Panasonic Lumix S S5 II Black 2023
Sony a1 a1 II Black 2024
What Buyers Say
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
Sony a1 a1 II Black 2024
The Sony A1 II is widely praised for its exceptional autofocus, pre-capture feature, and improved ergonomics, making it a top choice for wildlife and action photographers. Users highlight the AI-driven subject tracking, enhanced IBIS, and versatile button customization as standout upgrades over the original A1. However, some express disappointment with the unchanged hot shoe cover that can cause lockups, the lack of RAW support in certain editors, and the high price point. Overall, it is considered a significant but costly improvement for those who demand the best.
Pros
- Exceptional autofocus
- Pre-capture feature
- Improved ergonomics
- AI subject tracking
- Enhanced IBIS
Cons
- Unchanged hot shoe cover
- Lack of RAW support in some editors
- High price
- EVF resolution drop during AF
- Single SD card slot limitation
Scores
Specifications
| Panasonic Lumix S S5 II | Sony a1 a1 II | |
|---|---|---|
| Sensor | ||
| Type | CMOS | Stacked CMOS |
| Size | full-frame | full-frame |
| Megapixels | 24.200000762939453 MP | 50.099998474121094 MP★ |
| ISO Range | 100 | 100 |
| Processor | L2 | BIONZ XR |
| Autofocus | ||
| AF Points | ||
| AF Type | Photo, VideoContrast Detection, Phase Detection: 779 | Phase Detection: 759 |
| Eye AF | ✓ | ✓ |
| Animal AF | ✓ | ✓ |
| Subject Detection | ✓ | ✓ |
| Shooting | ||
| Burst (Mechanical) | 30 fps | 30 fps |
| Burst (Electronic) | 30 fps | 30 fps |
| Max Shutter | 1/8000 | 1/32000 |
| Electronic Shutter | ✓ | ✓ |
| Video | ||
| Max Resolution | 6K | 8K★ |
| 4K FPS | 60 fps | 120 fps★ |
| 1080p FPS | 100 fps | 240 fps★ |
| 10-bit | ✓ | ✓ |
| Log Profile | ✓ | ✓ |
| RAW Video | ✓ | ✓ |
| Codec | H.264/H.265/MOV/MP4/ProRes 4:2:2/4:2:0 8/10-Bit | H.265/XAVC HS, H.264/XAVC S-I, H.264/XAVC S |
| Display & EVF | ||
| Screen Size | 3" | 3.2"★ |
| Touchscreen | ✓ | ✓ |
| Articulating | ✓ | ✓ |
| EVF Resolution | 3.7M dots | 9.4M dots★ |
| Build | ||
| Weather Sealed | ✓ | ✓ |
| Weight | 0.66 kg | 0.66 kg |
| Battery Life | 370 shots | 420 shots★ |
| Connectivity | ||
| Wi-Fi | ✓ | ✓ |
| Bluetooth | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB | USB-C | USB-C 3.1/3.2 Gen 2 |
| HDMI | HDMI Output | HDMI Output |
| Hot Shoe | ✓ | ✓ |
Pros & Cons
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
Sony a1 a1 II Black 2024
- Strong display (100th percentile)100th %ile
- Strong stabilization (100th percentile)100th %ile
- Strong video (99th percentile)99th %ile
- Strong evf (99th percentile)99th %ile
Verdict
Scores 98 overall, wins 10 of 10 usage categories and 7 of 33 specs.