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Panasonic GH5 vs Sony ZV-E1

The Panasonic Lumix DC-GH5 and the Sony ZV-E1 are two digital cameras that were announced, respectively, in January 2017 and March 2023. Both the GH5 and the ZV-E1 are mirrorless interchangeable lens cameras that are based on a Four Thirds (GH5) and a full frame (ZV-E1) sensor. The Panasonic has a resolution of 20.2 megapixels, whereas the Sony provides 12 MP.

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

Headline Specifications
Panasonic GH5
versus
Sony ZV-E1
Panasonic GH5   Sony ZV-E1
Mirrorless system camera Mirrorless system camera
Micro Four Thirds lenses Sony E mount lenses
20.2 MP – Four Thirds sensor 12 MP – Full Frame sensor
4K/60p Video 4K/60p Video
ISO 200-25,600 ISO 80-102,400 (40 - 409,600)
Electronic viewfinder (3680k dots) No viewfinder, LCD framing
3.2" LCD – 1620k dots 3.0" LCD – 1037k dots
Swivel touchscreen Swivel touchscreen
12 shutter flaps per second 10 shutter flaps per second
In-body stabilizationIn-body stabilization
Weathersealed bodyWeathersealed body
410 shots per battery charge570 shots per battery charge
139 x 98 x 87 mm, 725 g 121 x 72 x 54 mm, 483 g
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Check ZV-E1 price at
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Going beyond this snapshot of core features and characteristics, what are the differences between the Panasonic Lumix DC-GH5 and the Sony ZV-E1? 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

An illustration of the physical size and weight of the Panasonic GH5 and the Sony ZV-E1 is provided 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 width, height and depth measures are rounded to the nearest millimeter.

The ZV-E1 can be obtained in two different colors (black, white), while the GH5 is only available in black.

Size Panasonic GH5 vs Sony ZV-E1
Compare GH5 versus ZV-E1 top
Comparison GH5 or ZV-E1 rear

If the front view area (width x height) of the cameras is taken as an aggregate measure of their size, the Sony ZV-E1 is considerably smaller (36 percent) than the Panasonic GH5. Moreover, the ZV-E1 is markedly lighter (33 percent) than the GH5. 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 Micro Four Thirds Lens Catalog (GH5) and the Sony FE Lens Catalog (ZV-E1). Mirrorless cameras, such as the two under consideration, have the additional advantage of having a short flange to focal plane distance, which makes it possible to mount many lenses from other systems onto the camera via adapters.

Concerning battery life, the GH5 gets 410 shots out of its Panasonic DMW-BLF19 battery, while the ZV-E1 can take 570 images on a single charge of its Sony NP-FZ100 power pack. The power pack in the ZV-E1 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
Street
Price
1.
 
Panasonic GH5 139 mm 98 mm 87 mm 725 g 410 Y Jan 2017 US$ 1 999ebay.com
2.
 
Sony ZV-E1 121 mm 72 mm 54 mm 483 g 570 Y Mar 2023 US$ 2 199 amazon.com
3.
 
Olympus E-M1 II 134 mm 91 mm 67 mm 574 g 440 Y Sep 2016 US$ 1 999ebay.com
4.
 
OM System OM-1 135 mm 92 mm 73 mm 599 g 520 Y Feb 2022 US$ 2 199ebay.com
5.
 
Panasonic G9 137 mm 97 mm 92 mm 658 g 400 Y Nov 2017 US$ 1 699ebay.com
6.
 
Panasonic G9 II 134 mm 102 mm 90 mm 658 g 390 Y Sep 2023 US$ 1 899 amazon.com
7.
 
Panasonic G85 128 mm 89 mm 74 mm 505 g 330 Y Sep 2016 US$ 899ebay.com
8.
 
Panasonic GH4 133 mm 93 mm 84 mm 560 g 500 Y Feb 2014 US$ 1 499ebay.com
9.
 
Panasonic GH5 II 139 mm 98 mm 87 mm 727 g 400 Y May 2021 US$ 1 699 amazon.com
10.
 
Panasonic GH6 138 mm 100 mm 100 mm 823 g 360 Y Feb 2022 US$ 2 199 amazon.com
11.
 
Panasonic GX8 133 mm 78 mm 63 mm 487 g 330 Y Jul 2015 US$ 1 199ebay.com
12.
 
Panasonic S5 133 mm 98 mm 82 mm 714 g 440 Y Sep 2020 US$ 1 999 amazon.com
13.
 
