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Nikon D5 vs Panasonic GH2

The Nikon D5 and the Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH2 are two digital cameras that were officially introduced, respectively, in January 2016 and September 2010. The D5 is a DSLR, while the GH2 is a mirrorless interchangeable lens camera. The cameras are based on a full frame (D5) and a Four Thirds (GH2) sensor. The Nikon has a resolution of 20.7 megapixels, whereas the Panasonic provides 15.9 MP.

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

Headline Specifications
Nikon D5
versus
Panasonic GH2
Nikon D5   Panasonic GH2
Digital single lens reflex Mirrorless system camera
Nikon F mount lenses Micro Four Thirds lenses
20.7 MP – Full Frame sensor 15.9 MP – Four Thirds sensor
4K/30p Video 1080/60i Video
ISO 100-102,400 (50 - 3,280,000) ISO 160-12,800
Optical viewfinder Electronic viewfinder (1534k dots)
3.2" LCD – 2359k dots 3.0" LCD – 460k dots
Fixed touchscreen Swivel screen (not touch-sensitive)
14 shutter flaps per second 3 shutter flaps per second
Weathersealed bodynot weather sealed
3780 shots per battery charge330 shots per battery charge
160 x 159 x 92 mm, 1415 g 124 x 90 x 76 mm, 442 g
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Going beyond this snapshot of core features and characteristics, what are the differences between the Nikon D5 and the Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH2? 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 physical size and weight of the Nikon D5 and the Panasonic GH2 are illustrated in the side-by-side display below. 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.

The GH2 can be obtained in two different colors (black, silver), while the D5 is only available in black.

Size Nikon D5 vs Panasonic GH2
Compare D5 versus GH2 top
Comparison D5 or GH2 rear

If the front view area (width x height) of the cameras is taken as an aggregate measure of their size, the Panasonic GH2 is considerably smaller (56 percent) than the Nikon D5. Moreover, the GH2 is substantially lighter (69 percent) than the D5. It is worth mentioning in this context that the D5 is splash and dust resistant, while the GH2 does not feature any corresponding weather-sealing.

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 (D5) and the Micro Four Thirds Lens Catalog (GH2). Mirrorless cameras, such as the GH2, 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 D5 gets 3780 shots out of its Nikon EN-EL18a battery, while the GH2 can take 330 images on a single charge of its Panasonic DMW-BLC12 power pack. As can be seen in the images above, the D5 has a battery grip built in. This facilitates image-taking in portrait orientation and gives it additional battery power.

The adjacent table lists the principal physical characteristics of the two cameras alongside a wider set of alternatives. 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
# image Camera
Model
Camera
Width
Camera
Height
Camera
Depth
Camera
Weight
Battery
Life
Weather
Sealing
Camera
Launch
Launch
Price (USD)
Street
Price
1.
 
Nikon D5 160 mm 159 mm 92 mm 1415 g 3780 Y Jan 2016 6,499ebay.com
2.
 
Panasonic GH2 124 mm 90 mm 76 mm 442 g 330 n Sep 2010 899ebay.com
3.
 
Canon 1D X Mark II 158 mm 168 mm 83 mm 1530 g 1210 Y Feb 2016 5,999ebay.com
4.
 
Leica SL 147 mm 104 mm 39 mm 847 g 400 Y Oct 2015 7,450ebay.com
5.
 
Nikon D6 160 mm 163 mm 92 mm 1270 g 3580 Y Feb 2020 6,499 amazon.com
6.
 
Nikon D7500 136 mm 104 mm 73 mm 720 g 950 Y Apr 2017 1,299 amazon.com
7.
 
Nikon D500 147 mm 115 mm 81 mm 860 g 1240 Y Jan 2016 1,999ebay.com
8.
 
Nikon D7200 136 mm 107 mm 76 mm 765 g 1110 Y Mar 2015 1,199ebay.com
9.
 
Nikon D4S 160 mm 157 mm 91 mm 1350 g 3020 Y Feb 2014 6,499ebay.com
10.
 
Nikon D610 141 mm 113 mm 82 mm 850 g 900 Y Oct 2013 1,999ebay.com
11.
 
Nikon D4 160 mm 157 mm 91 mm 1340 g 2600 Y Jan 2012 5,999ebay.com
12.
 
