GH7vs Z5
GearScore™ Verdict — Which should you buy?
Video & Documentary — GH7 (2024): The GH7 is the GH series at its peak — phase-detect AF finally arrived, alongside 5.7K/60p open-gate, C4K/60p 10-bit 4:2:2, and ProRes RAW. A landmark video camera in the Micro Four Thirds format, and the most complete GH Panasonic has ever built.
Entry-Level Full-Frame & Dslr Switchers — Z5 (2020): The most affordable route into full-frame Z — dual card slots, IBIS, and a capable sensor at an accessible price.
Who should buy what
GH7 (2024)
- Video professionals who want the best MFT camera ever made
- Documentary and event videographers who need reliable AF and great stabilisation
- Hybrid photographers who want high burst rates and serious video in one body
- GH5/GH6 owners ready for a major upgrade
Z5 (2020)
- DSLR photographers switching to full-frame mirrorless for the first time
- Enthusiasts who want full-frame image quality on a tighter budget
- Photographers stepping up from APS-C who don't need fast burst or 4K
- Z5 II shoppers on a budget — the original Z5 is now excellent value used
Quick take: The gh7 has the highest resolution at 25mp; the z5 is the most affordable. Scroll down for the full spec breakdown.
Full specifications
| Specification | GH7 (2024) | Z5 (2020) |
|---|---|---|
| Price | £1,700 | £999 |
| Sensor | 25.2MP Live MOS Micro Four Thirds | 24.3MP Full-Frame BSI CMOS |
| Resolution | 25.2MP | 24.3MP |
| Video | 5.7K/60p (open gate), C4K/60p 10-bit 4:2:2, ProRes RAW via HDMI | 4K/30p (with crop), 1080p/60p |
| Autofocus | Phase-detect + contrast-detect AF with subject recognition | Hybrid AF — 273 phase-detect points, eye/subject detection |
| Stabilisation | 5-axis Dual I.S. 2 (body + lens) | IBIS — up to 5 stops |
| Burst Rate | 75fps (electronic), 14fps (mechanical) | 4.5fps |
| Battery Life | ~370 shots (CIPA) | ~470 shots (CIPA) |
| Weight | 535g (body only) | 590g (with battery) |
| Dimensions | 138.4 × 102.3 × 91.6mm | 134 × 100.5 × 69.5mm |
| Weather Sealed | Yes | Yes |
| Viewfinder | Electronic, 3.68M dots, 0.76× | EVF, 3.69M dots, 0.8× magnification |
| Screen | 3.0" fully articulating touchscreen, 1.84M dots | 3.2" tilting touchscreen |
| Mount | Micro Four Thirds | Nikon Z mount |
| Memory Cards | Dual slot: CFexpress Type B + SD UHS-II | Dual SD UHS-II slots |
| Connectivity | USB-C, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, HDMI | USB-C, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth |
Suitability by genre
| Genre | GH7 | Z5 |
|---|---|---|
| Vlogging & Video | ||
| Wedding & Events | — | |
| Wildlife | — | |
| Sports & Action | — | |
| Travel | ||
| Landscape | ||
| Portrait | ||
| Street | — | |
| Everyday | — | |
| Sports | — |
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