Sony A7 III vs Panasonic Lumix S5 – Which One Is Better?

Comparing the Sony A7 III and the Panasonic Lumix S5 means evaluating two capable full-frame mirrorless cameras, each with their own strengths and optimisations for different workflows.

Below is a detailed look at how they differ — and which one might better suit you.

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⚙️ Overview — Established Workhorse vs Modern Value Hybrid

Sony A7 III:
Released in April 2018, this is a full-frame mirrorless camera that quickly became a go-to hybrid body for many photographers and videographers. It combines very solid stills performance, good video capability, excellent lens ecosystem, and mature reliability.

Panasonic Lumix S5:
Released in August 2020, the S5 is a full-frame mirrorless body designed for creators who want hybrid performance (photo + video) in a more compact or flexible setup. It emphasises features like fully articulated display, newer video-centric tools, and strong value.

In short:

• Choose the A7 III if you want a proven full-frame platform with broad system support and excellent still + video performance.

• Choose the S5 if you want a modern hybrid full-frame camera with strong value and features tailored to creators, especially for video or travel.

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📸 Key Specifications Comparison

Specification	Sony A7 III	Panasonic Lumix S5
Release date	April 2018	September 2020
Camera type	Mirrorless	Mirrorless
Sensor format	Full Frame (35.6 × 23.8 mm)	Full Frame (35.6 × 23.8 mm)
Sensor type	BSI-CMOS	CMOS
Resolution	24.2 MP	24.2 MP
Image processor	BIONZ X	Venus Engine
ISO range	100–51,200 (expandable to 204,800)	100–51,200 (expandable to 204,800)
Autofocus system	693-point phase-detection AF	Contrast-detect DFD AF (225 areas)
Continuous shooting	Up to 10 fps	Up to 7 fps (AF-C), 9 fps (AF-S)
Video recording	4K up to 30p (8-bit, 4:2:0 internal)	4K up to 60p (10-bit via HDMI, 8-bit internal)
Viewfinder	2.36M-dot OLED EVF	2.36M-dot OLED EVF
LCD screen	3.0″ tilting screen, 922k dots	3.0″ fully articulating touchscreen, 1.84M dots
In-body image stabilization (IBIS)	Yes, 5-axis	Yes, 5-axis (up to 6.5 stops with Dual I.S.)
Memory card slots	2× SD (1× UHS-II, 1× UHS-I)	2× SD (UHS-II)
Battery life (CIPA)	Approx. 710 shots	Approx. 440 shots
Weight (with battery & card)	Approx. 650 g	Approx. 714 g
Launch price (body only)	Approx. USD 2,000 (check on Amazon)	Approx. USD 2,000

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🧱 Build, Handling & Portability

The A7 III offers a full-frame body with excellent ergonomics, mature controls, large lens library, and is well supported. If you have already invested in Sony lenses or want system flexibility, it’s a safe long-term bet.

The S5 brings a more recent body with full-frame sensor, with a fully articulated screen, modern video-friendly features, and excellent balance for creators who may travel or shoot hybrid content. It might be slightly larger/heavier than the A7 III, but offers extra features like the articulated display and recent optimisations.

Verdict:

• If you prioritise long-term lens investment, ecosystem maturity, proven reliability → go A7 III.

• If you prioritise features, value, creator-friendly tools (especially video), and maybe newer body design → go S5.

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🎯 Autofocus & Performance

The A7 III features a mature autofocus system, great low-light performance, and excellent overall image quality. The S5 also delivers strong performance, particularly for hybrid workflows, and benefits from being the newer release (so might incorporate refinements).

Verdict:

• For broad stills use, including action and hybrid workflows, the A7 III is very strong.

• For mixed photo + video creators who want modern tools and features, the S5 shines.

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🎥 Video & Hybrid Capabilities

If video is a significant part of your work:

• The A7 III offers very good video for its time, excellent stills + video balance.

• The S5 is more creator-centric: articulated screen, possibly newer video tools, & design optimised for hybrid use.

Verdict:

• If your focus is more stills (with some video) and you value system depth → A7 III.

• If you do both stills + video regularly, especially handheld or travel setups — S5 offers modern convenience.

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🧠 Image Quality (Stills)

Both cameras use full-frame ~24 MP sensors, so for many users image quality will be similarly excellent. You’ll get strong dynamic range, low-light performance, and full-frame depth of field from either. The key differences will relate to lenses, processing, workflow rather than raw resolution.

Verdict:

• For stills-first photographers who value full-frame and system depth → A7 III.

• For creators wanting great stills but also modern features & flexibility → S5 is compelling.

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🔋 Ecosystem & Future-Proofing

The Sony E-Mount (for A7 III) is very mature — tons of lenses, third-party support, strong community. Choosing it gives you access to a huge ecosystem. The L-Mount (for Panasonic S5) is growing and includes quality lenses (Panasonic, Leica, Sigma) but comparatively fewer options historically.

Verdict:

• If you want maximum lens choices and future upgrade path → A7 III has advantage.

• If you can work within the L-Mount ecosystem and value the body/features now → S5 gives great value.

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💰 Price & Value

Because the A7 III has been around a few years longer, you’ll often find strong deals, good used value, and broad lens availability. The S5, being newer in the lineup (2020), still gives excellent value relative to performance, particularly for hybrid creators.

Verdict:

If you want best value per feature with mature system → A7 III.

If you want lots of features and modern capabilities for the investment → S5 is very strong.

Check availability and price on Amazon 🛒

📷 Panasonic Lumix S5 — Amazon USA / Amazon Canada / Amazon UK / Amazon Australia

📷 Sony A7 III — Amazon USA / Amazon Canada / Amazon UK / Amazon Australia

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🏁 Final Verdict – Sony A7 III vs Panasonic Lumix S5

✅ In Short:

Choose Sony A7 III if you want a reliable full-frame classic with broad lens support and strong performance across stills and video.

Choose Panasonic Lumix S5 if you want modern hybrid features, great value, flexible video/stills workflow and are comfortable with the L-Mount system.

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🧠 Final Thoughts

Both cameras are excellent—there is no bad choice here. The “better” one is the one that aligns with your shooting style, lens investment, video vs still priority, and which ecosystem you prefer.

• If you’re building long term and value lens depth and system maturity → go with A7 III.

• If you prioritise feature set, modern convenience, good video support and value → go with S5.

Reflect on how you shoot, what gear you already own (or plan to buy), how much video you do versus stills, and what matter most to you in a camera — then pick the body that fits you best.