Lumix S1vs Z5
Lumix
Lumix S1 (2019)
Starting from £1499 new
Best for Landscape, studio & professional stills on L-mount
View Lumix S1
VS
GearScore™ Verdict — Which should you buy?
Landscape, Studio & Professional Stills On L-Mount — Lumix S1 (2019): Built like a tank with one of the finest viewfinders ever made — the S1 is the choice for photographers who prioritise build quality and IBIS over AF speed.
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
Lumix S1 (2019)
- L-mount system photographers who want a rugged, weather-sealed full-frame body for demanding conditions
- Landscape and studio photographers who value exceptional IBIS and an outstanding EVF
- Video professionals who need V-Log and 4K/60p in a robust, weather-sealed body
- Leica SL users who want a more affordable second body on the same L-mount system
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 | Lumix S1 (2019) | Z5 (2020) |
|---|---|---|
| Price | £1,499 | £999 |
| Sensor | 24.2MP full-frame CMOS | 24.3MP Full-Frame BSI CMOS |
| Resolution | 24.2MP | 24.3MP |
| Video | 4K/60p (crop), 4K/30p (full-frame), 1080p/180p, V-Log (upgrade) | 4K/30p (with crop), 1080p/60p |
| Autofocus | DFD contrast-detect AF — reliable but slower than phase-detect rivals | Hybrid AF — 273 phase-detect points, eye/subject detection |
| Stabilisation | 5-axis IBIS — 6 stops | IBIS — up to 5 stops |
| Burst Rate | 9fps continuous with AF/AE | 4.5fps |
| Battery Life | ~380 shots (CIPA) | ~470 shots (CIPA) |
| Weight | 898g body only | 590g (with battery) |
| Dimensions | 148.9 × 110.0 × 96.7mm | 134 × 100.5 × 69.5mm |
| Weather Sealed | Yes | Yes |
| Viewfinder | OLED EVF, 5.76M dots, 0.78× — one of the finest EVFs available | EVF, 3.69M dots, 0.8× magnification |
| Screen | 3.2" touchscreen, tilting | 3.2" tilting touchscreen |
| Mount | L-mount (Leica/Panasonic/Sigma) | Nikon Z mount |
| Memory Cards | Dual SD UHS-II slots | Dual SD UHS-II slots |
| Connectivity | USB-C, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, 3.5mm mic & headphone jacks | USB-C, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth |
Suitability by genre
| Genre | Lumix S1 | Z5 |
|---|---|---|
| Landscape | ||
| Portrait | ||
| Vlogging & Video | ||
| Travel | ||
| Street | — | |
| Sports | ||
| Everyday | — |
More comparisons with Lumix S1
Camera family history