Nikon D3X 160 mm 157 mm 88 mm 1260 g 4400 Y Dec 2008 7,999ebay.com
13.
 
Panasonic GM5 99 mm 60 mm 36 mm 211 g 220 n Sep 2014 749ebay.com
14.
 
Panasonic G6 122 mm 85 mm 71 mm 390 g 340 n Apr 2013 599ebay.com
15.
 
Panasonic GH3 133 mm 93 mm 82 mm 550 g 540 Y Sep 2012 1,299ebay.com
16.
 
Panasonic GX1 116 mm 68 mm 39 mm 318 g 320 n Nov 2011 699ebay.com
17.
 
Panasonic GH1 124 mm 90 mm 45 mm 385 g 300 n Mar 2009 899ebay.com
Note: Measurements and pricing do not include easily detachable parts, such as add-on or interchangeable lenses or optional viewfinders.
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Any camera decision will naturally be influenced heavily by the price. The retail prices at the time of the camera’s release place the model in the market relative to other models in the producer’s line-up and the competition. The GH2 was launched at a markedly lower price (by 86 percent) than the D5, which puts it into a different market segment. Usually, retail prices stay at first close to the launch price, but after several months, discounts become available. 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.

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 generally have larger individual pixels that offer better low-light sensitivity, provide wider dynamic range, and have richer color-depth than smaller pixels in a sensor of the same technological generation. Furthermore, a large sensor camera will give the photographer more possibilities to use shallow depth-of-field in order to isolate a subject from the 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 D5 features a full frame sensor and the Panasonic GH2 a Four Thirds sensor. The sensor area in the GH2 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 D5 has a native 3:2 aspect ratio, while the one in the GH2 offers a 4:3 aspect.

Nikon D5 and Panasonic GH2 sensor measures

With 20.7MP, the D5 offers a higher resolution than the GH2 (15.9MP), but the D5 nevertheless has larger individual pixels (pixel pitch of 6.44μm versus 3.76μm for the GH2) due to its larger sensor. Moreover, the D5 is a much more recent model (by 5 years and 3 months) than the GH2, and its sensor will have benefitted from technological advances during this time that further enhance the light gathering capacity of its pixels.

The resolution advantage of the Nikon D5 implies greater flexibility for cropping images or the possibility to print larger pictures. The maximum print size of the D5 for good quality output (200 dots per inch) amounts to 27.9 x 18.6 inches or 71 x 47.1 cm, for very good quality (250 dpi) 22.4 x 14.8 inches or 56.8 x 37.7 cm, and for excellent quality (300 dpi) 18.6 x 12.4 inches or 47.3 x 31.4 cm. The corresponding values for the Panasonic GH2 are 23 x 17.3 inches or 58.5 x 43.9 cm for good quality, 18.4 x 13.8 inches or 46.8 x 35.1 cm for very good quality, and 15.4 x 11.5 inches or 39 x 29.3 cm for excellent quality prints.

The Nikon D5 has a native sensitivity range from ISO 100 to ISO 102400, which can be extended to ISO 50-3280000. The corresponding ISO settings for the Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH2 are ISO 160 to ISO 12800 (no boost).

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.

D5 versus GH2 MP

Since 2007, DXO Mark has published sensor performance measurements that have been derived using a consistent methodology. 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 D5 provides substantially higher image quality than the GH2, with an overall score that is 28 points higher. This advantage is based on 3.9 bits higher color depth, 1 EV in additional dynamic range, and 1.8 stops in additional low light sensitivity. The adjacent table reports on the physical sensor characteristics and the outcomes of the DXO sensor quality tests for a sample of comparator-cameras.

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Sensor Characteristics
# image Camera
Model
Sensor
Class
Resolution
(MP)
Horiz.
Pixels
Vert.
Pixels
Video
Format
DXO
Portrait
DXO
Landscape
DXO
Sports
DXO
Overall
1.
 
Nikon D5 Full Frame 20.7 5588 37124K/30p25.112.3234388
2.
 
Panasonic GH2 Four Thirds 15.9 4608 34561080/60i21.211.365560
3.
 
Canon 1D X Mark II Full Frame 20.0 5472 36484K/60p24.113.5320788
4.
 
