Panasonic Lumix S5D vs Nikon Z5 – Which One Is Better?

The Panasonic Lumix S5D and Nikon Z5 are both full-frame mirrorless cameras aimed at creators, but they serve somewhat different use-cases and priorities.

The S5D brings advanced video and hybrid features in a modern design; the Z5 offers a solid full-frame entry into photography and video with a strong ecosystem and value.

Let’s dive deeper to see which is better for you.

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⚙️ Overview – Hybrid Video-Friendly vs Solid Full-Frame Entry

Panasonic Lumix S5D:
A full-frame camera built around a 24.2 MP sensor, focused on hybrid creators who shoot both stills and video. It offers strong video specs (including internal 10-bit recording and RAW output via HDMI) and modern features for content creators.

Nikon Z5:
A full-frame mirrorless camera with a 24.3 MP sensor, designed for photographers who want full-frame quality with good stills and decent video capability. It emphasizes solid image quality, ease of use, and a well-established lens ecosystem.

In short:

• S5D = more video/hybrid oriented full-frame.

• Z5 = more stills-oriented full-frame entry with broad support.

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📸 Specifications Comparison

Specification	Panasonic Lumix S5D	Nikon Z5
Release Date	Around 2024	July 2020
Camera Type	Full-frame mirrorless	Full-frame mirrorless
Sensor	24.2 MP full-frame CMOS (Dual Native ISO)	24.3 MP full-frame CMOS
Image Processor	Panasonic Venus Engine (latest)	Nikon EXPEED 6
Lens Mount	Leica L-Mount	Nikon Z-Mount
ISO Range	100–51,200 (expandable 50–204,800)	100–51,200 (expandable 50–102,400)
In-Body Image Stabilization (IBIS)	Yes, 5-axis sensor-shift	Yes, 5-axis VR (up to ~5 stops)
Autofocus System	Contrast/DFD AF with ~225 points; humans & animals	Hybrid AF with ~273 phase-detect points; eye & animal detect
AF Subject Recognition	Human & animal detection	Human & animal detection
Continuous Shooting Speed	~9 fps (approx.)	~4.5 fps
Video Recording	Up to 4K 60p/50p (10-bit options internally)	4K 30p, Full HD up to 60p
Video Bit Depth / Color	10-bit internal options (4:2:0 or 4:2:2)	8-bit internal
Color Profiles	V-Log, cinematic profiles	Nikon standard picture controls
RAW Video Output	Yes (external)	No
Recording Limit	About 30 min at higher bitrates	~30 min per clip
Viewfinder	EVF (~2.36M dots OLED)	Quad-VGA EVF (~3.69M dots)
LCD Screen	3.2″ fully articulating touchscreen	3.2″ tilting touchscreen
Touch Functions	Full touch support	Full touch support
Product Showcase Mode	No dedicated mode	No dedicated mode
Background Defocus Button	No dedicated button	No dedicated button
Body Material	Magnesium alloy composite	Magnesium alloy
Weather Sealing	Yes (dust/splash-resistant)	Yes (dust/moisture sealed)
Audio Options	Mic input, headphone via adapter (varies)	Mic input, headphone output
Connectivity	Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, USB-C, micro-HDMI	Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, USB-C, HDMI
Battery Type	Panasonic DMW-BLK22	Nikon EN-EL15c
Battery Life (CIPA)	~370–400 shots (est.)	~470–490 shots
Dimensions (W × H × D)	~134 × 101 × 90 mm (approx.)	~134 × 100.5 × 69.5 mm
Weight (Body Only)	~740 g (approx.)	~590 g
Approx. Price (Body Only)	~€799 (kit pricing varies)	~€799 (check on Amazon)

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🧱 Build and Handling

The S5D offers a design focused on hybrid creators: full-frame size with robust video features (RAW output via HDMI, internal 10-bit recording, etc). It is compact for full-frame hybrid use and is built to handle video workflows as well as stills.

The Z5 provides a well-balanced full-frame body, weather-sealed, sturdy construction, a camera you can build a system around for stills. It’s slightly older generation in video features but very capable for stills and general use.

👉 Verdict:

• S5D: Best if you frequently film video and also shoot stills; you’ll benefit from modern video specs and hybrid design.

