Lumix S5vs A7S
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.
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 (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
A7S (2014)
- Astrophotographers
- Low-light event videographers
- Filmmakers needing clean high-ISO footage
Quick take: The lumix s5 has the highest resolution at 24mp; the a7s is the most affordable. Scroll down for the full spec breakdown.
Full specifications
| Specification | Lumix S5 (2020) | A7S (2014) |
|---|---|---|
| Price | £1,699 | £600 |
| Sensor | 24.2MP Full-Frame CMOS | 12.2MP Full-Frame BSI CMOS |
| Resolution | 24.2MP | 12.2MP |
| Video | 4K/60p 10-bit V-Log/HLG, 5.9K anamorphic, 1080p/180p slow-motion | 1080p/60p internal, 4K via HDMI (external recorder) |
| Autofocus | Contrast AF (DFD Technology), face/eye detection | Phase-detect / contrast-detect hybrid AF |
| Stabilisation | 6.5-stop IBIS (dual IBIS with Lumix S lenses) | None |
| Burst Rate | 7fps mechanical, 9fps electronic (AFS) | 5fps |
| Battery Life | ~470 shots (CIPA) | ~370 shots (CIPA) |
| Weight | 714g (body, battery, card) | 474g (with battery and card) |
| Dimensions | 132.6 × 97.1 × 81.9mm | 126.9 × 94.4 × 48.2mm |
| Weather Sealed | Yes | Yes |
| Viewfinder | EVF, 2.36M dots, 0.78× magnification | Electronic, 2.36M dots, 0.71× magnification |
| Screen | 3.0" vari-angle touchscreen, 1.84M dots | 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 (USB 3.2 Gen 1), full-size HDMI, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth | Multi/Micro USB, Wi-Fi, NFC |
Suitability by genre
| Genre | Lumix S5 | A7S |
|---|---|---|
| Video | — | |
| Portrait | ||
| Travel | ||
| Street | ||
| Wildlife | — | |
| Astrophotography | — | |
| Vlogging & Video | — | |
| Landscape | — | |
| Sports & Action | — |
GearScore™ suitability scores are based on aggregated purchaser reviews weighted by photography genre. See how scores are calculated →
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Camera family history