Sony Alpha A7R IV vs Panasonic Lumix S1R
Sony Alpha A7R IV has the edge on paper, but the right choice depends on what you shoot. The Alpha A7R IV is the better pick for portraits.
Choose the Alpha A7R IV for
- more resolution (61MP vs 47.3MP)
- faster bursts (10fps vs 9fps)
- a lighter body (665g vs 1016g)
- a lower price (from £999)
- more lenses in our database (105 vs 64)
Choose the Lumix S1R for
- very similar specs
Specs side by side
| Spec | Alpha A7R IV | Lumix S1R |
|---|---|---|
| Sensor | Full frame, 61MP | Full frame, 47.3MP |
| Mount | Sony FE (full frame) | L-Mount (Lumix S, Leica SL) |
| Released | 2019 | 2019 |
| Burst | 10 fps | 9 fps |
| Readout | — | — |
| Max ISO | 32,000 | 25,600 |
| Stabilisation | In-body | In-body |
| Video | 4K 30p | 4K 60p (crop) |
| Weather sealed | Yes | Yes |
| Viewfinder | Electronic | Electronic |
| Weight | 665 g | 1016 g |
| Battery | Sony NP-FZ100 | Panasonic DMW-BLJ31 |
| Card slots | 2× SD (UHS-II) | XQD/CFexpress B + SD |
| New price | No longer sold new | No longer sold new |
| Used at MPB | £999–1,269 | £1,099 |
| Native lenses in our database | 105 (82 third-party) | 64 (39 third-party) |
Which is better for…
| Use | Better choice |
|---|---|
| Beginner-friendly | About equal |
| Everyday & travel | About equal |
| Portraits | Alpha A7R IV |
| Landscape | About equal |
| Wildlife & animals | About equal |
| Sports & action | About equal |
| Astrophotography | About equal |
| Vlogging & video | About equal |
| Vintage / film look | About equal |
Based on the specs that matter most for each type of photography: burst and readout for action, resolution for landscapes, sensor size and low light for portraits and astro, video and weight for vlogging.
Lenses and running costs
The Alpha A7R IV uses Sony E / FE (105 lenses in our database, 82 third-party) and the Lumix S1R uses L-Mount (64 lenses, 39 third-party). Batteries: Sony NP-FZ100 (about £65) vs Panasonic DMW-BLJ31 (about £79).
Alpha A7R IV compatible lenses → · Lumix S1R compatible lenses → ·
Frequently asked questions
Is the Sony Alpha A7R IV better than the Panasonic Lumix S1R?
It depends on your priorities. The Alpha A7R IV offers more resolution (61MP vs 47.3MP), faster bursts (10fps vs 9fps), a lighter body (665g vs 1016g); the Lumix S1R offers similar specs.
Which is better for video, the Alpha A7R IV or the Lumix S1R?
They are closely matched for video (4K 30p vs 4K 60p (crop)); stabilisation and lens choice will decide it.
Which is cheaper, the Alpha A7R IV or the Lumix S1R?
The Alpha A7R IV costs No longer sold new new and from £999 used at MPB; the Lumix S1R costs No longer sold new new and from £1,099 used (checked 5 November 2026).
Can I use Sony Alpha A7R IV lenses on the Lumix S1R?
Not directly. The Alpha A7R IV uses Sony E / FE and the Lumix S1R uses L-Mount; switching usually means new lenses or an adapter where one exists.