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Panasonic S1R vs Sony A5100

The Panasonic Lumix DC-S1R and the Sony Alpha A5100 are two digital cameras that were announced, respectively, in February 2019 and August 2014. Both the S1R and the A5100 are mirrorless interchangeable lens cameras that are based on a full frame (S1R) and an APS-C (A5100) sensor. The Panasonic has a resolution of 46.7 megapixels, whereas the Sony 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
Sony A5100
Panasonic S1R   Sony A5100
Mirrorless system camera Mirrorless system camera
Leica L mount lenses Sony E mount lenses
46.7 MP – Full Frame sensor 24 MP – APS-C sensor
4K/60p Video 1080/60p Video
ISO 100-25,600 (50 - 51,200) ISO 100-25,600
Electronic viewfinder (5760k dots) No viewfinder, LCD framing
3.2" LCD – 2100k dots 3.0" LCD – 922k dots
Fully flexible touchscreen Tilting touchscreen
9 shutter flaps per second 6 shutter flaps per second
In-body stabilizationLens stabilization only
Weathersealed bodynot weather sealed
380 shots per battery charge400 shots per battery charge
149 x 110 x 97 mm, 1016 g 110 x 63 x 36 mm, 283 g
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Check S1R price at
amazon.com
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Check A5100 offers at
ebay.com

Going beyond this snapshot of core features and characteristics, what are the differences between the Panasonic Lumix DC-S1R and the Sony Alpha A5100? 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 Sony A5100 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 width, height and depth dimensions are rounded to the nearest millimeter.

The A5100 can be obtained in two different colors (black, white), while the S1R is only available in black.

Size Panasonic S1R vs Sony A5100
Compare S1R versus A5100 top
Comparison S1R or A5100 rear

If the front view area (width x height) of the cameras is taken as an aggregate measure of their size, the Sony A5100 is considerably smaller (58 percent) than the Panasonic S1R. Moreover, the A5100 is substantially lighter (72 percent) than the S1R. It is worth mentioning in this context that the S1R is splash and dust resistant, while the A5100 does not feature any corresponding weather-sealing.

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.

Concerning battery life, the S1R gets 380 shots out of its Panasonic DMW-BLJ31 battery, while the A5100 can take 400 images on a single charge of its Sony NP-FW50 power pack. 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
  empty 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.
 
Sony A5100 110 mm 63 mm 36 mm 283 g 400 n Aug 2014 549ebay.com
3.
 
Canon 5DS 152 mm 116 mm 76 mm 930 g 700 Y Feb 2015 3,699ebay.com
4.
 
Canon R5 138 mm 98 mm 88 mm 738 g 320 Y Jul 2020 3,899 amazon.com
5.
 
Leica SL2 146 mm 107 mm 42 mm 953 g 370 Y Nov 2019 5,999 amazon.com
6.
 
Leica SL2-S 146 mm 107 mm 83 mm 931 g 510 Y Dec 2020 4,895 amazon.com
7.
 
Nikon Z7 134 mm 101 mm 67 mm 675 g 330 Y Aug 2018 3,399ebay.com
8.
 
Nikon Z8 144 mm 119 mm 83 mm 910 g 340 Y May 2023 3,999 amazon.com
9.
 
Panasonic S1 149 mm 110 mm 97 mm 1017 g 400 Y Feb 2019 2,499 amazon.com
10.
 
Panasonic S1H 151 mm 114 mm 110 mm 1052 g 400 Y May 2019 3,999 amazon.com
11.
 
Panasonic S5 133 mm 98 mm 82 mm 714 g 440 Y Sep 2020 1,999 amazon.com
12.
 
Sony A99 II 143 mm 104 mm 76 mm 849 g 490 Y Sep 2016 3,199ebay.com
13.
 
Sony A3000 128 mm 91 mm 85 mm 411 g 470 n Aug 2013 329ebay.com
14.
 
Sony A5000 110 mm 63 mm 36 mm 269 g 420 n Jan 2014 449ebay.com
15.
 
