• 35mm 847.3mm2
  • 12.2 megapixels
  • ISO 100 - 102,400
  • 35mm 847.3mm2
  • 24.2 megapixels
  • ISO 100 - 51,200

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Differences

Sony A7S II advantages over Panasonic S5 II

  • Bigger pixels
    ~ 8.40 vs 5.93 microns
    Better low-light and dynamic range (all else equal)
  • In-camera panoramas
    Yes vs No
    Stitches multiple shots into a panoramic photo
  • NFC
    Yes vs No
    Simplifies pairing your camera with supported phones
  • Thinner
    60 mm vs 81 mm
    Thinner
  • Has anti-aliasing filter
    Filter vs No Filter
    Reduces unsightly moiré in photos
  • Higher extended ISO
    409600 vs 204800 ISO
    Higher extended ISO can give more low-light flexibility

Panasonic S5 II advantages over Sony A7S II

  • 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
  • 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
    2 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
  • More pixels
    24.2 vs 12.2 megapixels
    Higher resolution photos
  • Dual card slots
    Yes vs No
    Gives you more storage flexibility
  • Lacks anti-aliasing filter
    No Filter vs Filter
    Enjoy sharper photos
  • Longer exposure
    60 vs 30 sec
    Long exposures for night shots
  • Faster JPEG shooting
    30.0 fps vs 5.0 fps
    Faster JPEG shooting (burst mode)
  • Bigger JPEG buffer
    200 vs 63 shots
    Take more JPEG shots before waiting (burst mode)

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
  • On-sensor phase detect
    Neither provide
    Usually improves live view and video AF performance
  • Internal flash
    Neither provide
    Useful in a pinch for fill flash

User reviews

Buy From

Review Excerpt

  • Comfortable and surprisingly compact camera body; Improved low light performance; Built-in image stabilization; Wide range of usable ISOs; More sophisticated autofocus performance; Excellent video capabilities.

  • Relatively low resolution; Mediocre continuous shooting performance; No built-in flash; No losslessly compressed RAW option.

The Competition

Compared to Sony A7S

Sony A7S II
Sony A7S
  • $2398
  • 35mm
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • Shoot 4K video
  • $1998
  • 35mm
  • Less expensive
  • Fast startup
Panasonic S5 II
Sony A7S
  • $2000
  • 35mm
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • Slower slow-motion
  • $1998
  • 35mm
  • Bigger pixels
  • In-camera panoramas

Compared to Sony A9

Sony A7S II
Sony A9
  • $2398
  • 35mm
  • Less expensive
  • Bigger pixels
  • $2997
  • 35mm
  • Touchscreen
  • Fast startup
Panasonic S5 II
Sony A9
  • $2000
  • 35mm
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • Slower slow-motion
  • $2997
  • 35mm
  • NFC
  • On-sensor phase detect

Compared to Nikon Z5

Sony A7S II
Nikon Z5
  • $2398
  • 35mm
  • Bigger pixels
  • In-camera panoramas
  • $1097
  • 35mm
  • Less expensive
  • Touchscreen
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 Sony A7S III

Sony A7S II
Sony A7S III
  • $2398
  • 35mm
  • Less expensive
  • $3348
  • 35mm
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • Slower slow-motion
Panasonic S5 II
Sony A7S III
  • $2000
  • 35mm
  • High resolution composite
  • Top deck display
  • $3348
  • 35mm
  • Slower slow-motion
  • Bigger pixels

Compared to Panasonic S5 IIX

Sony A7S II
Panasonic S5 IIX
  • $2398
  • 35mm
  • Bigger pixels
  • In-camera panoramas
  • $2200
  • 35mm
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • Slower slow-motion
Panasonic S5 II
Panasonic S5 IIX
  • $2000
  • 35mm
  • $2200
  • 35mm
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