Leica SL (Typ 601) vs Panasonic S1R

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Leica SL (Typ 601) vs Panasonic S1R

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35mm 864.0mm²
24.2 megapixels
ISO 50 - 50,000

Go in depth with our full Leica SL (Typ 601) Review.
How does it shoot? Leica SL (Typ 601) in the real world.
See real-world photos taken with the SL (Typ 601).
What’s the bottom line? Read our Leica SL (Typ 601) conclusion.

35mm 864.0mm²
47.3 megapixels
ISO 100 - 25,600

Go in depth with our full Panasonic S1R Review.
How does it shoot? Panasonic S1R in the real world.
See real-world photos taken with the S1R.
Compare Panasonic S1R image quality against competitors.
What’s the bottom line? Read our Panasonic S1R conclusion.

Succeeded by the Leica SL2
Compare SL (Typ 601) vs SL2
Compare Leica SL2 vs Panasonic S1R

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Differences

Leica SL (Typ 601) advantages over Panasonic S1R

Less expensive
$3605* vs $4598
Save money for lenses or accessories
Bigger pixels
~ 6.00 vs 4.30 microns
Better low-light and dynamic range (all else equal)
Fast startup
~1.10 vs 1.5 sec
Faster startup lets you catch the moment
Built-in GPS
GPS vs None
Geotag your photos
Thinner
39 mm vs 96 mm
Thinner
Faster JPEG shooting
10.6 fps vs 9.6 fps
Faster JPEG shooting (burst mode)
Bigger JPEG buffer
Unlimited vs 62 shots
Take more JPEG shots before waiting (burst mode)

Panasonic S1R advantages over Leica SL (Typ 601)

Slower slow-motion
180 fps vs 120 fps
Supports slower slow-mo
In-Camera Image Stabilization
Yes vs No
Reduces the effects of camera shake at slower shutter speeds
Tiltable Screen
Tiltable vs Fixed
Tilt the screen for shooting flexbility
High resolution composite
Yes vs No
Combine multiple shots to form a super hi-res version
Built-in Bluetooth
Yes vs No
Always-on wireless connectivity
Higher effective ISO

Higher effective ISO

Maximum effective ISO is an estimate of the highest sensitivity at which a camera can capture excellent quality photos.

Cameras with higher effective ISO will be better choices for indoor photography, night shooting, and indoor sports photography, especially if you intend to make large prints.

You can learn more at our glossary entry.

Maximum effective ISO test data courtesy of DxO Mark.
S1R test data on DxO Mark SL (Typ 601) test data on DxO Mark

3,525 vs 1,821 iso
Take photos in low light with less noise
Newer
6 years vs 9 years old
Newer cameras often support more advanced features
More dots on screen
2100k vs 1040k dots
Can mean greater resolution or a brighter screen
More pixels
47.3 vs 24.2 megapixels
Higher resolution photos

Similarities

Common Strengths

Focus peaking
Both provide
Your camera will highlight what's in focus
Eye-level viewfinder
Both provide
You'll be able to frame photos even when the sun is out
Shoot 4K video
Both provide
Make sure you have a fast computer
Touchscreen
Both provide
Interact with your camera just like your smartphone
Built-in Wi-Fi
Both provide
Share your photos wirelessly
Top deck display
Both provide
Check settings with a screen on top of the camera
External Mic Jack
Both provide
Improved sound fidelity when shooting video
HDMI out
Both provide
Use HDMI output to monitor or review video
Hot shoe
Both provide
Off-camera flashes open new possibilities
Dual card slots
Both provide
Gives you more storage flexibility
Headphone jack
Both provide
Monitor audio recording while you shoot video
Bulb shutter
Both provide
Hold the shutter open manually for long exposures
Slow-motion videos
Both provide
Shoot slow-motion videos

