Lumix S5 IIvs A7S
Lumix
Lumix S5 II (2023)
Starting from £1999 new
Best for Hybrid video & photography
View Lumix S5 II
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.
Astrophotography & Low-Light — A7S (2014): The original A7S pioneered the concept of a camera optimised entirely for low light. Its 12.2MP sensor has enormous photosites — extraordinary high-ISO performance that still holds up. Lacking IBIS and limited to 1080p internally (4K requires external recorder), it is a specialist tool. For astrophotography, event videography, or any scenario where light is genuinely scarce, it remains outstanding.
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
A7S (2014)
- Astrophotographers
- Low-light event videographers
- Filmmakers needing clean high-ISO footage
Quick take: The lumix s5 ii has the highest resolution at 24mp; the a7s is the most affordable. Scroll down for the full spec breakdown.
Full specifications
| Specification | Lumix S5 II (2023) | A7S (2014) |
|---|---|---|
| Price | £1,999 | £600 |
| Sensor | 24.2MP full-frame BSI CMOS | 12.2MP Full-Frame BSI CMOS |
| Resolution | 24.2MP | 12.2MP |
| Video | 6K/30p, 4K/60p, C4K/60p, V-Log | 1080p/60p internal, 4K via HDMI (external recorder) |
| Autofocus | Phase-detect AF with subject/face/eye detection | Phase-detect / contrast-detect hybrid AF |
| Stabilisation | 5-axis IBIS (up to 6.5-stop with OIS lenses) | None |
| Burst Rate | 30fps electronic / 7fps mechanical | 5fps |
| Battery Life | 740 shots (CIPA) | ~370 shots (CIPA) |
| Weight | 740g body only | 474g (with battery and card) |
| Dimensions | 134.3 × 102.3 × 90.1mm | 126.9 × 94.4 × 48.2mm |
| Weather Sealed | Yes | Yes |
| Viewfinder | 0.76" OLED EVF, 3.68M dots | Electronic, 2.36M dots, 0.71× magnification |
| Screen | 3.0" fully articulating touchscreen | 3.0" tilting LCD, 1.23M dots |
| Mount | Leica L-mount | Sony FE (full-frame E-mount) |
| Memory Cards | Dual SD UHS-II | Single SD / MemoryStick PRO Duo slot |
| Connectivity | USB-C 3.1, HDMI full-size, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth | Multi/Micro USB, Wi-Fi, NFC |
Suitability by genre
| Genre | Lumix S5 II | A7S |
|---|---|---|
| Vlogging & Video | ||
| Wedding & Events | — | |
| Portrait | ||
| Landscape | ||
| Travel | ||
| Sports & Action | ||
| Astrophotography | — | |
| Street | — |
GearScore™ suitability scores are based on aggregated purchaser reviews weighted by photography genre. See how scores are calculated →
More comparisons with Lumix S5 II
Camera family history