Lumix GH5 IIvs A7S II
Lumix
Lumix GH5 II (2021)
Starting from £899 new
Best for Video, vlogging, documentary
View Lumix GH5 II
VS
Sony
A7S II (2015)
Starting from £799 new
Best for Low-light video, documentary & available-light filmmaking
View A7S II
GearScore™ Verdict — Which should you buy?
Video, Vlogging, Documentary — Lumix GH5 II (2021): The GH line's video credentials refined — excellent for video-first shooters.
Low-Light Video, Documentary & Available-Light Filmmaking — A7S II (2015): A landmark in mirrorless history — the first Sony with IBIS and internal 4K, its low-light video capability still impresses today at a used-market price.
Who should buy what
Lumix GH5 II (2021)
- Video creators who want Micro Four Thirds depth of field and lens range
- Documentary filmmakers who need weather sealing
A7S II (2015)
- Filmmakers and videographers who want legendary low-light performance at a used-price discount
- Documentary shooters working in unpredictable available light conditions
- A7S III shooters who want a second Sony FE body for backup or B-camera use
- Budget-conscious video producers who want full-frame 4K with S-Log at an accessible price
Quick take: The lumix gh5 ii has the highest resolution at 20mp; the a7s ii is the most affordable. Scroll down for the full spec breakdown.
Full specifications
| Specification | Lumix GH5 II (2021) | A7S II (2015) |
|---|---|---|
| Price | £899 | £799 |
| Sensor | Micro Four Thirds Live MOS | 12.1MP full-frame BSI Exmor CMOS |
| Resolution | 20.3MP | 12.1MP |
| Video | 4K 60fps 10-bit, C4K 24fps 10-bit, live streaming | 4K/30p internal (full sensor readout), 1080p/120p, S-Log2/S-Log3 |
| Autofocus | 225-point contrast-detect, DFD technology | 169 phase-detect + 25 contrast AF — limited by modern standards |
| Stabilisation | 5-axis IBIS, 6.5 stops | 5-axis IBIS — 4.5 stops (first Sony mirrorless with IBIS) |
| Burst Rate | 12fps mechanical, 75fps electronic (RAW) | 5fps continuous |
| Battery Life | 900 shots (CIPA) | ~370 shots (CIPA) |
| Weight | 727g (body only) | 584g body only |
| Dimensions | 138.5 × 98.1 × 87.4mm | 126.9 × 95.7 × 60.3mm |
| Weather Sealed | Yes | Yes |
| Viewfinder | EVF 0.76× 3.68M-dot | EVF, 2.36M dots, 0.71× magnification |
| Screen | 3.0" fully articulating touchscreen, 1.84M-dot | 3.0" tilting LCD, 1.23M dots |
| Mount | Micro Four Thirds | Sony FE mount (full-frame E-mount) |
| Memory Cards | 2× SD UHS-II | Dual SD UHS-I slots |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi 5GHz, Bluetooth 5.0, USB-C 3.1, HDMI full-size, 3.5mm mic/headphone | USB Micro-B, Bluetooth (via app), Wi-Fi, 3.5mm mic jack |
Suitability by genre
| Genre | Lumix GH5 II | A7S II |
|---|---|---|
| Vlogging & Video | — | |
| Low Light | — | |
| Wedding | — | |
| Portrait | — | |
| Street | — | |
| Sports | — |
More comparisons with Lumix GH5 II
Camera family history