Decision tools · Compare
G9 II vs Z5
Quick take: The G9 II has the highest resolution at 25MP; the Z5 is the most affordable.
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?
G9 II — Wildlife, Sports & Hybrid Mft Shooters: Phase-detect AF transforms the G9 II into a genuine MFT all-rounder — the best Lumix MFT camera for both stills and video.
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
G9 II (2023)
is the right camera for you if…
- Stills photographers who want the best MFT camera for sport and wildlife
- G9 owners upgrading to phase-detect AF and improved video specs
- Hybrid MFT shooters who want strong stills and 5.7K video in one body
- Photographers who want the most capable Lumix MFT camera ever made
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 | G9 IILumix · 2023 | Z5Nikon · 2020 |
|---|---|---|
| Price | £1,399 | £1,249Best |
| Sensor | 25.2MP Micro Four Thirds Live MOS | 24.3MP Full-Frame BSI CMOS |
| Resolution | 25.2MPBest | 24.3MP |
| Video | 5.8K/30p, 4K/120p, C4K/60p, V-Log | 4K/30p (with crop), 1080p/60p |
| Autofocus | Phase-detect AF with subject/face/eye detection | Hybrid AF — 273 phase-detect points, eye/subject detection |
| Stabilisation | 8-stop IBIS (with OIS lenses) | IBIS — up to 5 stops |
| Burst Rate | 25fps with AF / 75fps electronic (fixed focus)Best | 4.5fps |
| Battery Life | 680 shots (CIPA)Best | ~470 shots (CIPA) |
| Weight | 658g (body only) | 590g (body only)Best |
| Dimensions | 134.3 × 100.3 × 90.5mm | 134 × 100.5 × 69.5mm |
| Weather Sealed | Yes | Yes |
| Viewfinder | 0.76" OLED EVF, 3.68M dots | EVF, 3.69M dots, 0.8× magnification |
| Screen | 3.0" fully articulating touchscreen | 3.2" tilting touchscreen |
| Mount | Micro Four Thirds | Nikon Z mount |
| Memory Cards | Dual SD UHS-II | Dual SD UHS-II slots |
| Connectivity | USB-C 3.1, HDMI full-size, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth | USB-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
G9 II
Z5
Portrait
7.4/10
7.7/10
Street
6.3/10
6.1/10
Travel
6.0/10
5.9/10
Wedding & Events
7.5/10
7.3/10
Vlogging & Video
6.5/10
—
Filmmaking
7.0/10
6.1/10
Documentary
7.6/10
6.7/10
Sports & Action
8.6/10
6.4/10
Landscape
6.2/10
6.1/10
Wildlife
8.6/10
6.8/10
Casual
5.5/10
5.2/10
Food
7.3/10
6.6/10
Macro
8.4/10
6.4/10
Architecture
6.5/10
6.0/10
Astrophotography
5.1/10
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 →
Next
More comparisons with G9 II
Camera family history