GH5vs S1 II
GearScore™ Verdict — Which should you buy?
Video, Filmmaking & Hybrid Shooting — GH5 (2017): The GH5 redefined what a consumer video camera could do — 4K/60p and 10-bit 4:2:2 internal recording made it the independent filmmaker's tool of choice for years.
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
GH5 (2017)
- Independent filmmakers who need 10-bit 4:2:2 internal recording without a dedicated cinema camera
- YouTube creators who want 4K/60p, a fully articulating screen, and unlimited recording
- Photographers who shoot primarily stills but need serious video capability as a second
- GH4 owners who want 4K/60p and 10-bit — a significant step up
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 gh5 is the most affordable. Scroll down for the full spec breakdown.
Full specifications
| Specification | GH5 (2017) | S1 II (2025) |
|---|---|---|
| Price | £699 | £2,200 |
| Sensor | 20.3MP Micro Four Thirds Live MOS | 24.2MP Full-Frame BSI CMOS |
| Resolution | 20.3MP | 24.2MP |
| Video | 4K/60p, C4K/30p, 1080p/180p; 10-bit 4:2:2 internal; unlimited recording | 6K/30p, 4K/120p, 10-bit 4:2:2 internal |
| Autofocus | Contrast-detect DFD AF, face/eye detection | Phase-detect AF with subject recognition (human, animal, vehicle) |
| Stabilisation | IBIS — up to 5 stops; Dual IS 2 with compatible lenses (6.5 stops) | 5-axis IBIS, up to 8 stops |
| Burst Rate | 12fps (AFS), 9fps (AFC) | 30fps (electronic), 9fps (mechanical) |
| Battery Life | ~410 shots (CIPA) | ~400 shots (CIPA) |
| Weight | 725g (with battery and card) | 680g (body only) |
| Dimensions | 138.5 × 98.1 × 87.4mm | 138.5 × 100.0 × 91.5mm |
| Weather Sealed | Yes | Yes |
| Viewfinder | EVF, 3.68M dots, 0.76× magnification | Electronic, 3.68M dots, 0.78× |
| Screen | 3.2" fully articulating touchscreen, 1.62M dots | 3.0" fully articulating touchscreen, 1.84M dots |
| Mount | Micro Four Thirds | Leica L-mount |
| Memory Cards | Dual SD UHS-II slots | Dual slot: CFexpress Type B + SD UHS-II |
| Connectivity | USB-C, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, 3.5mm mic, headphone jack, HDMI | USB-C, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, HDMI |
Suitability by genre
| Genre | GH5 | 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