Sony A7 II 127 mm 96 mm 60 mm 599 g 350 Y Nov 2014 US$ 1 999ebay.com
14.
 
Sony A7C II 124 mm 71 mm 63 mm 514 g 540 Y Aug 2023 US$ 2 199 amazon.com
15.
 
Sony A7C R 124 mm 71 mm 63 mm 520 g 520 Y Aug 2023 US$ 2 999 amazon.com
16.
 
Sony A7R 127 mm 94 mm 48 mm 465 g 340 Y Oct 2013 US$ 2 299ebay.com
17.
 
Sony A7S 127 mm 94 mm 48 mm 489 g 380 Y Apr 2014 US$ 2 499ebay.com
Note: Measurements and pricing do not include easily detachable parts, such as add-on or interchangeable lenses or optional viewfinders.

The price is, of course, an important factor in any camera decision. The listed launch prices provide an indication of the market segment that the manufacturer of the cameras have been targeting. The GH5 was somewhat cheaper (by 9 percent) than the ZV-E1 at launch, but both cameras fall into the same price category. 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. 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 Panasonic GH5 features a Four Thirds sensor and the Sony ZV-E1 a full frame sensor. The sensor area in the ZV-E1 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 GH5 has a native 4:3 aspect ratio, while the one in the ZV-E1 offers a 3:2 aspect.

Panasonic GH5 and Sony ZV-E1 sensor measures

Despite having a smaller sensor, the Panasonic GH5 offers a higher resolution of 20.2 megapixels, compared with 12 MP of the Sony ZV-E1. 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 8.40μm for the ZV-E1). Moreover, it should be noted that the ZV-E1 is much more recent (by 6 years and 2 months) than the GH5, 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 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 Sony ZV-E1 are 21.2 x 14.2 inches or 53.8 x 36 cm for good quality, 17 x 11.3 inches or 43.1 x 28.8 cm for very good quality, and 14.1 x 9.4 inches or 35.9 x 24 cm for excellent quality prints.

The ZV-E1 has on-sensor phase detect pixels, which results in fast and reliable autofocus acquisition even during live view operation.

The Panasonic Lumix DC-GH5 has a native sensitivity range from ISO 200 to ISO 25600, which can be extended to ISO 100-25600. The corresponding ISO settings for the Sony ZV-E1 are ISO 80 to ISO 102400, with the possibility to increase the ISO range to 40-409600.

In terms of underlying technology, the GH5 is build around a CMOS sensor, while the ZV-E1 uses a BSI-CMOS imager. Both cameras use a Bayer filter for capturing RGB colors on a square grid of photosensors. This arrangement is found in most digital cameras.

GH5 versus ZV-E1 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"). 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.
 
Panasonic GH5 Four Thirds 20.2 5184 38884K/60p23.913.080777
2.
 
Sony ZV-E1 Full Frame 12.0 4240 28324K/60p25.414.6318196
3.
 
Olympus E-M1 II Four Thirds 20.2 5184 38884K/30p23.712.8131280
4.
 
OM System OM-1 Four Thirds 20.2 5184 38884K/60p23.413.4155377
5.
 
Panasonic G9 Four Thirds 20.2 5184 38884K/60p23.112.8113874
6.
 
Panasonic G9 II Four Thirds 25.0 5776 43365.7K/60p23.413.5171078
7.
 
Panasonic G85 Four Thirds 15.8 4592 34484K/30p22.812.565671
8.
 
Panasonic GH4 Four Thirds 15.9 4608 34564K/30p23.212.879174
9.
 
Panasonic GH5 II Four Thirds 20.2 5184 38884K/60p23.713.1113679
10.
 
Panasonic GH6 Four Thirds 25.0 5776 43365.7K/60p23.413.4155577
11.
 
Panasonic GX8 Four Thirds 20.2 5184 38884K/30p23.512.680675
12.
 
Panasonic S5 Full Frame 24.0 6000 40004K/60p25.114.5269794
13.
 
Sony A7 II Full Frame 24.0 6000 40001080/60p24.913.6244990
14.
 
Sony A7C II Full Frame 32.7 7008 46724K/60p25.414.7323796
15.
 
Sony A7C R Full Frame 60.2 9504 63364K/60p25.414.7322796
16.
 
Sony A7R Full Frame 36.2 7360 49121080/60p25.614.1274695
17.
 
Sony A7S Full Frame 12.0 4240 28321080/60p23.913.2370287
Note: DXO values in italics represent estimates based on sensor size and age.

