Lumix S5vs A7 IV
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.
Portrait & Wedding Photography — A7 IV (2021): The full-frame portrait benchmark — 33MP, AI Eye AF, and exceptional skin-tone rendering in a pro-grade hybrid body.
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
A7 IV (2021)
- You want a high-resolution full-frame all-rounder for portraits, weddings, or travel
- You're stepping up from APS-C or a DSLR and want the best all-round full-frame body under £3,000
- You shoot a mix of stills and video and need a single body that handles both seriously
- You want access to the widest lens ecosystem in the mirrorless market
Quick take: The a7 iv has the highest resolution at 33mp; the lumix s5 is the most affordable. Scroll down for the full spec breakdown.
Full specifications
| Specification | Lumix S5 (2020) | A7 IV (2021) |
|---|---|---|
| Price | £1,699 | £2,299 |
| Sensor | 24.2MP Full-Frame CMOS | 33MP Full-frame BSI Exmor R CMOS |
| Resolution | 24.2MP | 33.0MP |
| Video | 4K/60p 10-bit V-Log/HLG, 5.9K anamorphic, 1080p/180p slow-motion | 4K/60p oversampled, 10-bit internal, S-Log3, S-Cinetone |
| Autofocus | Contrast AF (DFD Technology), face/eye detection | 759-point phase-detect, AI subject recognition |
| Stabilisation | 6.5-stop IBIS (dual IBIS with Lumix S lenses) | 5-axis IBIS, 5.5 stops |
| Burst Rate | 7fps mechanical, 9fps electronic (AFS) | 10fps mechanical, 30fps electronic |
| Battery Life | ~470 shots (CIPA) | ~580 shots (CIPA) |
| Weight | 714g (body, battery, card) | 659g body only |
| Dimensions | 132.6 × 97.1 × 81.9mm | 131.3 × 96.4 × 79.8mm |
| Weather Sealed | Yes | Yes |
| Viewfinder | EVF, 2.36M dots, 0.78× magnification | EVF, 3.69M dots, 0.78× magnification |
| Screen | 3.0" vari-angle touchscreen, 1.84M dots | 3.0" vari-angle touchscreen |
| Mount | Leica L-mount | Sony FE (full-frame E-mount) |
| Memory Cards | Dual SD UHS-II | Dual slots: CFexpress Type A + SD UHS-II |
| Connectivity | USB-C (USB 3.2 Gen 1), full-size HDMI, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth | USB-C (3.2 Gen 2), Bluetooth, Wi-Fi |
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