ebay.com
10.
 
Panasonic S54.5/5+ +4.5/588/1004.5/54.5/5 Sep 2020 1,999 amazon.com
11.
 
Panasonic S1H....4/590/100.... May 2019 3,999 amazon.com
12.
 
Sony A99 II....4.5/585/1004.5/54.5/5 Sep 2016 3,199ebay.com
13.
 
Sony A900..+ +..+ +4.5/55/5 Sep 2008 2,999ebay.com
Note: (+ +) highly recommended; (+) recommended; (o) reviewed; (..) not available.
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The review scores listed above should be treated with care, though. The assessments were made in relation to similar cameras of the same technological generation. A score, therefore, has to be seen in close connection to the price and market introduction time of the camera, and comparisons of ratings among very different cameras or across long time periods have little meaning. 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 are interested in seeing how other cameras pair up, just make your choice using the following search menu. As an alternative, you can also directly jump to any one of the listed comparisons that were previously generated by the CAM-parator tool.

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    Specifications: Panasonic S1R vs Panasonic S1

    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 S1R Panasonic S1
    Camera Type Mirrorless system camera Mirrorless system camera
    Camera Lens Leica L mount lenses Leica L mount lenses
    Launch Date February 2019 February 2019
    Launch Price USD 3,699 USD 2,499
    Sensor Specs Panasonic S1R Panasonic S1
    Sensor Technology CMOS CMOS
    Sensor Format Full Frame Sensor Full Frame Sensor
    Sensor Size 36.0 x 24.0 mm 35.6 x 23.8 mm
    Sensor Area 864 mm2 847.28 mm2
    Sensor Diagonal 43.3 mm 42.8 mm
    Crop Factor 1.0x 1.0x
    Sensor Resolution 46.7 Megapixels 24 Megapixels
    Image Resolution 8368 x 5584 pixels 6000 x 4000 pixels
    Pixel Pitch 4.30 μm 5.94 μm
    Pixel Density 5.41 MP/cm2 2.83 MP/cm2
    Moiré control no AA filter no AA filter
    Movie Capability 4K/60p Video 4K/60p Video
    ISO Setting 100 - 25,600 ISO 100 - 51,200 ISO
    ISO Boost 50 - 51,200 ISO 50 - 204,800 ISO
    Image Processor Venus Venus
    DXO Sensor Quality (score) 100 95
    DXO Color Depth (bits) 26.4 25.2
    DXO Dynamic Range (EV) 14.1 14.5
    DXO Low Light (ISO) 3525 3333
    Screen Specs Panasonic S1R Panasonic S1
    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 2100k dots
    LCD Attachment Fully flexible screen Fully flexible screen
    Touch Input Touchscreen Touchscreen
    Shooting Specs Panasonic S1R Panasonic S1
    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 or XQD cards
    Single or Dual Card Slots Dual card slots Dual card slots
    UHS card support Dual UHS-II UHS-II
    Connectivity Specs Panasonic S1R Panasonic S1
    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 S1R Panasonic S1
    Environmental SealingWeathersealed bodyWeathersealed body
    Battery Type Panasonic DMW-BLJ31 Panasonic DMW-BLJ31
    Battery Life (CIPA)380 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)
    149 x 110 x 97 mm
    (5.9 x 4.3 x 3.8 in)
    Camera Weight 1016 g (35.8 oz) 1017 g (35.9 oz)
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