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Panasonic GH3 vs S5

The Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH3 and the Panasonic Lumix DC-S5 are two enthusiast cameras that were revealed to the public, respectively, in September 2012 and September 2020. Both the GH3 and the S5 are mirrorless interchangeable lens cameras that are based on a Four Thirds (GH3) and a full frame (S5) sensor. The GH3 has a resolution of 15.9 megapixels, whereas the S5 provides 24 MP.

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

Headline Specifications
Panasonic GH3
versus
Panasonic S5
Panasonic GH3   Panasonic S5
Mirrorless system camera Mirrorless system camera
Micro Four Thirds lenses Leica L mount lenses
15.9 MP – Four Thirds sensor 24 MP – Full Frame sensor
1080/60p Video 4K/60p Video
ISO 200-12,800 (125 - 25,600) ISO 100-51,200 (50 - 204,800)
Electronic viewfinder (1746k dots) Electronic viewfinder (2360k dots)
3.0" LCD – 614k dots 3.0" LCD – 1840k dots
Swivel touchscreen Swivel touchscreen
6 shutter flaps per second 7 shutter flaps per second
Lens stabilization onlyIn-body stabilization
Weathersealed bodyWeathersealed body
540 shots per battery charge440 shots per battery charge
133 x 93 x 82 mm, 550 g 133 x 98 x 82 mm, 714 g
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Going beyond this snapshot of core features and characteristics, what are the differences between the Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH3 and the Panasonic Lumix DC-S5? 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 Panasonic GH3 and the Panasonic S5 are illustrated in the side-by-side display below. The two cameras are presented according to their relative size. Three consecutive perspectives from the front, the top, and the back are available. All size dimensions are rounded to the nearest millimeter.

Size Panasonic GH3 vs Panasonic S5
Compare GH3 versus S5 top
Comparison GH3 or S5 rear

If the front view area (width x height) of the cameras is taken as an aggregate measure of their size, the Panasonic S5 is notably larger (5 percent) than the Panasonic GH3. Moreover, the S5 is markedly heavier (30 percent) than the GH3. 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. Hence, you might want to study and compare the specifications of available lenses in order to get the full picture of the size and weight of the two camera systems.

Concerning battery life, the GH3 gets 540 shots out of its Panasonic DMW-BLF19 battery, while the S5 can take 440 images on a single charge of its Panasonic DMW-BLK22 power pack. The power pack in the S5 can be charged via the USB port, which can be very convenient when travelling.

The adjacent table lists the principal physical characteristics of the two cameras alongside a wider set of alternatives. If you would like to visualize and compare a different camera combination, you can navigate to the CAM-parator app and make your selection from a broad list of cameras there.

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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 (USD)
Street
Price
1.
 
Panasonic GH3 133 mm 93 mm 82 mm 550 g 540 Y Sep 2012 1,299ebay.com
2.
 
Panasonic S5 133 mm 98 mm 82 mm 714 g 440 Y Sep 2020 1,999 amazon.com
3.
 
Nikon Z6 II 134 mm 101 mm 70 mm 705 g 410 Y Oct 2020 1,999 amazon.com
4.
 
Olympus E-M1 130 mm 94 mm 63 mm 497 g 350 Y Sep 2013 1,399ebay.com
5.
 
Olympus E-M5 122 mm 89 mm 43 mm 425 g 360 Y Feb 2012 1,299ebay.com
6.
 
Olympus E-M5 II 124 mm 85 mm 45 mm 469 g 310 Y Feb 2015 1,099ebay.com
7.
 
Panasonic G5 120 mm 83 mm 71 mm 396 g 320 n Jul 2012 599ebay.com
8.
 
Panasonic G6 122 mm 85 mm 71 mm 390 g 340 n Apr 2013 599ebay.com
9.
 
Panasonic G85 128 mm 89 mm 74 mm 505 g 330 Y Sep 2016 899ebay.com
10.
 
Panasonic GH2 124 mm 90 mm 76 mm 442 g 330 n Sep 2010 899ebay.com
11.
 
Panasonic GH4 133 mm 93 mm 84 mm 560 g 500 Y Feb 2014 1,499ebay.com
12.
 
