S1 IIvs A7 IV
GearScore™ Verdict — Which should you buy?
Hybrid & Video — S1 II (2025): The S1 II is the full-frame L-mount hybrid camera Panasonic's system has been waiting for — phase-detect AF, 4K/120p, class-leading IBIS, and a professional build in one complete package. It addresses every weakness of the original S1 and positions Lumix firmly back in the conversation for serious hybrid shooters.
Portrait & Wedding Photography — A7 IV (2021): The full-frame portrait benchmark — 33MP, AI Eye AF, and exceptional skin-tone rendering in a pro-grade hybrid body.
Who should buy what
S1 II (2025)
- Hybrid photographers who need excellent stills and serious video capability
- Video professionals who want full-frame quality with 4K/120p
- Landscape and portrait photographers who want maximum stabilisation
- L-mount system users upgrading from S1 or S5 II
A7 IV (2021)
- Working photographers who want a reliable full-frame all-rounder
- Portrait, wedding, and event photographers needing 33MP and fast AF
- A7 III owners ready for a major upgrade in resolution, AF, and video
- Hybrid shooters who want 4K/60p and 33MP stills in one dependable body
Quick take: The a7 iv has the highest resolution at 33mp; the s1 ii is the most affordable. Scroll down for the full spec breakdown.
Full specifications
| Specification | S1 II (2025) | A7 IV (2021) |
|---|---|---|
| Price | £2,200 | £2,299 |
| Sensor | 24.2MP Full-Frame BSI CMOS | 33MP Full-frame BSI Exmor R CMOS |
| Resolution | 24.2MP | 33.0MP |
| Video | 6K/30p, 4K/120p, 10-bit 4:2:2 internal | 4K/60p oversampled, 10-bit internal, S-Log3, S-Cinetone |
| Autofocus | Phase-detect AF with subject recognition (human, animal, vehicle) | 759-point phase-detect, AI subject recognition |
| Stabilisation | 5-axis IBIS, up to 8 stops | 5-axis IBIS, 5.5 stops |
| Burst Rate | 30fps (electronic), 9fps (mechanical) | 10fps mechanical, 30fps electronic |
| Battery Life | ~400 shots (CIPA) | ~580 shots (CIPA) |
| Weight | 680g (body only) | 659g body only |
| Dimensions | 138.5 × 100.0 × 91.5mm | 131.3 × 96.4 × 79.8mm |
| Weather Sealed | Yes | Yes |
| Viewfinder | Electronic, 3.68M dots, 0.78× | EVF, 3.69M dots, 0.78× magnification |
| Screen | 3.0" fully articulating touchscreen, 1.84M dots | 3.0" vari-angle touchscreen |
| Mount | Leica L-mount | Sony FE (full-frame E-mount) |
| Memory Cards | Dual slot: CFexpress Type B + SD UHS-II | Dual slots: CFexpress Type A + SD UHS-II |
| Connectivity | USB-C, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, HDMI | USB-C (3.2 Gen 2), Bluetooth, Wi-Fi |
Suitability by genre
| Genre | S1 II | A7 IV |
|---|---|---|
| Vlogging & Video | ||
| Portrait | — | |
| Landscape | ||
| Wedding & Events | ||
| Travel | — | |
| Sports & Action | ||
| Wildlife | — | |
| Street | — | |
| Studio Portraits | — | |
| Outdoor Portraits | — |
GearScore™ suitability scores are based on aggregated purchaser reviews weighted by photography genre. See how scores are calculated →
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Camera family history