S1 IIvs Z5
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.
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
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 (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 z5 has the highest resolution at 24mp; the z5 is the most affordable. Scroll down for the full spec breakdown.
Full specifications
| Specification | S1 II (2025) | Z5 (2020) |
|---|---|---|
| Price | £2,200 | £999 |
| Sensor | 24.2MP Full-Frame BSI CMOS | 24.3MP Full-Frame BSI CMOS |
| Resolution | 24.2MP | 24.3MP |
| Video | 6K/30p, 4K/120p, 10-bit 4:2:2 internal | 4K/30p (with crop), 1080p/60p |
| Autofocus | Phase-detect AF with subject recognition (human, animal, vehicle) | Hybrid AF — 273 phase-detect points, eye/subject detection |
| Stabilisation | 5-axis IBIS, up to 8 stops | IBIS — up to 5 stops |
| Burst Rate | 30fps (electronic), 9fps (mechanical) | 4.5fps |
| Battery Life | ~400 shots (CIPA) | ~470 shots (CIPA) |
| Weight | 680g (body only) | 590g (with battery) |
| Dimensions | 138.5 × 100.0 × 91.5mm | 134 × 100.5 × 69.5mm |
| Weather Sealed | Yes | Yes |
| Viewfinder | Electronic, 3.68M dots, 0.78× | EVF, 3.69M dots, 0.8× magnification |
| Screen | 3.0" fully articulating touchscreen, 1.84M dots | 3.2" tilting touchscreen |
| Mount | Leica L-mount | 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 | S1 II | Z5 |
|---|---|---|
| Vlogging & Video | ||
| Portrait | ||
| Landscape | ||
| Wedding & Events | — | |
| Travel | ||
| Sports & Action | — | |
| Wildlife | — | |
| 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