Nikon Z5 vs Panasonic Lumix S1
Nikon Z5 has the edge on paper, but the right choice depends on what you shoot. The Z5 is the better pick for beginners, landscapes, astrophotography; the Lumix S1 is better for portraits.
Choose the Z5 for
- a lighter body (675g vs 1021g)
- a lower price (from £509)
- a newer design (2020)
Choose the Lumix S1 for
- more resolution (24.2MP vs 24MP)
- faster bursts (9fps vs 4.5fps)
- more lenses in our database (64 vs 54)
Specs side by side
| Spec | Z5 | Lumix S1 |
|---|---|---|
| Sensor | Full frame, 24MP | Full frame, 24.2MP |
| Mount | Nikon Z | L-Mount (Lumix S, Leica SL) |
| Released | 2020 | 2019 |
| Burst | 4.5 fps | 9 fps |
| Readout | — | — |
| Max ISO | 51,200 | 51,200 |
| Stabilisation | In-body | In-body |
| Video | 4K 30p (crop) | 4K 60p (crop) |
| Weather sealed | Yes | Yes |
| Viewfinder | Electronic | Electronic |
| Weight | 675 g | 1021 g |
| Battery | Nikon EN-EL15c | Panasonic DMW-BLJ31 |
| Card slots | 2× SD (UHS-II) | XQD/CFexpress B + SD |
| New price | No longer sold new | No longer sold new |
| Used at MPB | £509–574 | £529–599 |
| Native lenses in our database | 54 (31 third-party) | 64 (39 third-party) |
Which is better for…
| Use | Better choice |
|---|---|
| Beginner-friendly | Z5 |
| Everyday & travel | About equal |
| Portraits | Lumix S1 |
| Landscape | Z5 |
| Wildlife & animals | About equal |
| Sports & action | About equal |
| Astrophotography | Z5 |
| Vlogging & video | About equal |
| Vintage / film look | About equal |
Based on the specs that matter most for each type of photography: burst and readout for action, resolution for landscapes, sensor size and low light for portraits and astro, video and weight for vlogging.
Lenses and running costs
The Z5 uses Nikon Z (54 lenses in our database, 31 third-party) and the Lumix S1 uses L-Mount (64 lenses, 39 third-party). Batteries: Nikon EN-EL15c (about £51) vs Panasonic DMW-BLJ31 (about £79).
Frequently asked questions
Is the Nikon Z5 better than the Panasonic Lumix S1?
It depends on your priorities. The Z5 offers a lighter body (675g vs 1021g), a lower price (from £509), a newer design (2020); the Lumix S1 offers more resolution (24.2MP vs 24MP), faster bursts (9fps vs 4.5fps), more lenses in our database (64 vs 54).
Which is better for video, the Z5 or the Lumix S1?
They are closely matched for video (4K 30p (crop) vs 4K 60p (crop)); stabilisation and lens choice will decide it.
Which is cheaper, the Z5 or the Lumix S1?
The Z5 costs No longer sold new new and from £509 used at MPB; the Lumix S1 costs No longer sold new new and from £529 used (checked 5 November 2026).
Can I use Nikon Z5 lenses on the Lumix S1?
Not directly. The Z5 uses Nikon Z and the Lumix S1 uses L-Mount; switching usually means new lenses or an adapter where one exists.