GH5vs ZV-1 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.
Pocket Vlogging — ZV-1 II (2023): The best pocket vlogging camera — 1-inch sensor, ultrawide zoom, flip screen, and real-time Eye AF in a shirt pocket.
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
ZV-1 II (2023)
- Vloggers and content creators who want a pocketable fixed-lens camera
- Travellers who want 4K video and a flip screen in a jacket-pocket size
- ZV-1 owners who want a wider lens and improved subject tracking
- Beginners who want a simple, capable vlogging camera without changing lenses
Quick take: The gh5 has the highest resolution at 20mp; the zv-1 ii is the most affordable; only the gh5 is weather sealed. Scroll down for the full spec breakdown.
Full specifications
| Specification | GH5 (2017) | ZV-1 II (2023) |
|---|---|---|
| Price | £699 | £649 |
| Sensor | 20.3MP Micro Four Thirds Live MOS | 20.1MP 1-inch Exmor RS CMOS |
| Resolution | 20.3MP | 20.1MP |
| Video | 4K/60p, C4K/30p, 1080p/180p; 10-bit 4:2:2 internal; unlimited recording | 4K/30p, 1080p/120p |
| Autofocus | Contrast-detect DFD AF, face/eye detection | Phase-detect + contrast, 315 points, Real-time Eye AF |
| Stabilisation | IBIS — up to 5 stops; Dual IS 2 with compatible lenses (6.5 stops) | Optical SteadyShot (OIS) |
| Burst Rate | 12fps (AFS), 9fps (AFC) | 15fps |
| Battery Life | ~410 shots (CIPA) | ~260 shots (CIPA) |
| Weight | 725g (with battery and card) | 292g |
| Dimensions | 138.5 × 98.1 × 87.4mm | 105.5 × 60.0 × 43.5mm |
| Weather Sealed | Yes | No |
| Viewfinder | EVF, 3.68M dots, 0.76× magnification | None |
| Screen | 3.2" fully articulating touchscreen, 1.62M dots | 3.0" fully tilting touchscreen |
| Mount | Micro Four Thirds | Fixed zoom — 18–50mm f/1.8–4.0 equiv |
| Memory Cards | Dual SD UHS-II slots | Single SD UHS-I slot |
| Connectivity | USB-C, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, 3.5mm mic, headphone jack, HDMI | USB-C, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, 3.5mm mic input |
Suitability by genre
| Genre | GH5 | ZV-1 II |
|---|---|---|
| Vlogging & Video | ||
| Travel | ||
| Portrait | ||
| Wildlife | — | |
| Sports & Action | — | |
| Landscape | ||
| Street | — | |
| Family & Everyday | — |
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