Nikon Zf vs Panasonic Lumix S5 IIX
Nikon Zf has the edge on paper, but the right choice depends on what you shoot. The Zf is the better pick for a film look; the Lumix S5 IIX is better for landscapes, wildlife, vlogging.
Choose the Zf for
- more resolution (24.5MP vs 24MP)
- a lighter body (710g vs 740g)
- a lower price (from £1,179)
Choose the Lumix S5 IIX for
- faster bursts (30fps vs 14fps)
- stronger video (6K 30p, ProRes)
- more lenses in our database (64 vs 54)
Specs side by side
| Spec | Zf | Lumix S5 IIX |
|---|---|---|
| Sensor | Full frame, 24.5MP | Full frame, 24MP |
| Mount | Nikon Z | L-Mount (Lumix S, Leica SL) |
| Released | 2023 | 2023 |
| Burst | 14 fps | 30 fps |
| Readout | ≈50 ms | — |
| Max ISO | 64,000 | 51,200 |
| Stabilisation | In-body | In-body |
| Video | 4K 60p (crop) | 6K 30p, ProRes |
| Weather sealed | Yes | Yes |
| Viewfinder | Electronic | Electronic |
| Weight | 710 g | 740 g |
| Battery | Nikon EN-EL15c | Panasonic DMW-BLK22 |
| Card slots | SD + microSD | 2× SD (UHS-II) |
| New price | £1,899 | £1,599 |
| Used at MPB | £1,179–1,269 | £1,219–1,269 |
| Native lenses in our database | 54 (31 third-party) | 64 (39 third-party) |
Which is better for…
| Use | Better choice |
|---|---|
| Beginner-friendly | About equal |
| Everyday & travel | About equal |
| Portraits | About equal |
| Landscape | Lumix S5 IIX |
| Wildlife & animals | Lumix S5 IIX |
| Sports & action | About equal |
| Astrophotography | About equal |
| Vlogging & video | Lumix S5 IIX |
| Vintage / film look | Zf |
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 Zf uses Nikon Z (54 lenses in our database, 31 third-party) and the Lumix S5 IIX uses L-Mount (64 lenses, 39 third-party). Batteries: Nikon EN-EL15c (about £51) vs Panasonic DMW-BLK22.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Nikon Zf better than the Panasonic Lumix S5 IIX?
It depends on your priorities. The Zf offers more resolution (24.5MP vs 24MP), a lighter body (710g vs 740g), a lower price (from £1,179); the Lumix S5 IIX offers faster bursts (30fps vs 14fps), stronger video (6K 30p, ProRes), more lenses in our database (64 vs 54).
Which is better for video, the Zf or the Lumix S5 IIX?
The Lumix S5 IIX is stronger for video: Zf records 4K 60p (crop), Lumix S5 IIX records 6K 30p, ProRes.
Which is cheaper, the Zf or the Lumix S5 IIX?
The Zf costs £1,899 new and from £1,179 used at MPB; the Lumix S5 IIX costs £1,599 new and from £1,219 used (checked 5 November 2026).
Can I use Nikon Zf lenses on the Lumix S5 IIX?
Not directly. The Zf uses Nikon Z and the Lumix S5 IIX uses L-Mount; switching usually means new lenses or an adapter where one exists.