Decision tools · Compare
GM5 vs A7S
Quick take: The GM5 has the highest resolution at 16MP; the A7S is the most affordable; only the A7S is weather sealed.
16 specs side by side·14 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.
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Verdictwhich should you buy?
A7S — Astrophotography & Low-Light: The original A7S pioneered the concept of a camera optimised entirely for low light. Its 12.2MP sensor has enormous photosites — extraordinary high-ISO performance that still holds up. Lacking IBIS and limited to 1080p internally (4K requires external recorder), it is a specialist tool. For astrophotography, event videography, or any scenario where light is genuinely scarce, it remains outstanding.
Who should buy what
A7S (2014)
is the right camera for you if…
- Astrophotographers
- Low-light event videographers
- Filmmakers needing clean high-ISO footage
Full specificationsthe better value in each row is highlighted
| Specification | GM5Lumix · 2014 | A7SSony · 2014 |
|---|---|---|
| Price | £627 used | £303 usedBest |
| Sensor | 16MP Micro Four Thirds Live MOS | 12.2MP Full-Frame BSI CMOS |
| Resolution | 16.0MPBest | 12.2MP |
| Video | Full HD 1080p/60 | 1080p/60p internal, 4K via HDMI (external recorder) |
| Autofocus | Contrast AF; face/eye detection, 23-area, touch AF | Contrast-detect AF, 25 points |
| Stabilisation | No IBIS (lens-based O.I.S.) | No stabilisation |
| Burst Rate | 5.8fps (5fps with continuous AF)Best | 5fps |
| Battery Life | ~210 shots (CIPA) | ~370 shots (CIPA)Best |
| Weight | 211g (with battery)Best | 474g (with battery and card) |
| Dimensions | 98.5 × 59.5 × 36.1mm | 126.9 × 94.4 × 48.2mm |
| Weather Sealed | Not weather sealed | YesBest |
| Viewfinder | Electronic, 1.17M dots (field-sequential) | Electronic, 2.36M dots, 0.71× magnification |
| Screen | 3.0" fixed 16:9 touchscreen | 3.0" tilting LCD, 1.23M dots |
| Mount | Micro Four Thirds | Sony FE (full-frame E-mount) |
| Memory Cards | Single SD slot | Single SD / MemoryStick PRO Duo slot |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi, USB 2.0, micro HDMI | Multi/Micro USB, Wi-Fi, NFC |
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
GM5
A7S
Portrait
4.5/10
5.3/10
Street
7.1/10
5.7/10
Travel
6.1/10
5.6/10
Wedding & Events
3.0/10
4.3/10
Documentary
3.2/10
5.6/10
Sports & Action
4.3/10
4.8/10
Landscape
3.7/10
5.0/10
Wildlife
4.9/10
5.4/10
Casual
4.5/10
3.7/10
Food
4.4/10
4.9/10
Macro
4.1/10
4.3/10
Architecture
3.8/10
4.7/10
Astrophotography
3.4/10
6.0/10
Filmmaking
—
5.9/10
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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