Panasonic GH5s versus Nikon D1

The Panasonic Lumix DC-GH5s and the Nikon D1 are two digital cameras that were announced, respectively, in January 2018 and June 1999. The GH5s is a mirrorless interchangeable lens camera, while the D1 is a DSLR. The cameras are based on a Four Thirds (GH5s) and an APS-C (D1) sensor. The Panasonic has a resolution of 9.9 megapixel, whereas the Nikon provides 2.6 MP. Read on to find out how these two cameras compare with respect to their size, their sensors, their features, and their reception by expert reviewers.

Body comparison: Panasonic GH5s vs Nikon D1

An illustration of the physical size and weight of the Panasonic GH5s and the Nikon D1 is provided 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 width, height and depth dimensions are rounded to the nearest millimeter. You can also use the toggle button to switch to a percentage comparison if you prefer that the measures are being expressed in relative terms (in this case, the camera on the left side – the GH5s – represents the basis for the calculations across all the size and weight measures).

If the front view area (width x height) of the cameras is taken as an aggregate measure of their size, the Nikon D1 is considerably larger (76 percent) than the Panasonic GH5s. Moreover, the D1 is substantially heavier (67 percent) than the GH5s. 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 find an overview of optics for the two cameras in the Micro Four Thirds Lens Catalog (GH5s) and the Nikon Lens Catalog (D1). Mirrorless cameras, such as the Panasonic GH5s, have moreover the advantage that they have a relatively short flange to focal plane distance and can thus use many lenses from other systems via adapters.

As can be seen in the images above, the D1 has a battery grip build in. This facilitates image-taking in portrait orientation and gives it additional battery power. In order to provide similar functionality for the GH5s, Panasonic provides the DMW-BGGH5 vertical grip as an optional accessory (see here on eBay).

The following table provides a synthesis of the main physical specifications of the two cameras and other similar ones. In case you want to display and compare another camera duo, just click on the right or left arrow next to the camera that you would like to inspect. Alternatively, you can also use the CAM-parator to select your camera combination among a larger number of options.

Camera Body Specifications

	Camera Model	Camera Width	Camera Height	Camera Depth	Camera Weight	Battery Life (CIPA)	Weather Sealing (yes/no)	Camera Launch (announced)	Launch Price (USD)	Street Price (USD)	Used Price (USD)	Camera Model
	Panasonic GH5s»	5.5 in	3.9 in	3.4 in	23.3 oz	440	Y	Jan 2018	2,499			Panasonic GH5s
	Nikon D1«	6.2 in	6.0 in	3.3 in	38.8 oz	..	Y	Jun 1999	5,499	-		Nikon D1
	Canon R« »	5.5 in	3.9 in	3.3 in	23.3 oz	370	Y	Sep 2018	2,299			Canon R
	Nikon D300S« »	5.8 in	4.5 in	3.2 in	33.1 oz	950	Y	Jul 2009	1,799	-		Nikon D300S
	Nikon D300« »	5.8 in	4.5 in	2.9 in	32.6 oz	1000	Y	Aug 2007	1,799	-		Nikon D300
	Nikon D2Xs« »	6.2 in	5.9 in	3.4 in	44.2 oz	3800	Y	Jun 2006	4,699	-		Nikon D2Xs
	Nikon D200« »	5.8 in	4.4 in	2.9 in	32.5 oz	400	Y	Nov 2005	1,699	-		Nikon D200
	Nikon D1X« »	6.2 in	6.0 in	3.3 in	38.8 oz	1200	Y	Feb 2001	5,999	-		Nikon D1X
	Panasonic G9« »	5.4 in	3.8 in	3.6 in	23.2 oz	400	Y	Nov 2017	1,699			Panasonic G9
	Panasonic GH5« »	5.5 in	3.9 in	3.4 in	25.6 oz	410	Y	Jan 2017	1,999			Panasonic GH5
	Panasonic FZ300« »	5.2 in	3.6 in	4.6 in	24.4 oz	380	Y	Jul 2015	599			Panasonic FZ300
	Panasonic GH4« »	5.2 in	3.7 in	3.3 in	19.8 oz	500	Y	Feb 2014	1,499	-		Panasonic GH4
	Panasonic GF5« »	4.3 in	2.6 in	1.5 in	9.4 oz	360	n	Apr 2012	499	-		Panasonic GF5
	Panasonic GH3« »	5.2 in	3.7 in	3.2 in	19.4 oz	540	Y	Sep 2012	1,299	-		Panasonic GH3
	Panasonic GF3« »	4.3 in	2.6 in	1.3 in	9.3 oz	300	n	Jun 2011	549	-		Panasonic GF3
	Panasonic G10« »	4.9 in	3.3 in	2.9 in	13.7 oz	380	n	Mar 2010	499	-		Panasonic G10
	Panasonic G2« »	4.9 in	3.3 in	2.9 in	15.1 oz	360	n	Mar 2010	599	-		Panasonic G2
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The camera’s price is obviously a critical decision-making factor. 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 GH5s was launched at a markedly lower price (by 55 percent) than the D1, 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. Then, after the new model is out, very good deals can frequently be found on the pre-owned market.

