Lumix S5 IIvs A1
VS
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.
Professional Sport, Wildlife, Portrait & Hybrid Shooting — A1 (2021): 50MP, 30fps, 8K — the Sony A1 is the most complete professional camera ever made.
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
A1 (2021)
- Professional photographers who need resolution and speed without compromise
- Sports and wildlife photographers demanding the absolute fastest Sony
- Studio and fashion photographers who also shoot sport or events
- A9 III or A7R V owners who want a single body that does everything
Quick take: The a1 has the highest resolution at 50mp; the lumix s5 ii is the most affordable. Scroll down for the full spec breakdown.
Full specifications
| Specification | Lumix S5 II (2023) | A1 (2021) |
|---|---|---|
| Price | £1,999 | £5,999 |
| Sensor | 24.2MP full-frame BSI CMOS | 50.1MP Full-Frame Stacked BSI CMOS Exmor RS |
| Resolution | 24.2MP | 50.1MP |
| Video | 6K/30p, 4K/60p, C4K/60p, V-Log | 8K/30p, 4K/120p, 1080p/240p |
| Autofocus | Phase-detect AF with subject/face/eye detection | Real-time Tracking, AI subject recognition — 759 phase-detect points |
| Stabilisation | 5-axis IBIS (up to 6.5-stop with OIS lenses) | IBIS — up to 5.5 stops |
| Burst Rate | 30fps electronic / 7fps mechanical | 30fps electronic with full AF/AE |
| Battery Life | 740 shots (CIPA) | ~430 shots (CIPA) |
| Weight | 740g body only | 737g (with battery) |
| Dimensions | 134.3 × 102.3 × 90.1mm | 128.9 × 96.9 × 80.8mm |
| Weather Sealed | Yes | Yes |
| Viewfinder | 0.76" OLED EVF, 3.68M dots | EVF, 9.44M dots, 0.90× magnification, 240fps |
| Screen | 3.0" fully articulating touchscreen | 3.0" fully tilting touchscreen |
| Mount | Leica L-mount | Sony FE mount (full-frame E-mount) |
| Memory Cards | Dual SD UHS-II | Dual CFexpress Type A / SD UHS-II |
| Connectivity | USB-C 3.1, HDMI full-size, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth | USB-C, Wi-Fi 5GHz, Bluetooth, Ethernet, HDMI |
Suitability by genre
| Genre | Lumix S5 II | A1 |
|---|---|---|
| Vlogging & Video | ||
| Wedding & Events | — | |
| Portrait | ||
| Landscape | ||
| Travel | — | |
| Sports & Action | — | |
| Sports | — | |
| Wildlife | — | |
| Wedding | — |
More comparisons with Lumix S5 II
Camera family history