Panasonic GH5 139 mm 98 mm 87 mm 725 g 410 Y Jan 2017 1,999ebay.com
13.
 
Panasonic GH5 II 139 mm 98 mm 87 mm 727 g 400 Y May 2021 1,699 amazon.com
14.
 
Panasonic GM1 99 mm 55 mm 30 mm 204 g 230 n Oct 2013 749ebay.com
15.
 
Panasonic GX8 133 mm 78 mm 63 mm 487 g 330 Y Jul 2015 1,199ebay.com
16.
 
Panasonic S5 II 134 mm 102 mm 90 mm 740 g 370 Y Jan 2023 1,999 amazon.com
17.
 
Sony A7 II 127 mm 96 mm 60 mm 599 g 350 Y Nov 2014 1,999ebay.com
Note: Measurements and pricing do not include easily detachable parts, such as add-on or interchangeable lenses or optional viewfinders.

Any camera decision will naturally be influenced heavily by the price. The listed launch prices provide an indication of the market segment that the manufacturer of the cameras have been targeting. The GH3 was launched at a markedly lower price (by 35 percent) than the S5, 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 size of the sensor inside a digital camera is one of the key determinants 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. 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 tend to be associated with larger, more expensive camera bodies and lenses.

Of the two cameras under consideration, the Panasonic GH3 features a Four Thirds sensor and the Panasonic S5 a full frame sensor. The sensor area in the S5 is 276 percent bigger. As a result of these sensor size differences, the cameras have a format factor of, respectively, 2.0 and 1.0. The sensor in the GH3 has a native 4:3 aspect ratio, while the one in the S5 offers a 3:2 aspect.

Panasonic GH3 and Panasonic S5 sensor measures

With 24MP, the S5 offers a higher resolution than the GH3 (15.9MP), but the S5 nevertheless has larger individual pixels (pixel pitch of 5.94μm versus 3.76μm for the GH3) due to its larger sensor. Moreover, the S5 is a much more recent model (by 7 years and 11 months) than the GH3, and its sensor will have benefitted from technological advances during this time that further enhance the light gathering capacity of its pixel-units. Coming back to sensor resolution, it should be mentioned that the S5 has no anti-alias filter installed, so that it can capture all the detail its sensor resolves.

The resolution advantage of the Panasonic S5 implies greater flexibility for cropping images or the possibility to print larger pictures. The maximum print size of the S5 for good quality output (200 dots per inch) amounts to 30 x 20 inches or 76.2 x 50.8 cm, for very good quality (250 dpi) 24 x 16 inches or 61 x 40.6 cm, and for excellent quality (300 dpi) 20 x 13.3 inches or 50.8 x 33.9 cm. The corresponding values for the Panasonic GH3 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.

Unlike the GH3, the S5 has the capacity to capture high quality composite images (96MP) by combining multiple shots after shifting its sensor by miniscule distances. This multi-shot, pixel-shift mode is most suitable for photography of stationary objects (landscapes, studio scenes).

The Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH3 has a native sensitivity range from ISO 200 to ISO 12800, which can be extended to ISO 125-25600. The corresponding ISO settings for the Panasonic Lumix DC-S5 are ISO 100 to ISO 51200, with the possibility to increase the ISO range to 50-204800.

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.

GH3 versus S5 MP

Since 2007, DXO Mark has published sensor performance measurements that have been derived using a consistent methodology. This service is based on lab testing and assigns an overall score to each camera sensor, as well as ratings for dynamic range ("DXO Landscape"), color depth ("DXO Portrait"), and low-light sensitivity ("DXO Sports"). Of the two cameras under consideration, the S5 offers substantially better image quality than the GH3 (overall score 23 points higher). The advantage is based on 2.4 bits higher color depth, 2.1 EV in additional dynamic range, and 1.7 stops in additional low light sensitivity. The table below summarizes the physical sensor characteristics and sensor quality findings and compares them across a set of similar cameras.

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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.
 
Panasonic GH3 Four Thirds 15.9 4608 34561080/60p22.712.481271
2.
 
Panasonic S5 Full Frame 24.0 6000 40004K/60p25.114.5269794
3.
 
Nikon Z6 II Full Frame 24.3 6048 40244K/60p25.014.4330394
4.
 
