Is the Panasonic S1R the better Leica SL2?

[jaapv]

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Yes, but after trying out an SL2S next to a S5ii I found the S5ii the better camera for me. The better AF, OIS and the intelligent UI that allows me to change just about any function without going into the menu were the main decision factors, especially the quick switching of AF and burst. The sensor was somewhat better too to my eyes but the difference was too small to be of importance. 
I need a fast to use camera for wildlife and birds. Preferably faster than I am. 

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The Leica Q3 is available for pre-order at B&H Photo Video and Adorama

[JohnSantaF4]

I hope I’m not crazy but just ordered a mint S1R as an upgrade companion to my SL2-S, which I’m keeping. Rather than a Q3, I’m using the new LUMIX S-9 as my casual, walkaround camera.

[jdlaing]

15 hours ago, JohnSantaF4 said:

I hope I’m not crazy but just ordered a mint S1R as an upgrade companion to my SL2-S, which I’m keeping. Rather than a Q3, I’m using the new LUMIX S-9 as my casual, walkaround camera.

You’re going to need a really light touch on the shutter button. 😃

[mokona]

On 8/10/2024 at 11:38 PM, JohnSantaF4 said:

I hope I’m not crazy but just ordered a mint S1R as an upgrade companion to my SL2-S, which I’m keeping. Rather than a Q3, I’m using the new LUMIX S-9 as my casual, walkaround camera.

I quite like the combo S9 (with Lumix/Sigma lenses) + SL2-S (with M/SL lenses). If I were going for a higher resolution body, I would consider if I plan to use M lenses or not.

 

[SrMi]

1 hour ago, mokona said:

I quite like the combo S9 (with Lumix/Sigma lenses) + SL2-S (with M/SL lenses). If I were going for a higher resolution body, I would consider if I plan to use M lenses or not.

 

For the record, all my M lenses work great with high-resolution bodies (M11).

[mokona]

30 minutes ago, SrMi said:

For the record, all my M lenses work great with high-resolution bodies (M11).

But they don't work well on Lumix bodies (at least from my tests, not on S1, S5iix and S9 for the 28mm summilux)

[SrMi]

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49 minutes ago, mokona said:

But they don't work well on Lumix bodies (at least from my tests, not on S1, S5iix and S9 for the 28mm summilux)

I believe you, but that does not mean that they do not work because of higher resolution bodies.

Edited August 12, 2024 by SrMi

[OR120]

On 8/10/2024 at 5:38 PM, JohnSantaF4 said:

I hope I’m not crazy but just ordered a mint S1R as an upgrade companion to my SL2-S, which I’m keeping. Rather than a Q3, I’m using the new LUMIX S-9 as my casual, walkaround camera.

What lenses are you using with your Lumix S-9? I would love to see some photos taken with your S-9 w/Leica lenses - if you have time to post.......

[JohnSantaF4]

On 8/12/2024 at 10:38 AM, OR120 said:

What lenses are you using with your Lumix S-9? I would love to see some photos taken with your S-9 w/Leica lenses - if you have time to post.......

I'm using the Lumix 20-60mm kit lens with the S-9.

 

[mokona]

On 8/12/2024 at 6:38 PM, OR120 said:

What lenses are you using with your Lumix S-9? I would love to see some photos taken with your S-9 w/Leica lenses - if you have time to post.......

I mainly use the Lumix 35mm with the S9. I find the Leica APO lenses to be a bit heavy with the S9.

[huwm]

still waiting on the S1R(2) to go with my SL2 S

[jdlaing]

6 hours ago, huwm said:

still waiting on the S1R(2) to go with my SL2 S

I think you’ll be waiting for a long time.

[SrMi]

11 hours ago, huwm said:

still waiting on the S1R(2) to go with my SL2 S

I believe an SL3 would work quite well with your SL2-S :).

