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Nikon D4S vs Panasonic GH5

The Nikon D4S and the Panasonic Lumix DC-GH5 are two digital cameras that were announced, respectively, in February 2014 and January 2017. The D4S is a DSLR, while the GH5 is a mirrorless interchangeable lens camera. The cameras are based on a full frame (D4S) and a Four Thirds (GH5) sensor. The Nikon has a resolution of 16.2 megapixels, whereas the Panasonic provides 20.2 MP.

Below is an overview of the main specs of the two cameras as a starting point for the comparison.

Headline Specifications
Nikon D4S
versus
Panasonic GH5
Nikon D4S   Panasonic GH5
Digital single lens reflex Mirrorless system camera
Nikon F mount lenses Micro Four Thirds lenses
16.2 MP – Full Frame sensor 20.2 MP – Four Thirds sensor
1080/60p Video 4K/60p Video
ISO 100-25,600 (50 - 409,600) ISO 200-25,600
Optical viewfinder Electronic viewfinder (3680k dots)
3.2" LCD – 921k dots 3.2" LCD – 1620k dots
Fixed screen (not touch-sensitive) Swivel touchscreen
11 shutter flaps per second 12 shutter flaps per second
Lens stabilization onlyIn-body stabilization
Weathersealed bodyWeathersealed body
3020 shots per battery charge410 shots per battery charge
160 x 157 x 91 mm, 1350 g 139 x 98 x 87 mm, 725 g
logo
Check D4S offers at
ebay.com
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Check GH5 offers at
ebay.com

Going beyond this snapshot of core features and characteristics, what are the differences between the Nikon D4S and the Panasonic Lumix DC-GH5? Which one should you buy? Read on to find out how these two cameras compare with respect to their body size, their imaging sensors, their shooting features, their input-output connections, and their reception by expert reviewers.

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Body comparison

The side-by-side display below illustrates the physical size and weight of the Nikon D4S and the Panasonic GH5. The two cameras are presented according to their relative size. Three consecutive views from the front, the top, and the rear side are shown. All size dimensions are rounded to the nearest millimeter.

Size Nikon D4S vs Panasonic GH5
Compare D4S versus GH5 top
Comparison D4S or GH5 rear

If the front view area (width x height) of the cameras is taken as an aggregate measure of their size, the Panasonic GH5 is considerably smaller (46 percent) than the Nikon D4S. Moreover, the GH5 is substantially lighter (46 percent) than the D4S. In this context, it is worth noting that both cameras are splash and dust-proof and can, hence, be used in inclement weather conditions or harsh environments.

The above size and weight comparisons are to some extent incomplete since they do not consider the interchangeable lenses that both of these cameras require. A larger imaging sensor will tend to go along with bigger and heavier lenses, although exceptions exist. You can compare the optics available for the two cameras in the Nikon Lens Catalog (D4S) and the Micro Four Thirds Lens Catalog (GH5). Mirrorless cameras, such as the GH5, have moreover the advantage that they can use many lenses from other systems via adapters, as they have a relatively short flange to focal plane distance.

Concerning battery life, the D4S gets 3020 shots out of its Nikon EN-EL18a battery, while the GH5 can take 410 images on a single charge of its Panasonic DMW-BLF19 power pack. As can be seen in the images above, the D4S has a battery grip built in. This facilitates image-taking in portrait orientation and gives it additional battery power. In order to provide similar functionality for the GH5, Panasonic provides the DMW-BGGH5 vertical grip as an optional accessory (see here on ebay).

The table below summarizes the key physical specs of the two cameras alongside a broader set of comparators. In case you want to display and compare another camera duo, you can use the CAM-parator app to select your camera combination among a large number of options.

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Body Specifications
  empty Camera
Model
Camera
Width
Camera
Height
Camera
Depth
Camera
Weight
Battery
Life
Weather
Sealing
Camera
Launch
Launch
Price
Street
Price
1.
 
Nikon D4S 160 mm 157 mm 91 mm 1350 g 3020 i Feb 2014 US$ 6 499ebay.com
2.
 
Panasonic GH5 139 mm 98 mm 87 mm 725 g 410 i Jan 2017 US$ 1 999ebay.com
3.
 
Canon 1D X 158 mm 168 mm 83 mm 1551 g 1120 i Oct 2011 US$ 6 799ebay.com
4.
 
Nikon D3 160 mm 157 mm 88 mm 1300 g 4300 i Aug 2007 US$ 4 999ebay.com
5.
 
Nikon D3S 160 mm 157 mm 88 mm 1240 g 4200 i Oct 2009 US$ 5 199ebay.com
6.
 
Nikon D3X 160 mm 157 mm 88 mm 1260 g 4400 i Dec 2008 US$ 7 999ebay.com
7.
 
Nikon D4 160 mm 157 mm 91 mm 1340 g 2600 i Jan 2012 US$ 5 999ebay.com
8.
 
Nikon D5 160 mm 159 mm 92 mm 1415 g 3780 i Jan 2016 US$ 6 499ebay.com
9.
 