Olympus E-M1 Four Thirds 15.9 4608 34561080/30p23.012.775773
5.
 
Olympus E-M5 Four Thirds 15.9 4608 34561080/60i22.812.382671
6.
 
Olympus E-M5 II Four Thirds 15.9 4608 34561080/60p23.012.584273
7.
 
Panasonic G5 Four Thirds 15.9 4608 34561080/60p21.411.661861
8.
 
Panasonic G6 Four Thirds 15.9 4608 34561080/60p21.311.563961
9.
 
Panasonic G85 Four Thirds 15.8 4592 34484K/30p22.812.565671
10.
 
Panasonic GH2 Four Thirds 15.9 4608 34561080/60i21.211.365560
11.
 
Panasonic GH4 Four Thirds 15.9 4608 34564K/30p23.212.879174
12.
 
Panasonic GH5 Four Thirds 20.2 5184 38884K/60p23.913.080777
13.
 
Panasonic GH5 II Four Thirds 20.2 5184 38884K/60p23.713.1113679
14.
 
Panasonic GM1 Four Thirds 15.8 4592 34481080/60i22.311.766066
15.
 
Panasonic GX8 Four Thirds 20.2 5184 38884K/30p23.512.680675
16.
 
Panasonic S5 II Full Frame 24.0 6000 40006K/30p25.414.6315896
17.
 
Sony A7 II Full Frame 24.0 6000 40001080/60p24.913.6244990
Note: DXO values in italics represent estimates based on sensor size and age.

Many modern cameras are not only capable of taking still images, but can also record movies. Both cameras under consideration are equipped with sensors that have a sufficiently high read-out speed for moving images, but the S5 provides a better video resolution than the GH3. It can shoot movie footage at 4K/60p, while the GH3 is limited to 1080/60p.

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Feature comparison

Apart from body and sensor, cameras can and do differ across a variety of features. The two cameras under review are similar with respect to both having an electronic viewfinder. However, the one in the S5 offers a higher resolution than the one in the GH3 (2360k vs 1746k dots). The adjacent table lists some of the other core features of the Panasonic GH3 and Panasonic S5 along with similar information for a selection of comparators.

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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.
 
Panasonic GH31746 n3.0 / 614 swivel Y 1/4000s 6.0/s Y n
2.
 
Panasonic S52360 n3.0 / 1840 swivel Y 1/8000s 7.0/s n Y
3.
 
Nikon Z6 II3690 Y3.2 / 2100 tilting Y 1/8000s 14.0/s n Y
4.
 
Olympus E-M12360 n3.0 / 1037 tilting Y 1/8000s 10.0/s n Y
5.
 
Olympus E-M51440 n3.0 / 610 tilting Y 1/4000s 9.0/s n Y
6.
 
Olympus E-M5 II2360 n3.0 / 1037 swivel Y 1/8000s 10.0/s n Y
7.
 
Panasonic G51440 n3.0 / 920 swivel Y 1/4000s 6.0/s Y n
8.
 
Panasonic G61440 n3.0 / 1036 swivel Y 1/4000s 7.0/s Y n
9.
 
Panasonic G852360 n3.0 / 1040 swivel Y 1/4000s 9.0/s Y Y
10.
 
Panasonic GH21534 n3.0 / 460 swivel n 1/4000s 3.0/s Y n
11.
 
Panasonic GH42359 n3.0 / 1036 swivel Y 1/8000s 12.0/s Y n
12.
 
Panasonic GH53680 n3.2 / 1620 swivel Y 1/8000s 12.0/s n Y
13.
 
Panasonic GH5 II3680 n3.0 / 1840 swivel Y 1/8000s 12.0/s n Y
14.
 
Panasonic GM1none n3.0 / 1036 fixed Y 1/500s 5.0/s Y n
15.
 
Panasonic GX82360 n3.0 / 1040 swivel Y 1/8000s 10.0/s n Y
16.
 
Panasonic S5 II3680 n3.0 / 1840 swivel Y 1/8000s 9.0/s n Y
17.
 
Sony A7 II2400 n3.0 / 1230 tilting n 1/8000s 5.0/s n Y
Note: *) Information refers to the mechanical shutter, unless the camera only has an electronic one.

