Panasonic LUMIX S5 vs Panasonic LUMIX S9
The bottom line
Same line, different generation: the Panasonic LUMIX S9 (2024) moves ahead on burst speed (30fps vs 7fps) and subject-detection AF. 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 S5 if…
- ✓You shoot video seriously — it brings both mic and headphone jacks for monitored audio.
- ✓You need backup-while-you-shoot reliability — dual card slots (the other has one) matter for paid work like weddings and events.
- ✓You work outdoors — it's weather-sealed for rain and dust, the other isn't.
Choose the Panasonic LUMIX S9 if…
- ✓You shoot action, sports or wildlife — 30fps burst plus dedicated subject-tracking AF keeps up with fast, erratic movement where 7fps would drop frames.
- ✓You're budget-conscious — it launched at $1,499, about $500 less, freeing money for lenses.
- ✓You value portability — at 486g (1.07 lb) it's noticeably lighter than the 714g (1.57 lb) alternative for travel and all-day carry.
Where they differ
- ›Burst: the Panasonic LUMIX S9 shoots 30fps 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 S9 launched at $1,499, $500 under the Panasonic LUMIX S5 — money that could go toward glass.
- ›Card slots: the Panasonic LUMIX S5 has dual slots for instant backup — the reliability paid work depends on.
- ›Durability: the Panasonic LUMIX S5 is weather-sealed against dust and rain; the other isn't.
- ›Weight: the Panasonic LUMIX S9 is 486g (1.07 lb) vs 714g (1.57 lb) — 228g you'll feel on a long day out.
Frequently asked
Is the Panasonic LUMIX S5 or the Panasonic LUMIX S9 better?
Same line, different generation: the Panasonic LUMIX S9 (2024) moves ahead on burst speed (30fps vs 7fps) and subject-detection AF. 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 S5?
Choose the Panasonic LUMIX S5 if you shoot video seriously — it brings both mic and headphone jacks for monitored audio. 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. Choose it if you work outdoors — it's weather-sealed for rain and dust, the other isn't.
Who should choose the Panasonic LUMIX S9?
Choose the Panasonic LUMIX S9 if you shoot action, sports or wildlife — 30fps burst plus dedicated subject-tracking AF keeps up with fast, erratic movement where 7fps would drop frames. Choose it if you're budget-conscious — it launched at $1,499, about $500 less, freeing money for lenses. Choose it if you value portability — at 486g (1.07 lb) it's noticeably lighter than the 714g (1.57 lb) alternative for travel and all-day carry.
What is the main difference between the Panasonic LUMIX S5 and the Panasonic LUMIX S9?
Burst: the Panasonic LUMIX S9 shoots 30fps 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 | 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 | − |
| Electronic Shutter | 1/8000 | 1/8000 |
| Flash Sync Speed | 1/250 | 1/250 |
| Built-in Flash | No | No |
| Still Image Capture | ||
| Continuous Shooting | 7 fps | 30 fps |
| Video Capture | ||
| Max Resolution | 4K | 6K |
| 8K Recording | − | − |
| 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 / V-Log L / HLG |
| Built-in Mic | Stereo | Stereo |
| Headphone Jack | Yes | No |
| Mic Input | Yes | Yes |
| HDMI Output | Full-size (Type A) | Micro (Type D) |
| Focus | ||
| Phase Detect Points | 225 | 779 |
| Contrast Detect Points | − | − |
| Low Light AF | -6 EV | -6 EV |
| Eye AF | Yes | Yes |
| Animal AF | Yes | Yes |
| Vehicle AF | No | Yes |
| Viewfinder | ||
| EVF Type | OLED | − |
| EVF Resolution | 2.36M dots | − |
| EVF Magnification | 0.74x | − |
| Monitor | ||
| LCD Size | 3" | 3" |
| LCD Resolution | 1.84M 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 | v5.2 |
| USB | USB-C 3.2 | USB-C 3.2 |
| Memory Card Slots | 2x SD UHS-II | 1x SD UHS-II |
| GPS | No | No |
| General | ||
| Price (MSRP) | $1,999 | $1,499 |
| Body Material | Magnesium Alloy | Aluminum Alloy |
| Dimensions | 132.6×97.1×81.9 mm | 126×73.9×46.7 mm |
| Weight | 714g (1.57 lb) | 486g (1.07 lb) |
| Weather Sealed | Yes | No |
| In-Body Stabilization | Yes | Yes |
| Battery Life (EVF) | 470 shots | 470 shots |
| Battery Life (LCD) | 470 shots | 470 shots |
| Battery Type | DMW-BLK22 | DMW-BLK22 |
