Lumix S5vs A6400
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.
Content Creation & Vlogging — A6400 (2019): The best value APS-C Sony you can buy — especially used. Real-time Eye AF at this price point was transformative when it launched and still makes it one of the most reliable autofocus systems in the lineup.
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
A6400 (2019)
- Vloggers and content creators who need a flip screen and reliable AF
- Photographers upgrading from a compact or smartphone
- Beginners who want room to grow into a full E-mount lens ecosystem
- Anyone prioritising autofocus performance at an accessible price
Quick take: The a6400 is the most affordable; only the lumix s5 is weather sealed. Scroll down for the full spec breakdown.
Full specifications
| Specification | Lumix S5 (2020) | A6400 (2019) |
|---|---|---|
| Price | £1,699 | £899 |
| Sensor | 24.2MP Full-Frame CMOS | 24.2MP APS-C Exmor CMOS BSI |
| Resolution | 24.2MP | 24.2MP |
| Video | 4K/60p 10-bit V-Log/HLG, 5.9K anamorphic, 1080p/180p slow-motion | 4K/30p (6K oversampled, no crop), 1080p/120p slow-motion |
| Autofocus | Contrast AF (DFD Technology), face/eye detection | Phase-detect, 425 points, real-time Eye AF & animal AF |
| Stabilisation | 6.5-stop IBIS (dual IBIS with Lumix S lenses) | None (no IBIS) |
| Burst Rate | 7fps mechanical, 9fps electronic (AFS) | 11fps mechanical, 8fps with AF tracking |
| Battery Life | ~470 shots (CIPA) | ~410 shots (CIPA) |
| Weight | 714g (body, battery, card) | 403g (body, battery, card) |
| Dimensions | 132.6 × 97.1 × 81.9mm | 120.0 × 66.9 × 59.7mm |
| Weather Sealed | Yes | No |
| Viewfinder | EVF, 2.36M dots, 0.78× magnification | EVF, 2.36M dots, 0.70× magnification |
| Screen | 3.0" vari-angle touchscreen, 1.84M dots | 3.0" tilting touchscreen, 180° flip for selfie/vlog, 921k dots |
| Mount | Leica L-mount | Sony E-mount |
| Memory Cards | Dual SD UHS-II | Single SD UHS-I |
| Connectivity | USB-C (USB 3.2 Gen 1), full-size HDMI, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth | Micro-USB, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, NFC |
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