[JohnSantaF4]

I agree, an SL3 would be a perfect marriage. ;)

[AdjusterBrett]

What the hell, $0.02 from the cheap seats.  DO NOT have SL2 nor S1R, but have SL and S1.  First and foremost - you could initiate an hostile takeover in the menu system of the S1 - its vast - and by vast I mean in lightyears...  If you like have more options than any mere mortal can even understand without a visit to the manual (or more likely YouTube) - have at it.  The Panasonic's have some NEAT tricks.  The Panasonic (in my S1 v SL) case - runs away with the autofocus - but this is like comparing the 0-60 acceleration times of mini-vans...   They both suck, period (compared to any current sony, canon, Nikon, etc).  S1 gets perks for having a WB button - I use it all the time, but the SL menu is clean enough to not delay that much.  SL gets perks for handling - unlike previous - I shoot almost all manual - and she just shines (for me).  Returned the SL2S because it was not a big enough upgrade to justify the cost (and by then I had muscle memory for the SL buttons).  With big lenses - they both are awkward - unless of course - you are trying to anchor the port side.  They are both huge (with the Panie being bigger) - throw a heavy lens on the front and simply save yourself some time and call your chiropractor right then.  Looks - SL.  Handling - SL unless your are a highly technical shooter - then its easily the S1 - as there is probably a menu option to dim the sun a bit.  Holding (different than handling - this is how it feels not functions) - I'd give it to the SL - comfy sweatshirt or hoodie is a good descriptor).  IQ - this is relative and I'll explain.  If I'm shooting manual (vintage) - MOST give me better (and by better, just slightly preferred) on the Leica - but its not 'that' far off.  There are times when the image stabilization makes a difference and the S1 wins.  Low light - Good God - there is no comparison and the S1 runs away with it.  Flash - again - S1 with godox - see ya (and I have the Godox Leica trigger - but end up using a Nikon coded manually).  So I rarely shoot video - but the S1 stacks up to most current day - and runs away again.  All that said - if I'm going to commit to a boat anchor around my neck all day which do I grab for - SL.  Why - because I shoot for me - and it has a certain je ne sais quoi about it  - it's just more engaging and more about the shot than the tech.  What you are going to be shooting should be a big portion of this discussion as well.  The SL cannot match the 6k burst - if she  (S1) gets/holds focus you will have a ridiculous amount of hits to choose from and it does it in camera.  Add to that the multi shot in camera (which the SL2 has I think) - in the end the S1 technically blows the SL out of the water - and yet I grab the SL most of the time.  

[Stuart Richardson]

16 hours ago, AdjusterBrett said:

What the hell, $0.02 from the cheap seats.  DO NOT have SL2 nor S1R, but have SL and S1.  First and foremost - you could initiate an hostile takeover in the menu system of the S1 - its vast - and by vast I mean in lightyears...  If you like have more options than any mere mortal can even understand without a visit to the manual (or more likely YouTube) - have at it.  The Panasonic's have some NEAT tricks.  The Panasonic (in my S1 v SL) case - runs away with the autofocus - but this is like comparing the 0-60 acceleration times of mini-vans...   They both suck, period (compared to any current sony, canon, Nikon, etc).  S1 gets perks for having a WB button - I use it all the time, but the SL menu is clean enough to not delay that much.  SL gets perks for handling - unlike previous - I shoot almost all manual - and she just shines (for me).  Returned the SL2S because it was not a big enough upgrade to justify the cost (and by then I had muscle memory for the SL buttons).  With big lenses - they both are awkward - unless of course - you are trying to anchor the port side.  They are both huge (with the Panie being bigger) - throw a heavy lens on the front and simply save yourself some time and call your chiropractor right then.  Looks - SL.  Handling - SL unless your are a highly technical shooter - then its easily the S1 - as there is probably a menu option to dim the sun a bit.  Holding (different than handling - this is how it feels not functions) - I'd give it to the SL - comfy sweatshirt or hoodie is a good descriptor).  IQ - this is relative and I'll explain.  If I'm shooting manual (vintage) - MOST give me better (and by better, just slightly preferred) on the Leica - but its not 'that' far off.  There are times when the image stabilization makes a difference and the S1 wins.  Low light - Good God - there is no comparison and the S1 runs away with it.  Flash - again - S1 with godox - see ya (and I have the Godox Leica trigger - but end up using a Nikon coded manually).  So I rarely shoot video - but the S1 stacks up to most current day - and runs away again.  All that said - if I'm going to commit to a boat anchor around my neck all day which do I grab for - SL.  Why - because I shoot for me - and it has a certain je ne sais quoi about it  - it's just more engaging and more about the shot than the tech.  What you are going to be shooting should be a big portion of this discussion as well.  The SL cannot match the 6k burst - if she  (S1) gets/holds focus you will have a ridiculous amount of hits to choose from and it does it in camera.  Add to that the multi shot in camera (which the SL2 has I think) - in the end the S1 technically blows the SL out of the water - and yet I grab the SL most of the time.  