Nikon D6 160 mm 163 mm 92 mm 1270 g 3580 i Feb 2020 US$ 6 499 amazon.com
10.
 
Nikon D750 141 mm 113 mm 78 mm 750 g 1230 i Sep 2014 US$ 2 299ebay.com
11.
 
Nikon D810 146 mm 123 mm 82 mm 980 g 1200 i Jun 2014 US$ 3 299ebay.com
12.
 
Nikon Df 144 mm 110 mm 67 mm 760 g 1400 i Nov 2013 US$ 2 749ebay.com
13.
 
Olympus E-M1 II 134 mm 91 mm 67 mm 574 g 440 i Sep 2016 US$ 1 999ebay.com
14.
 
Panasonic G9 137 mm 97 mm 92 mm 658 g 400 i Nov 2017 US$ 1 699ebay.com
15.
 
Panasonic G85 128 mm 89 mm 74 mm 505 g 330 i Sep 2016 US$ 899ebay.com
16.
 
Panasonic GH4 133 mm 93 mm 84 mm 560 g 500 i Feb 2014 US$ 1 499ebay.com
17.
 
Panasonic GH5 II 139 mm 98 mm 87 mm 727 g 400 i May 2021 US$ 1 699 amazon.com
Note: Measurements and pricing do not include easily detachable parts, such as add-on or interchangeable lenses or optional viewfinders.
  empty Camera
Model
Camera
Width
Camera
Height
Camera
Depth
Camera
Weight
Battery
Life
Weather
Sealing
Camera
Launch
Launch
Price
Street
Price
  empty Camera
Model

Any camera decision will naturally be influenced heavily by the price. The manufacturer’s suggested retail prices give an idea on the placement of the camera in the maker’s lineup and the broader market. The GH5 was launched at a markedly lower price (by 69 percent) than the D4S, which puts it into a different market segment. Normally, street prices remain initially close to the MSRP, but after a couple of months, the first discounts appear. Later in the product cycle and, in particular, when the replacement model is about to appear, further discounting and stock clearance sales often push the camera price considerably down. Then, after the new model is out, very good deals can frequently be found on the pre-owned market.

Sensor comparison

The imaging sensor is at the core of digital cameras and its size is one of the main determining factors of image quality. A large sensor will tend to have larger individual pixels that provide better low-light sensitivity, wider dynamic range, and richer color-depth than smaller pixel-units in a sensor of the same technological generation. Further, a large sensor camera will give the photographer additional creative options when using shallow depth-of-field to isolate a subject from its background. On the downside, larger sensors are more costly to manufacture and tend to lead to bigger and heavier cameras and lenses.

Of the two cameras under consideration, the Nikon D4S features a full frame sensor and the Panasonic GH5 a Four Thirds sensor. The sensor area in the GH5 is 74 percent smaller. As a result of these sensor size differences, the cameras have a format factor of, respectively, 1.0 and 2.0. The sensor in the D4S has a native 3:2 aspect ratio, while the one in the GH5 offers a 4:3 aspect.

Nikon D4S and Panasonic GH5 sensor measures

Despite having a smaller sensor, the GH5 offers a higher resolution of 20.2 megapixels, compared with 16.2 MP of the D4S. This megapixels advantage comes at the cost of a higher pixel density and a smaller size of the individual pixel (with a pixel pitch of 3.34μm versus 7.29μm for the D4S). However, it should be noted that the GH5 is much more recent (by 2 years and 10 months) than the D4S, and its sensor will have benefitted from technological advances during this time that make it possible to gather light more efficiently. Coming back to sensor resolution, it should be mentioned that the GH5 has no anti-alias filter installed, so that it can capture all the detail its sensor resolves.

The resolution advantage of the Panasonic GH5 implies greater flexibility for cropping images or the possibility to print larger pictures. The maximum print size of the GH5 for good quality output (200 dots per inch) amounts to 25.9 x 19.4 inches or 65.8 x 49.4 cm, for very good quality (250 dpi) 20.7 x 15.6 inches or 52.7 x 39.5 cm, and for excellent quality (300 dpi) 17.3 x 13 inches or 43.9 x 32.9 cm. The corresponding values for the Nikon D4S are 24.6 x 16.4 inches or 62.6 x 41.7 cm for good quality, 19.7 x 13.1 inches or 50.1 x 33.3 cm for very good quality, and 16.4 x 10.9 inches or 41.7 x 27.8 cm for excellent quality prints.

The Nikon D4S has a native sensitivity range from ISO 100 to ISO 25600, which can be extended to ISO 50-409600. The corresponding ISO settings for the Panasonic Lumix DC-GH5 are ISO 200 to ISO 25600, with the possibility to increase the ISO range to 100-25600.

Technology-wise, both cameras are equipped with CMOS (Complementary Metal–Oxide–Semiconductor) sensors. Both cameras use a Bayer filter for capturing RGB colors on a square grid of photosensors. This arrangement is found in most digital cameras.

