GH5vs ZV-E1
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.
Video Creators, Vloggers & Filmmakers — ZV-E1 (2023): Full-frame video quality in a vlogging body — exceptional low-light performance and a genuinely compact form factor.
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-E1 (2023)
- Video creators who want full-frame low-light quality in a compact body
- Vloggers stepping up from APS-C who prioritise image quality over resolution
- Filmmakers who want S-Log3 and cinematic colour in a run-and-gun package
- A7S III users who want the same sensor in a smaller, lighter body
Quick take: The gh5 has the highest resolution at 20mp; the gh5 is the most affordable; only the gh5 is weather sealed. Scroll down for the full spec breakdown.
Full specifications
| Specification | GH5 (2017) | ZV-E1 (2023) |
|---|---|---|
| Price | £699 | £1,999 |
| Sensor | 20.3MP Micro Four Thirds Live MOS | 12.1MP Full-Frame BSI CMOS Exmor R |
| Resolution | 20.3MP | 12.1MP |
| Video | 4K/60p, C4K/30p, 1080p/180p; 10-bit 4:2:2 internal; unlimited recording | 4K/60p (S-Cinetone, S-Log3), 4K/120p, 1080p/240p |
| Autofocus | Contrast-detect DFD AF, face/eye detection | Real-time Tracking AF with subject recognition |
| Stabilisation | IBIS — up to 5 stops; Dual IS 2 with compatible lenses (6.5 stops) | IBIS — Active Mode for video |
| Burst Rate | 12fps (AFS), 9fps (AFC) | 10fps |
| Battery Life | ~410 shots (CIPA) | ~570 shots (CIPA) / ~105 min video |
| Weight | 725g (with battery and card) | 483g (with battery) |
| Dimensions | 138.5 × 98.1 × 87.4mm | 121.4 × 71.6 × 54.3mm |
| Weather Sealed | Yes | No |
| Viewfinder | EVF, 3.68M dots, 0.76× magnification | None — screen only |
| Screen | 3.2" fully articulating touchscreen, 1.62M dots | 3.0" fully articulating touchscreen |
| Mount | Micro Four Thirds | Sony FE mount (full-frame E-mount) |
| Memory Cards | Dual SD UHS-II slots | Single CFexpress Type A / SD UHS-II |
| Connectivity | USB-C, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, 3.5mm mic, headphone jack, HDMI | USB-C, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, 3.5mm mic, Multi-Interface Shoe |
Suitability by genre
| Genre | GH5 | ZV-E1 |
|---|---|---|
| Vlogging & Video | ||
| Travel | ||
| Portrait | ||
| Wildlife | — | |
| Sports & Action | — | |
| Landscape | ||
| Low Light | — | |
| 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