It's interesting to me that you returned the SL2S, because it is basically the SL with most of the advantages of the S1. I understand the muscle memory. I shot the S system before the SL2 and I did prefer that. At this point the cost has come way down on the SL2 and SL2S. They may be worth another look. I shot an SL2 and S1 alongside for years and when they put out the SL3 I decided the changes were not for me. I wound up selling the S1 for the SL2S and have really loved it. I think I underestimated how nice it is to have my standard work/high res camera to have the exact same interface as the low light/video camera.

[AdjusterBrett]

I probably should have tweaked the SL2S - and given the buttons more time to sink it - but it was winter - shooting with gloves (something the SL excels at with those four giant buttons).  To ME - I was able to manually focus easier on the SL vs the SL2S (and the SL beats the S1 as well).   I do not know nor understand why - and much like prior comments - I find the Visioflex 020 on the TL2 to be exceptional in comparison as well).  YES price is down - but for the 25% of the time I'm on native lenses - my next purchase will likely be up to the task of autofocus (perhaps I'm getting lazy or am just tired of chasing focus on moving subjects).  For the record - the S1 does better with gloves than most - but it's simply no contest vs. the SL.  I'd not even be here - if the SL was better at higher ISO (in comparison to the S1), as aside form the ridiculous batteries and no in body charging - there just isn't too much to bark about .  If I had to guess - the SL2S is extremely similar to the S1 - as the magnified view on a vintage lens in the EVF looked about the same (S1 v SL2S), but the high ISO was lacking (perhaps I just have a better than normal copy of an S1).  But if I'm looking through a many/sek 55/1.4 - I can positively say - the image in the EVF was better through the SL, with the Visoflex on the TL2 (albeit a crop) taking second, then the S1 & SL2S.  With the lacking AF (in all of them) - the upgrade didn't' make sense, as for what I do - the SL2S did NOT check any of the boxes...  I do think both my SL and TL2 when shot in similar with the S1 does give a bit of special sauce - but by no means has the IQ been that drastically different as to drive me to buy the Leica.  The SL2S didn't change that opinion for the short period I had it.  I LOVE my SL (best handling camera I've ever owned, period - and I'm 30+ bodies in the last 5 or 6 years).  I LOVE my TL2 - its a fidgety mess getting it ready (put on the Viso, do NOT loose that slip thingy that covers the hot shoe - probably cost more than my car) - but once its ready - GOOD GOD - its just a BLAST to shoot with - and my pancolar 50/2 and it seem to be lost soul mates - its just a BLAST.  Last note - and almost funny - on the last day I was farting around with the SL2S, I did try to find the 4k/6k mode - an item on the S1 I find excessively useful in certain situations (basically pre or post shoots video and then you can pull 18mp frames out of it - so if you want to catch your child on the hill of the roller coaster with a 400mm - you can test out focus - narrow it down - and then lock it in with that mode - and POOF - I'm damn near matching the father with the Sony next to me - just in lower res - but it was an acceptable compromise).  Likely user error - but I could not find it.  I have noticed in my toying with a new purchase - panasonic left if off the S5ii as well (bummer).  If someone is in the 'One camera to rule them all" category (combined with limited funding), then I think the SL2S or an S1 is a great choice if they know the AF limitations.  But in my realm (corral), the cost to bump up - even today - just doesn't provide any value.  I have the SL for vintage shooting - it's what it was built to be in my mind.  The SL2/3 just have not shown anything of significance that would make that much difference over the SL - especially since I also have an S1.