D4S versus GH5 MP

For many cameras, data on sensor performance has been reported by DXO Mark. This service determines an overall sensor rating, as well as sub-scores for low-light sensitivity ("DXO Sports"), dynamic range ("DXO Landscape"), and color depth ("DXO Portrait"). Of the two cameras under review, the D4S provides substantially higher image quality than the GH5, with an overall score that is 12 points higher. This advantage is based on 0.5 bits higher color depth, 0.3 EV in additional dynamic range, and 1.9 stops in additional low light sensitivity. The following table provides an overview of the physical sensor characteristics, as well as the sensor quality measurements for a selection of comparators.

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Sensor Characteristics
  empty Camera
Model
Sensor
Class
Resolution
(MP)
Horiz.
Pixels
Vert.
Pixels
Video
Format
DXO
Portrait
DXO
Landscape
DXO
Sports
DXO
Overall
1.
 
Nikon D4S Full Frame 16.2 4928 32801080/60p24.413.3307489
2.
 
Panasonic GH5 Four Thirds 20.2 5184 38884K/60p23.913.080777
3.
 
Canon 1D X Full Frame 17.9 5184 34561080/30p23.811.8278682
4.
 
Nikon D3 Full Frame 12.1 4256 2832i23.512.2229081
5.
 
Nikon D3S Full Frame 12.1 4256 2832720/24p23.512.0325382
6.
 
Nikon D3X Full Frame 24.4 6048 4032i24.713.7199288
7.
 
Nikon D4 Full Frame 16.2 4928 32801080/30p24.713.1296589
8.
 
Nikon D5 Full Frame 20.7 5588 37124K/30p25.112.3234388
9.
 
Nikon D6 Full Frame 20.7 5568 37124K/30p25.314.3288695
10.
 
Nikon D750 Full Frame 24.2 6016 40161080/60p24.814.5295693
11.
 
Nikon D810 Full Frame 36.2 7360 49121080/60p25.714.8285397
12.
 
Nikon Df Full Frame 16.2 4928 3280i24.613.1327989
13.
 
Olympus E-M1 II Four Thirds 20.2 5184 38884K/30p23.712.8131280
14.
 
Panasonic G9 Four Thirds 20.2 5184 38884K/60p23.112.8113874
15.
 
Panasonic G85 Four Thirds 15.8 4592 34484K/30p22.812.565671
16.
 
Panasonic GH4 Four Thirds 15.9 4608 34564K/30p23.212.879174
17.
 
Panasonic GH5 II Four Thirds 20.2 5184 38884K/60p23.713.1113679
Note: DXO values in italics represent estimates based on sensor size and age.
  empty Camera
Model
Sensor
Class
Resolution
(MP)
Horiz.
Pixels
Vert.
Pixels
Video
Format
DXO
Portrait
DXO
Landscape
DXO
Sports
DXO
Overall
  empty Camera
Model

Many modern cameras are not only capable of taking still images, but can also record movies. The two cameras under consideration both have sensors whose read-out speed is fast enough to capture moving pictures, but the GH5 provides a better video resolution than the D4S. It can shoot movie footage at 4K/60p, while the Nikon is limited to 1080/60p.

Feature comparison

Apart from body and sensor, cameras can and do differ across a variety of features. For example, the GH5 has an electronic viewfinder (3680k dots), while the D4S has an optical one. Both systems have their advantages, with the electronic viewfinder making it possible to project supplementary shooting information into the framing view, whereas the optical viewfinder offers lag-free viewing and a very clear framing image. The viewfinders of both cameras offer the same field of view (100%), but the viewfinder of the GH5 has a higher magnification than the one of the D4S (0.76x vs 0.70x), so that the size of the image transmitted appears closer to the size seen with the naked human eye. The table below summarizes some of the other core capabilities of the Nikon D4S and Panasonic GH5 in connection with corresponding information for a sample of similar cameras.

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Core Features
  empty Camera
Model
Viewfinder
(Type or
000 dots)
Control
Panel
(yes/no)
LCD
Specifications
(inch/000 dots)
LCD
Attach-
ment
Touch
Screen
(yes/no)
Max
Shutter
Speed *
Max
Shutter
Flaps *
Built-in
Flash
(yes/no)
Built-in
Image
Stab
1.
 
Nikon D4Soptical i3.2 / 921 fixed i 1/8000s 11.0/s i i
2.
 
Panasonic GH53680 i3.2 / 1620 swivel i 1/8000s 12.0/s i i
3.
 
Canon 1D Xoptical i3.2 / 1040 fixed i 1/8000s 14.0/s i i
4.
 
Nikon D3optical i3.0 / 922 fixed i 1/8000s 11.0/s i i
5.
 
Nikon D3Soptical i3.0 / 921 fixed i 1/8000s 11.0/s i i
6.
 
Nikon D3Xoptical i3.0 / 922 fixed i 1/8000s 5.0/s i i
7.
 
