Panasonic Lumix DC-GH5 vs Panasonic Lumix GH5S
Comparison
Panasonic Lumix DC-GH5
Panasonic Lumix GH5S
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Brand | Panasonic | Panasonic | |
Model | Lumix DC-GH5 | Lumix GH5S | |
Released Refers to the year this camera was officially made available for sale. | 2017 | 2017 | |
Announcement Date Refers to the date the manufacturer publicly announced the upcoming release and general specs of this camera. | January 04, 2017 | January 08, 2017 | |
Camera Type |  Mirrorless | Mirrorless | |
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Camera Weight |
Panasonic Lumix GH5 vs GH5S Overview
The Panasonic Lumix GH5 vs GH5S is an interesting camera comparison. They’re two fine mid-range mirrorless cameras, both popular models with photographers of all kinds.
As you may have guessed from the names, these models are closely related. They have much of the same hardware and features. There are many similarities. But there are also some major differences we need to consider.
The GH5 was released in 2017. The GH5s was released almost exactly 1 year later. So why is the GH5 more expensive? If we judge the two cameras on specs alone, we see it’s the older model that wins.
That doesn’t make it a closed competition though. It all depends on what specs are most important to you.
Body and Handling
When it comes to handling and ergonomics the two cameras are unsurprisingly similar. Both have the same exterior dimensions (approximately 139 x 98 x 87mm) and similar weight. The newer Gh5S is slightly more lightweight at 660g versus the GH5 at 725g. Although it’s not a huge difference, it’s often desirable to have less weight to carry around.
Panasonic Lumix GH5 vs GH5S Optics
The first major point when we compare Panasonic Lumix DC-GH5 vs GH5S optics is the resolution. Although the newer GH5S has a slightly bigger sensor, the GH5 has the higher resolution. At 20.3 MP, the GH5 has over twice the megapixel count of the GH5S. Megapixel count isn’t everything of course, but that’s a significant downgrade. The right choice for you depends on how important the number of megapixels is. If you are looking to print large photos or shoot in low-light conditions, then you will need a camera with more megapixels.
Both cameras have an adequate frame rate of 10fps for continuous shooting and a similar ISO range.
Unlike the older model, the GH5S lacks in-body stabilisation which may be more important to some photographers who like to shoot handheld.
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Optics
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Panasonic Lumix GH5S
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Megapixels The higher the number of megapixels, the more detail the cameras sensor can capture. | 20.3 MP | 10 MP | |
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Image Resolution Image resolution is measured in pixels and megapixels, width by height. The higher the number, the higher its resolution. | 5184 x 3888 px | 3680 x 2760 px | |
Sensor Type The camera sensor captures light and records the image. Sensors vary in physical size, the number of pixels, and quality. | CMOS | CMOS | |
Sensor Size The sensor size contributes to the overall quality as well as the dynamic and tonal range a camera can capture. As a rule of thumb, the more surface there is to read the light, the more information it will capture. | 13 x 17.3 mm | 19.2 x 13 mm | |
Sensor Format Refers to the most commonly used sensor sizes. |  Micro Four Thirds | Micro Four Thirds | |
Frame Rate The number of sequential frames per second the camera can write to the memory card when shooting in burst or continuous mode. | 12 fps | 12 fps | |
Lens Mount The lens mount will tell you what type of lens range you can fit onto the camera body. Often the same camera company will have different lens ranges for different cameras. | Micro 4/3 | Micro 4/3 | |
Image Processor The image processor in the camera converts the information collected on the sensor for digital storage on the memory card. | Venus Engine 10 | Venus Engine 10 | |
Aspect Ratio The aspect ratio refers to the proportional difference between width and height. The most popular aspect ratios are 3:2 and 4:3. |  4:3 | 4:3 | |
Minimum ISO (Native) Refers to the lowest native (or 'base') ISO setting. Lower ISO are less sensitive to light but make a cleaner image. | 200 | 160 | |
Maximum ISO (Native) Refers to the highest native (or 'base') ISO setting. Higher ISO is necessary for low-light situations or night photography, but higher ISOs often introduce grain or noise. | 25,600 | 51,200 | |
Minimum ISO (Expanded) Expanded (or extended) ISO is a digitally enhanced feature available on some cameras. It allows you to push beyond the native ISO range if necessary. | 100 | 80 | |
Maximum ISO (Expanded) Expanded (or extended) ISO is a digitally enhanced feature available on some cameras. It allows you to push beyond the native ISO range if necessary. | 25600 | 204800 | |
Minimum Shutter Speed The minimum shutter speed will tell you the longest exposure your camera can take without using an external accessory. | 60 s | 60 s | |
Maximum Shutter Speed The maximum shutter speed tells you the length inside 1 second the camera will capture. These can sometimes be extended with accessories such as extra external batteries. | 1/ 16000 s | 1/ 8000 s | |
Autofocus Points Autofocus points show where the camera is focusing graphically as squares or brackets in Live View or on an electronic viewfinder. These points are also used for light meter readings. | 225 | 225 | |
In-body Stabilization In-body Stabilization means the camera has a certain technology embedded that counteracts camera shake. |   |  | |
Viewfinder Type The viewfinder type is either electronic or optical. Electronic viewfinders will have a small screen in the viewfinder. Optical viewfinders will use prisms and mirrors to look through the lens. | Electronic | Electronic | |
Viewfinder Resolution | 3,680,000 dots | 3,680,000 dots |
Panasonic Lumix GH5 vs GH5S Video Performance
Panasonic Lumix is known for making excellent hybrid cameras. So if you like shooting both stills and video you’re in luck. There are no issues with the video capabilities of either the Panasonic Lumix DC-GH5 or the GH5S. Both can shoot 4K videos in a range of frame rates. The frame rate measures how many frames per second (p) a video camera can record.
