Nikon Z Z50 II Black 2024
Panasonic Lumix S S5 II Black 2023
What Buyers Say
Nikon Z Z50 II Black 2024
The Nikon Z50 II is widely praised as a significant upgrade over its predecessor, with vastly improved autofocus, a brighter viewfinder, and excellent image quality. Users love its compact, lightweight design and find it ideal for travel, wildlife, and everyday photography. However, the most common complaints are poor battery life and the lack of in-body image stabilization (IBIS), which forces reliance on lens-based VR. The limited selection of dedicated DX Z-mount lenses is also a recurring concern for some users.
Pros
- Excellent autofocus and subject detection
- Compact and lightweight body
- Bright and clear electronic viewfinder
- Great image quality and color
- Improved ergonomics and button layout
Cons
- Poor battery life
- No in-body image stabilization (IBIS)
- Limited DX Z-mount lens selection
- Crop on 4K/60p video mode
- Single SD card slot
Panasonic Lumix S S5 II Black 2023
The Panasonic Lumix S5II is overwhelmingly praised as a fantastic hybrid camera that finally brings phase-detect autofocus to the L-mount lineup. Users highlight its excellent video features, including a fan for unlimited recording, great stabilization, and beautiful color science, all at a very competitive price. A few long-term users report a shutter button issue, and some note the limited lens selection compared to Sony, but the vast majority consider it the best value full-frame camera under $2,000.
Pros
- Excellent phase-detect autofocus
- Great video quality and codecs
- Internal fan prevents overheating
- Outstanding image stabilization
- Beautiful color science
Cons
- Shutter button issue after extended use
- Limited lens selection compared to Sony
- APS-C crop in 4K 60p
- Rolling shutter at fast pans
- External monitor disables internal display info
Scores
Specifications
| Nikon Z Z50 II | Panasonic Lumix S S5 II | |
|---|---|---|
| Sensor | ||
| Type | CMOS | CMOS |
| Size | aps-c | full-frame |
| Megapixels | 20.899999618530273 MP | 24.200000762939453 MP★ |
| ISO Range | 100 | 100 |
| Processor | EXPEED 7 | L2 |
| Autofocus | ||
| AF Points | ||
| AF Type | Contrast Detection, Phase Detection: 231 | Photo, VideoContrast Detection, Phase Detection: 779 |
| Eye AF | ✓ | ✓ |
| Animal AF | ✓ | ✓ |
| Subject Detection | ✓ | ✓ |
| Shooting | ||
| Burst (Mechanical) | 30 fps | 30 fps |
| Burst (Electronic) | 30 fps | 30 fps |
| Max Shutter | 1/4000 | 1/8000 |
| Electronic Shutter | ✓ | ✓ |
| Video | ||
| Max Resolution | 4K | 6K★ |
| 4K FPS | 60 fps | 60 fps |
| 1080p FPS | 120 fps★ | 100 fps |
| 10-bit | ✓ | ✓ |
| Log Profile | ✓ | ✓ |
| RAW Video | ✓ | ✓ |
| Codec | H.264, H.265 | H.264/H.265/MOV/MP4/ProRes 4:2:2/4:2:0 8/10-Bit |
| Display & EVF | ||
| Screen Size | 3.2"★ | 3" |
| Touchscreen | ✓ | ✓ |
| Articulating | ✓ | ✓ |
| EVF Resolution | 2.4M dots | 3.7M dots★ |
| Build | ||
| Weather Sealed | ✗ | ✓★ |
| Weight | 0.49 kg★ | 0.66 kg |
| Battery Life | 230 shots | 370 shots★ |
| Connectivity | ||
| Wi-Fi | ✓ | ✓ |
| Bluetooth | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB | USB-C | USB-C |
| HDMI | Micro HDMI★ | HDMI Output |
| Hot Shoe | ✓ | ✓ |
Pros & Cons
Nikon Z Z50 II Black 2024
- Strong evf (100th percentile)100th %ile
- Strong video (100th percentile)100th %ile
- Strong connectivity (96th percentile)96th %ile
- Strong burst (92nd percentile)92nd %ile
- Below average battery (1st percentile)1st %ile
Panasonic Lumix S S5 II Black 2023
- Strong display (99th percentile)99th %ile
- Strong af (98th percentile)98th %ile
- Strong build (96th percentile)96th %ile
- Strong connectivity (96th percentile)96th %ile
Verdict
Scores 97 overall, wins 8 of 10 usage categories and 6 of 33 specs.