Decision tools · Compare

G3 vs Lumix S5

Quick take: The Lumix S5 has the highest resolution at 24MP; the G3 is the most affordable; only the Lumix S5 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?

Lumix S5 — Professional Video & Hybrid Shooting: 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.

Who should buy what
Lumix S5 (2020)
is the right camera for you if…
  • 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
Full specificationsthe better value in each row is highlighted
Specification G3Lumix · 2011Lumix S5Lumix · 2020
Price £20 usedBest£498 used
Sensor 16MP Micro Four Thirds CMOS24.2MP Full-Frame CMOS
Resolution 16.0MP24.2MPBest
Video Full HD 1080/60i4K/60p 10-bit V-Log/HLG, 5.9K anamorphic, 1080p/180p slow-motion
Autofocus 23-area contrast AF with face detection, touch AFContrast AF (DFD Technology), face/eye detection
Stabilisation No IBIS (lens-based stabilisation only)6.5-stop IBIS (dual IBIS with Lumix S lenses)
Burst Rate 4fps7fps mechanical, 9fps electronic (AFS)Best
Battery Life ~270 shots (CIPA)~470 shots (CIPA)Best
Weight 388g (with battery)Best714g (with battery and card)
Dimensions 115.2 × 83.6 × 46.7mm132.6 × 97.1 × 81.9mm
Weather Sealed Not weather sealedYesBest
Viewfinder LCD EVF, 1.44M dotsEVF, 2.36M dots, 0.78× magnification
Screen 3.0" vari-angle touchscreen, 460k dots3.0" vari-angle touchscreen, 1.84M dots
Mount Micro Four ThirdsLeica L-mount
Memory Cards Single SD slotDual SD UHS-II
Connectivity USB 2.0, mini HDMI, 2.5mm remoteUSB-C (USB 3.2 Gen 1), full-size HDMI, 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
Lumix S5
Portrait
4.7/10
6.9/10
Street
5.8/10
5.7/10
Travel
5.2/10
5.6/10
Wedding & Events
3.2/10
6.6/10
Vlogging & Video
3.6/10
5.2/10
Documentary
3.0/10
6.7/10
Sports & Action
4.0/10
5.8/10
Landscape
3.9/10
6.9/10
Wildlife
4.8/10
6.1/10
Casual
4.1/10
4.5/10
Food
5.4/10
6.9/10
Macro
4.7/10
7.8/10
Architecture
4.4/10
7.0/10
Astrophotography
3.8/10
7.3/10
Filmmaking
—
7.1/10

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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