What To Know
- In the realm of professional photography, the Nikon D850 and Panasonic S1R stand as formidable contenders, captivating the hearts of photographers with their exceptional capabilities.
- The Nikon D850 excels in dynamic range, capturing a wide range of tones from the darkest shadows to the brightest highlights.
- However, if you require more advanced video capabilities, a higher resolution sensor, and a more compact body, the S1R is the better option.
In the realm of professional photography, the Nikon D850 and Panasonic S1R stand as formidable contenders, captivating the hearts of photographers with their exceptional capabilities. This comprehensive comparison delves into the key features, strengths, and weaknesses of these two highly acclaimed cameras, empowering you to make an informed decision based on your specific needs and preferences.
Sensor
The Nikon D850 boasts a 45.7-megapixel full-frame CMOS sensor, while the Panasonic S1R features a 47.3-megapixel full-frame CMOS sensor. Both sensors offer impressive resolution, capturing stunningly detailed images. However, the S1R’s slightly higher resolution provides a marginal edge in producing larger prints or cropping images more aggressively.
Dynamic Range
The Nikon D850 excels in dynamic range, capturing a wide range of tones from the darkest shadows to the brightest highlights. Its 14.8-stop dynamic range allows for greater flexibility in post-processing, preserving details in both overexposed and underexposed areas. The Panasonic S1R offers a slightly narrower dynamic range of 14.5 stops, but still performs admirably in capturing images with balanced exposure.
Autofocus
The Nikon D850’s autofocus system is renowned for its speed and accuracy. Its 153-point autofocus system, combined with its advanced tracking algorithms, ensures precise focus on moving subjects. The Panasonic S1R also features a capable autofocus system with 225 selectable autofocus points. However, the D850’s autofocus performance is generally considered more reliable and consistent in challenging lighting conditions.
Continuous Shooting
The Nikon D850 has a slight advantage in continuous shooting speed, capturing up to 9 frames per second (fps) in full-frame mode. The Panasonic S1R offers a continuous shooting speed of up to 6 fps in full-frame mode. While both cameras are capable of capturing fast-moving subjects, the D850’s faster shooting speed gives it an edge in sports or wildlife photography.
Video
The Panasonic S1R is a more versatile camera for videographers. It can record 4K video at up to 60 fps, while the Nikon D850 is limited to 4K at 30 fps. Additionally, the S1R offers a wider range of video codecs, including H.265 and ProRes, providing greater flexibility in post-production.
Build Quality
Both the Nikon D850 and Panasonic S1R are built to withstand the rigors of professional use. The D850 features a magnesium alloy body with weather sealing, making it dust and moisture resistant. The S1R also boasts a durable body with weather sealing, but its magnesium alloy construction is slightly less robust than the D850’s.
Ergonomics
The Nikon D850 is praised for its intuitive ergonomics. Its large, well-placed buttons and dials provide easy access to key camera settings. The Panasonic S1R has a more modern, minimalist design, with a smaller body and fewer physical controls. While some photographers may prefer the S1R’s compact size, others may find the D850’s more traditional ergonomics more comfortable for extended shooting sessions.
Lens Compatibility
The Nikon D850 is compatible with Nikon’s extensive range of F-mount lenses. The Panasonic S1R is compatible with the L-mount lens system, which is shared by Leica and Sigma. Both lens mounts offer a wide selection of high-quality lenses, but Nikon’s F-mount system has a longer history and a more established ecosystem.
Price
The Nikon D850 has a retail price of approximately $2,700, while the Panasonic S1R is priced at around $3,700. The S1R’s higher price reflects its more advanced video capabilities and slightly higher resolution sensor.
Conclusion: The Right Choice for Your Needs
Choosing between the Nikon D850 and Panasonic S1R depends on your specific photography needs and preferences. If you prioritize dynamic range, autofocus performance, and continuous shooting speed, the D850 is an excellent choice. However, if you require more advanced video capabilities, a higher resolution sensor, and a more compact body, the S1R is the better option.
FAQ
Q: Which camera has a better dynamic range?
A: The Nikon D850 has a slightly better dynamic range than the Panasonic S1R.
Q: Which camera is better for sports photography?
A: The Nikon D850 has a faster continuous shooting speed, making it better suited for sports and wildlife photography.
Q: Which camera is better for videography?
A: The Panasonic S1R has more advanced video capabilities, including 4K at 60 fps and a wider range of video codecs.
Q: Which camera has a more durable body?
A: Both cameras have durable bodies with weather sealing, but the Nikon D850’s magnesium alloy body is slightly more robust.
Q: Which camera has a wider selection of lenses available?
A: The Nikon D850 is compatible with Nikon’s extensive F-mount lens system, which offers a wider selection of lenses compared to the Panasonic S1R’s L-mount system.
