Decision tools · Compare
GH5 vs A1 II
Quick take: The A1 II has the highest resolution at 50MP; the GH5 is the most affordable.
16 specs side by side·15 genres scored·UK prices from Wex Photo Video and Clifton Cameras
How to read this page. Highlighted cells win that row on the spec alone. Genre scores are the engine's base scores (enthusiast, photo and video); Camera Match re-weights them for your level and priorities. Price buttons are affiliate links; the price you pay is the same.
Sony
A1 II 2024
Best for Professional sports, wildlife & high-resolution studio work
£5699
new today at Wex Photo Video
Price buttons are affiliate links — GearFrame may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. It never affects a score. Learn more
Verdictwhich should you buy?
GH5 — Video, Filmmaking & Hybrid Shooting: 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.
A1 II — Professional Sports, Wildlife & High-Resolution Studio Work: The most complete camera ever made — 50MP, 30fps, 8K, and the world's best EVF in a single flagship body.
Who should buy what
GH5 (2017)
is the right camera for you if…
- 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
A1 II (2024)
is the right camera for you if…
- Professional sports and wildlife photographers who need 30fps, 50MP, and the best AF available
- Commercial and advertising photographers who demand 50MP resolution alongside pro video specs
- Photojournalists who need a single body capable of handling every assignment
- Sony system shooters ready to invest in the absolute best
Full specificationsthe better value in each row is highlighted
| Specification | GH5Lumix · 2017 | A1 IISony · 2024 |
|---|---|---|
| Price | £352 usedBest | £5,699 |
| Sensor | 20.3MP Micro Four Thirds Live MOS | 50.1MP full-frame stacked BSI CMOS |
| Resolution | 20.3MP | 50.1MPBest |
| Video | 4K/60p, C4K/30p, 1080p/180p; 10-bit 4:2:2 internal; unlimited recording | 8K/30p, 4K/120p 10-bit, S-Log3 |
| Autofocus | Contrast-detect DFD AF, face/eye detection | AI subject recognition — human, animal, bird, insect, vehicle, aircraft, train |
| Stabilisation | IBIS — up to 5 stops; Dual IS 2 with compatible lenses (6.5 stops) | 8.5-stop IBIS (with in-lens OSS) |
| Burst Rate | 12fps (AFS), 9fps (AFC) | 30fps electronic (with full AF/AE), 10fps mechanicalBest |
| Battery Life | ~410 shots (CIPA) | ~530 shots (CIPA)Best |
| Weight | 646g (body only)Best | 743g (body only) |
| Dimensions | 138.5 × 98.1 × 87.4mm | 136.1 × 96.9 × 82.9mm |
| Weather Sealed | Yes | Yes |
| Viewfinder | EVF, 3.68M dots, 0.76× magnification | EVF 0.9× 9.44M-dot — the highest resolution EVF available |
| Screen | 3.2" fully articulating touchscreen, 1.62M dots | 3.2" fully articulating touchscreen, 2.1M dots |
| Mount | Micro Four Thirds | Sony E-mount (full-frame) |
| Memory Cards | Dual SD UHS-II slots | Dual CFexpress Type A / SD UHS-II slots |
| Connectivity | USB-C, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, 3.5mm mic, headphone jack, HDMI | USB-C 3.2 Gen 2, Wi-Fi 6GHz, Bluetooth 5.3, HDMI full-size |
Wins the row — price, resolution, burst, battery, weight and sealing are compared; text specs aren't ranked.
How they score by genreengine base scores out of 10
Genre
GH5
A1 II
Portrait
5.4/10
9.0/10
Street
5.0/10
6.6/10
Travel
4.9/10
6.4/10
Wedding & Events
5.4/10
8.7/10
Vlogging & Video
4.5/10
6.4/10
Filmmaking
5.8/10
8.2/10
Documentary
5.6/10
8.3/10
Sports & Action
6.1/10
9.3/10
Landscape
4.9/10
8.0/10
Wildlife
6.3/10
9.2/10
Casual
3.9/10
5.3/10
Food
5.9/10
8.5/10
Macro
7.1/10
8.1/10
Architecture
4.9/10
8.4/10
Astrophotography
5.0/10
7.2/10
Scores come from the same engine as Camera Match: verified specifications weighted by what each genre needs, with documented adjustments. The product page and this table show the enthusiast base score. See how scores are calculated →
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