Panasonic LUMIX GH5 → 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 the direct successor to your Panasonic LUMIX GH5, released 4 years later. Across the full spec sheet it improves 1 item and steps back on 3. The Panasonic LUMIX GH5 II lists at $1,997 (the Panasonic LUMIX GH5 launched at $1,997, and older bodies typically sell for well under launch price on the used market). The generation gap here is modest — upgrade only if a specific change below solves a real problem in your shooting.
Upgrade to the Panasonic LUMIX GH5 II if…
- ✓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 GH5 if…
- •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 (8 items)
↑ 1 improved · ↓ 3 stepped back · → changed without a clear better/worse
| Spec | Panasonic LUMIX GH5 | Panasonic LUMIX GH5 II |
|---|---|---|
| Video Capture | ||
| →HDMI Output | Micro (Type D) | Full-size (Type A) |
| Focus | ||
| ↑Low Light AF | -3 EV | -4 EV |
| Interface | ||
| →Bluetooth | v4.2 | v5.2 |
| →USB | USB-C 3.1 | USB-C 3.2 |
| General | ||
| ↓Weight | 725g (1.60 lb) | 727g (1.60 lb) |
| ↓Battery Life (EVF) | 410 shots | 360 shots |
| ↓Battery Life (LCD) | 500 shots | 400 shots |
| →Battery Type | DMW-BLF19 | DMW-BLK22 |
What stayed the same (40 items)
Everything below is identical on both bodies — if these are what you buy a camera for, the Panasonic LUMIX GH5 already has them.
Ready to buy?
Panasonic LUMIX GH5 (keep or buy used)
As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases — at no extra cost to you.
Panasonic LUMIX GH5 II
As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases — at no extra cost to you.
Frequently asked
Is it worth upgrading from the Panasonic LUMIX GH5 to the Panasonic LUMIX GH5 II?
The Panasonic LUMIX GH5 II is the direct successor to your Panasonic LUMIX GH5, released 4 years later. Across the full spec sheet it improves 1 item and steps back on 3. The Panasonic LUMIX GH5 II lists at $1,997 (the Panasonic LUMIX GH5 launched at $1,997, and older bodies typically sell for well under launch price on the used market). The generation gap here is modest — upgrade only if a specific change below solves a real problem in your shooting.
What are the biggest improvements of the Panasonic LUMIX GH5 II over the Panasonic LUMIX GH5?
Across the spec sheet the Panasonic LUMIX GH5 II improves 1 items. The most significant: AF that focuses down to -4 EV gives it the edge after dark.
What does the Panasonic LUMIX GH5 still do just as well as the Panasonic LUMIX GH5 II?
40 spec items are identical between the two, including sensor type (Digital Live MOS), sensor size (Micro Four Thirds), image processor (Venus Engine), effective resolution (20.3 MP), lens mount (Micro Four Thirds), iso range (native) (200 – 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 GH5?
Yes — 3 items on the spec sheet move the other way: weight (725g (1.60 lb) → 727g (1.60 lb)), battery life (evf) (410 shots → 360 shots), battery life (lcd) (500 shots → 400 shots).
Full side-by-side spec table →Panasonic LUMIX GH5 II full specs →