Sony A6000 120 mm 67 mm 45 mm 344 g 360 n Feb 2014 599ebay.com
16.
 
Sony NEX-3 117 mm 62 mm 33 mm 297 g 330 n May 2010 599ebay.com
17.
 
Sony NEX-3N 110 mm 62 mm 35 mm 269 g 480 n Feb 2013 499ebay.com
Note: Measurements and pricing do not include easily detachable parts, such as add-on or interchangeable lenses or optional viewfinders.

Any camera decision will obviously take relative prices into account. The retail prices at the time of the camera’s release place the model in the market relative to other models in the producer’s line-up and the competition. The A5100 was launched at a markedly lower price (by 85 percent) than the S1R, 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. Then, after the new model is out, very good deals can frequently be found on the pre-owned market.

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. 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.

Of the two cameras under consideration, the Panasonic S1R features a full frame sensor and the Sony A5100 an APS-C sensor. The sensor area in the A5100 is 58 percent smaller. As a result of these sensor size differences, the cameras have a format factor of, respectively, 1.0 and 1.5. Both cameras have a native aspect ratio (sensor width to sensor height) of 3:2.

Panasonic S1R and Sony A5100 sensor measures

With 46.7MP, the S1R offers a higher resolution than the A5100 (24MP), but the S1R nevertheless has larger individual pixels (pixel pitch of 4.30μm versus 3.91μm for the A5100) due to its larger sensor. Moreover, the S1R is a much more recent model (by 4 years and 5 months) than the A5100, and its sensor will have benefitted from technological advances during this time that further enhance the light gathering capacity of its pixels. Coming back to sensor resolution, it should be mentioned that the S1R has no anti-alias filter installed, so that it can capture all the detail its 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 Sony A5100 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.

The A5100 has on-sensor phase detect pixels, which results in fast and reliable autofocus acquisition even during live view operation.

Unlike the A5100, the S1R has the capacity to capture high quality composite images (187MP) by combining multiple shots after shifting its 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 Sony Alpha A5100 are ISO 100 to ISO 25600 (no boost).

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 A5100 MP

For many cameras, data on sensor performance has been reported by DXO Mark. This service assesses and scores the color depth ("DXO Portrait"), dynamic range ("DXO Landscape"), and low-light sensitivity ("DXO Sports") of camera sensors, and also publishes an overall camera score. Of the two cameras under review, the S1R provides substantially higher image quality than the A5100, with an overall score that is 20 points higher. This advantage is based on 2.6 bits higher color depth, 1.4 EV in additional dynamic range, and 1.4 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.

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Sensor Characteristics
  empty 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.
 
Sony A5100 APS-C 24.0 6000 40001080/60p23.812.7134780
3.
 
Canon 5DS Full Frame 50.3 8688 57921080/30p24.712.4238187
4.
 
Canon R5 Full Frame 44.8 8192 54648K/30p25.314.6304295
5.
 
Leica SL2 Full Frame 46.7 8368 55844K/60p25.314.3286695
6.
 
Leica SL2-S Full Frame 24.0 6000 40004K/60p25.214.1350495
7.
 
Nikon Z7 Full Frame 45.4 8256 55044K/30p26.314.6266899
8.
 
Nikon Z8 Full Frame 45.4 8256 55048K/30p26.314.2254898
9.
 
Panasonic S1 Full Frame 24.0 6000 40004K/60p25.214.5333395
10.
 
Panasonic S1H Full Frame 24.0 6000 40006K/30p25.214.2280594
11.
 
Panasonic S5 Full Frame 24.0 6000 40004K/60p25.114.5269794
12.
 
Sony A99 II Full Frame 42.2 7952 53044K/30p25.413.4231792
13.
 
Sony A3000 APS-C 19.8 5456 36321080/60i23.712.8106878
14.
 
Sony A5000 APS-C 19.8 5456 36321080/60i23.813.0108979
15.
 
