Panasonic LUMIX S1 II vs Panasonic LUMIX S5
The bottom line
Same line, different generation: the Panasonic LUMIX S1 II (2025) moves ahead on burst speed (60fps vs 7fps), 4K frame rate (120p vs 60p) and subject-detection AF. The Panasonic LUMIX S5 is still the value pick at $1,999 ($2,999 for the Panasonic LUMIX S1 II). If those newer features aren't ones you'll actually use, the Panasonic LUMIX S5 gives you most of the experience for less.
Choose the Panasonic LUMIX S1 II if…
- ✓You shoot action, sports or wildlife — 60fps burst plus dedicated subject-tracking AF keeps up with fast, erratic movement where 7fps would drop frames.
- ✓You shoot video seriously — it brings smoother 120p 4K vs 60p.
- ✓You shoot in low light or indoors — AF that focuses down to -7 EV gives it the edge after dark.
Choose the Panasonic LUMIX S5 if…
- ✓You're budget-conscious — it launched at $1,999, about $1,000 less, freeing money for lenses.
- ✓You need backup-while-you-shoot reliability — dual card slots (the other has one) matter for paid work like weddings and events.
Where they differ
- ›Burst: the Panasonic LUMIX S1 II shoots 60fps to the Panasonic LUMIX S5's 7fps — the gap that decides whether you nail the peak moment in sports and wildlife.
- ›Price: the Panasonic LUMIX S5 launched at $1,999, $1,000 under the Panasonic LUMIX S1 II — money that could go toward glass.
- ›Card slots: the Panasonic LUMIX S5 has dual slots for instant backup — the reliability paid work depends on.
- ›Weight: the Panasonic LUMIX S5 is 714g (1.57 lb) vs 780g (1.72 lb) — 66g you'll feel on a long day out.
Frequently asked
Is the Panasonic LUMIX S1 II or the Panasonic LUMIX S5 better?
Same line, different generation: the Panasonic LUMIX S1 II (2025) moves ahead on burst speed (60fps vs 7fps), 4K frame rate (120p vs 60p) and subject-detection AF. The Panasonic LUMIX S5 is still the value pick at $1,999 ($2,999 for the Panasonic LUMIX S1 II). If those newer features aren't ones you'll actually use, the Panasonic LUMIX S5 gives you most of the experience for less.
Who should choose the Panasonic LUMIX S1 II?
Choose the Panasonic LUMIX S1 II if you shoot action, sports or wildlife — 60fps burst plus dedicated subject-tracking AF keeps up with fast, erratic movement where 7fps would drop frames. Choose it if you shoot video seriously — it brings smoother 120p 4K vs 60p. Choose it if you shoot in low light or indoors — AF that focuses down to -7 EV gives it the edge after dark.
Who should choose the Panasonic LUMIX S5?
Choose the Panasonic LUMIX S5 if you're budget-conscious — it launched at $1,999, about $1,000 less, freeing money for lenses. Choose it if you need backup-while-you-shoot reliability — dual card slots (the other has one) matter for paid work like weddings and events.
What is the main difference between the Panasonic LUMIX S1 II and the Panasonic LUMIX S5?
Burst: the Panasonic LUMIX S1 II shoots 60fps to the Panasonic LUMIX S5's 7fps — the gap that decides whether you nail the peak moment in sports and wildlife.
| Product | ||
|---|---|---|
| Imaging | ||
| Sensor Type | Partially-Stacked CMOS | BSI CMOS |
| Sensor Size | Full-Frame | Full-Frame |
| Image Processor | Venus Engine | Venus Engine |
| Effective Resolution | 24.5 MP | 24.2 MP |
| Lens Mount | L-Mount | L-Mount |
| Exposure Control | ||
| ISO Range (Native) | 100 – 51200 | 100 – 51200 |
| ISO Range (Extended) | 50 – 204800 | 50 – 204800 |
| Mechanical Shutter | 1/8000 | 1/8000 |
| Electronic Shutter | 1/16000 | 1/8000 |
| Flash Sync Speed | 1/250 | 1/250 |
| Built-in Flash | No | No |
| Still Image Capture | ||
| Continuous Shooting | 60 fps | 7 fps |
| Video Capture | ||
| Max Resolution | 6K | 4K |
| 8K Recording | − | − |
| 4K Recording | Up to 120p | Up to 60p |
| 1080p Recording | Up to 120p | Up to 120p |
| 10-bit Internal | Yes | Yes |
| Recording Limit | No limit | No limit |
| Log Profiles | V-Log / HLG | V-Log / HLG |
| Built-in Mic | Stereo | Stereo |
| Headphone Jack | Yes | Yes |
| Mic Input | Yes | Yes |
| HDMI Output | Full-size (Type A) | Full-size (Type A) |
| Focus | ||
| Phase Detect Points | 779 | 225 |
| Contrast Detect Points | − | − |
| Low Light AF | -7 EV | -6 EV |
| Eye AF | Yes | Yes |
| Animal AF | Yes | Yes |
| Vehicle AF | Yes | No |
| Viewfinder | ||
| EVF Type | OLED | OLED |
| EVF Resolution | 5.76M dots | 2.36M dots |
| EVF Magnification | 0.78x | 0.74x |
| Monitor | ||
| LCD Size | 3.2" | 3" |
| LCD Resolution | 1.84M dots | 1.84M dots |
| LCD Type | Vari-Angle | Vari-Angle |
| Touch Screen | Yes | Yes |
| Interface | ||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi 5 |
| Bluetooth | v5.2 | v5.0 |
| USB | USB-C 3.2 Gen 2 | USB-C 3.2 |
| Memory Card Slots | 1x CFexpress Type B + 1x SD UHS-II | 2x SD UHS-II |
| GPS | No | No |
| General | ||
| Price (MSRP) | $2,999 | $1,999 |
| Body Material | Magnesium Alloy | Magnesium Alloy |
| Dimensions | 136×99×88 mm | 132.6×97.1×81.9 mm |
| Weight | 780g (1.72 lb) | 714g (1.57 lb) |
| Weather Sealed | Yes | Yes |
| In-Body Stabilization | Yes | Yes |
| Battery Life (EVF) | − | 470 shots |
| Battery Life (LCD) | − | 470 shots |
| Battery Type | DMW-BLK22 | DMW-BLK22 |
