GH5vs Z5
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.
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
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
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 gh5 is the most affordable. Scroll down for the full spec breakdown.
Full specifications
| Specification | GH5 (2017) | Z5 (2020) |
|---|---|---|
| Price | £699 | £999 |
| Sensor | 20.3MP Micro Four Thirds Live MOS | 24.3MP Full-Frame BSI CMOS |
| Resolution | 20.3MP | 24.3MP |
| Video | 4K/60p, C4K/30p, 1080p/180p; 10-bit 4:2:2 internal; unlimited recording | 4K/30p (with crop), 1080p/60p |
| Autofocus | Contrast-detect DFD AF, face/eye detection | Hybrid AF — 273 phase-detect points, eye/subject detection |
| Stabilisation | IBIS — up to 5 stops; Dual IS 2 with compatible lenses (6.5 stops) | IBIS — up to 5 stops |
| Burst Rate | 12fps (AFS), 9fps (AFC) | 4.5fps |
| Battery Life | ~410 shots (CIPA) | ~470 shots (CIPA) |
| Weight | 725g (with battery and card) | 590g (with battery) |
| Dimensions | 138.5 × 98.1 × 87.4mm | 134 × 100.5 × 69.5mm |
| Weather Sealed | Yes | Yes |
| Viewfinder | EVF, 3.68M dots, 0.76× magnification | EVF, 3.69M dots, 0.8× magnification |
| Screen | 3.2" fully articulating touchscreen, 1.62M dots | 3.2" tilting touchscreen |
| Mount | Micro Four Thirds | Nikon Z mount |
| Memory Cards | Dual SD UHS-II slots | Dual SD UHS-II slots |
| Connectivity | USB-C, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, 3.5mm mic, headphone jack, HDMI | USB-C, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth |
Suitability by genre
| Genre | GH5 | 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