X-A7vs Lumix S5vs Z30
Which should you buy?
Beginner Fujifilm — X-A7 (2019): The most affordable X-mount entry — Fujifilm colour and film simulations with a large flip screen for beginners.
Professional Video & Hybrid Shooting — Lumix S5 (2020): The S5 is an outstanding video camera that also takes excellent stills. 10-bit 4K/60p, dual native ISO and 6.5-stop IBIS in a weather-sealed body is a compelling package. The contrast-detect AF is its main weakness vs Sony and Canon — but for controlled shooting it doesn't hold it back.
Travel & Everyday Video — Z30 (2022): Nikon's lightest Z-mount body — no fuss, excellent subject tracking, and a flip screen for creators.
Who should buy what
X-A7 (2019)
- You want an affordable first mirrorless with decent video capabilities
- You shoot a lot of selfie-style content or vlog on a budget
- Note: no viewfinder and limited lens support — the X-T30 II is a better long-term investment
Lumix S5 (2020)
- Videographers who need 10-bit colour science in a full-frame body
- Photographers who shoot video as a second discipline
- Studio photographers who want full-frame IBIS at a lower price
- L-mount system users building a versatile kit
Z30 (2022)
- You create video content and want reliable Nikon colour science in a compact body
- You don't need a viewfinder and prioritise the vari-angle flip screen
- You're starting out with interchangeable lenses for content creation on a budget
Quick take: The x-a7 has the highest resolution at 24mp; the x-a7 is the most affordable; only the lumix s5 is weather sealed. Scroll down for the full spec breakdown.
Full specifications
| Specification | X-A7 (2019) | Lumix S5 (2020) | Z30 (2022) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | £399 | £1,699 | £479 |
| Sensor | 24.2MP APS-C CMOS (Bayer, not X-Trans) | 24.2MP Full-Frame CMOS | 20.9MP APS-C CMOS |
| Resolution | 24.2MP | 24.2MP | 20.9MP |
| Video | 4K/30p, 1080p/60p | 4K/60p 10-bit V-Log/HLG, 5.9K anamorphic, 1080p/180p slow-motion | 4K/30p, 4K/60p (with crop), 1080p/120p |
| Autofocus | Phase-detect + contrast, 425 points | Contrast AF (DFD Technology), face/eye detection | Phase-detect, 209 points, subject tracking (human/animal/vehicle) |
| Stabilisation | None (no IBIS) | 6.5-stop IBIS (dual IBIS with Lumix S lenses) | None (no IBIS) |
| Burst Rate | 6fps | 7fps mechanical, 9fps electronic (AFS) | 11fps |
| Battery Life | ~440 shots (CIPA) | ~470 shots (CIPA) | ~300 shots (CIPA) |
| Weight | 320g body only | 714g (body, battery, card) | 405g body only |
| Dimensions | 118.0 × 80.6 × 55.2mm | 132.6 × 97.1 × 81.9mm | 127.5 × 73.5 × 59.5mm |
| Weather Sealed | No | Yes | No |
| Viewfinder | None | EVF, 2.36M dots, 0.78× magnification | None |
| Screen | 3.5" fully articulating touchscreen | 3.0" vari-angle touchscreen, 1.84M dots | 3.0" fully articulating touchscreen |
| Mount | Fujifilm X-mount | Leica L-mount | Nikon Z-mount |
| Memory Cards | Single SD UHS-I slot | Dual SD UHS-II | Single SD UHS-I slot |
| Connectivity | USB Micro-B, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, micro HDMI | USB-C (USB 3.2 Gen 1), full-size HDMI, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth | USB-C, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, 3.5mm mic input, micro HDMI |
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