Sony A6000 APS-C 24.0 6000 40001080/60p24.113.1134782
16.
 
Sony NEX-3 APS-C 14.0 4592 3056720/30p22.112.083068
17.
 
Sony NEX-3N APS-C 16.0 4912 32641080/60i22.812.5106774
Note: DXO values in italics represent estimates based on sensor size and age.

Many modern cameras cannot only take still pictures, but also record videos. The two cameras under consideration both have sensors whose read-out speed is fast enough to capture moving pictures, but the S1R provides a higher video resolution than the A5100. It can shoot video footage at 4K/60p, while the Sony is limited to 1080/60p.

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Feature comparison

Beyond body and sensor, cameras can and do differ across a range of features. For example, the S1R has an electronic viewfinder (5760k dots), which can be very helpful when shooting in bright sunlight. In contrast, the A5100 relies on live view and the rear LCD for framing. The following table reports on some other key feature differences and similarities of the Panasonic S1R, the Sony A5100, and comparable cameras.

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Core Features
  empty 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.
 
Sony A5100none n3.0 / 922 tilting Y 1/4000s 6.0/s Y n
3.
 
Canon 5DSoptical Y3.2 / 1040 fixed n 1/8000s 5.0/s n n
4.
 
Canon R55760 Y3.2 / 2100 swivel Y 1/8000s 12.0/s n Y
5.
 
Leica SL25760 Y3.2 / 2100 fixed Y 1/8000s 10.0/s n Y
6.
 
Leica SL2-S5760 Y3.2 / 2100 fixed Y 1/8000s 20.0/s n Y
7.
 
Nikon Z73690 Y3.2 / 2100 tilting Y 1/8000s 9.0/s n Y
8.
 
Nikon Z83690 Y3.2 / 2089 full-flex Y 1/32000s 30.0/s n Y
9.
 
Panasonic S15760 Y3.2 / 2100 full-flex Y 1/8000s 9.0/s n Y
10.
 
Panasonic S1H5760 Y3.2 / 2330 swivel Y 1/8000s 9.0/s n Y
11.
 
Panasonic S52360 n3.0 / 1840 swivel Y 1/8000s 7.0/s n Y
12.
 
Sony A99 II2400 Y3.0 / 1229 full-flex n 1/8000s 12.0/s n Y
13.
 
Sony A3000202 n3.0 / 230 fixed n 1/4000s 2.5/s Y n
14.
 
Sony A5000none n3.0 / 461 tilting n 1/4000s 3.5/s Y n
15.
 
Sony A60001440 n3.0 / 922 tilting n 1/4000s 11.0/s Y n
16.
 
Sony NEX-3optional n3.0 / 920 tilting n 1/4000s 7.0/s n n
17.
 
Sony NEX-3Noptional n3.0 / 460 tilting n 1/4000s 4.0/s Y n
Note: *) Information refers to the mechanical shutter, unless the camera only has an electronic one.

One feature that is present on the S1R, but is missing on the A5100 is a top-level LCD. While being, of course, smaller than the rear screen, the control panel conveys some of the essential shooting information and can be convenient for quick and easy settings verification.

The A5100 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 S1R 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, the S1R is one of those camera that have an additional 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 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 S1R writes its imaging data to SDXC or XQD cards, while the A5100 uses SDXC or Memory Stick PRO Duo cards. The S1R features dual card slots, which can be very useful in case a memory card fails. In contrast, the A5100 only has one slot. The S1R supports UHS-II cards (on both slots), while the A5100 can use UHS-I cards.

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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 Sony Alpha A5100 and, in particular, the interfaces the cameras (and selected comparators) provide for accessory control and data transfer.

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Input-Output Connections
  empty 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.
 
Sony A5100-stereo / mono--micro2.0YY-
3.
 
Canon 5DSYmono / monoY-mini3.0---
4.
 
Canon R5Ymono / monoYYmicro3.2Y-Y
5.
 
Leica SL2Ystereo / monoYYfull3.1Y-Y
6.
 