Nikon D4optical i3.2 / 921 fixed i 1/8000s 11.0/s i i
8.
 
Nikon D5optical i3.2 / 2359 fixed i 1/8000s 14.0/s i i
9.
 
Nikon D6optical i3.2 / 2359 fixed i 1/8000s 14.0/s i i
10.
 
Nikon D750optical i3.2 / 1229 tilting i 1/4000s 6.0/s i i
11.
 
Nikon D810optical i3.2 / 1229 fixed i 1/8000s 5.0/s i i
12.
 
Nikon Dfoptical i3.2 / 921 fixed i 1/4000s 5.5/s i i
13.
 
Olympus E-M1 II2360 i3.0 / 1037 swivel i 1/8000s 18.0/s i i
14.
 
Panasonic G93680 i3.0 / 1040 swivel i 1/8000s 20.0/s i i
15.
 
Panasonic G852360 i3.0 / 1040 swivel i 1/4000s 9.0/s i i
16.
 
Panasonic GH42359 i3.0 / 1036 swivel i 1/8000s 12.0/s i i
17.
 
Panasonic GH5 II3680 i3.0 / 1840 swivel i 1/8000s 12.0/s i i
Note: *) Information refers to the mechanical shutter, unless the camera only has an electronic one.
  empty Camera
Model
Viewfinder
(Type or
000 dots)
Control
Panel
(yes/no)
LCD
Specifications
(inch/000 dots)
LCD
Attach-
ment
Touch
Screen
(yes/no)
Max
Shutter
Speed *
Max
Shutter
Flaps *
Built-in
Flash
(yes/no)
Built-in
Image
Stab
  empty Camera
Model

One feature that is present on the D4S, but is missing on the GH5 is a top-level LCD. While being, of course, smaller than the rear screen, the control panel conveys some of the essential shooting information and can be convenient for quick and easy settings verification.

The GH5 has an articulated screen that can be turned to be front-facing. This characteristic will be appreciated by vloggers and photographers who are interested in taking selfies. In contrast, the D4S does not have a selfie-screen.

The reported shutter speed information refers to the use of the mechanical shutter. Yet, some cameras only have an electronic shutter, while others have an electronic shutter in addition to a mechanical one. In fact, the GH5 is one of those camera that have an additional electronic shutter, which makes completely silent shooting possible. However, this mode is less suitable for photographing moving objects (risk of rolling shutter) or shooting under artificial light sources (risk of flickering).

The Nikon D4S and the Panasonic GH5 both have an intervalometer built-in. This enables the photographer to capture time lapse sequences, such as flower blooming, a sunset or moon rise, without purchasing an external camera trigger and related software.

The D4S writes its imaging data to Compact Flash or XQD cards, while the GH5 uses SDXC cards. Both cameras feature dual card slots, which can be very useful in case a memory card fails.

Connectivity comparison

For some imaging applications, the extent to which a camera can communicate with its environment can be an important aspect in the camera decision process. The table below provides an overview of the connectivity of the Nikon D4S and Panasonic Lumix DC-GH5 and, in particular, the interfaces the cameras (and selected comparators) provide for accessory control and data transfer.

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Input-Output Connections
  empty Camera
Model
Hotshoe
Port
Internal
Mic / Speaker
Microphone
Port
Headphone
Port
HDMI
Port
USB
Port
WiFi
Support
NFC
Support
Bluetooth
Support
1.
 
Nikon D4Simono / monoiimini2.0iii
2.
 
Panasonic GH5istereo / monoiifull3.1iii
3.
 
Canon 1D Ximono / iiimini2.0iii
4.
 
Nikon D3ii / iiimini2.0iii
5.
 
Nikon D3Sistereo / iiimini2.0iii
6.
 
Nikon D3Xii / iiimini2.0iii
7.
 
Nikon D4imono / monoiimicro2.0iii
8.
 
Nikon D5istereo / monoiimini3.0iii
9.
 
Nikon D6istereo / monoiimini3.1iii
10.
 
Nikon D750istereo / monoiimini2.0iii
11.
 
Nikon D810istereo / monoiimini3.0iii
12.
 
Nikon Dfii / iiimini2.0iii
13.
 
Olympus E-M1 IIistereo / monoiimicro3.0iii
14.
 
Panasonic G9istereo / monoiifull3.0iii
15.
 
Panasonic G85istereo / monoiimicro2.0iii
16.
 
Panasonic GH4istereo / monoiimicro2.0iii
17.
 
Panasonic GH5 IIistereo / monoiifull3.2iii
  empty Camera
Model
Hotshoe
Port
Internal
Mic / Speaker
Microphone
Port
Headphone
Port
HDMI
Port
USB
Port
WiFi
Support
NFC
Support
Bluetooth
Support
  empty Camera
Model

It is notable that the GH5 offers wifi support, which can be a very convenient means to transfer image data to an off-camera location. In contrast, the D4S does not provide wifi capability.