Sensor comparison: Panasonic GH5s vs Nikon D1

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. Moreover, a large sensor camera will give the photographer more control over depth-of-field in the image and, thus, the ability to better 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 GH5s features a Four Thirds sensor and the Nikon D1 an APS-C sensor. The sensor area in the D1 is 64 percent bigger. As a result of these sensor size differences, the cameras have a format factor of, respectively, 2.0 and 1.5. The sensor in the GH5s has a native 4:3 aspect ratio, while the one in the D1 offers a 3:2 aspect.

Despite having a smaller sensor, the Panasonic GH5s offers a higher resolution of 9.9 megapixel, compared with 2.6 MP of the Nikon D1. This megapixel advantage comes at the cost of a higher pixel density and a smaller size of the individual pixel (with a pixel pitch of 4.77μm versus 11.93μm for the D1). However, it should be noted that the GH5s is much more recent (by 18 years and 6 months) than the D1, 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 GH5s has no anti-alias filter installed, so that it can capture all the detail its sensor resolves.

For many cameras, data on sensor performance has been reported by DXO Mark. This service assesses and scores the color depth ("DXO Portrait"), dynamic range ("DXO Landscape"), and low-light sensitivity ("DXO Sports") of camera sensors, and also publishes an overall camera score. The following table provides an overview of the physical sensor characteristics, as well as the sensor quality measurements for a selection of comparators.

Many modern cameras cannot only take still pictures, but also record videos. The GH5s indeed provides movie recording capabilities, while the D1 does not. The highest resolution format that the GH5s can use is 4K/60p.

Feature comparison: Panasonic GH5s vs Nikon D1

Beyond body and sensor, cameras can and do differ across a range of features. For example, the GH5s has an electronic viewfinder (3680k dots), while the D1 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 following table reports on some other key feature differences and similarities of the Panasonic GH5s, the Nikon D1, and comparable cameras. The full specs-sheets can be found in the camera manual or in the dpreview camera hub.

One differentiating feature between the two cameras concerns the touch sensitivity of the rear screen. The GH5s has a touchscreen, while the D1 has a conventional panel. Touch control can be particularly helpful, for example, for setting the focus point.

The reported shutter speed and shutter burst refer to the use of the mechanical shutter. In addition, the GH5s features an electronic shutter, which makes completely silent shooting possible. However, this mode is less suitable for photographing moving objects (rolling shutter) or shooting under artificial light sources (flickering).

The GH5s writes its imaging data to SDXC cards, while the D1 uses Compact Flash cards. The GH5s features dual card slots, which can be very useful in case a memory card fails. In contrast, the D1 only has one slot.

The GH5s is a recent model that features in the current product line-up of Panasonic. In contrast, the D1 has been discontinued (but it can be found pre-owned on eBay). As a replacement in the same line of cameras, the D1 was succeeded by the Nikon D1X.

Review summary: Panasonic GH5s vs Nikon D1

So what conclusions can be drawn? Which of the two cameras – the Panasonic GH5s or the Nikon D1 – has the upper hand? A synthesis of the relative strong points of each of the models is listed below.

Arguments in favor of the Panasonic Lumix DC-GH5s:

