Panasonic LUMIX S1R II vs Panasonic LUMIX S5
The bottom line
Same line, different generation: the Panasonic LUMIX S1R II (2025) moves ahead on burst speed (40fps vs 7fps), resolution (44.3MP vs 24.2MP) and 8K video. The Panasonic LUMIX S5 is still the value pick at $1,999 ($3,299 for the Panasonic LUMIX S1R 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 S1R II if…
- ✓You shoot action, sports or wildlife — 40fps burst plus dedicated subject-tracking AF keeps up with fast, erratic movement where 7fps would drop frames.
- ✓You shoot video seriously — it brings 8K capture (up to 30p).
- ✓You want maximum detail for landscapes, studio or large prints — 44.3MP resolves noticeably more than 24.2MP and gives more cropping latitude.
Choose the Panasonic LUMIX S5 if…
- ✓You're budget-conscious — it launched at $1,999, about $1,300 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 S1R II shoots 40fps to the Panasonic LUMIX S5's 7fps — the gap that decides whether you nail the peak moment in sports and wildlife.
- ›Video: the Panasonic LUMIX S1R II is the stronger video tool — 8K, 4K up to 60p and 10-bit internal.
- ›Price: the Panasonic LUMIX S5 launched at $1,999, $1,300 under the Panasonic LUMIX S1R II — money that could go toward glass.
- ›Resolution: 44.3MP on the Panasonic LUMIX S1R II vs 24.2MP — more detail and crop room, at the cost of larger files.
- ›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 795g (1.75 lb) — 81g you'll feel on a long day out.
Frequently asked
Is the Panasonic LUMIX S1R II or the Panasonic LUMIX S5 better?
Same line, different generation: the Panasonic LUMIX S1R II (2025) moves ahead on burst speed (40fps vs 7fps), resolution (44.3MP vs 24.2MP) and 8K video. The Panasonic LUMIX S5 is still the value pick at $1,999 ($3,299 for the Panasonic LUMIX S1R 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 S1R II?
Choose the Panasonic LUMIX S1R II if you shoot action, sports or wildlife — 40fps 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 8K capture (up to 30p). Choose it if you want maximum detail for landscapes, studio or large prints — 44.3MP resolves noticeably more than 24.2MP and gives more cropping latitude.
Who should choose the Panasonic LUMIX S5?
Choose the Panasonic LUMIX S5 if you're budget-conscious — it launched at $1,999, about $1,300 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 S1R II and the Panasonic LUMIX S5?
Burst: the Panasonic LUMIX S1R II shoots 40fps 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 | 44.3 MP | 24.2 MP |
| Lens Mount | L-Mount | L-Mount |
| Exposure Control | ||
| ISO Range (Native) | 80 – 51200 | 100 – 51200 |
| ISO Range (Extended) | 40 – 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 | 40 fps | 7 fps |
| Video Capture | ||
| Max Resolution | 8.1K | 4K |
| 8K Recording | Up to 30p | − |
| 4K Recording | Up to 60p | 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 | -6 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) | $3,299 | $1,999 |
| Body Material | Magnesium Alloy | Magnesium Alloy |
| Dimensions | 134.3×102.3×91.8 mm | 132.6×97.1×81.9 mm |
| Weight | 795g (1.75 lb) | 714g (1.57 lb) |
| Weather Sealed | Yes | Yes |
| In-Body Stabilization | Yes | Yes |
| Battery Life (EVF) | 340 shots | 470 shots |
| Battery Life (LCD) | 380 shots | 470 shots |
| Battery Type | DMW-BLK22 | DMW-BLK22 |