Both cameras feature a PC Sync terminal to control professional strobe lights, which will be appreciated by studio photographers.

Both the D4S and the GH5 have been discontinued, but can regularly be found used on ebay. The D4S was replaced by the Nikon D5, while the GH5 was followed by the Panasonic GH5 II. Further information on the features and operation of the D4S and GH5 can be found, respectively, in the Nikon D4S Manual (free pdf) or the online Panasonic GH5 Manual.

Review summary

So what is the bottom line? Is there a clear favorite between the Nikon D4S and the Panasonic GH5? Which camera is better? The listing below highlights the relative strengths of the two models.

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Reasons to prefer the Nikon D4S:

  • Better moiré control: Has an anti-alias filter to avoid artificial patterns to appear in images.
  • Better image quality: Scores substantially higher (12 points) in the DXO overall assessment.
  • Better low-light sensitivity: Requires less light for good images (1.9 stops ISO advantage).
  • Brighter framing: Features an optical viewfinder for clear, lag-free composition.
  • Easier setting verification: Features an LCD display on top to control shooting parameters.
  • More portrait friendly: Features an integrated vertical grip for easier portrait shooting.
  • Longer lasting: Can take more shots (3020 versus 410) on a single battery charge.
  • More heavily discounted: Has been available for much longer (launched in February 2014).

ilogo

Advantages of the Panasonic Lumix DC-GH5:

  • More detail: Has more megapixels (20.2 vs 16.2MP), which boosts linear resolution by 9%.
  • Maximized detail: Lacks an anti-alias filter to exploit the sensor's full resolution potential.
  • Better video: Provides higher definition movie capture (4K/60p vs 1080/60p).
  • More framing info: Has an electronic viewfinder that displays shooting data.
  • Larger viewfinder image: Features a viewfinder with a higher magnification (0.76x vs 0.70x).
  • More detailed LCD: Has a higher resolution rear screen (1620k vs 921k dots).
  • More flexible LCD: Has a swivel screen for odd-angle shots in portrait or landscape orientation.
  • Fewer buttons to press: Has a touchscreen to facilitate handling and shooting adjustments.
  • More selfie-friendly: Has an articulated screen that can be turned to be front-facing.
  • Less disturbing: Has an electronic shutter option for completely silent shooting.
  • More compact: Is smaller (139x98mm vs 160x157mm) and will fit more readily into a bag.
  • Less heavy: Has a lower weight (by 625g or 46 percent) and is thus easier to take along.
  • Sharper images: Has stabilization technology built-in to reduce the impact of hand-shake.
  • More legacy lens friendly: Can use many non-native lenses via adapters.
  • Faster data transfer: Supports a more advanced USB protocol (3.1 vs 2.0).
  • Easier file upload: Has wifi built in for automatic backup or image transfer to the web.
  • Easier wireless transfer: Supports Bluetooth for image sharing without cables.
  • More affordable: Was introduced into a lower priced category (69 percent cheaper at launch).
  • More modern: Reflects 2 years and 10 months of technical progress since the D4S launch.

If the number of relative strengths (bullet points above) is taken as a guide, the GH5 is the clear winner of the contest (20 : 8 points). However, the relevance of individual strengths will vary across photographers, so that you might want to apply your own weighing scheme to the summary points when reflecting and deciding on a new camera. A professional wedding photographer will view the differences between cameras in a way that diverges from the perspective of a travel photog, and a person interested in cityscapes has distinct needs from a macro shooter. Hence, the decision which camera is best and worth buying is often a very personal one.

D4S 08:20 GH5

How about other alternatives? Do the specifications of the Nikon D4S and the Panasonic GH5 place the cameras among the top in their class? Find out in the latest Best DSLR Camera and Best Mirrorless Interchangeable Lens Camera listings whether the two cameras rank among the cream of the crop.

In any case, while the comparison of technical specifications can provide a useful overview of the capabilities of different cameras, it says little about, for example, the shooting experience and imaging performance of the D4S and the GH5 in practical situations. User reviews, such as those found at amazon, can sometimes inform about these issues, but such feedback is often incomplete, inconsistent, and biased.

Expert reviews

This is why hands-on reviews by experts are important. The table below provides a synthesis of the camera assessments of some of the best known photo-gear review sites (amateurphotographer [AP], cameralabs [CL], digitalcameraworld [DCW], dpreview [DPR], ephotozine [EPZ], photographyblog [PB]). As can be seen, the professional reviewers agree in many cases on the quality of different cameras, but sometimes their assessments diverge, reinforcing the earlier point that a camera decision is often a very personal choice.

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Expert Camera Reviews
  empty  Camera 
 Model 
 AP 
 score 
 CL 
 score 
 DCW 
 score 
 DPR 
 score 
 EPZ 
 score 
 PB 
 score 
Camera
Launch
Launch
Price
Street
Price
1.
 
Nikon D4S5/5......4.5/54.5/5 Feb 2014 US$ 6 499ebay.com
2.
 
