GH4vs Z5
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.
Entry-Level Full-Frame & Dslr Switchers — Z5 (2020): The most affordable route into full-frame Z — dual card slots, IBIS, and a capable sensor at an accessible price.
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
Z5 (2020)
- 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
Quick take: The z5 has the highest resolution at 24mp; the gh4 is the most affordable. Scroll down for the full spec breakdown.
Full specifications
| Specification | GH4 (2014) | Z5 (2020) |
|---|---|---|
| Price | £349 | £999 |
| Sensor | 16.05MP Micro Four Thirds Live MOS | 24.3MP Full-Frame BSI CMOS |
| Resolution | 16.1MP | 24.3MP |
| Video | 4K/30p, C4K/24p (first consumer camera with 4K), 1080p/96fps | 4K/30p (with crop), 1080p/60p |
| Autofocus | Contrast-detect DFD AF, face detection | Hybrid AF — 273 phase-detect points, eye/subject detection |
| Stabilisation | None (no body IBIS) | IBIS — up to 5 stops |
| Burst Rate | 12fps (AFS), 7fps (AFC) | 4.5fps |
| Battery Life | ~500 shots (CIPA) | ~470 shots (CIPA) |
| Weight | 560g (with battery and card) | 590g (with battery) |
| Dimensions | 133.2 × 93.4 × 83.0mm | 134 × 100.5 × 69.5mm |
| Weather Sealed | Yes | Yes |
| Viewfinder | EVF, OLED 2.36M dots, 0.67× magnification | 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 | Single SD UHS-I slot | Dual SD UHS-II slots |
| Connectivity | USB, Wi-Fi, NFC, 3.5mm mic jack, headphone jack, HDMI | USB-C, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth |
Suitability by genre
| Genre | GH4 | Z5 |
|---|---|---|
| Vlogging & Video | ||
| Travel | ||
| Portrait | ||
| Wildlife | — | |
| Sports & Action | — | |
| Landscape | ||
| Everyday | — | |
| Sports | — |
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