S1 IIvs A7
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.
Camera History & Full-Frame Introduction — A7 (2013): The camera that changed photography — the world's first compact full-frame mirrorless, the A7 launched a product family that redefined what was possible.
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 (2013)
- Photographers interested in the camera that launched the full-frame mirrorless era
- Budget-conscious buyers who want to experience full-frame image quality at minimal cost
- Sony FE system users who want the original A7 for sentimental or historical value
- Those adapting vintage lenses who want full-frame with phase-detect AF at low cost
Quick take: The a7 has the highest resolution at 24mp; the a7 is the most affordable; only the s1 ii is weather sealed. Scroll down for the full spec breakdown.
Full specifications
| Specification | S1 II (2025) | A7 (2013) |
|---|---|---|
| Price | £2,200 | £299 |
| Sensor | 24.2MP Full-Frame BSI CMOS | 24.3MP Full-Frame CMOS |
| Resolution | 24.2MP | 24.3MP |
| Video | 6K/30p, 4K/120p, 10-bit 4:2:2 internal | 1080p/60p |
| Autofocus | Phase-detect AF with subject recognition (human, animal, vehicle) | 117 phase-detect + 25 contrast-detect AF points |
| Stabilisation | 5-axis IBIS, up to 8 stops | None |
| Burst Rate | 30fps (electronic), 9fps (mechanical) | 5fps |
| Battery Life | ~400 shots (CIPA) | ~340 shots (CIPA) |
| Weight | 680g (body only) | 474g (with battery and card) |
| Dimensions | 138.5 × 100.0 × 91.5mm | 126.9 × 94.4 × 48.2mm |
| Weather Sealed | Yes | No |
| Viewfinder | Electronic, 3.68M dots, 0.78× | EVF, OLED 2.36M dots, 0.71× magnification |
| Screen | 3.0" fully articulating touchscreen, 1.84M dots | 3.0" fixed LCD, 1.23M dots (no tilt, no touch) |
| Mount | Leica L-mount | Sony FE (full-frame E-mount) |
| Memory Cards | Dual slot: CFexpress Type B + SD UHS-II | Single SD UHS-I slot |
| Connectivity | USB-C, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, HDMI | USB, Wi-Fi, NFC |
Suitability by genre
| Genre | S1 II | A7 |
|---|---|---|
| Vlogging & Video | ||
| Portrait | ||
| Landscape | ||
| Wedding & Events | — | |
| Travel | ||
| Sports & Action | ||
| Wildlife | — | |
| Street |
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