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Tammy Jones photo
Switzerland, Bern
1 Level
455 Review
0 Karma

Review on πŸ“Έ Panasonic LUMIX S1R Full Frame Mirrorless Camera with 47.3MP High-Resolution MOS Sensor, 24-105mm F4 L-Mount S Series Lens, 4K HDR Video, and 3.2” LCD - DC-S1RMK by Tammy Jones

Revainrating 5 out of 5

Stellar Pro Gear: Digital Cameras

I think this is an excellent camera with too many great features to list and just a few minor flaws. Compared to a dozen cameras I've used, it's in the top three. Image Quality: That's why I bought it. It wasn't easy exploring the files available online, but I'm happy to report that in personal use I've been able to compare or even beat what I've seen online (and with a fairly basic set of lenses) . The files are extremely flexible. I was able to create amazingly saturated colors or muted low-key colors. Saturation sliders can be moved without changing color. For me, producing great black and white images is one of the tests of a good sensor, and the s1r produces rich, tonally complex black and white images. There are many picture preset options. Those who take photos in jpeg format will be happy. I use Raw, but JPGs are often difficult to remove because they are excellent. With Capture One, I can even save custom settings to RAW files that are almost identical to the settings in camera. Each custom color setting can be fine-tuned to a large extent. In fact, the level of customization for almost every feature on this camera is top-notch. I cannot list everything here. I like ergonomics. This is what a pro's body should look like. Very safe and comfortable. Control knobs and switches are perfect. I set it up the way I like it, I couldn't find any flaws. I'm usually very picky and like having knobs and dials instead of delving into menus. Speaking of the menu. There are no problems. They are very well located and sensitive to the touch. The camera is heavy. I'm happy with that. I'd rather have a solid metal camera than a bunch of expensive plastic. This is a preference. But this is the heaviest camera I've ever used. A few more hymns of praise before the cons. Port access loops are made of plasticized rubber or rubberized plastic. I'm not sure which. They are securely fixed and mounted on metal rods. Perfect performance. They are a bit flexible but close very well and are easy to open. Unlike many modern models, they don't hang on rubber loops and don't get in the way. I haven't encountered any issues with autofocus speed or accuracy. All the complaints on YouTube are overblown. It's not the fastest autofocus speed on a DSLR, but it's very capable. I've shot birds in flight with a 95 percent chance. Children run away 98 percent. 90 percent in front of the camera. Lateral movement was not a problem. - Things I don't like. Full Auto AF mode automatically switches from focusing on the body to face detection and individual focus point. It is not possible to separate or exclude any of these functions. The only option that can be disabled is animal detection. It is not possible to activate face recognition alone or to combine it with another mode. This is a huge bummer. The main disadvantage of this camera. The fully automatic autofocus mode annoys me to no end. Turn signals jump and change everywhere. If I could disable body detection and only enable face detection or use it as a separate mode, that would be much better. Otherwise there are many focus modes and I usually use the custom focus point selection or the single point selection modes. When I'm shooting a collaborating model, the face detection works well and the automatic eye detection is perfect. It always chooses the closest eye. Peak focus is very good, but tends to be overpowering in low-light or low-key conditions. I also want to be able to maintain focus zoom while shooting. However, the viewfinder switches to full screen mode. When this happens there is a micro lag and the shutter release feels different as if there is an additional operation taking place mechanically in the camera. Maybe it's a sensor reset. I don't know why this is happening, but I think that's the way it should be. The shutter is very quiet and the shutter release is perfect. My Fujifilm XH1 is a bit quieter, but the resolution isn't as good. I prefer more separation between half press and release like on this camera. To be honest I didn't go for the very expensive Panasonic or Leica lenses. I have a Sigma, 45mm f2.8C and the rest are manual and AF D Nikon lenses with aperture control. Regardless, images turn out great and focusability for the fitted lenses is excellent. Because Nikon lenses allow me to control the aperture, I have a very good idea of depth of field and exposure before looking into the viewfinder. Setting my camera mode to shutter priority gives me full manual control of shutter speed and aperture with exposure compensation working (it adjusts auto ISO). I'll wait and see what other lenses come out with. I disagree with buying f4 lenses priced between $1500 and $2200. That's crazy in my opinion. I also disagree with pairing the camera's tank with a submarine lens, all for a slight improvement in AF and performance in corners. Or for some video-oriented features. I only take photos and am not interested in videos. All this is strictly from a photographic point of view. I'll update if I think of anything else important.

Pros
  • Digital Cameras
Cons
  • Useless Features