Lumix S5 IIvs Now Gen 3
Lumix
Lumix S5 II (2023)
Starting from £1999 new
Best for Hybrid video & photography
View Lumix S5 II
VS
Polaroid
Now Gen 3 (2024)
Starting from £120 new
Best for Classic Polaroid fans & square-print lovers
View Now Gen 3
GearScore™ Verdict — Which should you buy?
Hybrid Video & Photography — Lumix S5 II (2023): Phase-detect AF changed everything for Lumix — the S5 II delivers exceptional hybrid performance with 6K video and genuine full-frame value.
Classic Polaroid Fans & Square-Print Lovers — Now Gen 3 (2024): The definitive modern Polaroid. Autofocus, USB-C, and full-sized square prints — classic Polaroid experience, updated for today.
Who should buy what
Lumix S5 II (2023)
- Hybrid photographers who want phase-detect AF for the first time on a Lumix S body
- Video creators who want 6K and reliable subject tracking in a full-frame body
- S5 owners upgrading to the most significant Lumix full-frame update in years
- L-mount photographers who want the best value full-frame Lumix available
Now Gen 3 (2024)
- Anyone who wants the classic full-sized square Polaroid print experience
- Instax users who prefer Polaroid's dreamy colour palette and white border
- Party hosts and event photographers who want iconic-looking keepsakes
- Previous Polaroid Now owners upgrading to the Gen 3's improved autofocus
Quick take: The now gen 3 is the most affordable; only the lumix s5 ii is weather sealed. Scroll down for the full spec breakdown.
Full specifications
| Specification | Lumix S5 II (2023) | Now Gen 3 (2024) |
|---|---|---|
| Price | £1,999 | £120 |
| Sensor | 24.2MP full-frame BSI CMOS | i-Type / 600 Polaroid film (79 × 79mm / image area 62 × 62mm) |
| Resolution | 24.2MP | — |
| Video | 6K/30p, 4K/60p, C4K/60p, V-Log | N/A — instant film camera |
| Autofocus | Phase-detect AF with subject/face/eye detection | Autofocus (0.4m–2m close; 2m–∞ landscape) |
| Stabilisation | 5-axis IBIS (up to 6.5-stop with OIS lenses) | N/A |
| Burst Rate | 30fps electronic / 7fps mechanical | N/A |
| Battery Life | 740 shots (CIPA) | Rechargeable internal battery (USB-C, ~15 packs) |
| Weight | 740g body only | ~445g |
| Dimensions | 134.3 × 102.3 × 90.1mm | 138.2 × 112.6 × 62.7mm |
| Weather Sealed | Yes | No |
| Viewfinder | 0.76" OLED EVF, 3.68M dots | Real-image optical viewfinder |
| Screen | 3.0" fully articulating touchscreen | N/A |
| Mount | Leica L-mount | i-Type or 600 film (8 shots per pack) |
| Memory Cards | Dual SD UHS-II | N/A — instant film only |
| Connectivity | USB-C 3.1, HDMI full-size, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth | USB-C (charging) |
Suitability by genre
| Genre | Lumix S5 II | Now Gen 3 |
|---|---|---|
| Vlogging & Video | — | |
| Wedding & Events | — | |
| Portrait | ||
| Landscape | — | |
| Travel | ||
| Sports & Action | — | |
| Parties & Events | — | |
| Everyday | — | |
| Low Light | — | |
| Creative | — |
More comparisons with Lumix S5 II
Camera family history