HEADTOHEAD Nikon Z 7 vs Panasonic S1R
Nikon Z 7
£2,799/£2,999 (body only)
VS
Panasonic Lumix S1R
£3,399/$3,699 (body only)
In the battle of full-frame mirrorless heavyweights, this is like an armoured car taking on a tank
Perhaps the key selling point of mirrorless cameras is that they’re smaller and lighter than conventional SLRs. Sure enough, the Nikon Z 7 packs its high-resolution 45.7MP full-frame image sensor into a less-than-full-fat casing that weighs a modest 695g. Throwing the rule book to the wind, however, the Panasonic S1R is the size and weight of a high-end full-frame SLR like the Nikon D850, tipping the scales at just over a kilo.
Naturally, any system camera is only as versatile as the range of lenses that are available for it. It’s a clear win for the Z 7 here, with a growing number of fabulous Z-series optics and an adaptor that gives access to an enormous catalogue of F-mount lenses. At the time of going to press, Panasonic only offers standard and telephoto f/4 zooms and a 50mm f/1.4 prime for the S1R. However, its L-mount design means it’s also compatible with Leica lenses, and Sigma has just launched 35mm f/1.2 and 45mm f/2.8 primes, plus a 14-24mm f/2.8 zoom. Panasonic itself has promised