• More detail: Offers more megapixels (9.9 vs 2.6MP) with a 91% higher linear resolution.
• Maximized detail: Lacks an anti-alias filter to exploit the sensor's full resolution potential.
• Broader imaging potential: Can record not only still images but also 4K/60p movies.
• More framing info: Has an electronic viewfinder that displays shooting data.
• Larger screen: Has a bigger rear LCD (3.2" vs 2.0") for image review and settings control.
• More detailed LCD: Has a higher resolution rear screen (1620k vs 120k dots).
• More flexible LCD: Has swivel screen for odd-angle shots in portrait or landscape orientation.
• Fewer buttons to press: Is equipped with a touch-sensitive rear screen to facilitate handling.
• Faster burst: Shoots at higher frequency (12 vs 1.5 flaps/sec) to capture the decisive moment.
• Less disturbing: Has an electronic shutter option for completely silent shooting.
• More compact: Is smaller (139x98mm vs 157x153mm) and thus needs less room in the bag.
• Less heavy: Is lighter (by 440g or 40 percent) and hence easier to carry around.
• More legacy lens friendly: Can take a broad range of non-native lenses via adapters.
• Easier file upload: Has wifi build in for automatic backup or image transfer to the web.
• 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.
• More affordable: Was introduced into a lower priced category (55 percent cheaper at launch).
• More modern: Reflects 18 years and 6 months of technical progress since the D1 launch.

Reasons to prefer the Nikon D1:

• Better moiré control: Has an anti-alias filter to avoid artificial patterns to appear in images.
• Brighter framing: Features an optical viewfinder for clear, lag-free composition.
• Easier setting verification: Features a control panel on top to check shooting parameters.
• Faster shutter: Has higher mechanical shutter speed (16000/sec vs 8000/sec) to freeze action.
• More portrait friendly: Features an integrated vertical grip for easier portrait shooting.
• More heavily discounted: Has been around for much longer (launched in June 1999).

If the number of relative strengths (bullet points above) is taken as a guide, the GH5s is the clear winner of the match-up (18 : 6 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.

In any case, while the comparison of technical specifications can provide a useful overview of the capabilities of different cameras, it says nothing about, for example, the handling, responsiveness, and overall imaging quality of the GH5s and the D1 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. This is why expert reviews are important. The table below summarizes the assessments of some of the best known camera review sites (cameralabs, dpreview, ephotozine, imaging-resource, photographyblog). You can find the full text of the reviews by clicking on the site logo in the table header.

Review Scores

	Camera Model						Camera Launch (announced)	Launch Price (USD)	Street Price (USD)	Used Price (USD)	Camera Model
	Panasonic GH5s»	-	84/100	4.5/5	-	4.5/5	Jan 2018	2,499			Panasonic GH5s
	Nikon D1«	-	HiRec	-	-	-	Jun 1999	5,499	-		Nikon D1
	Canon R« »	rev	79/100	4.5/5	-	4/5	Sep 2018	2,299			Canon R
	Nikon D300S« »	HiRec	82/100	4/5	5/5	4.5/5	Jul 2009	1,799	-		Nikon D300S
	Nikon D300« »	HiRec	HiRec	5/5	rev	4.5/5	Aug 2007	1,799	-		Nikon D300
	Nikon D2Xs« »	-	-	-	rev	-	Jun 2006	4,699	-		Nikon D2Xs
	Nikon D200« »	HiRec	HiRec	rev	5/5	-	Nov 2005	1,699	-		Nikon D200
	Nikon D1X« »	-	HiRec	-	rev	-	Feb 2001	5,999	-		Nikon D1X
	Panasonic G9« »	HiRec	85/100	5/5	5/5	5/5	Nov 2017	1,699			Panasonic G9
	Panasonic GH5« »	HiRec	85/100	4.5/5	5/5	5/5	Jan 2017	1,999			Panasonic GH5
	Panasonic FZ300« »	HiRec	-	4.5/5	4.5/5	4.5/5	Jul 2015	599			Panasonic FZ300
	Panasonic GH4« »	HiRec	85/100	5/5	5/5	5/5	Feb 2014	1,499	-		Panasonic GH4
	Panasonic GF5« »	-	-	4.5/5	4/5	4.5/5	Apr 2012	499	-		Panasonic GF5
	Panasonic GH3« »	HiRec	79/100	4.5/5	5/5	4.5/5	Sep 2012	1,299	-		Panasonic GH3
	Panasonic GF3« »	82/100	71/100	4.5/5	4.5/5	4/5	Jun 2011	549	-		Panasonic GF3
	Panasonic G10« »	-	70/100	4/5	-	4/5	Mar 2010	499	-		Panasonic G10
	Panasonic G2« »	-	72/100	4/5	4/5	4.5/5	Mar 2010	599	-		Panasonic G2

The review scores listed above should be treated with care, 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 rating-comparisons among cameras that span long time periods or concern very differently equipped models make little sense. Also, please note that some of the review sites have changed their methodology and reporting over time.

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. If the camera you are interested in is not available, please send me an email, and I will try to update the database with the necessary infos.

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