• 35mm 861.6mm2
  • 42.4 megapixels
  • ISO 100 - 25,600
  • 35mm 847.3mm2
  • 24.2 megapixels
  • ISO 100 - 51,200

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Differences

Sony A7R II advantages over Panasonic S5

  • In-camera panoramas
    Yes vs No
    Stitches multiple shots into a panoramic photo
  • 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
  • Thinner
    60 mm vs 81 mm
    Thinner
  • More pixels
    42.4 vs 24.2 megapixels
    Higher resolution photos

Panasonic S5 advantages over Sony A7R II

  • Less expensive
    $1298 vs $1798*
    Save money for lenses or accessories
  • Tilt-swivel screen
    Tilt-swivel vs tilt-only
    Tilt and swivel the screen for maximum shooting flexibility
  • Slower slow-motion
    180 fps vs 120 fps
    Supports slower slow-mo
  • Bigger pixels
    ~ 5.93 vs 4.51 microns
    Better low-light and dynamic range (all else equal)
  • Touchscreen
    Touch vs No touch
    Interact with your camera just like your smartphone
  • High resolution composite
    Yes vs No
    Combine multiple shots to form a super hi-res version
  • Built-in Bluetooth
    Yes vs No
    Always-on wireless connectivity
  • Top deck display
    Yes vs No
    Check settings with a screen on top of the camera
  • Newer
    4 years vs 9 years old
    Newer cameras often support more advanced features
  • Higher-res screen
    613k vs 307k pixels
    More detail on the screen lets you judge focus and composition
  • Dual card slots
    Yes vs No
    Gives you more storage flexibility
  • 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
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
    Both provide
    Share your photos wirelessly
  • 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
  • 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

  • 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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Buy the Sony A7R II
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Buy the Panasonic S5
Body Only
  • Body Only
  • Kit with 20-60mm Lens
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Review Excerpt

  • Superb image quality; Very high resolution; Surprisingly good high ISO performance; Fast autofocus; Compact, comfortable body with lots of customization potential; Bright, roomy and clear viewfinder; Tilting LCD display; Five-axis stabilization; Intuitive Wi-Fi / NFC connectivity

  • Movie button is poorly located; No touch screen; Not as fast to start up or shoot photos as a similarly-priced SLR; Rather slow buffer clearing; No built-in flash; Single card slot; Not weather-sealed to the same degree as some rivals

  • Read our Sony A7R II Review

The Competition

Compared to Sony A7R

Sony A7R II
Sony A7R
  • $2348
  • 35mm
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • Shoot 4K video
  • $1399
  • 35mm
  • Less expensive
  • Lighter weight

Compare Sony A7R II vs Sony A7R

Panasonic S5
Sony A7R
  • $1231
  • 35mm
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • $1399
  • 35mm
  • Less expensive
  • In-camera panoramas

Compare Panasonic S5 vs Sony A7R

Compared to Leica SL (Typ 601)

Sony A7R II
Leica SL (Typ 601)
  • $2348
  • 35mm
  • Less expensive
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • $3807
  • 35mm
  • Bigger pixels
  • Touchscreen

Compare Sony A7R II vs Leica SL (Typ 601)

Panasonic S5
Leica SL (Typ 601)
  • $1231
  • 35mm
  • Less expensive
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • $3807
  • 35mm
  • Built-in GPS
  • Thinner

Compare Panasonic S5 vs Leica SL (Typ 601)

Compared to Sony A9

Sony A7R II
Sony A9
  • $2348
  • 35mm
  • Less expensive
  • In-camera panoramas
  • $2997
  • 35mm
  • Bigger pixels
  • Touchscreen

Compare Sony A7R II vs Sony A9

Panasonic S5
Sony A9
  • $1231
  • 35mm
  • Less expensive
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • $2997
  • 35mm
  • NFC
  • On-sensor phase detect

Compare Panasonic S5 vs Sony A9

Compared to Sony A7R III

Sony A7R II
Sony A7R III
  • $2348
  • 35mm
  • In-camera panoramas
  • $2156
  • 35mm
  • Touchscreen
  • High resolution composite

Compare Sony A7R II vs Sony A7R III

Panasonic S5
Sony A7R III
  • $1231
  • 35mm
  • Less expensive
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • $2156
  • 35mm
  • NFC
  • On-sensor phase detect

Compare Panasonic S5 vs Sony A7R III

Compared to Sony A7R IV

Sony A7R II
Sony A7R IV
  • $2348
  • 35mm
  • Less expensive
  • Bigger pixels
  • $3120
  • 35mm
  • Touchscreen
  • High resolution composite

Compare Sony A7R II vs Sony A7R IV

Panasonic S5
Sony A7R IV
  • $1231
  • 35mm
  • Less expensive
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • $3120
  • 35mm
  • NFC
  • On-sensor phase detect

Compare Panasonic S5 vs Sony A7R IV

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