cameras.
Two more issues. First, the Lumix S1 and S1R
are Panasonic’s flagship full-frame mirrorless
cameras aimed at professional photographers- and enthusiast photographers aspiring for
professional results. As such, they are not
inexpensive cameras. The S1 body has a RRP of
$3599 or $5199 with the Lumix S 24-105mm F4
Macro O.I.S lens. The higher resolution S1R body
has a RRP of $5299 and $6899 with the same
lens. In comparison to some of the equivalent
Canon and Nikon models, these are not much
different, but they are more expensive than
the Lumix G series cameras and many well-
equipped DSLR cameras.
Second, the Lumix S1 and S1R are not
lightweight cameras. Neither are the Canon EOS
R or the Nikon Z6/Z7, yet up until recently, we
were told by most of the manufacturers that
the benefits of mirrorless cameras included
smaller size and lighter weight. Of course, most
mirrorless cameras also had smaller sensors, so
perhaps the size issues were more to do with
sensor format (size) rather than the mirrorless
design, although surely the absence of a reflex
mirror could contribute to a smaller size camera
body?
If you’re looking for a super lightweight
mirrorless camera, then this is not it. Grab a
Lumix G series camera instead! On the other
hand, if you’re looking for a professionally
specified camera with all the advantages of
a mirrorless design, the Lumix S1 and S1R
cameras have a lot going for them.
On a recently product launch, we had the
opportunity to use the cameras extensively
and came away very impressed. Panasonic has
certainly produced two camera that will serve
professional and enthusiast photographers very
well.ELECTRONIC VIEWFINDER
Perhaps the biggest difference between a
DSLR and a mirrorless camera is found in the
viewfinder. This might sound like an obvious
distinction, but the viewfinder really dictates
how we interact with both our camera and
our subject in such a fundamental way that it’s
importance cannot be overlooked.
A DSLR is simple in that you look directly
through the picture taking lens and what you
see is (almost) what you get. The viewfinder’s
image quality is sensational – every bit as good
as the lens on the camera!
In comparison, a versatile mirrorless camera
requires an electronic viewfinder. Over the past
10 years, the manufacturers have improved
the image of the ‘tiny television screen’ tucked
away inside the viewfinder. In the beginning, it
displayed coarse resolution and garish colours.
Today, the high resolution EVFs are much, much
better and for many people every bit as usable
as an optical viewfinder.
Add in the other benefits of an electronicNEWS