Leica SL2-SYstereo / monoYYfull3.2Y-Y
7.
 
Nikon Z7Ystereo / monoYYmicro3.1Y-Y
8.
 
Nikon Z8Ystereo / monoYYfull3.2Y-Y
9.
 
Panasonic S1Ystereo / monoYYfull3.1Y-Y
10.
 
Panasonic S1HYstereo / monoYYfull3.1Y-Y
11.
 
Panasonic S5Ystereo / monoYYmicro3.2Y-Y
12.
 
Sony A99 IIYstereo / monoYYmicro2.0YYY
13.
 
Sony A3000Ystereo / mono--mini2.0---
14.
 
Sony A5000-stereo / mono--micro2.0YY-
15.
 
Sony A6000Ystereo / mono--micro2.0YY-
16.
 
Sony NEX-3Ystereo / mono--mini2.0---
17.
 
Sony NEX-3N-stereo / mono--micro2.0---

It is notable that the S1R has a hotshoe, while the A5100 does not. This socket makes it possible to easily attach optional accessories, such as an external flash gun.

Studio photographers will appreciate that the Panasonic S1R (unlike the A5100) features a PC Sync socket, so that professional strobe lights can be controlled by the camera.

The S1R is a recent model that features in the current product line-up of Panasonic. In contrast, the A5100 has been discontinued (but can be found pre-owned on ebay). There has not been a direct replacement model for the A5100 from Sony. Further information on the features and operation of the S1R and A5100 can be found, respectively, in the Panasonic S1R Manual (free pdf) or the online Sony A5100 Manual.

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Review summary

So what conclusions can be drawn? Which of the two cameras – the Panasonic S1R or the Sony A5100 – has the upper hand? Is one clearly better than the other? A synthesis of the relative strong points of each of the models is listed below.

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Arguments in favor of the Panasonic Lumix DC-S1R:

  • More detail: Offers more megapixels (46.7 vs 24MP) with a 40% higher linear resolution.
  • Maximized detail: Lacks an anti-alias filter to exploit the sensor's full resolution potential.
  • High quality composites: Can combine several shots after pixel-shifting its sensor.
  • Better image quality: Scores substantially higher (20 points) in the DXO overall assessment.
  • Richer colors: Generates images with noticeably better colors (2.6 bits more color depth).
  • More dynamic range: Captures a larger spectrum of light and dark details (1.4 EV of extra DR).
  • Better low-light sensitivity: Requires less light for good images (1.4 stops ISO advantage).
  • Better video: Provides higher definition movie capture (4K/60p vs 1080/60p).
  • Better sound: Can connect to an external microphone for higher quality sound recording.
  • Better sound control: Has a headphone port that enables audio monitoring while recording.
  • Easier framing: Has an electronic viewfinder for image composition and settings control.
  • Easier setting verification: Features an LCD display on top to control shooting parameters.
  • Larger screen: Has a bigger rear LCD (3.2" vs 3.0") for image review and settings control.
  • More detailed LCD: Has a higher resolution rear screen (2100k vs 922k dots).
  • More flexible LCD: Has a full-flex screen for odd-angle shots in portrait or landscape orientation.
  • Faster shutter: Has higher mechanical shutter speed (1/8000s vs 1/4000s) to freeze action.
  • Faster burst: Shoots at higher frequency (9 vs 6 flaps/sec) to capture the decisive moment.
  • Less disturbing: Has an electronic shutter option for completely silent shooting.
  • Easier time-lapse photography: Has an intervalometer built-in for low frequency shooting.
  • Better sealing: Is weather sealed to enable shooting in dusty or wet environments.
  • Sharper images: Has hand-shake reducing image stabilization built-in.
  • Better lighting: Features a hotshoe and can thus hold and trigger an external flash gun.
  • Faster data transfer: Supports a more advanced USB protocol (3.1 vs 2.0).
  • More solid recording: Has a full-sized HDMI port for a sturdy connection to an external recorder.
  • Easier wireless transfer: Supports Bluetooth for image sharing without cables.
  • Better studio light control: Has a PC Sync socket to connect to professional strobe lights.
  • Greater peace of mind: Features a second card slot as a backup in case of memory card failure.
  • Faster buffer clearing: Supports a more advanced SD data transfer standard (UHS-II vs UHS-I).
  • More modern: Reflects 4 years and 5 months of technical progress since the A5100 launch.