Panasonic GH54.5/5+ +..85/1004.5/55/5 Jan 2017 US$ 1 999ebay.com
3.
 
Canon 1D X5/5......4.5/54.5/5 Oct 2011 US$ 6 799ebay.com
4.
 
Nikon D3......+ +5/54.5/5 Aug 2007 US$ 4 999ebay.com
5.
 
Nikon D3S5/5....89/1004.5/55/5 Oct 2009 US$ 5 199ebay.com
6.
 
Nikon D3X......86/1004/55/5 Dec 2008 US$ 7 999ebay.com
7.
 
Nikon D4........4.5/54.5/5 Jan 2012 US$ 5 999ebay.com
8.
 
Nikon D5....4/589/1004.5/55/5 Jan 2016 US$ 6 499ebay.com
9.
 
Nikon D6....4/5..4.5/54.5/5 Feb 2020 US$ 6 499 amazon.com
10.
 
Nikon D7505/5+ +4/590/1004.5/54.5/5 Sep 2014 US$ 2 299ebay.com
11.
 
Nikon D8105/5..5/586/1005/54.5/5 Jun 2014 US$ 3 299ebay.com
12.
 
Nikon Df4/5....81/1004/54/5 Nov 2013 US$ 2 749ebay.com
13.
 
Olympus E-M1 II5/5+ +5/585/1004.5/54.5/5 Sep 2016 US$ 1 999ebay.com
14.
 
Panasonic G9..+ +5/585/1005/55/5 Nov 2017 US$ 1 699ebay.com
15.
 
Panasonic G85..+ +..84/1005/54.5/5 Sep 2016 US$ 899ebay.com
16.
 
Panasonic GH45/5+ +..85/1005/55/5 Feb 2014 US$ 1 499ebay.com
17.
 
Panasonic GH5 II4.5/5..4.5/585/1004.5/55/5 May 2021 US$ 1 699 amazon.com
Note: (+ +) highly recommended; (+) recommended; (o) reviewed; (..) not available.
  empty  Camera 
 Model 
 AP 
 score 
 CL 
 score 
 DCW 
 score 
 DPR 
 score 
 EPZ 
 score 
 PB 
 score 
Camera
Launch
Launch
Price
Street
Price
  empty  Camera 
 Model 

The above review scores should be interpreted with care, though. The assessments were made in relation to similar cameras of the same technological generation. A score, therefore, has to be seen in close connection to the price and market introduction time of the camera, and comparing ratings of very distinct cameras or ones that are far apart in terms of their release date have little meaning. It should also be noted that some of the review sites have over time altered the way they render their verdicts.

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Check GH5 offers at
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Other camera comparisons

Did this review help to inform your camera decision process? In case you would like to check on the differences and similarities of other camera models, just use the search menu below. Alternatively, you can follow any of the listed hyperlinks for comparisons that others found interesting.