Leica SL Full Frame 24.0 6000 40004K/30p25.013.4182188
5.
 
Nikon D6 Full Frame 20.7 5568 37124K/30p25.314.3288695
6.
 
Nikon D7500 APS-C 20.7 5568 37124K/30p24.314.0148386
7.
 
Nikon D500 APS-C 20.7 5568 37124K/30p24.014.0132483
8.
 
Nikon D7200 APS-C 24.0 6000 40001080/60p24.514.6133387
9.
 
Nikon D4S Full Frame 16.2 4928 32801080/60p24.413.3307489
10.
 
Nikon D610 Full Frame 24.2 6016 40161080/30p25.114.4292594
11.
 
Nikon D4 Full Frame 16.2 4928 32801080/30p24.713.1296589
12.
 
Nikon D3X Full Frame 24.4 6048 4032none24.713.7199288
13.
 
Panasonic GM5 Four Thirds 15.8 4592 34481080/60p22.111.772166
14.
 
Panasonic G6 Four Thirds 15.9 4608 34561080/60p21.311.563961
15.
 
Panasonic GH3 Four Thirds 15.9 4608 34561080/60p22.712.481271
16.
 
Panasonic GX1 Four Thirds 15.8 4592 34481080/60p20.810.670355
17.
 
Panasonic GH1 Four Thirds 12.0 4000 30001080/24p21.611.677264
Note: DXO values in italics represent estimates based on sensor size and age.
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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 D5 provides a higher video resolution than the GH2. It can shoot video footage at 4K/30p, while the Panasonic is limited to 1080/60i.

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Feature comparison

Beyond body and sensor, cameras can and do differ across a range of features. For example, the GH2 has an electronic viewfinder (1534k dots), while the D5 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 D5 has a higher magnification than the one of the GH2 (0.72x vs 0.71x), so that the size of the image transmitted appears closer to the size seen with the naked human eye. The adjacent table lists some of the other core features of the Nikon D5 and Panasonic GH2 along with similar information for a selection of comparators.

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Core Features
# image 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 D5optical Y3.2 / 2359 fixed Y 1/8000s 14.0/s n n
2.
 
Panasonic GH21534 n3.0 / 460 swivel n 1/4000s 3.0/s Y n
3.
 
Canon 1D X Mark IIoptical Y3.2 / 1620 fixed Y 1/8000s 16.0/s n n
4.
 
Leica SL4400 Y3.0 / 1040 fixed Y 1/8000s 11.0/s n n
5.
 
Nikon D6optical Y3.2 / 2359 fixed Y 1/8000s 14.0/s n n
6.
 
Nikon D7500optical Y3.2 / 922 tilting Y 1/8000s 8.0/s Y n
7.
 
Nikon D500optical Y3.2 / 2359 tilting Y 1/8000s 10.0/s n n
8.
 
Nikon D7200optical Y3.2 / 1229 fixed n 1/8000s 6.0/s Y n
9.
 
Nikon D4Soptical Y3.2 / 921 fixed n 1/8000s 11.0/s n n
10.
 
Nikon D610optical Y3.2 / 921 fixed n 1/4000s 6.0/s Y n
11.
 
Nikon D4optical Y3.2 / 921 fixed n 1/8000s 11.0/s n n
12.
 
Nikon D3Xoptical Y3.0 / 922 fixed n 1/8000s 5.0/s n n
13.
 
Panasonic GM51166 n3.0 / 921 fixed Y 1/500s 5.8/s n n
14.
 
Panasonic G61440 n3.0 / 1036 swivel Y 1/4000s 7.0/s Y n
15.
 
Panasonic GH31746 n3.0 / 614 swivel Y 1/4000s 6.0/s Y n
16.
 
Panasonic GX1optional n3.0 / 460 fixed Y 1/4000s 4.2/s Y n
17.
 
Panasonic GH11440 n3.0 / 460 swivel n 1/4000s 3.0/s Y n
Note: *) Information refers to the mechanical shutter, unless the camera only has an electronic one.
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One feature that is present on the D5, but is missing on the GH2 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 GH2 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 D5 does not have a selfie-screen.