We recently gave the GH5 our approval by naming it the best camera for filming music videos.
Neither cameras offer built-in time-lapse recording. However, you can still create time-lapses using some extra gear.
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Video
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Video Indicates if this camera is capable of recording video. |  | | |
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Max Video Resolution The best resolution this camera can capture video in. Modern cameras can capture up to 8K video. |  4K | 4K | |
Max Video Dimensions Video resolution measured by the greatest number of pixels possible in each frame, width by height. A higher resolution means more detail or clarity in your video. | 4096 x 2160 px | 4096 x 2160 px | |
Max Video Frame Rate How many frames per second your video will capture. Most cameras have options for multiple frame rates, depending on the resolution you shoot in. For a general video, 24p or 30p is the standard, but more serious filmmakers may need a higher frame rate for creative effect. | 60 p | 60 p | |
Time-Lapse Built In A built in time-lapse mode will allow continuous shooting throughout a prolonged period of time to be compressed into a sped up video. |  | | |
Video File Format Different cameras can record in various video file formats. The File format you record in can impact how you edit and use the files. | MP4, MOV | MPEG-4, MOV |
Features and Benefits Comparison
When it comes to features, these two cameras are relatively on par.
Both the Lumix DC-GH5 and the GH5S have adequate features for most kinds of photographers. They both have hot shoe connections for external flashes, opening up more possibilities for additional lighting. It’s a good feature for indoor and studio photographers.
Both cameras have Bluetooth Wi-Fi connectivity, which is great for those who like to transfer and share images on the fly. This can be useful if you run out of space on your memory card too.
Both the Panasonic Lumix DC-GH5 and GH5S have adequate storage and battery features for most kinds of photographers.
Both cameras are weather sealed which means extra protection for those who like to shoot outdoors or in dusty conditions.
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Features
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Built-in Flash A built-in flash will often be positioned right above the lens. This will automatically pop up when you activate it. |  | | |
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External Flash External flashes are often connected through a hot shoe at the top of a camera, or a cable at the side of the camera. |  | | |
GPS GPS features in a camera will include location metadata to each of your photographs. |  | | |
Weather Sealing Weather sealing capabilities will give you more confidence when shooting in unfavourable conditions. |  | | |
Screen Type | LCD | TFT LCD | |
Touch Screen Touchscreen allows you to change camera settings and access menus with a swipe of your finger, instead of using buttons. |  | | |
Screen Size |  3.2" | 3.2" | |
Screen Resolution Screen dots indicate the resolution of the LCD screen by including each sub pixel. | 1,620,000 dots | 1,620,000 dots | |
Flip Screen A flip screen (or articulating screen) is a second screen which can flip out from the side or top of the camera. This rotating screen allows you more freedom to take photos at different angles. |  | | |
Live View Live View feature allows you to see a continuous live video of what is being seen through your lens. |  | | |
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Bluetooth Bluetooth capabilities allow you wireless control of your camera with other external devices. |  | | |
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Storage and Battery
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Memory Card | SD / SDHC / SDXC (UHS-II compatible) | SD / SDHC / SDXC (UHS-II compatible) | |
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Dual Memory Card Slots |  | | |
Battery Type | DMW-BLF19 | DMW-BLF19 | |
Battery Life Approximately how long this cameras battery will last measured by how many photographs you will be able to take. | 410 shots | 440 shots | |
USB Charging |  | |
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DXO Mark Scores
Sensor scores tested by DXOMARK |
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Overall Score DXOMARK overall sensor score. | N/A | ||
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Portrait (Color Depth) As described by DXOMARK 'The Portrait score in our camera sensor reviews defines color depth performance and its unit is a number of bits. A color depth of 22 bits is excellent; differences below 1 bit are barely noticeable.' | 23.9 bits | N/A | |
Landscape (Dynamic Range) As described by DXOMARK 'The Landscape score in our camera sensor tests defines the maximum dynamic range of the camera sensor and its unit is an exposure value (EV). A value of 12 EV is excellent with differences below 0.5 EV usually not noticeable.' | 13 EVs | N/A | |
Sports (Low-Light ISO) Described by DXOMARK as 'The maximal value of ISO sensitivity needed to reach a given value of Signal-to-Noise Ratio (SNR). The greater the value, the better' | 807 | N/A |
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Scores
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Panasonic Lumix DC-GH5
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Panasonic Lumix GH5S
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Panasonic Lumix DC-GH5 vs GH5S - Which is Better?
So, Panasonic Lumix GH5 vs GH5S? Although the GH5S has some improvements, the GH5 has better specs overall. It’s also a little more expensive at the moment which can also be a deciding factor.
Keep in mind that what’s most important is finding a camera that feels comfortable in your hands and will allow you to capture the photos you envision.
Panasonic Lumix DC-GH5 vs GH5S Alternatives
If you want to check out some more comparisons for inspiration, why not start with these:
- Panasonic Lumix DC-GH5 vs GH6
- Panasonic Lumix DC-GH5 II vs GH6
- Panasonic Lumix DC-S5 vs Sony a7 IV
- Nikon D800 vs D850
- Canon Rebel T7 vs Nikon D3500
- Canon 5D Mark IV vs 5DS R
- Canon R3 vs R6
We hope this comparison of specs and features has helped make your decision easier. let us know your own experiences in the comments below. And, happy shooting!
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User Scores
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Panasonic Lumix GH5S
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B&H photo video | N/A |
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