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  • Canon 5DS
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  • Canon G9 X
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  • Canon G12
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  • Canon M
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  • Canon M100
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  • Canon R7
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  • Canon RP
  • Canon S120
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  • Canon SX1
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  • Canon SX430
  • Canon SX500
  • Canon SX510
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  • Contax N Digital
  • Epson R-D1
  • Fujifilm GFX 50R
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  • Fujifilm GFX 100
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  • Fujifilm X-A1
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  • Fujifilm X-H1
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  • Fujifilm X-H2S
  • Fujifilm X-M1
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  • Fujifilm X-Pro1
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  • Fujifilm X-Pro3
  • Fujifilm X-S10
  • Fujifilm X-S20
  • Fujifilm X-T1
  • Fujifilm X-T2
  • Fujifilm X-T3
  • Fujifilm X-T4
  • Fujifilm X-T5
  • Fujifilm X-T10
  • Fujifilm X-T20
  • Fujifilm X-T30
  • Fujifilm X-T30 II
  • Fujifilm X-T50
  • Fujifilm X-T100
  • Fujifilm X-T200
  • Fujifilm X10
  • Fujifilm X20
  • Fujifilm X30
  • Fujifilm X70
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  • Fujifilm X100S
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  • Fujifilm X100F
  • Fujifilm X100V
  • Fujifilm X100VI
  • Fujifilm XF10
  • Fujifilm XQ1
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  • Fujifilm XP120
  • Fujifilm XP130
  • Fujifilm XP140
  • Hasselblad X1D
  • Hasselblad X1D II
  • Hasselblad X2D 100C
  • Kodak AZ901
  • Kodak S-1
  • Leica C-LUX
  • Leica CL
  • Leica D-LUX Typ 109
  • Leica D-LUX 5
  • Leica D-LUX 6
  • Leica D-LUX 7
  • Leica D-LUX 8
  • Leica Digilux 3
  • Leica M Typ 240
  • Leica M-E Typ 240
  • Leica M Typ 262
  • Leica M8
  • Leica M9
  • Leica M10
  • Leica M10-P
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  • Leica Q Typ 116
  • Leica Q2
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  • Leica S1
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  • Leica S Typ 006
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  • Leica SL
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  • Leica SL2-S
  • Leica SL3
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  • Leica T
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  • Leica V-LUX 1
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  • Leica V-LUX 3
  • Leica V-LUX 4
  • Leica V-LUX Typ 114
  • Leica V-LUX 5
  • Leica X1
  • Leica X2
  • Leica X Vario
  • Leica X Typ 113
  • Leica X-U Typ 113
  • Leitz Ur-Leica
  • Nikon 1 J4
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  • Nikon 1 V1
  • Nikon 1 V2
  • Nikon 1 V3
  • Nikon Coolpix A
  • Nikon A1000
  • Nikon B500
  • Nikon B600
  • Nikon B700
  • Nikon D1
  • Nikon D1H
  • Nikon D1X
  • Nikon D2H
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  • Nikon D70
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  • Nikon D500
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  • Nikon D610
  • Nikon D700
  • Nikon D750
  • Nikon D780
  • Nikon D800
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  • Nikon D810
  • Nikon D850
  • Nikon D3000
  • Nikon D3100
  • Nikon D3200
  • Nikon D3300
  • Nikon D3400
  • Nikon D3500
  • Nikon D5000
  • Nikon D5100
  • Nikon D5200
  • Nikon D5300
  • Nikon D5500
  • Nikon D5600
  • Nikon D7000
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  • Nikon D7500
  • Nikon Df
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  • Nikon W150
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  • Nikon Z5
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  • Nikon Z6
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  • Nikon Z7
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  • Nikon Z8
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  • Nikon Z30
  • Nikon Z50
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  • Nikon Zf
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  • Olympus E-1
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  • Olympus E-450
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  • Olympus E-510
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  • Olympus E-600
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  • Olympus E-M1
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  • Olympus E-M5 III
  • Olympus E-M10
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  • Olympus E-M10 III
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  • Olympus E-P1
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  • Olympus PEN-F
  • Olympus Stylus 1
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  • Olympus TG-4
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  • Olympus XZ-1
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  • OM System OM-1
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  • OM System OM-3
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  • OM System TG-7
  • Panasonic FZ80
  • Panasonic FZ80D
  • Panasonic FZ100
  • Panasonic FZ150
  • Panasonic FZ200
  • Panasonic FZ300
  • Panasonic FZ1000
  • Panasonic FZ1000 II
  • Panasonic FZ2500
  • Panasonic G1
  • Panasonic G2
  • Panasonic G3
  • Panasonic G5
  • Panasonic G6
  • Panasonic G7
  • Panasonic G9
  • Panasonic G9 II
  • Panasonic G10
  • Panasonic G85
  • Panasonic G97
  • Panasonic G95
  • Panasonic G100
  • Panasonic GF1
  • Panasonic GF2
  • Panasonic GF3
  • Panasonic GF5
  • Panasonic GF6
  • Panasonic GF7
  • Panasonic GH1
  • Panasonic GH2
  • Panasonic GH3
  • Panasonic GH4
  • Panasonic GH5
  • Panasonic GH5 II
  • Panasonic GH5s
  • Panasonic GH6
  • Panasonic GH7
  • Panasonic GM1
  • Panasonic GM5
  • Panasonic GX1
  • Panasonic GX7
  • Panasonic GX8
  • Panasonic GX9
  • Panasonic GX85
  • Panasonic GX850
  • Panasonic L1
  • Panasonic L10
  • Panasonic LF1
  • Panasonic LX5
  • Panasonic LX7
  • Panasonic LX10
  • Panasonic LX100
  • Panasonic LX100 II
  • Panasonic S1
  • Panasonic S1 II
  • Panasonic S1H
  • Panasonic S1R
  • Panasonic S1R II
  • Panasonic S5
  • Panasonic S5 II
  • Panasonic S9
  • Panasonic TS7
  • Panasonic ZS70
  • Panasonic ZS80
  • Panasonic ZS100
  • Panasonic ZS200
  • Pentax 645D
  • Pentax 645Z
  • Pentax K-1
  • Pentax K-1 II
  • Pentax K-3
  • Pentax K-3 II
  • Pentax K-3 III
  • Pentax K-5
  • Pentax K-5 II
  • Pentax K-30
  • Pentax K-50
  • Pentax K-70
  • Pentax K-500
  • Pentax KP
  • Pentax K-S1
  • Pentax K-S2
  • Pentax MX-1
  • Pentax Q
  • Pentax WG-8
  • Pentax WG-90
  • Pentax WG-1000
  • Ricoh GR
  • Ricoh GR II
  • Ricoh GR III
  • Ricoh GR IIIx
  • Ricoh WG-6
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  • Samsung NX1
  • Samsung NX30
  • Samsung NX500
  • Sigma fp
  • Sigma fp L
  • Sony A1
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  • Sony A7
  • Sony A7 II
  • Sony A7 III
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  • Sony A7C
  • Sony A7C II
  • Sony A7C R
  • Sony A7R
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  • Sony A7R IIIA
  • Sony A7R IV
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  • Sony A7S
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  • Sony A9
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  • Sony A58
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  • Sony A77
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  • Sony A99
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  • Sony A850
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  • Sony A3000
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  • Sony A5100
  • Sony A6000
  • Sony A6100
  • Sony A6300
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  • Sony A6500
  • Sony A6600
  • Sony A6700
  • Sony H200
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  • Sony H400
  • Sony HX80
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  • Sony NEX-3
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  • Sony RX0
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  • Sony RX10
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  • Sony RX10 IV
  • Sony RX100
  • Sony RX100 II
  • Sony RX100 III
  • Sony RX100 IV
  • Sony RX100 V
  • Sony RX100 VI
  • Sony RX100 VII
  • Sony WX800
  • Sony ZV-1
  • Sony ZV-1 II
  • Sony ZV-1F
  • Sony ZV-E1
  • Sony ZV-E10
  • Sony ZV-E10 II
  • YI M1
  • Zeiss ZX1
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Specifications: Nikon D4S vs Panasonic GH5