The Nikon D5 has 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 D5 writes its imaging data to Compact Flash or XQD cards, while the GH2 uses SDXC cards. The D5 features dual card slots, which can be very useful in case a memory card fails. In contrast, the GH2 only has one slot.

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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 D5 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH2 and, in particular, the interfaces the cameras (and selected comparators) provide for accessory control and data transfer.

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Input-Output Connections
# image Camera
Model
Hotshoe
Port
Internal
Mic / Speaker
Microphone
Port
Headphone
Port
HDMI
Port
USB
Port
WiFi
Support
NFC
Support
Bluetooth
Support
1.
 
Nikon D5Ystereo / monoYYmini3.0---
2.
 
Panasonic GH2Ystereo / monoY-mini2.0---
3.
 
Canon 1D X Mark IIYmono / monoYYmini3.0---
4.
 
Leica SLYstereo / monoYYfull3.0Y--
5.
 
Nikon D6Ystereo / monoYYmini3.1Y-Y
6.
 
Nikon D7500Ystereo / monoYYmini2.0Y-Y
7.
 
Nikon D500Ystereo / monoYYmini3.0YYY
8.
 
Nikon D7200Ystereo / monoYYmini2.0YY-
9.
 
Nikon D4SYmono / monoYYmini2.0---
10.
 
Nikon D610Ymono / monoYYmini2.0---
11.
 
Nikon D4Ymono / monoYYmicro2.0---
12.
 
Nikon D3XY- / ---mini2.0---
13.
 
Panasonic GM5Ystereo / mono--micro2.0Y--
14.
 
Panasonic G6Ystereo / monoY-mini2.0YY-
15.
 
Panasonic GH3Ystereo / monoYYmini2.0Y--
16.
 
Panasonic GX1Ystereo / mono--mini2.0---
17.
 
Panasonic GH1Ystereo / -Y-mini2.0---
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It is notable that the D5 has a headphone jack, which is not present on the GH2 This port makes it possible to attach external headphones and monitor the quality of sound during the recording process.

Studio photographers will appreciate that the Nikon D5 (unlike the GH2) features a PC Sync socket, so that professional strobe lights can be controlled by the camera.

Both the D5 and the GH2 have been discontinued, but can regularly be found used on ebay. The GH2 was replaced by the Panasonic GH3, while the D5 was followed by the Nikon D6. Further information on the features and operation of the D5 and GH2 can be found, respectively, in the Nikon D5 Manual (free pdf) or the online Panasonic GH2 Manual.

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Review summary

So how do things add up? Which of the two cameras – the Nikon D5 or the Panasonic GH2 – has the upper hand? Is one clearly better than the other? Below is a summary of the relative strengths of each of the two contestants.

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Advantages of the Nikon D5:

  • More detail: Offers more megapixels (20.7 vs 15.9MP) with a 16% higher linear resolution.
  • Better image quality: Scores substantially higher (28 points) in the DXO overall assessment.
  • Richer colors: Generates images with noticeably better colors (3.9 bits more color depth).
  • More dynamic range: Captures a larger spectrum of light and dark details (1 EV of extra DR).
  • Better low-light sensitivity: Requires less light for good images (1.8 stops ISO advantage).
  • Better video: Provides higher definition movie capture (4K/30p vs 1080/60i).
  • Better sound control: Has a headphone port that enables audio monitoring while recording.
  • Brighter framing: Features an optical viewfinder for clear, lag-free composition.
  • Larger viewfinder image: Features a viewfinder with a higher magnification (0.72x vs 0.71x).
  • Easier setting verification: Features an LCD display on top to control shooting parameters.
  • Larger screen: Has a bigger rear LCD (3.2" vs 3.0") for image review and settings control.
  • More detailed LCD: Has a higher resolution rear screen (2359k vs 460k dots).
  • Fewer buttons to press: Is equipped with a touch-sensitive rear screen to facilitate handling.
  • Faster shutter: Has higher mechanical shutter speed (1/8000s vs 1/4000s) to freeze action.
  • Faster burst: Shoots at higher frequency (14 vs 3 flaps/sec) to capture the decisive moment.
  • Easier time-lapse photography: Has an intervalometer built-in for low frequency shooting.
  • More portrait friendly: Features an integrated vertical grip for easier portrait shooting.
  • Longer lasting: Can take more shots (3780 versus 330) on a single battery charge.
  • Better sealing: Is weather sealed to enable shooting in dusty or wet environments.
  • Faster data transfer: Supports a more advanced USB protocol (3.0 vs 2.0).
  • Better studio light control: Has a PC Sync socket to connect to professional strobe lights.
  • Greater peace of mind: Features a second card slot as a backup in case of memory card failure.
  • More modern: Reflects 5 years and 3 months of technical progress since the GH2 launch.

