• 35mm 861.6mm2
  • 50.1 megapixels
  • ISO 100 - 32,000
  • 35mm 847.3mm2
  • 24.2 megapixels
  • ISO 100 - 51,200

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Differences

Sony A1 advantages over Panasonic S5 II

  • Slower slow-motion
    240 fps vs 180 fps
    Supports slower slow-mo
  • NFC
    Yes vs No
    Simplifies pairing your camera with supported phones
  • On-sensor phase detect
    Yes vs No
    Usually improves live view and video AF performance
  • Higher max flash sync
    1/400 vs 1/250 sec
    Reduce the effect of ambient light in flash shots
  • More pixels
    50.1 vs 24.2 megapixels
    Higher resolution photos
  • Faster shutter
    1/32000 vs 1/8000 sec
    Shoot wide open in bright light

Panasonic S5 II advantages over Sony A1

  • Tilt-swivel screen
    Tilt-swivel vs tilt-only
    Tilt and swivel the screen for maximum shooting flexibility
  • Bigger pixels
    ~ 5.93 vs 4.16 microns
    Better low-light and dynamic range (all else equal)
  • High resolution composite
    Yes vs No
    Combine multiple shots to form a super hi-res version
  • Top deck display
    Yes vs No
    Check settings with a screen on top of the camera
  • Newer
    2 years vs 4 years old
    Newer cameras often support more advanced features
  • Higher-res screen
    613k vs 360k pixels
    More detail on the screen lets you judge focus and composition
  • Longer exposure
    60 vs 30 sec
    Long exposures for night shots
  • Higher extended ISO
    204800 vs 102400 ISO
    Higher extended ISO can give more low-light flexibility

Similarities

Common Strengths

  • Focus peaking
    Both provide
    Your camera will highlight what's in focus
  • Eye-level viewfinder
    Both provide
    You'll be able to frame photos even when the sun is out
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
    Both provide
    Reduces the effects of camera shake at slower shutter speeds
  • Shoot 4K video
    Both provide
    Make sure you have a fast computer
  • Touchscreen
    Both provide
    Interact with your camera just like your smartphone
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
    Both provide
    Share your photos wirelessly
  • Built-in Bluetooth
    Both provide
    Always-on wireless connectivity
  • External Mic Jack
    Both provide
    Improved sound fidelity when shooting video
  • HDMI out
    Both provide
    Use HDMI output to monitor or review video
  • Hot shoe
    Both provide
    Off-camera flashes open new possibilities
  • Dual card slots
    Both provide
    Gives you more storage flexibility
  • Headphone jack
    Both provide
    Monitor audio recording while you shoot video
  • Bulb shutter
    Both provide
    Hold the shutter open manually for long exposures
  • Slow-motion videos
    Both provide
    Shoot slow-motion videos

Common Weaknesses

  • In-camera panoramas
    Neither provide
    Stitches multiple shots into a panoramic photo
  • Built-in GPS
    Neither provide
    Geotag your photos
  • Internal flash
    Neither provide
    Useful in a pinch for fill flash

User reviews

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Review Excerpt

The Competition

Compared to Sony A7R IV

Sony A1
Sony A7R IV
  • $5831
  • 35mm
  • Slower slow-motion
  • Longer video battery life
  • $3217
  • 35mm
  • Less expensive
  • High resolution composite
Panasonic S5 II
Sony A7R IV
  • $2000
  • 35mm
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • Slower slow-motion
  • $3217
  • 35mm
  • NFC
  • On-sensor phase detect

Compared to Canon R5

Sony A1
Canon R5
  • $5831
  • 35mm
  • Slower slow-motion
  • NFC
  • $3349
  • 35mm
  • Less expensive
  • Tilt-swivel screen
Panasonic S5 II
Canon R5
  • $2000
  • 35mm
  • Slower slow-motion
  • Bigger pixels
  • $3349
  • 35mm
  • On-sensor phase detect
  • More pixels

Compared to Nikon Z5

Sony A1
Nikon Z5
  • $5831
  • 35mm
  • NFC
  • Longer video battery life
  • $1097
  • 35mm
  • Less expensive
  • Bigger pixels
Panasonic S5 II
Nikon Z5
  • $2000
  • 35mm
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • High resolution composite
  • $1097
  • 35mm
  • On-sensor phase detect
  • Has anti-aliasing filter

Compared to Nikon Z7 II

Sony A1
Nikon Z7 II
  • $5831
  • 35mm
  • Slower slow-motion
  • NFC
  • $2330
  • 35mm
  • Less expensive
  • Top deck display
Panasonic S5 II
Nikon Z7 II
  • $2000
  • 35mm
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • Slower slow-motion
  • $2330
  • 35mm
  • On-sensor phase detect
  • More pixels

Compared to Panasonic S5 IIX

Sony A1
Panasonic S5 IIX
  • $5831
  • 35mm
  • Slower slow-motion
  • NFC
  • $2200
  • 35mm
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • Bigger pixels
Panasonic S5 II
Panasonic S5 IIX
  • $2000
  • 35mm
  • $2200
  • 35mm
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