Panasonic GH5 vs. Sony A7R II vs. A7 II vs. A7S II

Panasonic GH5 features marvelous core specification but Sony A7R II camera domimated Mirrorless industry from past few months and also responsible for low sales volume of flagship fullframe DSLRs.  See what hap pen’s a camera holding 2X sensor size compared against a 4/3 sensor based mirrorless camera.

1. Sensor and Megapixels

Introduction

The Sony A7R II camera features world first 42.4 MP sensor that is made up with back-illuminated structure. The BinozX paired with the sensor enables faster readout , capability to record 4K videos and to capture amazing low-light shots  upto ISO sensitivities of 102400.

Panasonic GH5 uses newly develop CMOS sensor and new Venus engine processor in the heart of camera. The deadly combo allows users to capture 4K video at up to 60 fps, 10-bit 4:2:2 internal recording 12 fps continuous shooting, and sensitivities up to ISO 25600.

Pixel and Sensor Size Difference

Whereas the Panasonic GH5 Features a M4/3 sensor with 20 MP resolution and A7R II feature FF sensor with 42 MP resolution. The Sony A7R II can extract 2X more details if we compare resolution only (20 MP vs 42MP) and the sensor size difference is also big and due to that the each pixel area (Photo Diode) of Sony A7R II is of 20.33µm2 and Panasonic is of 11.16µm2, hence the sensor pixel area / Photo diode of the Sony A7R II camera is approx 81% more compared to GH5.

Despite of being a fullrame sensor and 2X more size compared to Fourthirds the A7R II features 5-axis image stabilization system. The Panasonic also features 5-axis IS with DUal IS  with one more advantage that it can sync with OSS lenses and can provide Image Stabilization upto 5-stops in some situations.

2. Dual I.S

Panasonic GH5 features Dual I.S tech and in that the Panasonic sensor shift 5 axis image stabilization synchronized with lens based IS system and combat with 5 stops of camera shake.  Whereas, the Sony A7R II also features Dual I.S system that can compensate with camera shake upto 4.5 stops.

3. Stops of ISO difference (102400 vs. 25600)

When you use low ISO speed of any camera then your camera gives out best tonal reproduction and colors quality with very minimal or no noise in the image but when you shift-up the ISO to next stop and more.. as per your need you gradually  notice noise increasing with ISO sensitivity

ISO range is a very vital part of camera when we talk about image quality. The Panasonic MAX ISO range remains limited to 25600 whereas the ISO range of Sony A7R II is 102400.

More ISO range will allow you to use faster shutter speed and 5-axis IS advantage will give you extra support while shooting in  low-light environment.

4. AF System

The Sony A7R II AF screen as well as GH5 AF screen is shown above.

The Panasonic GH5 uses DFD (Depth From Defocus) AF system. The System quickly calculates the subject distance and lock AF in 0.05 Sec. The continues shooting speed of the Panasonic GH5 is 12FPS in Full Resolution on the other side the AF is supportive upto 9FPS only. The 225 AF zones of the camera system covers almost entire screen and helps you to lock and track AF without any hesitation.

Sony A7R II uses Fullframe sensor fabricated with 399 Phase AF points and 25 Contrast detect area.  Despite of having 2X More resolution and 2X More sensor size the Sony A7R II can attain 5FPS continuous shooting speed with Full time AF support.

If we compare Number of available AF points then Sony A7R II is a undisputed winner and if we compare Continuous shooting speed then Panasonic Gh5 becomes our first choice. So, it depends on use, if you are a sports shooter than

5. Video – 4K @ 60FPS |

Panasonic GH5 can record 4K Videos at 60fps whereas the Sony A7R II features 4K videos @ 30fps. So fact of the matter is you are getting 30 More frames in 4K mode which is just awesome. And the Sony A7R II will record 4k video @ 30fps with a 4:2:0 sampling at 8-bit, whereas Panasonic GH5 has the ability to record 4:2:2 10-bit files at resolutions up to DCI and UHD 4K at 24/30 fps.

6.Post Focus & Focus Stacking

Focus stacking is a feature in Post Focus Mode of Panasonic GH5. First you have to activate the Panasonic GH5 Post Focus Mode then you have to select either Auto Merging or Range Merging,  if u select the 2nd option then you have to select number of AF points (amount of area you want to keep in focus) and after stacking up all those points you get your subject under desired amount of Focus.

