Panasonic LUMIX S5 → Panasonic LUMIX S5 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 S5 II is the direct successor to your Panasonic LUMIX S5, released 3 years later. Across the full spec sheet it improves 5 items and steps back on 3. The changes that matter most: subject-detection AF is added. The Panasonic LUMIX S5 II lists at $1,999 (the Panasonic LUMIX S5 launched at $1,999, 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 S5 II if…
- ✓You photograph moving subjects — it adds AF subject detection for animals and vehicles that the other body lacks.
Stick with the Panasonic LUMIX S5 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 (12 items)
↑ 5 improved · ↓ 3 stepped back · → changed without a clear better/worse
| Spec | Panasonic LUMIX S5 | Panasonic LUMIX S5 II |
|---|---|---|
| Still Image Capture | ||
| ↑Continuous Shooting | 7 fps | 9 fps |
| Video Capture | ||
| →Max Resolution | 4K | 6K |
| Focus | ||
| ↑Phase Detect Points | 225 | 779 |
| ↑Vehicle AF | No | Yes |
| Viewfinder | ||
| ↑EVF Resolution | 2.36M dots | 3.68M dots |
| ↑EVF Magnification | 0.74x | 0.78x |
| Interface | ||
| →Bluetooth | v5.0 | v5.2 |
| →USB | USB-C 3.2 | USB-C 3.2 Gen 2 |
| General | ||
| →Dimensions | 132.6×97.1×81.9 mm | 134.3×102.3×90.1 mm |
| ↓Weight | 714g (1.57 lb) | 740g (1.63 lb) |
| ↓Battery Life (EVF) | 470 shots | 370 shots |
| ↓Battery Life (LCD) | 470 shots | 440 shots |
What stayed the same (36 items)
Everything below is identical on both bodies — if these are what you buy a camera for, the Panasonic LUMIX S5 already has them.
Ready to buy?
Panasonic LUMIX S5 (keep or buy used)
As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases — at no extra cost to you.
Panasonic LUMIX S5 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 S5 to the Panasonic LUMIX S5 II?
The Panasonic LUMIX S5 II is the direct successor to your Panasonic LUMIX S5, released 3 years later. Across the full spec sheet it improves 5 items and steps back on 3. The changes that matter most: subject-detection AF is added. The Panasonic LUMIX S5 II lists at $1,999 (the Panasonic LUMIX S5 launched at $1,999, 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 S5 II over the Panasonic LUMIX S5?
Across the spec sheet the Panasonic LUMIX S5 II improves 5 items. The most significant: it adds AF subject detection for animals and vehicles that the other body lacks.
What does the Panasonic LUMIX S5 still do just as well as the Panasonic LUMIX S5 II?
36 spec items are identical between the two, including sensor type (BSI CMOS), sensor size (Full-Frame), image processor (Venus Engine), effective resolution (24.2 MP), lens mount (L-Mount), iso range (native) (100 – 51200). If those cover your needs, the older body remains fully capable.
Does the Panasonic LUMIX S5 II give anything up compared to the Panasonic LUMIX S5?
Yes — 3 items on the spec sheet move the other way: weight (714g (1.57 lb) → 740g (1.63 lb)), battery life (evf) (470 shots → 370 shots), battery life (lcd) (470 shots → 440 shots).
Full side-by-side spec table →Panasonic LUMIX S5 II full specs →