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The newest firmware was released shortly before I purchased my camera so it’s all I know. By most accounts it improved it greatly but I don’t have the prior experience to compare it to. What I can compare it to is the A7RII (plus limited experience with the A9 and newer Sony bodies), limited experience with the EOS R, limited experience with the Nikon Z, and limited experience with the Fuji X/G bodies. I will say the Sony is clearly better at continuous focus but I find that the Panasonic is every bit as snappy as the PDAF counterparts in decent to excellent light. In lower light it isn’t as good and I recommend switching to single point at that junction for more reliability.Thank you! Great points to consider. While I primarily shoot portraits both environmental/studio, I've also read that the AF on the S1/r's are not optimal because of the DFD design. Does the most current firmware mitigate this to any extent?
Understand! Yeah, I never shoot with AF-C, perhaps because of my all mechanical film cameras. Another reason is devaluation. I purchased my Z7 as an OB, with a kit zoom and full warranty for $2100 last year. Now, I can sell the Z7 only for $1800/1900 and part off the rest (50mm 1.8S, battery, XQD, etc and easily make up that difference considering I sold the kit zoom right away. The S1 is $1899 and would consider Sigma Art to start off. I had a Sigma 35mm Art for a Nikon D810 and loved that lens. I like a bigger camera and really like the look of this camera and that is a major part of my relationship with any camera. But, with all things said, I would like to handle it first.I’m still testing and learning the camera but I recommend renting it for yourself and test how you shoot to make the decision. I don’t want to sell you the camera not knowing how YOU work. I know that it works for me but it’s my “personal” camera. The Sony cameras are my “when I need work done” cameras.
Completely understand. The open box/demo deal I got on the Panasonic S1R sealed it for me at ~$2450 shipped with tax. Loved the idea of the camera but I didn’t love it enough to take that big of a chance at nearly $5k for the kit without getting my hands on it. The included 3 year warranty sweetened the deal for me.Understand! Yeah, I never shoot with AF-C, perhaps because of my all mechanical film cameras. Another reason is devaluation. I purchased my Z7 as an OB, with a kit zoom and full warranty for $2100 last year. Now, I can sell the Z7 only for $1800/1900 and part off the rest (50mm 1.8S, battery, XQD, etc and easily make up that difference considering I sold the kit zoom right away. The S1 is $1899 and would consider Sigma Art to start off. I had a Sigma 35mm Art for a Nikon D810 and loved that lens. I like a bigger camera and really like the look of this camera and that is a major part of my relationship with any camera. But, with all things said, I would like to handle it first.
Yes I’m aware of the v1.3 firmware and it’s what I’m running. From my understanding there wasn’t as big of an AF performance jump from 1.2 to 1.3 as there was going from 1.0/1.1 to 1.2. Firmware 1.2 was nearly entirely focused on autofocus performance and adding the ability to unlock V-Log. Firmware 1.3 was mostly about CFExpress compatibility, adding options to customize Sigma lenses, lens firmware updates, and minor AF improvements.Panasonic had a recent firmware upgrade (11/19) that apparently fixes some of the AF issues in the S series cameras. So, my understanding is regarding lenses, is that the newer Sigma 35mm 1.2 L mount is a good match as is the native Panasonic S 50mm 1.4 for the S1/R? The Panasonic S 50mm 1.4 has fantastic reviews and MTF. It should I suppose as they make most of the Leica digital lenses. I just read the s1/r is made in China? I thought Panasonic made these in Japan. What about the Pro S lenses and Leica digital?
You’re welcome. I did a lot of research before making the decision to finally add L-Mount. For me a camera really has to add something tangibly different. The Sony system really has only a few flaws and I’d say most of them are highly subjective. Like I’ve said many times, there really aren’t any bad cameras but not every camera will work for everyone. I stress the importance of trying the cameras out for yourself and see how it is.I really appreciate your in depth comments. It's very informative. Thank you.