• 35mm 847.3mm2
  • 24.2 megapixels
  • ISO 100 - 51,200
  • 35mm 847.3mm2
  • 24.2 megapixels
  • ISO 100 - 51,200

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Differences

Sony A9 advantages over Panasonic S1

  • NFC
    Yes vs No
    Simplifies pairing your camera with supported phones
  • On-sensor phase detect
    Yes vs No
    Usually improves live view and video AF performance
  • Longer stills battery life
    More info 650 vs 380 shots
    Capture more photos
  • Thinner
    63 mm vs 96 mm
    Thinner
  • Lighter weight
    673g vs 1021g
    Lighter weight
  • Has anti-aliasing filter
    Filter vs No Filter
    Reduces unsightly moiré in photos
  • Faster JPEG shooting
    20.0 fps vs 8.9 fps
    Faster JPEG shooting (burst mode)
  • Faster RAW shooting
    20.0 fps vs 9.0 fps
    Faster RAW shooting in burst mode
  • Bigger RAW buffer
    240 vs 124 shots
    Larger buffer for RAW shots (burst mode)
  • Faster shutter
    1/32000 vs 1/8000 sec
    Shoot wide open in bright light

Panasonic S1 advantages over Sony A9

  • Slower slow-motion
    180 fps vs 120 fps
    Supports slower slow-mo
  • High resolution composite
    Yes vs No
    Combine multiple shots to form a super hi-res version
  • Top deck display
    Yes vs No
    Check settings with a screen on top of the camera
  • Higher-res screen
    525k vs 360k pixels
    More detail on the screen lets you judge focus and composition
  • Less shutter lag
    0.14 vs 0.22 sec
    Focus and take a photo quickly (wide angle)
  • Lacks anti-aliasing filter
    No Filter vs Filter
    Enjoy sharper photos
  • Longer exposure
    60 vs 30 sec
    Long exposures for night shots
  • Bigger JPEG buffer
    Unlimited vs 364 shots
    Take more JPEG shots before waiting (burst mode)

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
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
    Both provide
    Reduces the effects of camera shake at slower shutter speeds
  • Shoot 4K video
    Both provide
    Make sure you have a fast computer
  • Touchscreen
    Both provide
    Interact with your camera just like your smartphone
  • Tiltable Screen
    Both provide
    Tilt the screen for shooting flexbility
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
    Both provide
    Share your photos wirelessly
  • Built-in Bluetooth
    Both provide
    Always-on wireless connectivity
  • 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
  • Built-in GPS
    Neither provide
    Geotag your photos
  • Internal flash
    Neither provide
    Useful in a pinch for fill flash

User reviews

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Buy the Panasonic S1
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  • Body Only
  • Kit with 24-105mm lens
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Review Excerpt

  • New sensor offers incredible performance; Excellent image quality at low & high ISOs; Very good dynamic range; Phenomenal 20fps burst speed & deep buffer; Very good battery life for a mirrorless; 4K video; Dual card slots.

  • Slow buffer clearing; Only one card slot is UHS-II compatible; Touchscreen underutilized; No lossless RAW compression option; No 4K/60p option.

  • Read our Sony A9 Review

The Competition

Compared to Sony A7R II

Sony A9
Sony A7R II
  • $2997
  • 35mm
  • Bigger pixels
  • Touchscreen
  • $2348
  • 35mm
  • Less expensive
  • In-camera panoramas

Compare Sony A9 vs Sony A7R II

Panasonic S1
Sony A7R II
  • $2332
  • 35mm
  • Slower slow-motion
  • Bigger pixels
  • $2348
  • 35mm
  • Less expensive
  • In-camera panoramas

Compare Panasonic S1 vs Sony A7R II

Compared to Leica SL (Typ 601)

Sony A9
Leica SL (Typ 601)
  • $2997
  • 35mm
  • Less expensive
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • $3802
  • 35mm
  • Built-in GPS
  • Top deck display

Compare Sony A9 vs Leica SL (Typ 601)

Panasonic S1
Leica SL (Typ 601)
  • $2332
  • 35mm
  • Slower slow-motion
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • $3802
  • 35mm
  • Fast startup
  • Built-in GPS

Compare Panasonic S1 vs Leica SL (Typ 601)

Compared to Sony A7R III

Sony A9
Sony A7R III
  • $2997
  • 35mm
  • Bigger pixels
  • Fast startup
  • $2151
  • 35mm
  • Less expensive
  • High resolution composite

Compare Sony A9 vs Sony A7R III

Panasonic S1
Sony A7R III
  • $2332
  • 35mm
  • Slower slow-motion
  • Bigger pixels
  • $2151
  • 35mm
  • Less expensive
  • NFC

Compare Panasonic S1 vs Sony A7R III

Compared to Sony A9 II

Sony A9
Sony A9 II
  • $2997
  • 35mm
  • Less expensive
  • $4498
  • 35mm
  • Newer

Compare Sony A9 vs Sony A9 II

Panasonic S1
Sony A9 II
  • $2332
  • 35mm
  • Less expensive
  • Slower slow-motion
  • $4498
  • 35mm
  • NFC
  • On-sensor phase detect

Compare Panasonic S1 vs Sony A9 II

Compared to Nikon Z6 II

Sony A9
Nikon Z6 II
  • $2997
  • 35mm
  • NFC
  • Longer video battery life
  • $1747
  • 35mm
  • Less expensive
  • Top deck display

Compare Sony A9 vs Nikon Z6 II

Panasonic S1
Nikon Z6 II
  • $2332
  • 35mm
  • Slower slow-motion
  • High resolution composite
  • $1747
  • 35mm
  • Less expensive
  • On-sensor phase detect

Compare Panasonic S1 vs Nikon Z6 II

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