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Arguments in favor of the Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH2:

  • More framing info: Has an electronic viewfinder that displays shooting data.
  • More flexible LCD: Has a swivel screen for odd-angle shots in portrait or landscape orientation.
  • More selfie-friendly: Has an articulated screen that can be turned to be front-facing.
  • More compact: Is smaller (124x90mm vs 160x159mm) and will fit more readily into a bag.
  • Less heavy: Has a lower weight (by 973g or 69 percent) and is thus easier to take along.
  • More legacy lens friendly: Can use many non-native lenses via adapters.
  • Easier fill-in: Has a small integrated flash to brighten shadows of backlit subjects.
  • More affordable: Was introduced into a lower priced category (86 percent cheaper at launch).
  • More heavily discounted: Has been around for much longer (launched in September 2010).

If the count of individual advantages (bullet points above) is taken as a guide, the D5 is the clear winner of the match-up (23 : 9 points). However, the relative importance of the various individual camera aspects will vary according to personal preferences and needs, so that you might like to apply corresponding weights to the particular features before making a decision on a new camera. A professional sports photographer will view the differences between cameras in a way that diverges from the perspective of a street photog, and a person interested in family portraits has distinct needs from a landscape shooter. Hence, the decision which camera is best and worth buying is often a very personal one.

D5 23:09 GH2

How about other alternatives? Do the specifications of the Nikon D5 and the Panasonic GH2 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 the spec-sheets of cameras can offer a general idea of their imaging potential, it remains incomplete and does no justice, for example, to the way the D5 or the GH2 perform in practice. At times, user reviews, such as those published at amazon, address these issues in a useful manner, but such feedback is on many occasions incomplete, inconsistent, and unreliable.

Expert reviews

This is where reviews by experts come in. 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
# image  Camera 
 Model 
 AP 
 score 
 CL 
 score 
 DCW 
 score 
 DPR 
 score 
 EPZ 
 score 
 PB 
 score 
Camera
Launch
Launch
Price (USD)
Street
Price
1.
 
Nikon D5....4/589/1004.5/55/5 Jan 2016 6,499ebay.com
2.
 
Panasonic GH25/5+ +..79/1004.5/55/5 Sep 2010 899ebay.com
3.
 
Canon 1D X Mark II....4.5/589/1004.5/54.5/5 Feb 2016 5,999ebay.com
4.
 
Leica SL4/5..4/584/1004.5/54/5 Oct 2015 7,450ebay.com
5.
 
Nikon D6....4/5..4.5/54.5/5 Feb 2020 6,499 amazon.com
6.
 
Nikon D75004.5/5+ +4.5/586/1005/54.5/5 Apr 2017 1,299 amazon.com
7.
 
Nikon D5005/5+ +4.7/591/1004.5/55/5 Jan 2016 1,999ebay.com
8.
 
Nikon D72004/5+ +..84/1004.5/54.5/5 Mar 2015 1,199ebay.com
9.
 
Nikon D4S5/5......4.5/54.5/5 Feb 2014 6,499ebay.com
10.
 
Nikon D6104/5+ +..87/1004.5/54.5/5 Oct 2013 1,999ebay.com
11.
 
Nikon D4........4.5/54.5/5 Jan 2012 5,999ebay.com
12.
 
Nikon D3X......86/1004/55/5 Dec 2008 7,999ebay.com
13.
 
Panasonic GM53.5/5+..77/1005/54.5/5 Sep 2014 749ebay.com
14.
 
Panasonic G64/5+ +....5/54.5/5 Apr 2013 599ebay.com
15.
 
Panasonic GH35/5+ +..79/1004.5/54.5/5 Sep 2012 1,299ebay.com
16.
 
Panasonic GX13/5+..77/1004.5/54.5/5 Nov 2011 699ebay.com
17.
 