One difference between the cameras concerns the presence of an on-board flash. The GH3 has one, while the S5 does not. While the built-in flash of the GH3 is not very powerful, it can at times be useful as a fill-in light.

Both cameras have an articulated rear screen that can be turned to be front-facing. This feature will be particularly appreciated by vloggers and photographers who are interested in taking selfies.

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, both cameras under consideration feature an 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 Panasonic GH3 and the Panasonic S5 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.

Concerning the storage of imaging data, both the GH3 and the S5 write their files to SDXC cards. The S5 features dual card slots, which can be very useful in case a memory card fails. In contrast, the GH3 only has one slot. The S5 supports UHS-II cards (on its first slot), while the GH3 can use UHS-I cards.

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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 Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH3 and Panasonic Lumix DC-S5 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.
 
Panasonic GH3Ystereo / monoYYmini2.0Y--
2.
 
Panasonic S5Ystereo / monoYYmicro3.2Y-Y
3.
 
Nikon Z6 IIYstereo / monoYYmicro3.2Y-Y
4.
 
Olympus E-M1Ystereo / monoY-micro2.0Y--
5.
 
Olympus E-M5Ystereo / mono--mini2.0---
6.
 
Olympus E-M5 IIYstereo / monoY-micro2.0Y--
7.
 
Panasonic G5Ystereo / mono--mini2.0---
8.
 
Panasonic G6Ystereo / monoY-mini2.0YY-
9.
 
Panasonic G85Ystereo / monoY-micro2.0Y--
10.
 
Panasonic GH2Ystereo / monoY-mini2.0---
11.
 
Panasonic GH4Ystereo / monoYYmicro2.0YY-
12.
 
Panasonic GH5Ystereo / monoYYfull3.1Y-Y
13.
 
Panasonic GH5 IIYstereo / monoYYfull3.2Y-Y
14.
 
Panasonic GM1-stereo / mono--micro2.0Y--
15.
 
Panasonic GX8Ystereo / monoY-micro2.0YY-
16.
 
Panasonic S5 IIYstereo / monoYYfull3.2Y-Y
17.
 
Sony A7 IIYstereo / monoYYmicro2.0YY-

Studio photographers will appreciate that the Panasonic GH3 (unlike the S5) features a PC Sync socket, so that professional strobe lights can be controlled by the camera.

The S5 is a recent model that features in the current product line-up of Panasonic. In contrast, the GH3 has been discontinued (but can be found pre-owned on ebay). As a replacement in the same line of cameras, the GH3 was succeeded by the Panasonic GH4. Further information on the features and operation of the GH3 and S5 can be found, respectively, in the Panasonic GH3 Manual (free pdf) or the online Panasonic S5 Manual.

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Review summary

So how do things add up? Is there a clear favorite between the Panasonic GH3 and the Panasonic S5? Which camera is better? A synthesis of the relative strong points of each of the models is listed below.


Arguments in favor of the Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH3:

  • Better moiré control: Has an anti-alias filter to avoid artificial patterns to appear in images.
  • Less heavy: Is lighter (by 164g or 23 percent) and hence easier to carry around.
  • Longer lasting: Can take more shots (540 versus 440) on a single battery charge.
  • Easier fill-in: Is equipped with a small onboard flash to brighten deep shadow areas.
  • Better studio light control: Has a PC Sync socket to connect to professional strobe lights.
  • More affordable: Was introduced into a lower priced category (35 percent cheaper at launch).
  • More heavily discounted: Has been available for much longer (launched in September 2012).


Advantages of the Panasonic Lumix DC-S5:

