Sony Alpha A7 IV vs Panasonic Lumix S1R
Sony Alpha A7 IV has the edge on paper, but the right choice depends on what you shoot. The Alpha A7 IV is the better pick for travel, portraits, sports, astrophotography, vlogging.
Choose the Alpha A7 IV for
- faster bursts (10fps vs 9fps)
- a lighter body (658g vs 1016g)
- a lower price (from £1,059)
- more lenses in our database (105 vs 64)
- a newer design (2021)
Choose the Lumix S1R for
- more resolution (47.3MP vs 33MP)
Specs side by side
| Spec | Alpha A7 IV | Lumix S1R |
|---|---|---|
| Sensor | Full frame, 33MP | Full frame, 47.3MP |
| Mount | Sony FE (full frame) | L-Mount (Lumix S, Leica SL) |
| Released | 2021 | 2019 |
| Burst | 10 fps | 9 fps |
| Readout | ≈65 ms | — |
| Max ISO | 51,200 | 25,600 |
| Stabilisation | In-body | In-body |
| Video | 4K 60p (crop) | 4K 60p (crop) |
| Weather sealed | Yes | Yes |
| Viewfinder | Electronic | Electronic |
| Weight | 658 g | 1016 g |
| Battery | Sony NP-FZ100 | Panasonic DMW-BLJ31 |
| Card slots | CFexpress A/SD + SD | XQD/CFexpress B + SD |
| New price | £1,799 | No longer sold new |
| Used at MPB | £1,059–1,249 | £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 | Alpha A7 IV |
| Portraits | Alpha A7 IV |
| Landscape | About equal |
| Wildlife & animals | About equal |
| Sports & action | Alpha A7 IV |
| Astrophotography | Alpha A7 IV |
| Vlogging & video | Alpha A7 IV |
| 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 A7 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 A7 IV compatible lenses → · Lumix S1R compatible lenses → ·
Frequently asked questions
Is the Sony Alpha A7 IV better than the Panasonic Lumix S1R?
It depends on your priorities. The Alpha A7 IV offers faster bursts (10fps vs 9fps), a lighter body (658g vs 1016g), a lower price (from £1,059); the Lumix S1R offers more resolution (47.3MP vs 33MP).
Which is better for video, the Alpha A7 IV or the Lumix S1R?
They are closely matched for video (4K 60p (crop) vs 4K 60p (crop)); stabilisation and lens choice will decide it.
Which is cheaper, the Alpha A7 IV or the Lumix S1R?
The Alpha A7 IV costs £1,799 new and from £1,059 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 A7 IV lenses on the Lumix S1R?
Not directly. The Alpha A7 IV uses Sony E / FE and the Lumix S1R uses L-Mount; switching usually means new lenses or an adapter where one exists.