S1 IIvs Z5 II
GearScore™ Verdict — Which should you buy?
Hybrid & Video — S1 II (2025): The S1 II is the full-frame L-mount hybrid camera Panasonic's system has been waiting for — phase-detect AF, 4K/120p, class-leading IBIS, and a professional build in one complete package. It addresses every weakness of the original S1 and positions Lumix firmly back in the conversation for serious hybrid shooters.
Full-Frame Value — Z5 II (2024): The most accessible full-frame mirrorless — dual card slots, weather sealing, and Nikon colour at a sensible price.
Who should buy what
S1 II (2025)
- Hybrid photographers who need excellent stills and serious video capability
- Video professionals who want full-frame quality with 4K/120p
- Landscape and portrait photographers who want maximum stabilisation
- L-mount system users upgrading from S1 or S5 II
Z5 II (2024)
- DSLR photographers making the switch to full-frame mirrorless
- Enthusiasts who want full-frame Z quality at the most accessible price
- Z5 owners wanting significantly improved autofocus and uncropped 4K
- Landscape and portrait photographers stepping up from APS-C
Quick take: The z5 ii has the highest resolution at 24mp; the z5 ii is the most affordable. Scroll down for the full spec breakdown.
Full specifications
| Specification | S1 II (2025) | Z5 II (2024) |
|---|---|---|
| Price | £2,200 | £1,299 |
| Sensor | 24.2MP Full-Frame BSI CMOS | 24.5MP Full-frame BSI CMOS |
| Resolution | 24.2MP | 24.5MP |
| Video | 6K/30p, 4K/120p, 10-bit 4:2:2 internal | 4K/30p oversampled, 1080p/120p, N-Log |
| Autofocus | Phase-detect AF with subject recognition (human, animal, vehicle) | Phase-detect, 273 points, subject detection (human/animal/vehicle) |
| Stabilisation | 5-axis IBIS, up to 8 stops | 5-axis IBIS, 5.0 stops |
| Burst Rate | 30fps (electronic), 9fps (mechanical) | 14fps mechanical, 30fps electronic |
| Battery Life | ~400 shots (CIPA) | ~470 shots (CIPA) |
| Weight | 680g (body only) | 700g body only |
| Dimensions | 138.5 × 100.0 × 91.5mm | 134.0 × 100.5 × 69.9mm |
| Weather Sealed | Yes | Yes |
| Viewfinder | Electronic, 3.68M dots, 0.78× | EVF, 3.69M dots, 0.80× magnification |
| Screen | 3.0" fully articulating touchscreen, 1.84M dots | 3.2" tilting touchscreen |
| Mount | Leica L-mount | Nikon Z-mount (full-frame) |
| Memory Cards | Dual slot: CFexpress Type B + SD UHS-II | Dual SD UHS-II slots |
| Connectivity | USB-C, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, HDMI | USB-C 3.2, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi |
Suitability by genre
| Genre | S1 II | Z5 II |
|---|---|---|
| Vlogging & Video | — | |
| Portrait | ||
| Landscape | ||
| Wedding & Events | ||
| Travel | ||
| Sports & Action | ||
| Wildlife | — | |
| 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