Lumix S5vs Z5
Lumix
Lumix S5 (2020)
Starting from £1699 new
Best for Professional video & hybrid shooting
View Lumix S5
GearScore™ Verdict — Which should you buy?
Professional Video & Hybrid Shooting — Lumix S5 (2020): The S5 is an outstanding video camera that also takes excellent stills. 10-bit 4K/60p, dual native ISO and 6.5-stop IBIS in a weather-sealed body is a compelling package. The contrast-detect AF is its main weakness vs Sony and Canon — but for controlled shooting it doesn't hold it back.
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 S5 (2020)
- Videographers who need 10-bit colour science in a full-frame body
- Photographers who shoot video as a second discipline
- Studio photographers who want full-frame IBIS at a lower price
- L-mount system users building a versatile kit
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 S5 (2020) | Z5 (2020) |
|---|---|---|
| Price | £1,699 | £999 |
| Sensor | 24.2MP Full-Frame CMOS | 24.3MP Full-Frame BSI CMOS |
| Resolution | 24.2MP | 24.3MP |
| Video | 4K/60p 10-bit V-Log/HLG, 5.9K anamorphic, 1080p/180p slow-motion | 4K/30p (with crop), 1080p/60p |
| Autofocus | Contrast AF (DFD Technology), face/eye detection | Hybrid AF — 273 phase-detect points, eye/subject detection |
| Stabilisation | 6.5-stop IBIS (dual IBIS with Lumix S lenses) | IBIS — up to 5 stops |
| Burst Rate | 7fps mechanical, 9fps electronic (AFS) | 4.5fps |
| Battery Life | ~470 shots (CIPA) | ~470 shots (CIPA) |
| Weight | 714g (body, battery, card) | 590g (with battery) |
| Dimensions | 132.6 × 97.1 × 81.9mm | 134 × 100.5 × 69.5mm |
| Weather Sealed | Yes | Yes |
| Viewfinder | EVF, 2.36M dots, 0.78× magnification | EVF, 3.69M dots, 0.8× magnification |
| Screen | 3.0" vari-angle touchscreen, 1.84M dots | 3.2" tilting touchscreen |
| Mount | Leica L-mount | Nikon Z mount |
| Memory Cards | Dual SD UHS-II | Dual SD UHS-II slots |
| Connectivity | USB-C (USB 3.2 Gen 1), full-size HDMI, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth | USB-C, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth |
Suitability by genre
| Genre | Lumix S5 | Z5 |
|---|---|---|
| Video | — | |
| Portrait | ||
| Travel | ||
| Street | — | |
| Wildlife | — | |
| Landscape | — | |
| Everyday | — | |
| Sports | — | |
| Vlogging & Video | — |
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Camera family history