But for most folks, the Sony a7 III is the better choice when it comes to full-frame mirrorless. It's a full $500 less expensive, offers nearly identical image quality, very good video in its own right, and stronger battery life.

24MP full-frame image sensor; 5-axis sensor stabilization; Outstanding EVF; Solid controls and ergonomics; Backlit buttons; Dust and splash protection; Top information display; 4K video with 10-bit output

Pricier than competitors; Heavy; Contrast focus limits tracking speed and burst rate; Lens selection limited at this time

The Lumix DC-S1 ($2,499.99, body only) is one of a pair of full-frame cameras launched this year by Panasonic. It features a stabilized 24MP image sensor, top-end 4K video features, and a very sturdy build. But its autofocus system isn't quite as speedy as competing models, and it costs more. We continue to recommend the Sony a7 III as our Editors' Choice full-frame camera, as it offers a more rounded feature set for less money. A Twin Sibling Aside from its image sensor, the S1 an exact clone of the more expensive S1R ($3,699.99). The S1R boasts 47.3MP of resolution, versus the S1's 24MP. The cameras are a little big, even for mirrorless, measuring 4.3 by 5.9 by 3.8 inches (HWD) and weighing in at 2.2 pounds. That's a bit bigger and heavier than the a7 III (3.9 by 5.0 by 2.5 inches, 1.4 pounds). The S1 is also more expensive than the a7 III ($1,698.00 at Amazon) , by about $500 when purchased as a body only. There is a kit option available with the 24-105mm zoom lens for $3,3...

The Panasonic Lumix DC-S1 delivers great image quality and includes a high-resolution mode not found in other 24MP models, but it can't keep up when it comes to tracking speed.

24MP full-frame image sensor; 5-axis sensor stabilization; Outstanding EVF; Solid controls and ergonomics; Backlit buttons; Dust and splash protection; Top information display; 4K video with 10-bit output

Pricier than competitors; Heavy; Contrast focus limits tracking speed and burst rate; Lens selection limited at this time

I was at Photokina in Cologne last fall when Panasonic, Leica, and Sigma held a joint press conference to announce their L-Mount Alliance . Uniting around Leica's existing lens mount, the trio made a commitment to rapidly flesh out a new ecosystem of lenses for full-frame mirrorless cameras.

Superb image quality and sharpness; In-body stabilization plus OIS in the lens make anyone a steady shooter; Weather-sealed; rugged construction; USB-C; touchscreen; and fast EVF make smartphone users feel at home

Really; really chunky; Control scheme isn't as natural as Nikon's; Sony's A7 III and Nikon's Z6 offer better value

With tried-and-tested goodness from Panasonic's G series cameras alongside a stunning new viewfinder, excellent video and a sound full-frame sensor, the S1 does much to impress. A huge body, however, along with some awkward controls and an autofocus system that's behind those on its peers, mean there's room for improvement.

Best-in-class viewfinder; Effective image stabilization system; High build quality and weather resistance; Excellent buffer depth; Hugely customizable; Superb video quality;

Large, heavy body; Handful of minor ergonomic issues; Focusing system lags behind rivals; Eyecup can get in the way of LCD; No DCI 4K, and V-Log is paid-for update

A technical powerhouse with excellent image quality – but its size and price may be too demanding for some

Fantastic image quality; Huge, crystal clear viewfinder; Excellent battery life; Sturdy weatherproof build;

Big and heavy; Very expensive; 10:2:2 video update isn’t free; Not a huge range of lenses (yet);

Where other camera brands are just getting started with mirrorless, it feels like the Lumix S1 and S1R are more interested in pushing boundaries forward - and that's something that's easy to get on-board with.

Stellar ergonomics; Great results & expansive lens ecosystem

Autofocus not as fast as G9; Video record button placement not ideal

The Panasonic Lumix DC-S1 is an incredibly well-built (but heavy) camera with excellent image and video quality. The body has numerous control points and is highly customizable. The S1's built-in image stabilization is effective, and the camera can use this system to produce ultra-high-res stills.

Those seeking a stills/video hybrid camera with a solid; weather-sealed body with excellent image and video quality

Photographers requiring a top-notch autofocus system; Those looking for a lighter, more portable body

The Panasonic Lumix S1 is a formidable full-frame offering that's packed with features and potential. Its only real problems That lens mount makes for massive optics and there are minor hiccups with low-light autofocus being slow or hunting a little.

Full-frame image quality is excellent; Lots of potential quality and sharpness from Leica mount; Exceptional image stabilisation system; Eye AF works very well; Best-in-class OLED viewfinder; High-end video features will entice a whole new audience

It's a big and chunky system to use; Being later to the game than the other major players may limit appeal; Leica mount means lenses are massive; Shutter and rear toggle control can be hypersensitive; Some low-light autofocus slowness/hunting

Please

I was unsure about the tilt screen initially in terms of durability, but it has taken a lot of use and is still very much securely on. The camera is superb for a vast amount of uses from live-streaming (where the cable supports are invaluable), on location video shoots in varying lighting...

Great Picture Quality; Versatile