• Z5: Best if you focus chiefly on stills, want full-frame quality, and value a broad lens ecosystem and proven performance.

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🎯 Autofocus and Performance

Autofocus and performance are key in hybrid workflows.

The Z5 offers Nikon’s strong AF system for stills (eye and animal detection, large coverage), and full-frame stills quality. The hybrid video performance is competent but not as cutting-edge as newer video-first models.

The S5D brings features tailored for hybrid use: modern AF with good focus coverage, video-oriented specs including dual native ISO for video, and strong internal recording options. For video-heavy or run-and-gun hybrid creators, that gives it an edge.

👉 Verdict:

• S5D: Slight advantage for hybrid shooters and creators needing better video support and modern AF features.

• Z5: Excellent for stills and general use, but may lag slightly for video-first workflows.

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🎥 Video Capabilities

For video creators, this is a major differentiator.

• S5D: Offers 4K 60p internal 10-bit recording, 4K 30p 10-bit 4:2:2 HDMI output, RAW video output to external recorder in some modes — meaning serious video workflows are supported.

• Z5: Supports full-frame stills very well and delivers 4K (though at up to 30p in many conditions), but lacks some of the high-end video features (e.g., internal 10-bit 4:2:2 at 60p, RAW video output) found in more video-focused models.

👉 Verdict:

• S5D: Best choice if video is a key part of your workflow and you value internal video specs and hybrid capability.

• Z5: Better if video is secondary and you prioritise stills performance and full-frame image quality.

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🧠 Image Quality and Sensor Considerations

Both cameras use 24 MP full-frame sensors, which is a sweet-spot for many photographers: good detail, manageable file sizes, excellent low-light performance. The full-frame format gives better depth of field control and low-light capabilities than smaller formats.

If stills are your primary concern, the Z5’s full-frame heritage and Nikon colour science make it very compelling. Meanwhile, the S5D’s sensor plus video/hybrid enhancements mean you’re getting a camera that is equally strong in stills but with added video strengths.

👉 Verdict:

• Z5: Excellent image quality for stills, full-frame advantage and proven system.

• S5D: Very strong image quality too, with added benefit of better video features and hybrid readiness.

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🔋 System, Lenses & Future-Proofing

The Nikon Z-Mount has a very broad lens ecosystem: many native Z lenses, excellent third-party support, and a strong upgrade path. That gives the Z5 a strong edge in terms of system scalability and lens options.

The Panasonic L-Mount (used by S5D) is growing and offers high-quality lenses from Panasonic, Leica, Sigma, but overall the breadth is smaller compared to Nikon’s Z-Mount. If lens ecosystem and system growth matter strongly to you, that factor weighs in.

👉 Verdict:

• Z5: Better for system growth, lens options, and future flexibility.

• S5D: Excellent for hybrid users who are comfortable with L-Mount and prioritize video/hybrid features over maximum lens choice.

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💰 Price and Value

Often, the Z5 is priced as a very attractive entry full-frame model, offering great stills value. The S5D, while also good value for hybrid creators, may carry a bit of premium due to its advanced video features.

👉 Verdict:

• Z5: Best pure value if stills are your focus and you want full-frame for less.

• S5D: Great value if you’ll use the video/hybrid features — more specialised but worth it if you need them.

Check availability and price on Amazon 🛒

📷 Nikon Z5 — Amazon USA / Amazon Canada / Amazon UK / Amazon Australia

📷 Lumix S5D — 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 S5D vs Nikon Z5

✅ In short:

Choose the Panasonic Lumix S5D if you want a full-frame camera that handles stills and video well, with strong hybrid features and modern video workflows.

Choose the Nikon Z5 if you want full-frame stills performance, broad lens system, excellent value, and you don’t need the most advanced video specs.

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🧠 Final Thoughts

Both cameras are excellent — the “better” one really depends on your workflow and priorities:

If you shoot both photo and video regularly, especially if video is important, then the S5D gives you more versatility.

If you are primarily a photographer, want full-frame quality, and want a solid system with lens choices, then the Z5 is very compelling.

Pick the model that aligns with how you shoot, what you shoot, and what equipment you already own or plan to build — that will determine which one is truly better for you.