Common Weaknesses

Tilt-swivel screen
Neither provide
Tilt and swivel the screen for maximum shooting flexibility
In-camera panoramas
Neither provide
Stitches multiple shots into a panoramic photo
NFC
Neither provide
Simplifies pairing your camera with supported phones
On-sensor phase detect
Neither provide
Usually improves live view and video AF performance
Internal flash
Neither provide
Useful in a pinch for fill flash

User reviews

Amazon
Adorama
Read S1R User Reviews

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Buy the Panasonic S1R

Body Only

Body Only
Kit with 24-105mm lens

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Review Excerpt

Superb build quality; Amazing EVF; Great image quality from RAW files; Good high ISO performance; Very good dynamic range; Very low shutter lag; Fast AF on stationary objects; Class-leading ~11 fps burst mode; 4K DCI and UHD video; Full HD up to 120p. Built-in Wi-Fi and GPS; Dual card slots; Decent battery life for its class.
Big for a full-frame mirrorless camera; Very slow buffer clearing; Contrast-detect AF system struggles with moving subjects; In-camera JPEGs are muted and dull; Very limited native lens selection (but supports many other Leica lenses via adapters); Expensive.
Read our Leica SL (Typ 601) Review

Excellent high-resolution image quality; Good high ISO performance; Very fast single-shot autofocus; 4K 60p video; IBIS; Weather-sealing & comfortable ergonomics.
Contrast-detect AF system can struggle with fast-moving subjects; Burst shooting with C-AF is only 6fps; Sluggish buffer clearing; 4K video limited to 15min; Big & heavy; Expensive.
Read our Panasonic S1R Review

The Competition

Compared to Leica M-P (Typ 240)

Leica SL (Typ 601)

Leica M-P (Typ 240)

$3802
35mm

Less expensive
Shoot 4K video

$7495
35mm

Compare Leica SL (Typ 601) vs Leica M-P (Typ 240)

Panasonic S1R

Leica M-P (Typ 240)

$3698
35mm

Less expensive
In-Camera Image Stabilization

$7495
35mm

Bigger pixels
Thinner

Compare Panasonic S1R vs Leica M-P (Typ 240)

Compared to Leica M Monochrom (Typ 246)

Leica SL (Typ 601)

Leica M Monochrom (Typ 246)

$3802
35mm

Less expensive
Shoot 4K video

$7595
35mm

Compare Leica SL (Typ 601) vs Leica M Monochrom (Typ 246)

Panasonic S1R

Leica M Monochrom (Typ 246)

$3698
35mm

Less expensive
In-Camera Image Stabilization

$7595
35mm

Bigger pixels
Thinner

Compare Panasonic S1R vs Leica M Monochrom (Typ 246)

Compared to Leica M (Typ 262)

Leica SL (Typ 601)

Leica M (Typ 262)

$3802
35mm

Focus peaking
Less expensive

$4995
35mm

Lighter weight

Compare Leica SL (Typ 601) vs Leica M (Typ 262)

Panasonic S1R

Leica M (Typ 262)

$3698
35mm

Focus peaking
In-Camera Image Stabilization

$4995
35mm

Bigger pixels
Thinner

Compare Panasonic S1R vs Leica M (Typ 262)

Compared to Leica M-D (Typ 262)

Leica SL (Typ 601)

Leica M-D (Typ 262)

$3802
35mm

Rear display
Focus peaking

$5995
35mm

Compare Leica SL (Typ 601) vs Leica M-D (Typ 262)

Panasonic S1R

Leica M-D (Typ 262)

$3698
35mm

Rear display
Focus peaking

$5995
35mm

Bigger pixels
Thinner

Compare Panasonic S1R vs Leica M-D (Typ 262)

Compared to Sony A9

Leica SL (Typ 601)

Sony A9

$3802
35mm

Built-in GPS
Top deck display

$2997
35mm

Less expensive
In-Camera Image Stabilization

Compare Leica SL (Typ 601) vs Sony A9

Panasonic S1R

Sony A9

$3698
35mm

Slower slow-motion
High resolution composite

$2997
35mm

Less expensive
Bigger pixels

Compare Panasonic S1R vs Sony A9

Compare Other Cameras?