Panasonic Lumix GH5 vs Sony ZV-E10 mirrorless camera side by side comparison

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.

Let’s see how they compare in real-world use.


βš™οΈ 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. It’s lightweight, has a large 24.2 MP sensor, excellent autofocus, and an articulating screen that makes self-recording effortless.

In short:

  • GH5 = Professional video tool with top-end specs and build.

  • ZV-E10 = Lightweight, beginner-friendly hybrid camera with great AF.


πŸ“Έ 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) βœ… Yes (5-Axis Dual I.S.2, up to 5 stops) ❌ 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 3.2” Fully Articulating Touch LCD 3.0” Fully Articulating LCD
Viewfinder 3.68M-dot OLED EVF ❌ 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)

🧱 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. It’s 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, it’s not weather-sealed and lacks the rugged durability of the GH5.

πŸ‘‰ Verdict:

  • GH5: Best for professionals needing durability and advanced control.

  • ZV-E10: Best for vloggers and creators prioritizing portability.


🎯 Autofocus and Performance

Autofocus is one of the main differences between the two.

The Sony ZV-E10 uses Sony’s 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. It’s perfect for face-to-camera videos and unpredictable shooting environments.

The GH5 uses Panasonic’s contrast-based Depth-from-Defocus (DFD) AF. While accurate for stills and slower scenes, it’s noticeably slower and less reliable for continuous autofocus in video or moving subjects.

πŸ‘‰ Verdict:

  • ZV-E10: Superior autofocus performance for photo and video.

  • GH5: Reliable but slower, better for manual focus or controlled setups.


πŸŽ₯ Video Capabilities

Both cameras offer 4K recording, but the GH5 is built for professionals, while the ZV-E10 focuses on simplicity.

Panasonic Lumix GH5

  • 4K 60p internal recording

  • 10-bit 4:2:2 color depth

  • Dual SD card slots

  • Unlimited recording time

  • 5-axis in-body stabilization

  • Full-size HDMI, mic & headphone jacks

Sony ZV-E10

  • 4K 30p oversampled from 6K

  • Full HD 120p for slow motion

  • Excellent face tracking and subject detection

  • No recording limit

  • 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.

πŸ‘‰ Verdict:

  • GH5: Best for professional videographers.

  • ZV-E10: Best for vloggers and everyday creators.


🧠 Image Quality

The Sony ZV-E10’s 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.

πŸ‘‰ Verdict:

  • ZV-E10: Better for stills, low light, and shallow depth of field.

  • GH5: Excellent for controlled lighting and color grading workflows.


πŸ”‹ 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.

πŸ‘‰ Verdict:

  • GH5: Best for professional setups and long shoots.

  • ZV-E10: More convenient for creators and on-the-go content.


πŸ’° 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.

πŸ‘‰ Verdict:

  • GH5: Best for pros and serious filmmakers.

  • ZV-E10: Best for beginners, vloggers, and hybrid creators on a budget.

Check availability and price on Amazon πŸ›’

πŸ“· Sony ZV-E10 β€” Amazon USA / Amazon Canada / Amazon UK / Amazon Australia

πŸ“· 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.


🏁 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

βœ… 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 you’re a content creator or vlogger who values autofocus, portability, and simplicity at a great price.


🧠 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 you’re a filmmaker or professional content producer, go with the GH5.

If you’re a hybrid creator or YouTuber, the ZV-E10 is the smarter, more flexible choice.

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