Panasonic LUMIX GH4 vs Panasonic LUMIX GH5 II
The bottom line
Same line, different generation: the Panasonic LUMIX GH5 II (2021) moves ahead on resolution (20.3MP vs 16MP), 4K frame rate (60p vs 30p) and in-body stabilisation. The Panasonic LUMIX GH4 is still the value pick at $1,699 ($1,997 for the Panasonic LUMIX GH5 II). If those newer features aren't ones you'll actually use, the Panasonic LUMIX GH4 gives you most of the experience for less.
Choose 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.
Choose 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.
Where they differ
- ›Video: the Panasonic LUMIX GH5 II is the stronger video tool — 4K up to 60p, 10-bit internal and Log.
- ›Price: the Panasonic LUMIX GH4 launched at $1,699, $298 under the Panasonic LUMIX GH5 II — money that could go toward glass.
- ›Stabilisation: only the Panasonic LUMIX GH5 II has in-body IS — slower handheld shutter speeds and steadier video without relying on stabilised lenses.
- ›Card slots: the Panasonic LUMIX GH5 II has dual slots for instant backup — the reliability paid work depends on.
- ›Durability: the Panasonic LUMIX GH5 II is weather-sealed against dust and rain; the other isn't.
- ›Weight: the Panasonic LUMIX GH4 is 560g (1.23 lb) vs 727g (1.60 lb) — 167g you'll feel on a long day out.
Frequently asked
Is the Panasonic LUMIX GH4 or the Panasonic LUMIX GH5 II better?
Same line, different generation: the Panasonic LUMIX GH5 II (2021) moves ahead on resolution (20.3MP vs 16MP), 4K frame rate (60p vs 30p) and in-body stabilisation. The Panasonic LUMIX GH4 is still the value pick at $1,699 ($1,997 for the Panasonic LUMIX GH5 II). If those newer features aren't ones you'll actually use, the Panasonic LUMIX GH4 gives you most of the experience for less.
Who should choose the Panasonic LUMIX GH4?
Choose 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.
Who should choose the Panasonic LUMIX GH5 II?
Choose the Panasonic LUMIX GH5 II if you shoot video seriously — it brings smoother 60p 4K vs 30p and 10-bit internal colour. Choose it if you photograph moving subjects — it adds AF subject detection for animals that the other body lacks. Choose it if 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. Choose it if you shoot in low light or indoors — AF that focuses down to -4 EV gives it the edge after dark.
What is the main difference between the Panasonic LUMIX GH4 and the Panasonic LUMIX GH5 II?
Video: the Panasonic LUMIX GH5 II is the stronger video tool — 4K up to 60p, 10-bit internal and Log.
Own the Panasonic LUMIX GH4? Read the dedicated upgrade guide →
| Product | ||
|---|---|---|
| Imaging | ||
| Sensor Type | Digital Live MOS | Digital Live MOS |
| Sensor Size | Micro Four Thirds | Micro Four Thirds |
| Image Processor | Venus Engine | Venus Engine |
| Effective Resolution | 16 MP | 20.3 MP |
| Lens Mount | Micro Four Thirds | Micro Four Thirds |
| Exposure Control | ||
| ISO Range (Native) | 200 – 25600 | 200 – 25600 |
| ISO Range (Extended) | 100 – 25600 | 100 – 25600 |
| Mechanical Shutter | 1/8000 | 1/8000 |
| Electronic Shutter | 1/16000 | 1/16000 |
| Flash Sync Speed | 1/250 | 1/250 |
| Built-in Flash | No | No |
| Still Image Capture | ||
| Continuous Shooting | 12 fps | 12 fps |
| Video Capture | ||
| Max Resolution | 4K | 4K |
| 8K Recording | − | − |
| 4K Recording | Up to 30p | Up to 60p |
| 1080p Recording | Up to 180p | Up to 180p |
| 10-bit Internal | No | Yes |
| Recording Limit | No limit | No limit |
| Log Profiles | V-Log L | V-Log L / HLG |
| Built-in Mic | Stereo | Stereo |
| Headphone Jack | Yes | Yes |
| Mic Input | Yes | Yes |
| HDMI Output | Micro (Type D) | Full-size (Type A) |
| Focus | ||
| Phase Detect Points | 225 | 225 |
| Contrast Detect Points | − | − |
| Low Light AF | -3 EV | -4 EV |
| Eye AF | No | Yes |
| Animal AF | No | Yes |
| Vehicle AF | No | No |
| Viewfinder | ||
| EVF Type | OLED | OLED |
| EVF Resolution | 1.74M dots | 3.68M dots |
| EVF Magnification | 0.67x | 0.76x |
| Monitor | ||
| LCD Size | 3" | 3" |
| LCD Resolution | 1.04M dots | 1.04M dots |
| LCD Type | Vari-Angle | Vari-Angle |
| Touch Screen | Yes | Yes |
| Interface | ||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 5 | Wi-Fi 5 |
| 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 |
| GPS | No | No |
| General | ||
| Price (MSRP) | $1,699 | $1,997 |
| Body Material | Magnesium Alloy | Magnesium Alloy |
| 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 |