Many modern cameras cannot only take still pictures, but also record videos. Both cameras under consideration have a sensor with sufficiently fast read-out times for moving pictures, and both provide the same movie specifications (4K/60p).

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Feature comparison

Beyond body and sensor, cameras can and do differ across a range of features. For example, the GH5 has an electronic viewfinder (3680k dots), which can be very helpful when shooting in bright sunlight. In contrast, the ZV-E1 relies on live view and the rear LCD for framing. The table below summarizes some of the other core capabilities of the Panasonic GH5 and Sony ZV-E1 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.
 
Panasonic GH53680 n3.2 / 1620 swivel Y 1/8000s 12.0/s n Y
2.
 
Sony ZV-E1none n3.0 / 1037 swivel Y 1/8000s 10.0/s n Y
3.
 
Olympus E-M1 II2360 n3.0 / 1037 swivel Y 1/8000s 18.0/s n Y
4.
 
OM System OM-15760 n3.0 / 1640 swivel Y 1/8000s 10.0/s n Y
5.
 
Panasonic G93680 Y3.0 / 1040 swivel Y 1/8000s 20.0/s n Y
6.
 
Panasonic G9 II3680 n3.0 / 1840 swivel Y 1/8000s 10.0/s n Y
7.
 
Panasonic G852360 n3.0 / 1040 swivel Y 1/4000s 9.0/s Y Y
8.
 
Panasonic GH42359 n3.0 / 1036 swivel Y 1/8000s 12.0/s Y n
9.
 
Panasonic GH5 II3680 n3.0 / 1840 swivel Y 1/8000s 12.0/s n Y
10.
 
Panasonic GH63680 n3.0 / 1840 full-flex Y 1/8000s 14.0/s n Y
11.
 
Panasonic GX82360 n3.0 / 1040 swivel Y 1/8000s 10.0/s n Y
12.
 
Panasonic S52360 n3.0 / 1840 swivel Y 1/8000s 7.0/s n Y
13.
 
Sony A7 II2400 n3.0 / 1230 tilting n 1/8000s 5.0/s n Y
14.
 
Sony A7C II2360 n3.0 / 1037 swivel Y 1/4000s 10.0/s n Y
15.
 
Sony A7C R2360 n3.0 / 1037 swivel Y 1/4000s 8.0/s n Y
16.
 
Sony A7R2400 n3.0 / 1230 tilting n 1/8000s 4.0/s n n
17.
 
Sony A7S2400 n3.0 / 921 tilting n 1/8000s 5.0/s n n
Note: *) Information refers to the mechanical shutter, unless the camera only has an electronic one.
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 GH5 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.

Concerning the storage of imaging data, both the GH5 and the ZV-E1 write their files to SDXC cards. The GH5 features dual card slots, which can be very useful in case a memory card fails. In contrast, the ZV-E1 only has one slot. Both cameras support UHS-II cards, which provide for Ultra High Speed data transfer of up to 312 MB/s.

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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 DC-GH5 and Sony ZV-E1 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 GH5Ystereo / monoYYfull3.1Y-Y
2.
 
Sony ZV-E1Ystereo / monoYYmicro3.2Y-Y
3.
 
Olympus E-M1 IIYstereo / monoYYmicro3.0Y--
4.
 
OM System OM-1Ystereo / monoYYmicro3.0Y-Y
5.
 
Panasonic G9Ystereo / monoYYfull3.0Y-Y
6.
 
Panasonic G9 IIYstereo / monoYYfull3.2Y-Y
7.
 
Panasonic G85Ystereo / monoY-micro2.0Y--
8.
 
Panasonic GH4Ystereo / monoYYmicro2.0YY-
9.
 
Panasonic GH5 IIYstereo / monoYYfull3.2Y-Y
10.
 
Panasonic GH6Ystereo / monoYYfull3.2Y-Y
11.
 
Panasonic GX8Ystereo / monoY-micro2.0YY-
12.
 
Panasonic S5Ystereo / monoYYmicro3.2Y-Y
13.
 
Sony A7 IIYstereo / monoYYmicro2.0YY-
14.
 
Sony A7C IIYstereo / monoYYmicro3.2Y-Y
15.
 
Sony A7C RYstereo / monoYYmicro3.2Y-Y
16.
 
Sony A7RYstereo / monoYYmicro2.0YY-
17.
 
Sony A7SYstereo / monoYYmicro2.0YY-

Studio photographers will appreciate that the Panasonic GH5 (unlike the ZV-E1) features a PC Sync socket, so that professional strobe lights can be controlled by the camera.