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Reasons to prefer the Sony Alpha A5100:

  • Better moiré control: Has an anti-alias filter to avoid artificial patterns to appear in images.
  • Better live-view autofocus: Features on-sensor phase-detection for more confident autofocus.
  • More selfie-friendly: Has an articulated screen that can be turned to be front-facing.
  • More compact: Is smaller (110x63mm vs 149x110mm) and will fit more readily into a bag.
  • Less heavy: Has a lower weight (by 733g or 72 percent) and is thus easier to take along.
  • Easier fill-in: Has a small integrated flash to brighten shadows of backlit subjects.
  • Easier device pairing: Supports NFC for fast wireless image transfer over short distances.
  • More affordable: Was introduced into a lower priced category (85 percent cheaper at launch).
  • More heavily discounted: Has been around for much longer (launched in August 2014).

If the number of relative strengths (bullet points above) is taken as a guide, the S1R is the clear winner of the match-up (29 : 9 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 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.

S1R 29:09 A5100

How about other alternatives? Do the specifications of the Panasonic S1R and the Sony A5100 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 technical specifications can provide a useful overview of the capabilities of different cameras, it says little about, for example, the shooting experience and imaging performance of the S1R and the A5100 in practical situations. User reviews, such as those found at amazon, can sometimes inform about these issues, but such feedback is often incomplete, inconsistent, and biased.

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
  empty  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.
 
Sony A51004.5/5+....4.5/55/5 Aug 2014 549ebay.com
3.
 
Canon 5DS..+..83/1004.5/54.5/5 Feb 2015 3,699ebay.com
4.
 
Canon R54.5/5+4/591/1004.5/54.5/5 Jul 2020 3,899 amazon.com
5.
 
Leica SL24/5..4.5/5..4.5/54/5 Nov 2019 5,999 amazon.com
6.
 
Leica SL2-S4/5..4/5..4.5/54.5/5 Dec 2020 4,895 amazon.com
7.
 
Nikon Z75/5+4.8/589/1004.5/55/5 Aug 2018 3,399ebay.com
8.
 
Nikon Z85/5..5/594/1005/54.5/5 May 2023 3,999 amazon.com
9.
 
Panasonic S14.5/5+ +4.5/588/1004.5/54/5 Feb 2019 2,499 amazon.com
10.
 
Panasonic S1H....4/590/100.... May 2019 3,999 amazon.com
11.
 
Panasonic S54.5/5+ +4.5/588/1004.5/54.5/5 Sep 2020 1,999 amazon.com
12.
 
Sony A99 II....4.5/585/1004.5/54.5/5 Sep 2016 3,199ebay.com
13.
 
Sony A30003/5+....4/54/5 Aug 2013 329ebay.com
14.
 
Sony A50003/5+....4.5/54.5/5 Jan 2014 449ebay.com
15.
 
Sony A60005/5+4.5/580/1004.5/55/5 Feb 2014 599ebay.com
16.
 
Sony NEX-3......70/1004.5/54/5 May 2010 599ebay.com
17.
 
Sony NEX-3N3/5......4.5/54.5/5 Feb 2013 499ebay.com
Note: (+ +) highly recommended; (+) recommended; (o) reviewed; (..) not available.

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. Thus, a score needs to be put into the context of the launch date and the launch price of the camera, and rating-comparisons among cameras that span long time periods or concern very differently equipped models make little sense. Also, please note that some of the review sites have changed their methodology and reporting over time.

