Lumix S5vs Now Gen 3
Lumix
Lumix S5 (2020)
Starting from £1699 new
Best for Professional video & hybrid shooting
View Lumix S5
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?
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.
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 (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
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 is weather sealed. Scroll down for the full spec breakdown.
Full specifications
| Specification | Lumix S5 (2020) | Now Gen 3 (2024) |
|---|---|---|
| Price | £1,699 | £120 |
| Sensor | 24.2MP Full-Frame CMOS | i-Type / 600 Polaroid film (79 × 79mm / image area 62 × 62mm) |
| Resolution | 24.2MP | — |
| Video | 4K/60p 10-bit V-Log/HLG, 5.9K anamorphic, 1080p/180p slow-motion | N/A — instant film camera |
| Autofocus | Contrast AF (DFD Technology), face/eye detection | Autofocus (0.4m–2m close; 2m–∞ landscape) |
| Stabilisation | 6.5-stop IBIS (dual IBIS with Lumix S lenses) | N/A |
| Burst Rate | 7fps mechanical, 9fps electronic (AFS) | N/A |
| Battery Life | ~470 shots (CIPA) | Rechargeable internal battery (USB-C, ~15 packs) |
| Weight | 714g (body, battery, card) | ~445g |
| Dimensions | 132.6 × 97.1 × 81.9mm | 138.2 × 112.6 × 62.7mm |
| Weather Sealed | Yes | No |
| Viewfinder | EVF, 2.36M dots, 0.78× magnification | Real-image optical viewfinder |
| Screen | 3.0" vari-angle touchscreen, 1.84M dots | 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 (USB 3.2 Gen 1), full-size HDMI, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth | USB-C (charging) |
Suitability by genre
| Genre | Lumix S5 | Now Gen 3 |
|---|---|---|
| Video | — | |
| Portrait | ||
| Travel | ||
| Street | — | |
| Wildlife | — | |
| Parties & Events | — | |
| Everyday | — | |
| Low Light | — | |
| Creative | — |
More comparisons with Lumix S5
Camera family history