The ZV-E1 is a recent model that features in the current product line-up of Sony. In contrast, the GH5 has been discontinued (but can be found pre-owned on ebay). As a replacement in the same line of cameras, the GH5 was succeeded by the Panasonic GH5 II. Further information on the features and operation of the GH5 and ZV-E1 can be found, respectively, in the Panasonic GH5 Manual (free pdf) or the online Sony ZV-E1 Manual.

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Review summary

So what conclusions can be drawn? Is the Panasonic GH5 better than the Sony ZV-E1 or vice versa? Below is a summary of the relative strengths of each of the two contestants.

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Advantages of the Panasonic Lumix DC-GH5:

  • More detail: Offers more megapixels (20.2 vs 12MP) with a 27% higher linear resolution.
  • Maximized detail: Lacks an anti-alias filter to exploit the sensor's full resolution potential.
  • Easier framing: Has an electronic viewfinder for image composition and settings control.
  • 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 (1620k vs 1037k dots).
  • Faster burst: Shoots at higher frequency (12 vs 10 flaps/sec) to capture the decisive moment.
  • Easier time-lapse photography: Has an intervalometer built-in for low frequency shooting.
  • More solid recording: Has a full-sized HDMI port for a sturdy connection to an external recorder.
  • 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 heavily discounted: Has been available for much longer (launched in January 2017).

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Reasons to prefer the Sony ZV-E1:

  • Better moiré control: Has an anti-alias filter to avoid artificial patterns to appear in images.
  • Better image quality: Is equipped with a larger and more technologically advanced sensor.
  • Richer colors: The sensor size advantage translates into images with better, more accurate colors.
  • More dynamic range: Larger sensor captures a wider spectrum of light and dark details.
  • Better low-light sensitivity: Larger sensor produces good images even in poorly lit environments.
  • Better live-view autofocus: Features on-sensor phase-detection for more confident autofocus.
  • More compact: Is smaller (121x72mm vs 139x98mm) and will fit more readily into a bag.
  • Less heavy: Has a lower weight (by 242g or 33 percent) and is thus easier to take along.
  • Longer lasting: Gets more shots (570 versus 410) out of a single battery charge.
  • Easier travel charging: Can be conveniently charged via its USB port.
  • Faster data transfer: Supports a more advanced USB protocol (3.2 vs 3.1).
  • More modern: Reflects 6 years and 2 months of technical progress since the GH5 launch.

If the count of relative strengths (bullet points above) is taken as a measure, the ZV-E1 comes out slightly ahead of the GH5 (12 : 11 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 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.

GH5 11:12 ZV-E1

How about other alternatives? Do the specifications of the Panasonic GH5 and the Sony ZV-E1 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 the spec-sheets of cameras can offer a general idea of their imaging potential, it remains partial and cannot reveal, for example, the shooting experience and imaging performance when actually working with the GH5 or the ZV-E1. 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 why expert reviews are important. The adjacent summary-table relays the overall verdicts of several of the most popular 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
Street
Price
1.
 
Panasonic GH54.5/5+ +..85/1004.5/55/5 Jan 2017 US$ 1 999ebay.com
2.
 
Sony ZV-E1..+4/5....4.5/5 Mar 2023 US$ 2 199 amazon.com
3.
 
Olympus E-M1 II5/5+ +5/585/1004.5/54.5/5 Sep 2016 US$ 1 999ebay.com
4.
 
OM System OM-15/5....87/1005/54.5/5 Feb 2022 US$ 2 199ebay.com
5.
 
Panasonic G9..+ +5/585/1005/55/5 Nov 2017 US$ 1 699ebay.com
6.
 
Panasonic G9 II5/5..4.5/587/100..4.5/5 Sep 2023 US$ 1 899 amazon.com
7.
 
Panasonic G85..+ +..84/1005/54.5/5 Sep 2016 US$ 899ebay.com
8.
 
Panasonic GH45/5+ +..85/1005/55/5 Feb 2014 US$ 1 499ebay.com
9.
 
Panasonic GH5 II4.5/5..4.5/585/1004.5/55/5 May 2021 US$ 1 699 amazon.com
10.
 
Panasonic GH65/5+ +5/587/1005/55/5 Feb 2022 US$ 2 199 amazon.com
11.
 
Panasonic GX85/5+..82/1004.5/54.5/5 Jul 2015 US$ 1 199ebay.com
12.
 
