Sony a7S a7S III Black 2020
Panasonic Lumix S S5 II Black 2023
What Buyers Say
Sony a7S a7S III Black 2020
The Sony A7S III earns high marks from most users for its exceptional low-light performance, reliable autofocus, and excellent 4K video quality at up to 120fps. Many videographers and hybrid shooters praise its ergonomics, improved menu system, and heat management for typical use. However, a minority report serious overheating during extended recording, especially in warm environments, and some criticize the steep price, the lack of RAW video recording, and the need for costly high-speed memory cards. The 12MP sensor is loved for low-light stills but limits cropping ability for photography-centric users.
Pros
- Exceptional low-light video and photo quality
- Reliable and fast autofocus with eye tracking
- Smooth 4K video up to 120fps
- Improved menu system and customizability
- Excellent build quality and ergonomics
Cons
- Serious overheating during extended recordings
- High price, especially with memory card costs
- No internal RAW video recording
- 12MP sensor limits cropping for photos
- Expensive high-speed memory cards required
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
| Sony a7S a7S III | Panasonic Lumix S S5 II | |
|---|---|---|
| Sensor | ||
| Type | CMOS | CMOS |
| Size | full-frame | full-frame |
| Megapixels | 12.100000381469727 MP | 24.200000762939453 MP★ |
| ISO Range | 80★ | 100 |
| Processor | BIONZ XR | L2 |
| Autofocus | ||
| AF Points | ||
| AF Type | Phase Detection: 759Contrast Detection: 425 | Photo, VideoContrast Detection, Phase Detection: 779 |
| Eye AF | ✓ | ✓ |
| Animal AF | ✓ | ✓ |
| Subject Detection | ✓ | ✓ |
| Shooting | ||
| Burst (Mechanical) | 10 fps | 30 fps★ |
| Burst (Electronic) | 10 fps | 30 fps★ |
| Max Shutter | 1/8000 | 1/8000 |
| Electronic Shutter | ✓ | ✓ |
| Video | ||
| Max Resolution | 4K | 6K★ |
| 4K FPS | 120 fps★ | 60 fps |
| 1080p FPS | 240 fps★ | 100 fps |
| 10-bit | ✓ | ✓ |
| Log Profile | ✓ | ✓ |
| RAW Video | ✓ | ✓ |
| Codec | XAVC S (AVC), XAVC HS (HEVC), XAVC S-I (All-I) | H.264/H.265/MOV/MP4/ProRes 4:2:2/4:2:0 8/10-Bit |
| Display & EVF | ||
| Screen Size | 3" | 3" |
| Touchscreen | ✓ | ✓ |
| Articulating | ✓ | ✓ |
| EVF Resolution | 9.4M dots★ | 3.7M dots |
| Build | ||
| Weather Sealed | ✓ | ✓ |
| Weight | 0.61 kg★ | 0.66 kg |
| Battery Life | 510 shots★ | 370 shots |
| Connectivity | ||
| Wi-Fi | ✓ | ✓ |
| Bluetooth | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB | USB-C 3.0 / 3.1/3.2 Gen 1 | USB-C |
| HDMI | HDMI Output | HDMI Output |
| Hot Shoe | ✓ | ✓ |
Pros & Cons
Sony a7S a7S III Black 2020
- Strong evf (99th percentile)99th %ile
- Strong social proof (98th percentile)98th %ile
- Strong af (96th percentile)96th %ile
- Strong connectivity (96th percentile)96th %ile
- Below average sensor (7th percentile)7th %ile
- Below average user sentiment (31st percentile)
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 10 of 10 usage categories and 5 of 33 specs.