Lumix S5vs Z50 II
Which should you buy?
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.
All-Round Photography — Z50 II (2024): Nikon's updated APS-C body with 4K/60p, improved subject tracking, and a vari-angle screen — a solid all-rounder.
Who should buy what
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
Z50 II (2024)
- You want a capable APS-C camera for travel, street, or everyday shooting
- You want improved autofocus over older Nikon APS-C bodies like the Z50 or Zfc
- You want a compact Nikon mirrorless body that uses the full Z lens system
Quick take: The lumix s5 has the highest resolution at 24mp; the z50 ii is the most affordable; only the lumix s5 is weather sealed. Scroll down for the full spec breakdown.
Full specifications
| Specification | Lumix S5 (2020) | Z50 II (2024) |
|---|---|---|
| Price | £1,699 | £899 |
| Sensor | 24.2MP Full-Frame CMOS | 20.9MP APS-C CMOS |
| Resolution | 24.2MP | 20.9MP |
| Video | 4K/60p 10-bit V-Log/HLG, 5.9K anamorphic, 1080p/180p slow-motion | 4K/60p uncropped, 1080p/120p, N-Log |
| Autofocus | Contrast AF (DFD Technology), face/eye detection | Phase-detect, 249 points, subject detection (human/animal/vehicle) |
| Stabilisation | 6.5-stop IBIS (dual IBIS with Lumix S lenses) | None (no IBIS) |
| Burst Rate | 7fps mechanical, 9fps electronic (AFS) | 11fps mechanical, 30fps electronic |
| Battery Life | ~470 shots (CIPA) | ~330 shots (CIPA) |
| Weight | 714g (body, battery, card) | 385g body only |
| Dimensions | 132.6 × 97.1 × 81.9mm | 127.0 × 96.8 × 66.5mm |
| Weather Sealed | Yes | No |
| Viewfinder | EVF, 2.36M dots, 0.78× magnification | EVF, 2.36M dots |
| Screen | 3.0" vari-angle touchscreen, 1.84M dots | 3.0" fully articulating touchscreen |
| Mount | Leica L-mount | Nikon Z-mount |
| Memory Cards | Dual SD UHS-II | Single SD UHS-I slot |
| Connectivity | USB-C (USB 3.2 Gen 1), full-size HDMI, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth | USB-C, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi |
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