Panasonic GH1..+ +..72/1004.5/54.5/5 Mar 2009 899ebay.com
Note: (+ +) highly recommended; (+) recommended; (o) reviewed; (..) not available.
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Care should be taken when interpreting the review scores above, 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 rating-comparisons among cameras that span long time periods or concern very differently equipped models make little sense. Also, kindly note that some of the listed sites have over time developped their review approaches and their reporting style.

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Other camera comparisons

Did this review help to inform your camera decision process? In case you are interested in seeing how other cameras pair up, just make a corresponding selection in the search boxes below. There is also a set of direct links to comparison reviews that other users of the CAM-parator app explored.

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    Specifications: Nikon D5 vs Panasonic GH2

    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 D5 Panasonic GH2
    Camera Type Digital single lens reflex Mirrorless system camera
    Camera Lens Nikon F mount lenses Micro Four Thirds lenses
    Launch Date January 2016 September 2010
    Launch Price USD 6,499 USD 899
    Sensor Specs Nikon D5 Panasonic GH2
    Sensor Technology CMOS CMOS
    Sensor Format Full Frame Sensor Four Thirds Sensor
    Sensor Size 35.9 x 23.9 mm 17.3 x 13.0 mm
    Sensor Area 858.01 mm2 224.9 mm2
    Sensor Diagonal 43.1 mm 21.6 mm
    Crop Factor 1.0x 2.0x
    Sensor Resolution 20.7 Megapixels 15.9 Megapixels
    Image Resolution 5588 x 3712 pixels 4608 x 3456 pixels
    Pixel Pitch 6.44 μm 3.76 μm
    Pixel Density 2.42 MP/cm2 7.08 MP/cm2
    Moiré control Anti-Alias filter Anti-Alias filter
    Movie Capability 4K/30p Video 1080/60i Video
    ISO Setting 100 - 102,400 ISO 160 - 12,800 ISO
    ISO Boost 50 - 3,280,000 ISO no Enhancement
    Image Processor EXPEED 5 Venus FHD
    DXO Sensor Quality (score) 88 60
    DXO Color Depth (bits) 25.1 21.2
    DXO Dynamic Range (EV) 12.3 11.3
    DXO Low Light (ISO) 2343 655
    Screen Specs Nikon D5 Panasonic GH2
    Viewfinder Type Optical viewfinder Electronic viewfinder
    Viewfinder Field of View 100% 100%
    Viewfinder Magnification 0.72x 0.71x
    Viewfinder Resolution 1534k dots
    Top-Level Screen Control Panel no Top Display
    LCD Framing Live View Live View
    Rear LCD Size 3.2inch 3.0inch
    LCD Resolution 2359k dots 460k dots
    LCD Attachment Fixed screen Swivel screen
    Touch Input Touchscreen no Touchscreen
    Shooting Specs Nikon D5 Panasonic GH2
    Focus System Phase-detect AF Contrast-detect AF
    Continuous Shooting 14 shutter flaps/s 3 shutter flaps/s
    Time-Lapse PhotographyIntervalometer built-inno Intervalometer
    Fill Flash no On-Board Flash Built-in Flash
    Storage Medium CF or XQD cards SDXC cards
    Single or Dual Card Slots Dual card slots Single card slot
    Connectivity Specs Nikon D5 Panasonic GH2
    External Flash Hotshoe Hotshoe
    Studio Flash PC Sync socket no PC Sync
    USB Connector USB 3.0 USB 2.0
    HDMI Port mini HDMI mini HDMI
    Microphone Port External MIC port External MIC port
    Headphone Socket Headphone port no Headphone port
    Wifi Support no Wifi no Wifi
    Body Specs Nikon D5 Panasonic GH2
    Environmental SealingWeathersealed bodynot weather sealed
    Battery Type Nikon EN-EL18a Panasonic DMW-BLC12
    Battery Life (CIPA)3780 shots per charge330 shots per charge
    Body Dimensions 160 x 159 x 92 mm
    (6.3 x 6.3 x 3.6 in)
    124 x 90 x 76 mm
    (4.9 x 3.5 x 3.0 in)
    Camera Weight 1415 g (49.9 oz) 442 g (15.6 oz)
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