  • More detail: Has more megapixels (24 vs 15.9MP), which boosts linear resolution by 25%.
  • Maximized detail: Lacks an anti-alias filter to exploit the sensor's full resolution potential.
  • High quality composites: Can combine several shots after pixel-shifting its sensor.
  • Better image quality: Scores substantially higher (23 points) in the DXO overall evaluation.
  • Richer colors: Generates noticeably more natural colors (2.4 bits more color depth).
  • More dynamic range: Captures a broader range of light and dark details (2.1 EV of extra DR).
  • Better low-light sensitivity: Can shoot in dim conditions (1.7 stops ISO advantage).
  • Better video: Provides higher definition movie capture (4K/60p vs 1080/60p).
  • More detailed viewfinder: Has higher resolution electronic viewfinder (2360k vs 1746k dots).
  • Larger viewfinder image: Features a viewfinder with a higher magnification (0.74x vs 0.67x).
  • More detailed LCD: Has a higher resolution rear screen (1840k vs 614k dots).
  • Faster shutter: Has higher mechanical shutter speed (1/8000s vs 1/4000s) to freeze action.
  • Faster burst: Shoots at higher frequency (7 vs 6 flaps/sec) to capture the decisive moment.
  • Easier travel charging: Can be conveniently charged via its USB port.
  • Sharper images: Has stabilization technology built-in to reduce the impact of hand-shake.
  • Faster data transfer: Supports a more advanced USB protocol (3.2 vs 2.0).
  • Easier wireless transfer: Supports Bluetooth for image sharing without cables.
  • Greater peace of mind: Features a second card slot as a backup in case of memory card failure.
  • Faster buffer clearing: Supports a more advanced SD data transfer standard (UHS-II vs UHS-I).
  • More modern: Reflects 7 years and 11 months of technical progress since the GH3 launch.

If the count of individual advantages (bullet points above) is taken as a guide, the S5 is the clear winner of the contest (20 : 7 points). However, the pertinence of the various camera strengths will differ across photographers, so that you might want to weigh individual camera traits according to their importance for your own imaging needs before making a camera decision. 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.

GH3 07:20 S5

How about other alternatives? Do the specifications of the Panasonic GH3 and the Panasonic S5 place the cameras among the top in their class? Find out in the latest Best Mirrorless Interchangeable Lens Camera listing 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 remains incomplete and does no justice, for example, to the way the GH3 or the S5 perform in practice. User reviews that are available, for instance, at amazon can sometimes shed light on these issues, but such feedback is all too often partial, inconsistent, and inaccurate.

Expert reviews

This is why hands-on reviews by experts are important. The following table reports the overall ratings of the cameras as published by some of the major camera 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 (USD)
Street
Price
1.
 
Panasonic GH35/5+ +..79/1004.5/54.5/5 Sep 2012 1,299ebay.com
2.
 
Panasonic S54.5/5+ +4.5/588/1004.5/54.5/5 Sep 2020 1,999 amazon.com
3.
 
Nikon Z6 II4.5/5..4/589/1004.5/54.5/5 Oct 2020 1,999 amazon.com
4.
 
Olympus E-M15/5+ +..84/1004.5/54.5/5 Sep 2013 1,399ebay.com
5.
 
Olympus E-M54/5+ +..80/1004.5/55/5 Feb 2012 1,299ebay.com
6.
 
Olympus E-M5 II5/5+ +4.5/581/1005/55/5 Feb 2015 1,099ebay.com
7.
 
Panasonic G53/5+ +....4.5/54.5/5 Jul 2012 599ebay.com
8.
 
Panasonic G64/5+ +....5/54.5/5 Apr 2013 599ebay.com
9.
 
Panasonic G85..+ +..84/1005/54.5/5 Sep 2016 899ebay.com
10.
 
Panasonic GH25/5+ +..79/1004.5/55/5 Sep 2010 899ebay.com
11.
 
Panasonic GH45/5+ +..85/1005/55/5 Feb 2014 1,499ebay.com
12.
 
Panasonic GH54.5/5+ +..85/1004.5/55/5 Jan 2017 1,999ebay.com
13.
 
Panasonic GH5 II4.5/5..4.5/585/1004.5/55/5 May 2021 1,699 amazon.com
14.
 
Panasonic GM13/5+..78/1005/54.5/5 Oct 2013 749ebay.com
15.
 
Panasonic GX85/5+..82/1004.5/54.5/5 Jul 2015 1,199ebay.com
16.
 
Panasonic S5 II4.5/5+ +5/590/1004.5/55/5 Jan 2023 1,999 amazon.com
17.
 
Sony A7 II5/5+4/582/1004.5/55/5 Nov 2014 1,999ebay.com
Note: (+ +) highly recommended; (+) recommended; (o) reviewed; (..) not available.

