K i t Z o n e
112 DIGITAL CAMERA^ AUGUST 2019 http://www.digitalcameraworld.comikon certainly hit the ground
running when it launched its
first full-frame mirrorless
camera. The Z 7 remains something
of a quart in a pint pot, packing a
dazzling array of features and premium
performance into its slim shell. By
comparison, the S1R feels big and
clunky, more like an SLR than a
mirrorless camera. But it handles well,
has a plethora of direct-access controls
and feels balanced with large lenses.
When it comes to lenses, the S1R is
something of a poor relation to the Z 7right now. We shouldn’t have to wait
long for plenty of quality glass from
Leica and Sigma, though, as well
as from Panasonic itself.
The Z 7’s autofocus system is a little
more dependable, especially in low light
and for tracking action. The S1R has
slightly more effective stabilisation
and better high-ISO image quality.
On paper, the S1R’s specifications
look stronger in some areas, but
the Z 7 edges ahead in others. On
balance, we prefer the Z 7 – but
it’s a very close-run contest.N
HEADTOHEAD Verdict
The Z 7 edges past some heavyweight competition
serves up a generous helping of custom
options for its Function buttons and
lever, control dials and menu displays.Performance
The S1R’s contrast-detection autofocus
system is quick and deadly accurate most
of the time. However, its -6EV low-light
rating is based on using an f/1.4 lens. Using
both cameras with an f/4 zoom, the Z 7 with
its latest firmware update proved the more
capable at autofocusing under low light.It was quicker and less prone to hunting.
In our tests, the Z 7 also tracked moving
subjects more effectively.
Auto white balance is very accurate in
both cameras, and gives similar results.
Both come with three options, for keeping
the overall atmosphere or giving more or
less preference to warm colours. The Z 7’s
matrix metering in high-contrast scenes
yields slightly brighter images than from
the S1R. Both do well at retaining highlight
detail, but the Z 7’s Active D-Lighting boostsshadow detail more effectively than
the S1R’s i.Dynamic range function.
The similarity in all facets of image quality
from both cameras is remarkable. However,
the S1R has marginally less vibrant colour
rendition in its standard photo style. Under
low lighting conditions, it edges ahead of the
Z 7 for suppressing image noise. That’s no
mean feat, as we’ve been very impressed
with the Z 7’s high-ISO quality, especially
compared with Nikon’s similarly high-res
D850 SLR. Matthew RichardsHEADTOHEAD Nikon Z 7 vs Panasonic S1R
Digital Camera
verdict 5.0 A best-in-class product 4.5 OutstandingTech specs Nikon
Z 7Panasonic
Lumix S1R
Sensor Full-frame CMOS, 36x24mm, 45.7MP Full-frame CMOS, 36x24mm, 47.3MP
Lens mount Nikon Z L mount
AF points 493-point on-sensor phase-detection 225-area DFD contrast-detection
AF modes Pinpoint, Single-Point, Dynamic-Area AF,
Wide-Area AF, Auto-Area AF, Eye detectionPinpoint, Area, Custom area, Zone,
Face/Eye/Body/Animal Detection
Max continuous shooting speed 9fps (5.5fps Live View) 9fps (6fps with C AF)
Buffer capacity 25 JPEG, 18-23 raw 50 JPEG, 40 raw
Memory cards XQD XQD, SDXC UHS-II
Max video resolution 3,840 x 2,160 UHD at 30/25/24p 3,840 x 2,160 UHD at 60/50/30/25/24p
ISO range 64-25,600 (exp 32-102,400) 100-25,600 (exp 50-51,200)
Shutter speed range 1/8,000-30 sec, Bulb, flash sync 1/200 sec 1/8,000-30 sec, Bulb (max 30 min),
flash sync 1/320 sec, 1/16,000 electronic
Metering modes Matrix, Center-weighted, Spot, Highlight-weighted Multiple, Center-weighted, Spot, Highlight-weighted
Viewfinder Electronic viewfinder, 3.69 million dots,
100% coverage, 0.8x magnificationElectronic viewfinder, 5.76 million dots,
100% coverage, 0.78x magnification
Rear screen 3.2-inch, 2,100k-dot, tilting, touch-sensitive 3.2-inch, 2,100k-dot, tilting, touch-sensitive
Image stabilisation In-body five-axis sensor shift, up to 5EV compensation In-body five-axis sensor shift, up to 6EV (6.5EV with Dual IS)
Physical interface Hotshoe, HDMI, USB Type C, mic, headphones, accessory terminal Hotshoe, HDMI, USB Type C, mic, headphones, remote, flash sync
Wireless Wi-Fi, Bluetooth Wi-Fi, Bluetooth
Battery life 330 EVF, 400 rear monitor 360 EVF, 380 rear monitor
Size, weight (body inc battery) 134 x 101 x 68mm, 675g 149 x 110 x 97mm, 1,020gGOLD
AWARD