GH5vs A7C
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.
Compact Travel & Content Creation — A7C (2020): The A7C proves full-frame doesn't have to be bulky. Excellent battery life, reliable Eye AF and a vari-angle screen in a pocketable body is a compelling combination for travel and content creators. The A7C II improved on it, but the original remains a strong value buy.
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
A7C (2020)
- Travel photographers who want full-frame in the smallest possible body
- Content creators who need a flip screen and reliable Eye AF
- Photographers upgrading from APS-C who want to keep a compact kit
- Vloggers who need 4K and great battery life on the road
Quick take: The a7c has the highest resolution at 24mp; the gh5 is the most affordable; only the gh5 is weather sealed. Scroll down for the full spec breakdown.
Full specifications
| Specification | GH5 (2017) | A7C (2020) |
|---|---|---|
| Price | £699 | £1,299 |
| Sensor | 20.3MP Micro Four Thirds Live MOS | 24.2MP Full-Frame Exmor R BSI CMOS |
| Resolution | 20.3MP | 24.2MP |
| Video | 4K/60p, C4K/30p, 1080p/180p; 10-bit 4:2:2 internal; unlimited recording | 4K/30p (oversampled), 1080p/120p slow-motion, S-Log2/S-Log3 |
| Autofocus | Contrast-detect DFD AF, face/eye detection | Phase-detect, 693 points, real-time Eye AF & animal AF |
| Stabilisation | IBIS — up to 5 stops; Dual IS 2 with compatible lenses (6.5 stops) | 5-axis IBIS, 5 stops |
| Burst Rate | 12fps (AFS), 9fps (AFC) | 10fps with AF/AE tracking |
| Battery Life | ~410 shots (CIPA) | ~740 shots (CIPA) — outstanding for a Sony mirrorless |
| Weight | 725g (with battery and card) | 509g (body, battery, card) |
| Dimensions | 138.5 × 98.1 × 87.4mm | 124.0 × 71.1 × 59.7mm |
| Weather Sealed | Yes | No |
| Viewfinder | EVF, 3.68M dots, 0.76× magnification | None built-in — use rear screen or accessory EVF |
| Screen | 3.2" fully articulating touchscreen, 1.62M dots | 3.0" vari-angle touchscreen, 921k dots |
| Mount | Micro Four Thirds | Sony E-mount |
| Memory Cards | Dual SD UHS-II slots | Single 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, NFC |
Suitability by genre
| Genre | GH5 | A7C |
|---|---|---|
| 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