The above review scores should be interpreted with care, though. The ratings are only valid when referring to cameras in the same category and of the same age. A score, therefore, has to be seen in close connection to the price and market introduction time of the camera, and comparisons of ratings among very different cameras or across long time periods have little meaning. 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? If you would like to see a different side-by-side camera review, just use the search menu 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: Panasonic GH3 vs Panasonic S5

    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 Panasonic GH3 Panasonic S5
    Camera Type Mirrorless system camera Mirrorless system camera
    Camera Lens Micro Four Thirds lenses Leica L mount lenses
    Launch Date September 2012 September 2020
    Launch Price USD 1,299 USD 1,999
    Sensor Specs Panasonic GH3 Panasonic S5
    Sensor Technology CMOS CMOS
    Sensor Format Four Thirds Sensor Full Frame Sensor
    Sensor Size 17.3 x 13.0 mm 35.6 x 23.8 mm
    Sensor Area 224.9 mm2 847.28 mm2
    Sensor Diagonal 21.6 mm 42.8 mm
    Crop Factor 2.0x 1.0x
    Sensor Resolution 15.9 Megapixels 24 Megapixels
    Image Resolution 4608 x 3456 pixels 6000 x 4000 pixels
    Pixel Pitch 3.76 μm 5.94 μm
    Pixel Density 7.08 MP/cm2 2.83 MP/cm2
    Moiré control Anti-Alias filter no AA filter
    Movie Capability 1080/60p Video 4K/60p Video
    ISO Setting 200 - 12,800 ISO 100 - 51,200 ISO
    ISO Boost 125 - 25,600 ISO 50 - 204,800 ISO
    Image Processor Venus VII FHD Venus
    DXO Sensor Quality (score) 71 94
    DXO Color Depth (bits) 22.7 25.1
    DXO Dynamic Range (EV) 12.4 14.5
    DXO Low Light (ISO) 812 2697
    Screen Specs Panasonic GH3 Panasonic S5
    Viewfinder Type Electronic viewfinder Electronic viewfinder
    Viewfinder Field of View 100% 100%
    Viewfinder Magnification 0.67x 0.74x
    Viewfinder Resolution 1746k dots 2360k dots
    LCD Framing Live View Live View
    Rear LCD Size 3.0inch 3.0inch
    LCD Resolution 614k dots 1840k dots
    LCD Attachment Swivel screen Swivel screen
    Touch Input Touchscreen Touchscreen
    Shooting Specs Panasonic GH3 Panasonic S5
    Focus System Contrast-detect AF Contrast-detect AF
    Manual Focusing Aidno Peaking FeatureFocus Peaking
    Max Shutter Speed (mechanical) 1/4000s 1/8000s
    Continuous Shooting 6 shutter flaps/s 7 shutter flaps/s
    Electronic ShutterYESup to 1/8000s
    Time-Lapse PhotographyIntervalometer built-inIntervalometer built-in
    Image StabilizationLens stabilization onlyIn-body stabilization
    Fill Flash Built-in Flash no On-Board Flash
    Storage Medium SDXC cards SDXC cards
    Single or Dual Card Slots Single card slot Dual card slots
    UHS card support UHS-I Single UHS-II
    Connectivity Specs Panasonic GH3 Panasonic S5
    External Flash Hotshoe Hotshoe
    Studio Flash PC Sync socket no PC Sync
    USB Connector USB 2.0 USB 3.2
    HDMI Port mini HDMI micro HDMI
    Microphone Port External MIC port External MIC port
    Headphone Socket Headphone port Headphone port
    Wifi Support Wifi built-in Wifi built-in
    Bluetooth Support no Bluetooth Bluetooth built-in
    Body Specs Panasonic GH3 Panasonic S5
    Environmental SealingWeathersealed bodyWeathersealed body
    Battery Type Panasonic DMW-BLF19 Panasonic DMW-BLK22
    Battery Life (CIPA)540 shots per charge440 shots per charge
    In-Camera Charging no USB charging USB charging
    Body Dimensions 133 x 93 x 82 mm
    (5.2 x 3.7 x 3.2 in)
    133 x 98 x 82 mm
    (5.2 x 3.9 x 3.2 in)
    Camera Weight 550 g (19.4 oz) 714 g (25.2 oz)
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