Decision tools · Compare
G3 vs S5 II
Quick take: The S5 II has the highest resolution at 24MP; the G3 is the most affordable; only the S5 II 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.
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Verdictwhich should you buy?
S5 II — Hybrid Video & Photography: Phase-detect AF changed everything for Lumix — the S5 II delivers exceptional hybrid performance with 6K video and genuine full-frame value.
Who should buy what
S5 II (2023)
is the right camera for you if…
- Hybrid photographers who want phase-detect AF for the first time on a Lumix S body
- Video creators who want 6K and reliable subject tracking in a full-frame body
- S5 owners upgrading to the most significant Lumix full-frame update in years
- L-mount photographers who want the best value full-frame Lumix available
Full specificationsthe better value in each row is highlighted
| Specification | G3Lumix · 2011 | S5 IILumix · 2023 |
|---|---|---|
| Price | £20 usedBest | £1,399 |
| Sensor | 16MP Micro Four Thirds CMOS | 24.2MP full-frame BSI CMOS |
| Resolution | 16.0MP | 24.2MPBest |
| Video | Full HD 1080/60i | 6K/30p, 4K/60p, C4K/60p, V-Log |
| Autofocus | 23-area contrast AF with face detection, touch AF | Phase-detect AF with subject/face/eye detection |
| Stabilisation | No IBIS (lens-based stabilisation only) | 5-axis IBIS (up to 6.5-stop with OIS lenses) |
| Burst Rate | 4fps | 30fps electronic / 7fps mechanicalBest |
| Battery Life | ~270 shots (CIPA) | 740 shots (CIPA)Best |
| Weight | 388g (with battery)Best | 740g (body only) |
| Dimensions | 115.2 × 83.6 × 46.7mm | 134.3 × 102.3 × 90.1mm |
| Weather Sealed | Not weather sealed | YesBest |
| Viewfinder | LCD EVF, 1.44M dots | 0.76" OLED EVF, 3.68M dots |
| Screen | 3.0" vari-angle touchscreen, 460k dots | 3.0" fully articulating touchscreen |
| Mount | Micro Four Thirds | Leica L-mount |
| Memory Cards | Single SD slot | Dual SD UHS-II |
| Connectivity | USB 2.0, mini HDMI, 2.5mm remote | USB-C 3.1, HDMI full-size, 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
G3
S5 II
Portrait
4.7/10
8.2/10
Street
5.8/10
6.3/10
Travel
5.2/10
6.0/10
Wedding & Events
3.2/10
7.9/10
Vlogging & Video
3.6/10
6.6/10
Documentary
3.0/10
7.9/10
Sports & Action
4.0/10
8.0/10
Landscape
3.9/10
6.9/10
Wildlife
4.8/10
7.9/10
Casual
4.1/10
5.5/10
Food
5.4/10
7.5/10
Macro
4.7/10
8.1/10
Architecture
4.4/10
7.2/10
Astrophotography
3.8/10
7.3/10
Filmmaking
—
8.2/10
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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