Panasonic Lumix GH5 vs Sony ZV-E10 – Which one is better?
Panasonic Lumix GH5 vs Sony ZV-E10 – Which One Is Better?
The Panasonic Lumix GH5 and Sony ZV-E10 are both popular mirrorless cameras, but they serve very different creators.
The GH5 is a professional hybrid camera that helped define mirrorless video production, while the ZV-E10 is a compact APS-C camera built for content creators and vloggers who want simplicity, great autofocus, and strong value.
Letβs see how they compare in real-world use.
βοΈ Overview β Professional Hybrid vs Creator-Friendly Compact
Panasonic Lumix GH5:
A pro-level Micro Four Thirds camera designed for filmmakers and serious hybrid shooters. It features 4K 60p recording, 10-bit video, in-body stabilization, and a rugged, weather-sealed body β perfect for professional video and commercial content creation.
Sony ZV-E10:
An affordable, creator-focused APS-C mirrorless camera designed for vloggers and hybrid users. Itβs lightweight, has a large 24.2 MP sensor, excellent autofocus, and an articulating screen that makes self-recording effortless.
In short:
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GH5 = Professional video tool with top-end specs and build.
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ZV-E10 = Lightweight, beginner-friendly hybrid camera with great AF.
πΈ Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Panasonic Lumix GH5 | Sony ZV-E10 |
|---|---|---|
| Release Date | 2017 | 2021 |
| Sensor | 20.3 MP Micro Four Thirds CMOS | 24.2 MP APS-C CMOS |
| Processor | Venus Engine | BIONZ X |
| Lens Mount | Micro Four Thirds | Sony E-Mount |
| In-Body Stabilization (IBIS) | β Yes (5-Axis Dual I.S.2, up to 5 stops) | β No (lens stabilization only) |
| Continuous Shooting | 12 fps | 11 fps |
| Autofocus System | Contrast AF with DFD (225 points) | Hybrid Phase + Contrast AF (425 points) |
| Video Recording | 4K 60p / 10-bit 4:2:2 internal | 4K 30p / Full HD 120p |
| Recording Limit | None | None |
| Screen | 3.2β Fully Articulating Touch LCD | 3.0β Fully Articulating LCD |
| Viewfinder | 3.68M-dot OLED EVF | β None |
| Battery Life (CIPA) | ~410 shots | ~440 shots |
| Weight (Body Only) | 725 g | 343 g |
| Price (Body Only) | ~$1,299 (check on Amazon) | ~$799 (check on Amazon) |
π§± Build and Handling
The GH5 is built like a professional camera β magnesium alloy frame, weather-sealed body, dual SD card slots, and a deep grip for long shoots. Itβs heavier but feels extremely solid in hand, perfect for professional use.
The ZV-E10 is compact and lightweight, designed for creators on the go. Its fully articulating screen, simple controls, and front-facing tally light make it ideal for vlogging and handheld shooting. However, itβs not weather-sealed and lacks the rugged durability of the GH5.
π Verdict:
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GH5: Best for professionals needing durability and advanced control.
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ZV-E10: Best for vloggers and creators prioritizing portability.
π― Autofocus and Performance
Autofocus is one of the main differences between the two.
The Sony ZV-E10 uses Sonyβs fast hybrid AF system with 425 phase-detect points and Real-Time Eye Tracking β it locks onto subjects instantly and tracks movement with precision. Itβs perfect for face-to-camera videos and unpredictable shooting environments.
The GH5 uses Panasonicβs contrast-based Depth-from-Defocus (DFD) AF. While accurate for stills and slower scenes, itβs noticeably slower and less reliable for continuous autofocus in video or moving subjects.
π Verdict:
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ZV-E10: Superior autofocus performance for photo and video.
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GH5: Reliable but slower, better for manual focus or controlled setups.
π₯ Video Capabilities
Both cameras offer 4K recording, but the GH5 is built for professionals, while the ZV-E10 focuses on simplicity.
Panasonic Lumix GH5
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4K 60p internal recording
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10-bit 4:2:2 color depth
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Dual SD card slots
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Unlimited recording time
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5-axis in-body stabilization
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Full-size HDMI, mic & headphone jacks
Sony ZV-E10
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4K 30p oversampled from 6K
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Full HD 120p for slow motion
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Excellent face tracking and subject detection
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No recording limit
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No IBIS, but digital stabilization available in crop mode
The GH5 is far more capable for professional video production, offering deeper color grading flexibility and advanced recording formats. The ZV-E10, while simpler, still delivers crisp 4K footage and great results for YouTube, interviews, or short films.
π Verdict:
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GH5: Best for professional videographers.
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ZV-E10: Best for vloggers and everyday creators.
π§ Image Quality
The Sony ZV-E10βs larger APS-C sensor provides better low-light performance, dynamic range, and background blur. It produces sharper stills and cleaner high-ISO results, especially for photography.
The GH5, despite having a smaller Micro Four Thirds sensor, still delivers beautiful images with rich color science and sharp detail. Its in-body stabilization allows slower shutter speeds, which can help offset low-light limitations.
π Verdict:
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ZV-E10: Better for stills, low light, and shallow depth of field.
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GH5: Excellent for controlled lighting and color grading workflows.
π Battery and Connectivity
Both cameras offer good connectivity with Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, along with USB charging. The GH5 has a larger battery, full-size HDMI port, and dual SD slots β essential for professional video workflows.
The ZV-E10 supports USB-C power delivery and can even record while charging, which is ideal for long streaming or vlogging sessions.
π Verdict:
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GH5: Best for professional setups and long shoots.
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ZV-E10: More convenient for creators and on-the-go content.
π° Price and Value
| Model | Approx. Price | Ideal For |
|---|---|---|
| Lumix GH5 | ~$1,299 | Professional videographers, hybrid creators |
| Sony ZV-E10 | ~$799 | Vloggers, hybrid shooters, budget creators |
The GH5 costs more, but its professional video features justify the price. The ZV-E10 offers incredible value for creators who want reliable 4K quality, fast AF, and portability without a steep investment.
π Verdict:
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GH5: Best for pros and serious filmmakers.
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ZV-E10: Best for beginners, vloggers, and hybrid creators on a budget.
Check availability and price on Amazon π
π· Sony ZV-E10 β Amazon USA / Amazon Canada / Amazon UK / Amazon Australia
π· Lumix GH5 β 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.
π Final Verdict β Panasonic Lumix GH5 vs Sony ZV-E10
| Type of User | Recommended Camera |
|---|---|
| Professional Videographer | GH5 |
| Hybrid Creator (Photo + Video) | ZV-E10 |
| Travel Vlogger / YouTuber | ZV-E10 |
| Studio / Commercial Shooter | GH5 |
| Beginner Photographer | ZV-E10 |
| Documentary Filmmaker | GH5 |
| Budget Buyer | ZV-E10 |
β In short:
Choose the Panasonic Lumix GH5 if you want a professional hybrid camera with top-tier video quality, in-body stabilization, and advanced recording formats.
Choose the Sony ZV-E10 if youβre a content creator or vlogger who values autofocus, portability, and simplicity at a great price.
π§ Final Thoughts
The Panasonic Lumix GH5 remains one of the most respected hybrid cameras ever made, known for its durability, professional video specs, and reliability.
The Sony ZV-E10, however, makes mirrorless creativity accessible β combining strong autofocus, excellent image quality, and a lightweight design perfect for vloggers and solo creators.
If youβre a filmmaker or professional content producer, go with the GH5.
If youβre a hybrid creator or YouTuber, the ZV-E10 is the smarter, more flexible choice.