S1 IIvs A5100
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.
Casual & Travel — A5100 (2014): The A5100 is one of the smallest APS-C mirrorless cameras ever made. Its 24MP sensor, phase-detect AF, and selfie-friendly flip screen pack remarkable capability into a shirt-pocket-sized body. No EVF or hot shoe limits it for serious use, but as a compact travel camera or beginner's first mirrorless, it punches well above its price on the used market.
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
A5100 (2014)
- Beginners stepping up from a smartphone
- Compact travel photographers
- Casual vloggers who want APS-C quality
Quick take: The a5100 has the highest resolution at 24mp; the a5100 is the most affordable; only the s1 ii is weather sealed. Scroll down for the full spec breakdown.
Full specifications
| Specification | S1 II (2025) | A5100 (2014) |
|---|---|---|
| Price | £2,200 | £200 |
| Sensor | 24.2MP Full-Frame BSI CMOS | 24.3MP APS-C Exmor CMOS |
| Resolution | 24.2MP | 24.3MP |
| Video | 6K/30p, 4K/120p, 10-bit 4:2:2 internal | 1080p/60p |
| Autofocus | Phase-detect AF with subject recognition (human, animal, vehicle) | Hybrid phase-detect / contrast-detect AF, face detection |
| Stabilisation | 5-axis IBIS, up to 8 stops | None |
| Burst Rate | 30fps (electronic), 9fps (mechanical) | 6fps |
| Battery Life | ~400 shots (CIPA) | ~400 shots (CIPA) |
| Weight | 680g (body only) | 224g (body only) |
| Dimensions | 138.5 × 100.0 × 91.5mm | 109.6 × 62.8 × 35.7mm |
| Weather Sealed | Yes | No |
| Viewfinder | Electronic, 3.68M dots, 0.78× | None |
| Screen | 3.0" fully articulating touchscreen, 1.84M dots | 3.0" flip-up touchscreen, 921k dots |
| Mount | Leica L-mount | Sony E-mount |
| Memory Cards | Dual slot: CFexpress Type B + SD UHS-II | Single SD / MemoryStick PRO Duo slot |
| Connectivity | USB-C, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, HDMI | Micro USB, Wi-Fi, NFC |
Suitability by genre
| Genre | S1 II | A5100 |
|---|---|---|
| Vlogging & Video | ||
| Portrait | ||
| Landscape | ||
| Wedding & Events | — | |
| Travel | ||
| Sports & Action | ||
| Wildlife | — | |
| Street | ||
| Casual | — |
GearScore™ suitability scores are based on aggregated purchaser reviews weighted by photography genre. See how scores are calculated →
More comparisons with S1 II
Camera family history