Panasonic LUMIX GH4 → Panasonic LUMIX GH5 II
Is the upgrade worth it? Every change on the spec sheet, and an honest read on who should bother.
The bottom line
The Panasonic LUMIX GH5 II is 2 generations newer to your Panasonic LUMIX GH4, released 7 years later. Across the full spec sheet it improves 10 items and steps back on 4. The changes that matter most: resolution rises from 16MP to 20.3MP; 4K goes from 30p to 60p; in-body stabilisation is added. The Panasonic LUMIX GH5 II lists at $1,997 (the Panasonic LUMIX GH4 launched at $1,699, and older bodies typically sell for well under launch price on the used market). If several of the gains below map to how you shoot, this is a substantial step up; if none do, your current body keeps doing everything it does today.
Upgrade to the Panasonic LUMIX GH5 II if…
- ✓You shoot video seriously — it brings smoother 60p 4K vs 30p and 10-bit internal colour.
- ✓You photograph moving subjects — it adds AF subject detection for animals that the other body lacks.
- ✓You shoot handheld — in-body stabilisation lets you use slower shutter speeds and steadies video, which the other body can't do without a stabilised lens.
- ✓You shoot in low light or indoors — AF that focuses down to -4 EV gives it the edge after dark.
Stick with the Panasonic LUMIX GH4 if…
- •You value portability — at 560g (1.23 lb) it's noticeably lighter than the 727g (1.60 lb) alternative for travel and all-day carry.
- •None of the headline changes map to what you actually shoot — the camera you own doesn't get worse when a successor launches.
What changed (21 items)
↑ 10 improved · ↓ 4 stepped back · → changed without a clear better/worse
| Spec | Panasonic LUMIX GH4 | Panasonic LUMIX GH5 II |
|---|---|---|
| Imaging | ||
| ↑Effective Resolution | 16 MP | 20.3 MP |
| Video Capture | ||
| ↑4K Recording | Up to 30p | Up to 60p |
| ↑10-bit Internal | No | Yes |
| →Log Profiles | V-Log L | V-Log L / HLG |
| →HDMI Output | Micro (Type D) | Full-size (Type A) |
| Focus | ||
| ↑Low Light AF | -3 EV | -4 EV |
| ↑Eye AF | No | Yes |
| ↑Animal AF | No | Yes |
| Viewfinder | ||
| ↑EVF Resolution | 1.74M dots | 3.68M dots |
| ↑EVF Magnification | 0.67x | 0.76x |
| Interface | ||
| →Bluetooth | v4.0 | v5.2 |
| →USB | Micro USB 3.0 | USB-C 3.2 |
| →Memory Card Slots | 1x SD UHS-I | 2x SD UHS-II |
| General | ||
| ↓Price (MSRP) | $1,699 | $1,997 |
| →Dimensions | 133.2×93.4×83.3 mm | 138.5×98.1×87.4 mm |
| ↓Weight | 560g (1.23 lb) | 727g (1.60 lb) |
| ↑Weather Sealed | No | Yes |
| ↑In-Body Stabilization | No | Yes |
| ↓Battery Life (EVF) | 500 shots | 360 shots |
| ↓Battery Life (LCD) | 500 shots | 400 shots |
| →Battery Type | DMW-BLC12 | DMW-BLK22 |
What stayed the same (27 items)
Everything below is identical on both bodies — if these are what you buy a camera for, the Panasonic LUMIX GH4 already has them.
Ready to buy?
Panasonic LUMIX GH4 (keep or buy used)
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Panasonic LUMIX GH5 II
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Frequently asked
Is it worth upgrading from the Panasonic LUMIX GH4 to the Panasonic LUMIX GH5 II?
The Panasonic LUMIX GH5 II is 2 generations newer to your Panasonic LUMIX GH4, released 7 years later. Across the full spec sheet it improves 10 items and steps back on 4. The changes that matter most: resolution rises from 16MP to 20.3MP; 4K goes from 30p to 60p; in-body stabilisation is added. The Panasonic LUMIX GH5 II lists at $1,997 (the Panasonic LUMIX GH4 launched at $1,699, and older bodies typically sell for well under launch price on the used market). If several of the gains below map to how you shoot, this is a substantial step up; if none do, your current body keeps doing everything it does today.
What are the biggest improvements of the Panasonic LUMIX GH5 II over the Panasonic LUMIX GH4?
Across the spec sheet the Panasonic LUMIX GH5 II improves 10 items. The most significant: it brings smoother 60p 4K vs 30p and 10-bit internal colour. it adds AF subject detection for animals that the other body lacks. in-body stabilisation lets you use slower shutter speeds and steadies video, which the other body can't do without a stabilised lens. AF that focuses down to -4 EV gives it the edge after dark.
What does the Panasonic LUMIX GH4 still do just as well as the Panasonic LUMIX GH5 II?
27 spec items are identical between the two, including sensor type (Digital Live MOS), sensor size (Micro Four Thirds), image processor (Venus Engine), lens mount (Micro Four Thirds), iso range (native) (200 – 25600), iso range (extended) (100 – 25600). If those cover your needs, the older body remains fully capable.
Does the Panasonic LUMIX GH5 II give anything up compared to the Panasonic LUMIX GH4?
Yes — 4 items on the spec sheet move the other way: price (msrp) ($1,699 → $1,997), weight (560g (1.23 lb) → 727g (1.60 lb)), battery life (evf) (500 shots → 360 shots), battery life (lcd) (500 shots → 400 shots).
Full side-by-side spec table →Panasonic LUMIX GH5 II full specs →