Panasonic S54.5/5+ +4.5/588/1004.5/54.5/5 Sep 2020 US$ 1 999 amazon.com
13.
 
Sony A7 II5/5+4/582/1004.5/55/5 Nov 2014 US$ 1 999ebay.com
14.
 
Sony A7C II4/5..4/587/1004.5/54.5/5 Aug 2023 US$ 2 199 amazon.com
15.
 
Sony A7C R4/5..4/588/100..4/5 Aug 2023 US$ 2 999 amazon.com
16.
 
Sony A7R5/5+ +..82/1004.5/55/5 Oct 2013 US$ 2 299ebay.com
17.
 
Sony A7S4/5....86/1004.5/55/5 Apr 2014 US$ 2 499ebay.com
Note: (+ +) highly recommended; (+) recommended; (o) reviewed; (..) not available.

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. Thus, a score needs to be put into the context of the launch date and the launch price 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. Also, please note that some of the review sites have changed their methodology and reporting over time.

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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 make your choice using the following search menu. Alternatively, you can follow any of the listed hyperlinks for comparisons that others found interesting.

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    Specifications: Panasonic GH5 vs Sony ZV-E1

    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 GH5 Sony ZV-E1
    Camera Type Mirrorless system camera Mirrorless system camera
    Camera Lens Micro Four Thirds lenses Sony E mount lenses
    Launch Date January 2017 March 2023
    Launch Price USD 1,999 USD 2,199
    Sensor Specs Panasonic GH5 Sony ZV-E1
    Sensor Technology CMOS BSI-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 20.2 Megapixels 12 Megapixels
    Image Resolution 5184 x 3888 pixels 4240 x 2832 pixels
    Pixel Pitch 3.34 μm 8.40 μm
    Pixel Density 8.96 MP/cm2 1.42 MP/cm2
    Moiré control no AA filter Anti-Alias filter
    Movie Capability 4K/60p Video 4K/60p Video
    ISO Setting 200 - 25,600 ISO 80 - 102,400 ISO
    ISO Boost 100 - 25,600 ISO 40 - 409,600 ISO
    Image Processor Venus 10 BIONZ XR
    DXO Sensor Quality (score) 77 ..
    DXO Color Depth (bits) 23.9 ..
    DXO Dynamic Range (EV) 13.0 ..
    DXO Low Light (ISO) 807 ..
    Screen Specs Panasonic GH5 Sony ZV-E1
    Viewfinder Type Electronic viewfinder no viewfinder
    Viewfinder Field of View 100%
    Viewfinder Magnification 0.76x
    Viewfinder Resolution 3680k dots
    LCD Framing Live View Live View
    Rear LCD Size 3.2inch 3.0inch
    LCD Resolution 1620k dots 1037k dots
    LCD Attachment Swivel screen Swivel screen
    Touch Input Touchscreen Touchscreen
    Shooting Specs Panasonic GH5 Sony ZV-E1
    Focus System Contrast-detect AF On-Sensor Phase-detect
    Manual Focusing AidFocus PeakingFocus Peaking
    Max Shutter Speed (mechanical) 1/8000s 1/8000s
    Continuous Shooting 12 shutter flaps/s 10 shutter flaps/s
    Electronic Shutterup to 1/16000sup to 1/8000s
    Time-Lapse PhotographyIntervalometer built-inno Intervalometer
    Image StabilizationIn-body stabilizationIn-body stabilization
    Fill Flash no On-Board Flash no On-Board Flash
    Storage Medium SDXC cards SDXC cards
    Single or Dual Card Slots Dual card slots Single card slot
    UHS card support Dual UHS-II UHS-II
    Connectivity Specs Panasonic GH5 Sony ZV-E1
    External Flash Hotshoe Hotshoe
    Studio Flash PC Sync socket no PC Sync
    USB Connector USB 3.1 USB 3.2
    HDMI Port full 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 Bluetooth built-in Bluetooth built-in
    Body Specs Panasonic GH5 Sony ZV-E1
    Environmental SealingWeathersealed bodyWeathersealed body
    Battery Type Panasonic DMW-BLF19 Sony NP-FZ100
    Battery Life (CIPA)410 shots per charge570 shots per charge
    In-Camera Charging no USB charging USB charging
    Body Dimensions 139 x 98 x 87 mm
    (5.5 x 3.9 x 3.4 in)
    121 x 72 x 54 mm
    (4.8 x 2.8 x 2.1 in)
    Camera Weight 725 g (25.6 oz) 483 g (17.0 oz)
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