GH5vs Z6 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.
All-Round Full-Frame Photography — Z6 II (2020): The Z6 II is the Nikon most photographers should buy. It's balanced across every discipline — stills, video, autofocus, weather sealing — without overpaying for megapixels you don't need. The Z-mount glass is superb.
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
Z6 II (2020)
- Nikon DSLR users ready to move to mirrorless
- Photographers who need a reliable all-rounder without specialising
- Video creators wanting 4K/60p in a weather-sealed body
- Enthusiasts who shoot everything from portraits to travel
Quick take: The z6 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) | Z6 II (2020) |
|---|---|---|
| Price | £699 | £1,699 |
| Sensor | 20.3MP Micro Four Thirds Live MOS | 24.5MP Full-Frame BSI CMOS |
| Resolution | 20.3MP | 24.5MP |
| Video | 4K/60p, C4K/30p, 1080p/180p; 10-bit 4:2:2 internal; unlimited recording | 4K/60p, 4K/30p (oversampled), 1080p/120p slow-motion |
| Autofocus | Contrast-detect DFD AF, face/eye detection | Phase-detect, 273 points, Eye AF, subject tracking |
| Stabilisation | IBIS — up to 5 stops; Dual IS 2 with compatible lenses (6.5 stops) | 5-axis IBIS, 5 stops (up to 6 stops with VR lenses) |
| Burst Rate | 12fps (AFS), 9fps (AFC) | 14fps mechanical, 14fps electronic (12-bit RAW) |
| Battery Life | ~410 shots (CIPA) | ~410 shots (CIPA) |
| Weight | 725g (with battery and card) | 705g (body, battery, card) |
| Dimensions | 138.5 × 98.1 × 87.4mm | 134.0 × 100.5 × 69.5mm |
| Weather Sealed | Yes | Yes |
| Viewfinder | EVF, 3.68M dots, 0.76× magnification | EVF, 3.69M dots, 0.80× magnification |
| Screen | 3.2" fully articulating touchscreen, 1.62M dots | 3.2" tilting touchscreen, 2.1M dots |
| Mount | Micro Four Thirds | Nikon Z-mount |
| Memory Cards | Dual SD UHS-II slots | Dual card: 1× CFexpress Type B / XQD + 1× SD UHS-II |
| Connectivity | USB-C, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, 3.5mm mic, headphone jack, HDMI | USB-C (USB 3.2 Gen 2), Wi-Fi, Bluetooth |
Suitability by genre
| Genre | GH5 | Z6 II |
|---|---|---|
| Vlogging & Video | — | |
| Travel | ||
| Portrait | ||
| Wildlife | ||
| Sports & Action | — | |
| Landscape | — | |
| Video | — | |
| 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