Panasonic GH5 II vs S5

Available from June 2021, the Panasonic Lumix GH5 II discreetly modernises the famous GH5 launched in 2017. While the 20.3 MP Micro 4/3 sensor, ISO range (200 to 25,600) and 3.68 million-dot OLED viewfinder remain unchanged, Panasonic has introduced some subtle improvements. Sensor stabilisation has been improved to 6.5 stops, while the AI-powered autofocus is more efficient at tracking faces, bodies and animals.

Designed for professionals and content creators alike, the GH5 II retains UHS-II SD card compatibility for fast data processing. With a 12 fps continuous autofocus burst, it meets the needs of dynamic photographers. For video, the ability to record in 6K anamorphic at 30 fps and 4K DCI at 60 fps without cropping is a major plus. What's more, wireless streaming via the Lumix Sync application provides an easy solution for live streaming in Full HD.

Compared to newer models such as the Panasonic GH6, the GH5 II may seem a step down. The GH6 has a more advanced sensor, better stabilisation and improved autofocus. Nevertheless, the GH5 II remains an attractive option for users looking for a reliable, high-performance mirrorless camera at an affordable price.

In September 2020, Panasonic's Lumix S5 marked a turning point in the manufacturer's full-frame product line. The successor to the S1/S1R/S1H series, which introduced the L-mount to the brand, this compact (714g), weather-resistant body represents an attractive option for customers. The camera's 24.2-megapixel sensor produces high-quality images, particularly in low-light conditions. The camera features two SD card slots and a 440-shot endurance, making it suitable for a variety of photographic applications.

The S5 is highly responsive, offering 7 fps bursts and robust video capabilities, including 4K 60p, that were state-of-the-art at the time of its release. The combination of sensor and optical stabilization ensures the capture of sharp images, even in challenging conditions. The autofocus system, based on DFD technology, ensures precise tracking, particularly of eyes and faces.

This camera retains the ergonomic strengths of its predecessors, offering users a high degree of customization and all-weather construction. The swivel screen and premium OLED viewfinder encourage creativity. For video, it boasts V-Log, anamorphic mode, and 10-bit output via HDMI. The versatile S5 will appeal to both photo and video enthusiasts, in a format that's easier to handle than its bigger counterparts. It was superseded by the S5 II in September 2023.