Panasonic Lumix GH5 vs Sony A6400 – Which One Is Better?

The Panasonic Lumix GH5 and Sony A6400 are two of the most popular mirrorless cameras among hybrid creators who shoot both photo and video.

Both deliver professional-grade performance, but they approach creativity differently: the GH5 is a video powerhouse with built-in stabilization and advanced codecs, while the A6400 focuses on fast autofocus and image quality in a compact APS-C body.

Let’s see which one offers the best value for your needs.

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⚙️ Overview – Cinema Hybrid vs Compact Performance

Panasonic Lumix GH5:
A professional-grade Micro Four Thirds camera designed for serious filmmakers and hybrid creators. Known for its 4K 60p recording, robust weather-sealed build, and excellent in-body stabilization, it’s a go-to for content creators and videographers.

Sony A6400:
An APS-C mirrorless camera built for speed, autofocus accuracy, and image quality. It’s compact, lightweight, and delivers excellent results for both photography and video — making it ideal for enthusiasts and hybrid creators on the move.

In short:

• GH5 = Professional video performance and stabilization.

• A6400 = Superior autofocus and low-light stills performance.

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📸 Specifications Comparison

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🧱 Build and Handling

The GH5 is built like a tank — solid magnesium alloy construction, weather-sealed, and designed for professionals. Its larger grip and balanced weight make it perfect for handheld video, especially with larger lenses or accessories.

The A6400 is much smaller and lighter, offering excellent portability. Its flip-up screen makes it great for vlogging or casual content creation, though the lack of IBIS means handheld shooting can be less stable.

👉 Verdict:

• GH5: Best for professional and heavy-duty use.

• A6400: Best for travel and everyday creators.

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🎯 Autofocus and Performance

Autofocus is where the Sony A6400 truly shines. It features 425 phase-detect points with Real-Time Eye AF and Real-Time Tracking — fast, accurate, and reliable in both photo and video. It locks onto moving subjects with ease, even in low light.

The GH5, while accurate for stills, relies on Panasonic’s contrast-based Depth-from-Defocus (DFD) system. It performs well in controlled situations but can struggle with continuous tracking in video or fast action.

👉 Verdict:

• A6400: Far superior autofocus for both photo and video.

• GH5: Reliable but slower, best for manual or planned shoots.

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🎥 Video Capabilities

Both cameras are capable of professional video, but they target different creators.

Panasonic Lumix GH5

• 4K 60p internal recording

• 10-bit 4:2:2 via HDMI

• No recording limit

• Dual SD card slots

• 5-axis in-body stabilization

• Professional codecs and strong color science

Sony A6400

• 4K 30p (oversampled from 6K)

• Full HD 120p for slow motion

• S-Log2, S-Log3, and HLG picture profiles

• Excellent autofocus in video

• No recording limit

The GH5 is built for filmmakers — offering deeper color, better stabilization, and flexible recording options. The A6400 is simpler but highly capable for YouTube, interviews, or short films, especially with its superior AF.

👉 Verdict:

• GH5: Best for serious videographers.

• A6400: Best for hybrid creators needing reliable AF.

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🧠 Image Quality

The Sony A6400’s larger APS-C sensor delivers better dynamic range, depth of field, and low-light performance. Images have more detail and cleaner high-ISO results.

The GH5’s Micro Four Thirds sensor produces excellent color accuracy and sharpness, particularly in controlled lighting. Its in-body stabilization allows slower shutter speeds, compensating somewhat for the smaller sensor.

👉 Verdict:

• A6400: Better for stills and low light.

• GH5: Great color and stabilization for hybrid use.

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🔋 Battery and Connectivity

Both cameras offer similar battery life and feature dual-band Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity. The GH5 adds dual SD card slots, full-size HDMI, and better heat management — crucial for long shoots.

The A6400 offers quick sharing via Sony’s mobile app and performs well for short-form content but lacks professional workflow features.

👉 Verdict:

• GH5: Best for professional workflows.

• A6400: Best for fast, simple connectivity.

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💰 Price and Value

The GH5 is a professional tool with unmatched value for serious video production. The A6400, however, offers incredible performance and autofocus in a compact body for a lower price.

👉 Verdict:

• GH5: Best for professional video workflows.

• A6400: Best for hybrid creators and photographers.

Check availability and price on Amazon 🛒

📷 Sony A6400 — Amazon USA / Amazon Canada / Amazon UK / Amazon Australia

📷 Lumix GH5 — Amazon USA / Amazon Canada / Amazon UK / Amazon Australia

Note: camerafight.com participates in the Amazon Associates Program. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

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🏁 Final Verdict — Panasonic Lumix GH5 vs Sony A6400

✅ In short:

• Choose the Panasonic Lumix GH5 if you need professional 4K tools, stabilization, and advanced recording options.

• Choose the Sony A6400 if you want a compact, fast, and reliable hybrid camera with class-leading autofocus.

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🧠 Final Thoughts

The Panasonic Lumix GH5 remains one of the most iconic hybrid cameras ever made — a benchmark for video quality, stabilization, and reliability.

The Sony A6400, on the other hand, is a fast, compact, and efficient hybrid camera that excels at autofocus, image quality, and simplicity.

If you’re a filmmaker or video professional, the GH5 is still the better long-term tool.

If you’re a hybrid creator or photographer, the A6400 offers unbeatable value and portability.