Panasonic LUMIX S1 vs Panasonic LUMIX S5
The bottom line
These two are closely matched. The differences below are where they diverge — weigh the ones that map to how you actually shoot, and let price and handling break the tie.
Choose the Panasonic LUMIX S5 if…
- ✓You shoot video seriously — it brings 10-bit internal colour.
- ✓You're budget-conscious — it launched at $1,999, about $500 less, freeing money for lenses.
- ✓You value portability — at 714g (1.57 lb) it's noticeably lighter than the 1020g (2.25 lb) alternative for travel and all-day carry.
- ✓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
- ›Price: the Panasonic LUMIX S5 launched at $1,999, $500 under the Panasonic LUMIX S1 — 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 1020g (2.25 lb) — 306g you'll feel on a long day out.
- ›Burst: the Panasonic LUMIX S1 shoots 9fps to the Panasonic LUMIX S5's 7fps — the gap that decides whether you nail the peak moment in sports and wildlife.
Frequently asked
Is the Panasonic LUMIX S1 or the Panasonic LUMIX S5 better?
These two are closely matched. The differences below are where they diverge — weigh the ones that map to how you actually shoot, and let price and handling break the tie.
Who should choose the Panasonic LUMIX S5?
Choose the Panasonic LUMIX S5 if you shoot video seriously — it brings 10-bit internal colour. Choose it if you're budget-conscious — it launched at $1,999, about $500 less, freeing money for lenses. Choose it if you value portability — at 714g (1.57 lb) it's noticeably lighter than the 1020g (2.25 lb) alternative for travel and all-day carry. 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 and the Panasonic LUMIX S5?
Price: the Panasonic LUMIX S5 launched at $1,999, $500 under the Panasonic LUMIX S1 — money that could go toward glass.
| Product | ||
|---|---|---|
| Imaging | ||
| Sensor Type | BSI CMOS | BSI CMOS |
| Sensor Size | Full-Frame | Full-Frame |
| Image Processor | Venus Engine | Venus Engine |
| Effective Resolution | 24.2 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 | 1/8000 | 1/8000 |
| Flash Sync Speed | 1/250 | 1/250 |
| Built-in Flash | No | No |
| Still Image Capture | ||
| Continuous Shooting | 9 fps | 7 fps |
| Video Capture | ||
| Max Resolution | 4K | 4K |
| 8K Recording | − | − |
| 4K Recording | Up to 60p | Up to 60p |
| 1080p Recording | Up to 180p | Up to 120p |
| 10-bit Internal | No | 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 | 225 | 225 |
| Contrast Detect Points | − | − |
| Low Light AF | -6 EV | -6 EV |
| Eye AF | Yes | Yes |
| Animal AF | Yes | Yes |
| Vehicle AF | No | 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 | 2.10M dots | 1.84M dots |
| LCD Type | Vari-Angle | Vari-Angle |
| Touch Screen | Yes | Yes |
| Interface | ||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 5 | Wi-Fi 5 |
| Bluetooth | v5.0 | v5.0 |
| USB | USB-C 3.1 | USB-C 3.2 |
| Memory Card Slots | 1x XQD / CFexpress Type B + 1x SD UHS-II | 2x SD UHS-II |
| GPS | No | No |
| General | ||
| Price (MSRP) | $2,499 | $1,999 |
| Body Material | Magnesium Alloy | Magnesium Alloy |
| Dimensions | 148.9×110×96.7 mm | 132.6×97.1×81.9 mm |
| Weight | 1020g (2.25 lb) | 714g (1.57 lb) |
| Weather Sealed | Yes | Yes |
| In-Body Stabilization | Yes | Yes |
| Battery Life (EVF) | 380 shots | 470 shots |
| Battery Life (LCD) | 400 shots | 470 shots |
| Battery Type | DMW-BLJ31 | DMW-BLK22 |
