Sony ZV-E1 vs Panasonic Lumix S5 II
Panasonic Lumix S5 II has the edge on paper, but the right choice depends on what you shoot. the Lumix S5 II is better for travel, portraits, landscapes, wildlife, sports.
Choose the ZV-E1 for
- a lighter body (483g vs 740g)
- more lenses in our database (105 vs 64)
Choose the Lumix S5 II for
- more resolution (24.2MP vs 12.1MP)
- faster bursts (30fps vs 10fps)
- a lower price (from £964)
- stronger video (6K 30p / 4K 60p)
- weather sealing
Specs side by side
| Spec | ZV-E1 | Lumix S5 II |
|---|---|---|
| Sensor | Full frame, 12.1MP | Full frame, 24.2MP |
| Mount | Sony FE (full frame) | L-Mount (Lumix S, Leica SL) |
| Released | 2023 | 2023 |
| Burst | 10 fps | 30 fps |
| Readout | — | — |
| Max ISO | 102,400 | 51,200 |
| Stabilisation | In-body | In-body |
| Video | 4K 120p | 6K 30p / 4K 60p |
| Weather sealed | No | Yes |
| Viewfinder | None | Electronic |
| Weight | 483 g | 740 g |
| Battery | Sony NP-FZ100 | Panasonic DMW-BLK22 |
| Card slots | SD (UHS-II) | 2× SD (UHS-II) |
| New price | £1,779 | £1,399 |
| Used at MPB | £1,339–1,429 | £964–999 |
| Native lenses in our database | 105 (82 third-party) | 64 (39 third-party) |
Which is better for…
| Use | Better choice |
|---|---|
| Beginner-friendly | About equal |
| Everyday & travel | Lumix S5 II |
| Portraits | Lumix S5 II |
| Landscape | Lumix S5 II |
| Wildlife & animals | Lumix S5 II |
| Sports & action | Lumix S5 II |
| Astrophotography | About equal |
| 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 ZV-E1 uses Sony E / FE (105 lenses in our database, 82 third-party) and the Lumix S5 II uses L-Mount (64 lenses, 39 third-party). Batteries: Sony NP-FZ100 (about £65) vs Panasonic DMW-BLK22.
ZV-E1 compatible lenses → · Lumix S5 II compatible lenses → ·
Frequently asked questions
Is the Sony ZV-E1 better than the Panasonic Lumix S5 II?
It depends on your priorities. The ZV-E1 offers a lighter body (483g vs 740g), more lenses in our database (105 vs 64); the Lumix S5 II offers more resolution (24.2MP vs 12.1MP), faster bursts (30fps vs 10fps), a lower price (from £964).
Which is better for video, the ZV-E1 or the Lumix S5 II?
The Lumix S5 II is stronger for video: ZV-E1 records 4K 120p, Lumix S5 II records 6K 30p / 4K 60p.
Which is cheaper, the ZV-E1 or the Lumix S5 II?
The ZV-E1 costs £1,779 new and from £1,339 used at MPB; the Lumix S5 II costs £1,399 new and from £964 used (checked 5 November 2026).
Can I use Sony ZV-E1 lenses on the Lumix S5 II?
Not directly. The ZV-E1 uses Sony E / FE and the Lumix S5 II uses L-Mount; switching usually means new lenses or an adapter where one exists.