GH4vs S1 II
Lumix
GH4 (2014)
Starting from £349 new
Best for Video, independent filmmaking & documentary
View GH4
GearScore™ Verdict — Which should you buy?
Video, Independent Filmmaking & Documentary — GH4 (2014): The world's first consumer 4K camera — the GH4 changed independent filmmaking and proved that broadcast-quality video didn't require a cinema camera budget.
Hybrid & Video — S1 II (2025): The S1 II is the full-frame L-mount hybrid camera Panasonic's system has been waiting for — phase-detect AF, 4K/120p, class-leading IBIS, and a professional build in one complete package. It addresses every weakness of the original S1 and positions Lumix firmly back in the conversation for serious hybrid shooters.
Who should buy what
GH4 (2014)
- Videographers and independent filmmakers who want the camera that started the consumer 4K era
- Content creators looking for a capable 4K body at the lowest entry price
- MFT system users who want the best video capability on a tight budget
- Photographers interested in camera history — the GH4 is a landmark piece
S1 II (2025)
- Hybrid photographers who need excellent stills and serious video capability
- Video professionals who want full-frame quality with 4K/120p
- Landscape and portrait photographers who want maximum stabilisation
- L-mount system users upgrading from S1 or S5 II
Quick take: The s1 ii has the highest resolution at 24mp; the gh4 is the most affordable. Scroll down for the full spec breakdown.
Full specifications
| Specification | GH4 (2014) | S1 II (2025) |
|---|---|---|
| Price | £349 | £2,200 |
| Sensor | 16.05MP Micro Four Thirds Live MOS | 24.2MP Full-Frame BSI CMOS |
| Resolution | 16.1MP | 24.2MP |
| Video | 4K/30p, C4K/24p (first consumer camera with 4K), 1080p/96fps | 6K/30p, 4K/120p, 10-bit 4:2:2 internal |
| Autofocus | Contrast-detect DFD AF, face detection | Phase-detect AF with subject recognition (human, animal, vehicle) |
| Stabilisation | None (no body IBIS) | 5-axis IBIS, up to 8 stops |
| Burst Rate | 12fps (AFS), 7fps (AFC) | 30fps (electronic), 9fps (mechanical) |
| Battery Life | ~500 shots (CIPA) | ~400 shots (CIPA) |
| Weight | 560g (with battery and card) | 680g (body only) |
| Dimensions | 133.2 × 93.4 × 83.0mm | 138.5 × 100.0 × 91.5mm |
| Weather Sealed | Yes | Yes |
| Viewfinder | EVF, OLED 2.36M dots, 0.67× magnification | Electronic, 3.68M dots, 0.78× |
| Screen | 3.0" fully articulating touchscreen | 3.0" fully articulating touchscreen, 1.84M dots |
| Mount | Micro Four Thirds | Leica L-mount |
| Memory Cards | Single SD UHS-I slot | Dual slot: CFexpress Type B + SD UHS-II |
| Connectivity | USB, Wi-Fi, NFC, 3.5mm mic jack, headphone jack, HDMI | USB-C, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, HDMI |
Suitability by genre
| Genre | GH4 | S1 II |
|---|---|---|
| Vlogging & Video | ||
| Travel | ||
| Portrait | ||
| Wildlife | ||
| Sports & Action | ||
| Landscape | ||
| Wedding & Events | — | |
| Street | — |
GearScore™ suitability scores are based on aggregated purchaser reviews weighted by photography genre. See how scores are calculated →
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Camera family history