Panasonic Lumix DC-S5 II vs Sony ZV-E1 — Which Is Better?

The Panasonic Lumix DC-S5 II and the Sony ZV-E1 are both 2023 mirrorless cameras, but the S5 II is the larger body at 134 x 102 x 90 mm and 740 g. The ZV-E1 takes the compact route at 121 x 72 x 54 mm and 483 g, making it the lighter camera to pack.

The S5 II is the stronger choice when you want room to crop or make large prints, because its 24-megapixel sensor doubles the ZV-E1's 12-megapixel count. Both use full-frame CMOS sensors with in-body stabilisation, so handheld shooting at slower shutter speeds is supported on either camera. Framing differs: the S5 II offers an electronic viewfinder, while the ZV-E1 has none and relies entirely on its screen.

Continuous shooting is close, at 9 fps for the Panasonic and 10 fps for the Sony. The native lens systems also differ: the S5 II uses the Leica L mount, while the ZV-E1 uses Sony E, so lens choice follows the body you buy.

For editors who like to reframe in post, the S5 II records up to 6K, while the ZV-E1 tops out at 4K, giving the Panasonic extra pixels for cropping a wide take without softening. The two share a 120 fps maximum frame rate for slow-motion footage, though each camera applies that rate at its own resolutions. The ZV-E1 offers a broader choice of recording formats, including XAVC S-I, while the S5 II includes built-in timelapse generation.

Both cameras give you a 3-inch flip-out touchscreen for vlogging or low-angle work, plus weather sealing for outdoor shoots. Screen sharpness differs: the S5 II displays 2.36 million dots against 1.04 million on the ZV-E1, so focus and detail checks read more clearly on the Panasonic. Wi-Fi and Bluetooth are shared, and neither camera includes a built-in flash or GPS, so lighting and location come from external gear or a paired phone.

The ZV-E1 is rated for 570 shots per charge against 370 for the S5 II. Both support USB charging, so either camera can top up from a power bank on the road. The S5 II carries two SD card slots for separating stills and video on a shoot, while the ZV-E1 has a single slot, though that slot supports UHS-II speeds.