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Check S1R price at
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Check A5100 offers at
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Other camera comparisons

Did this review help to inform your camera decision process? If you would like to see a different side-by-side camera review, just use the search menu below. There is also a set of direct links to comparison reviews that other users of the CAM-parator app explored.

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    Specifications: Panasonic S1R vs Sony A5100

    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 Sony A5100
    Camera Type Mirrorless system camera Mirrorless system camera
    Camera Lens Leica L mount lenses Sony E mount lenses
    Launch Date February 2019 August 2014
    Launch Price USD 3,699 USD 549
    Sensor Specs Panasonic S1R Sony A5100
    Sensor Technology CMOS CMOS
    Sensor Format Full Frame Sensor APS-C Sensor
    Sensor Size 36.0 x 24.0 mm 23.5 x 15.6 mm
    Sensor Area 864 mm2 366.6 mm2
    Sensor Diagonal 43.3 mm 28.2 mm
    Crop Factor 1.0x 1.5x
    Sensor Resolution 46.7 Megapixels 24 Megapixels
    Image Resolution 8368 x 5584 pixels 6000 x 4000 pixels
    Pixel Pitch 4.30 μm 3.91 μm
    Pixel Density 5.41 MP/cm2 6.55 MP/cm2
    Moiré control no AA filter Anti-Alias filter
    Movie Capability 4K/60p Video 1080/60p Video
    ISO Setting 100 - 25,600 ISO 100 - 25,600 ISO
    ISO Boost 50 - 51,200 ISO no Enhancement
    Image Processor Venus BIONZ X
    DXO Sensor Quality (score) 100 80
    DXO Color Depth (bits) 26.4 23.8
    DXO Dynamic Range (EV) 14.1 12.7
    DXO Low Light (ISO) 3525 1347
    Screen Specs Panasonic S1R Sony A5100
    Viewfinder Type Electronic viewfinder no viewfinder
    Viewfinder Field of View 100%
    Viewfinder Magnification 0.78x
    Viewfinder Resolution 5760k dots
    Top-Level Screen Control Panel no Top Display
    LCD Framing Live View Live View
    Rear LCD Size 3.2inch 3.0inch
    LCD Resolution 2100k dots 922k dots
    LCD Attachment Fully flexible screen Tilting screen
    Touch Input Touchscreen Touchscreen
    Shooting Specs Panasonic S1R Sony A5100
    Focus System Contrast-detect AF On-Sensor Phase-detect
    Manual Focusing AidFocus PeakingFocus Peaking
    Max Shutter Speed (mechanical) 1/8000s 1/4000s
    Continuous Shooting 9 shutter flaps/s 6 shutter flaps/s
    Electronic Shutterup to 1/8000sno E-Shutter
    Time-Lapse PhotographyIntervalometer built-inno Intervalometer
    Image StabilizationIn-body stabilizationLens stabilization only
    Fill Flash no On-Board Flash Built-in Flash
    Storage Medium SDXC or XQD cards MS or SDXC cards
    Single or Dual Card Slots Dual card slots Single card slot
    UHS card support Dual UHS-II UHS-I
    Connectivity Specs Panasonic S1R Sony A5100
    External Flash Hotshoe no Hotshoe
    Studio Flash PC Sync socket no PC Sync
    USB Connector USB 3.1 USB 2.0
    HDMI Port full HDMI micro HDMI
    Microphone Port External MIC port no MIC socket
    Headphone Socket Headphone port no Headphone port
    Wifi Support Wifi built-in Wifi built-in
    Near-Field Communication no NFC NFC built-in
    Bluetooth Support Bluetooth built-in no Bluetooth
    Body Specs Panasonic S1R Sony A5100
    Environmental SealingWeathersealed bodynot weather sealed
    Battery Type Panasonic DMW-BLJ31 Sony NP-FW50
    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)
    110 x 63 x 36 mm
    (4.3 x 2.5 x 1.4 in)
    Camera Weight 1016 g (35.8 oz) 283 g (10.0 oz)
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