Below is a side-by-side comparison of the specs of the two cameras to facilitate a quick review of their differences and common features.

Camera Specifications
Camera Model Nikon D4S Panasonic GH5
Camera Type Digital single lens reflex Mirrorless system camera
Camera Lens Nikon F mount lenses Micro Four Thirds lenses
Launch Date February 2014 January 2017
Launch Price USD 6,499 USD 1,999
Sensor Specs Nikon D4S Panasonic GH5
Sensor Technology CMOS CMOS
Sensor Format Full Frame Sensor Four Thirds Sensor
Sensor Size 36.0 x 23.9 mm 17.3 x 13.0 mm
Sensor Area 860.4 mm2 224.9 mm2
Sensor Diagonal 43.2 mm 21.6 mm
Crop Factor 1.0x 2.0x
Sensor Resolution 16.2 Megapixels 20.2 Megapixels
Image Resolution 4928 x 3280 pixels 5184 x 3888 pixels
Pixel Pitch 7.29 μm 3.34 μm
Pixel Density 1.88 MP/cm2 8.96 MP/cm2
Moiré control Anti-Alias filter no AA filter
Movie Capability 1080/60p Video 4K/60p Video
ISO Setting 100 - 25,600 ISO 200 - 25,600 ISO
ISO Boost 50 - 409,600 ISO 100 - 25,600 ISO
Image Processor EXPEED 4 Venus 10
DXO Sensor Quality (score) 89 77
DXO Color Depth (bits) 24.4 23.9
DXO Dynamic Range (EV) 13.3 13.0
DXO Low Light (ISO) 3074 807
Screen Specs Nikon D4S Panasonic GH5
Viewfinder Type Optical viewfinder Electronic viewfinder
Viewfinder Field of View 100% 100%
Viewfinder Magnification 0.70x 0.76x
Viewfinder Resolution 3680k dots
Top-Level Screen Control Panel no Top Display
LCD Framing Live View Live View
Rear LCD Size 3.2inch 3.2inch
LCD Resolution 921k dots 1620k dots
LCD Attachment Fixed screen Swivel screen
Touch Input no Touchscreen Touchscreen
Shooting Specs Nikon D4S Panasonic GH5
Focus System Phase-detect AF Contrast-detect AF
Manual Focusing Aidno Peaking FeatureFocus Peaking
Max Shutter Speed (mechanical) 1/8000s 1/8000s
Continuous Shooting 11 shutter flaps/s 12 shutter flaps/s
Shutter Life Expectancy400 000 actuations200 000 actuations
Electronic Shutterno E-Shutterup to 1/16000s
Time-Lapse PhotographyIntervalometer built-inIntervalometer built-in
Image StabilizationLens stabilization onlyIn-body stabilization
Fill Flash no On-Board Flash no On-Board Flash
Storage Medium CF or XQD cards SDXC cards
Single or Dual Card Slots Dual card slots Dual card slots
Connectivity Specs Nikon D4S Panasonic GH5
External Flash Hotshoe Hotshoe
Studio Flash PC Sync socket PC Sync socket
USB Connector USB 2.0 USB 3.1
HDMI Port mini HDMI full HDMI
Microphone Port External MIC port External MIC port
Headphone Socket Headphone port Headphone port
Wifi Support no Wifi Wifi built-in
Bluetooth Support no Bluetooth Bluetooth built-in
Body Specs Nikon D4S Panasonic GH5
Environmental SealingWeathersealed bodyWeathersealed body
Battery Type Nikon EN-EL18a Panasonic DMW-BLF19
Battery Life (CIPA)3020 shots per charge410 shots per charge
Body Dimensions 160 x 157 x 91 mm
(6.3 x 6.2 x 3.6 in)
139 x 98 x 87 mm
(5.5 x 3.9 x 3.4 in)
Camera Weight 1350 g (47.6 oz) 725 g (25.6 oz)
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