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DC-G97 vs Z5

Quick take: The Z5 has the highest resolution at 24MP; the DC-G97 is the most affordable; only the Z5 is weather sealed.

16 specs side by side·15 genres scored·UK prices from Wex Photo Video and Clifton Cameras

How to read this page. Highlighted cells win that row on the spec alone. Genre scores are the engine's base scores (enthusiast, photo and video); Camera Match re-weights them for your level and priorities. Price buttons are affiliate links; the price you pay is the same.

Price buttons are affiliate links — GearFrame may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. It never affects a score. Learn more

Verdictwhich should you buy?

Z5 — Entry-Level Full-Frame & Dslr Switchers: The most affordable route into full-frame Z — dual card slots, IBIS, and a capable sensor at an accessible price.

Who should buy what
Z5 (2020)
is the right camera for you if…
  • DSLR photographers switching to full-frame mirrorless for the first time
  • Enthusiasts who want full-frame image quality on a tighter budget
  • Photographers stepping up from APS-C who don't need fast burst or 4K
  • Z5 II shoppers on a budget — the original Z5 is now excellent value used
Full specificationsthe better value in each row is highlighted
Specification DC-G97Lumix · 2024Z5Nikon · 2020
Price £649Best£999
Sensor 20.3MP Four Thirds CMOS24.3MP Full-Frame BSI CMOS
Resolution 20.3MP24.3MPBest
Video Unlimited 4K/30p, V-Log L pre-installed4K/30p (with crop), 1080p/60p
Autofocus Contrast-detect AF with Depth-from-Defocus, face/eye detectionHybrid AF — 273 phase-detect points, eye/subject detection
Stabilisation 5-axis IBIS (4-stop)IBIS — up to 5 stops
Burst Rate 6fps (continuous AF)Best4.5fps
Battery Life 300 shots (CIPA, estimated)~470 shots (CIPA)Best
Weight 530g (with battery and card)Best590g (body only)
Dimensions —134 × 100.5 × 69.5mm
Weather Sealed Not weather sealedYesBest
Viewfinder EVF, 2.36M dotsEVF, 3.69M dots, 0.8× magnification
Screen Fully articulating touchscreen3.2" tilting touchscreen
Mount Micro Four ThirdsNikon Z mount
Memory Cards Single SD (UHS-II)Dual SD UHS-II slots
Connectivity USB-C, micro HDMI, Wi-Fi, BluetoothUSB-C, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth

Wins the row — price, resolution, burst, battery, weight and sealing are compared; text specs aren't ranked.

How they score by genreengine base scores out of 10
Genre
DC-G97
Z5
Portrait
5.2/10
7.7/10
Street
5.6/10
6.1/10
Travel
5.1/10
6.1/10
Wedding & Events
3.8/10
7.3/10
Vlogging & Video
5.7/10
—
Filmmaking
4.9/10
6.1/10
Documentary
4.7/10
6.7/10
Sports & Action
4.6/10
6.4/10
Landscape
4.3/10
6.1/10
Wildlife
5.3/10
6.8/10
Casual
5.7/10
4.7/10
Food
6.2/10
6.6/10
Macro
6.2/10
6.4/10
Architecture
5.0/10
6.0/10
Astrophotography
4.2/10
6.4/10

Scores come from the same engine as Camera Match: verified specifications weighted by what each genre needs, with documented adjustments. The product page and this table show the enthusiast base score. See how scores are calculated →

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