X-A7vs Lumix S5vs A7S III
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.
Professional Video & Low-Light Filmmaking — A7S III (2020): If video is your primary discipline, the A7S III is the camera. 4K/120p at 10-bit in a weather-sealed body with a 9.44M dot EVF is an extraordinary package. The 12MP sensor isn't limiting for video — and it's usable at ISO 409,600 in a pinch.
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
A7S III (2020)
- Filmmakers and videographers who need 4K/120p at 10-bit
- Event videographers who shoot in dark venues regularly
- Documentary filmmakers who need reliable AF and weather sealing
- Hybrid shooters where video is primary and stills are secondary
Quick take: The x-a7 has the highest resolution at 24mp; the x-a7 is the most affordable; only the lumix s5, a7s iii are weather sealed. Scroll down for the full spec breakdown.
Full specifications
| Specification | X-A7 (2019) | Lumix S5 (2020) | A7S III (2020) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | £399 | £1,699 | £2,999 |
| Sensor | 24.2MP APS-C CMOS (Bayer, not X-Trans) | 24.2MP Full-Frame CMOS | 12.1MP Full-Frame BSI CMOS (12-bit, back-illuminated) |
| Resolution | 24.2MP | 24.2MP | 12.1MP |
| Video | 4K/30p, 1080p/60p | 4K/60p 10-bit V-Log/HLG, 5.9K anamorphic, 1080p/180p slow-motion | 4K/120p 10-bit, 4K/60p 10-bit S-Cinetone/S-Log3, 1080p/240p |
| Autofocus | Phase-detect + contrast, 425 points | Contrast AF (DFD Technology), face/eye detection | Phase-detect, 759 points, real-time Eye AF (human & animal), subject recognition |
| Stabilisation | None (no IBIS) | 6.5-stop IBIS (dual IBIS with Lumix S lenses) | 5.5-stop IBIS |
| Burst Rate | 6fps | 7fps mechanical, 9fps electronic (AFS) | 10fps mechanical |
| Battery Life | ~440 shots (CIPA) | ~470 shots (CIPA) | ~600 shots (CIPA) / ~70min continuous 4K recording |
| Weight | 320g body only | 714g (body, battery, card) | 699g (body, battery, card) |
| Dimensions | 118.0 × 80.6 × 55.2mm | 132.6 × 97.1 × 81.9mm | 128.9 × 96.9 × 80.8mm |
| Weather Sealed | No | Yes | Yes |
| Viewfinder | None | EVF, 2.36M dots, 0.78× magnification | OLED EVF, 9.44M dots, 0.90× magnification — best EVF Sony has made |
| Screen | 3.5" fully articulating touchscreen | 3.0" vari-angle touchscreen, 1.84M dots | 3.0" vari-angle touchscreen, 1.44M dots |
| Mount | Fujifilm X-mount | Leica L-mount | Sony E-mount |
| Memory Cards | Single SD UHS-I slot | Dual SD UHS-II | Dual CFexpress Type A / SD UHS-II (both slots) |
| Connectivity | USB Micro-B, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, micro HDMI | USB-C (USB 3.2 Gen 1), full-size HDMI, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth | USB-C (USB 3.2 Gen 2), full-size HDMI, Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth |
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