Other advantage of Panasonic GH5 camera includes a bit large and high resolution screen, batter battery life and $1000 less price.

Verdict:

Panasonic is the best consumer cinema camera available till date, not only consumer cinema Panasonic GH5 also features very advance DFD tech inside that that enables advance better AF system then A7R II. But, Sony A7R II camera is a entirely different approach, it features 2X sensor size compared to GH5 with more resolution and sensitivity level. Hence, if you want better image quality then go and get A7R II but if you want a all in one affordable system then GH5 is also a excellent option available in-front of you.

Best Lenses for Sony Sony A7R II | Best accessories for Sony A7R II

Sony A7R II available at Amazon and B&H

Panasonic GH5 available at Amazon | B&H

Panasonic GH5 features cutting edge specification and A7 II camera carry a FF Hybrid sensor, let’s take a look how a 2 year old FF Hybrid sensor stand against the recently announced Panasonic flagship camera.

1. Sensor and Megapixels

Same as of Sony A7R II the A7 also features Fullframe (36 x 24 mm) sensor which is 2X bigger than the Panasonic GH5 Sensor (17.3 x 13 mm).

The Sony A7 II camera offers bit more  resolution on the other side it also offers very large sensor pixels  35.50µm2 vs 11.16µm2. That’s you get a approx 218% large area of every pixel. That will help you to grab out vast amount of details from your camera sensor.

2. ISO

The ISO of both the camera is almost same at upper end, but the ISO range of Sony A7 II camera can touched to as low as 50 whereas the Panasonic base ISO level remains as ISO 100. So, having one more stop of increment in base ISO range supported by a Fullframe sensor will sure give u more more details in your images, better dynamic range and completely noise free images. The A7II images captured at base ISO have amazing details and will beat GH5 in no time and even due to larger pixel area the High ISO samples of the camera will carry less amount of noise compared to GH5.

3. AF Points and AF System analysis

The AF points of A7 II is bit less than the Number of AF points offered by Panasonic GH5 camera. The overall structure of AF system is also completely different in both camera. The AF acquisition time of Panasonic GH5 camera is as low as 0.05 sec . The Panasonic uses DFD AF system, as we have discussed several times the DFD is a dedicated AF hardware exclusively developed by Panasonic engineers that Match and even surpasses the AF speed of Sony A7 II Mirrorless camera Hybrid Sensor.

The Burst Mode

The Panasonic GH5 features 12fps continuous shooting speed and Panasonic GH5 gives out AF support upto 9FPS. After 9FPS when you switch to 12FPS you need to Lock AF to a point. Whereas, the Sony A7 II continuous shooting supports continuous shooting mode upto 5 frames per second.

4. Sony A7II –  Dual 5 Axis System vs. GH5 Dual 5-Axis

The Sony A7 II is the first Sony camera to features 5-axis image stabilization support. And Do you know that Sony 2 years old A7 II camera also works in Dual IS mode when paired with OSS lenses, With OSS lenses the camera uses 3 axes on the sensor and the Pitch/Yaw of the optical stabilization of the lens. With Non-OSS lens that do AF and communicate the focus distance to the camera, the A7 Mark II will use 5-axes on the sensor. The Sony A7 II compensate camera shake upto 4.5 stops.

Implementing DUAL 2 (the first gen of Dual IS was used on Panasonic GX8 camera) I.S in Panasonic GH5 is a clear effort to grab out utmost sharpness from the frame. However, the Dual I.S need compatible lumix lenses that features O.I.S. Dual IS system and can compensate 5 stops of camera shake when paired with OSS lenses.

5. Video

No comparison, Panasonic GH5 can record 4K video @ 60fps whereas the Sony A7 II camera limited to Full HD mode.

6.Post Focus & Focus Stacking

With Panasonic GH5 and bit sacrifice in resolution you get POST FOCUS mode just like a Lytro camera. When you activate the Panasonic GH5 Post Focus Mode the camera allow you to select desired area which you want to keep under AF. After that the camera create a composite of images that merging each frame with other to create a stack of images by having a customized focused area as desired by the user.

7. Others

other features include touch screen, longer battery life, but surprisingly Sony A7 II is light-weight and  bit smaller than the GH5.

Verdict:

We recommend Panasonic GH5 features over Sony A7 II camera since the camera is two year old and waiting for an update. The Sony A7 II do have bigger pixel size but lastly it won’t make a ground braking difference due to limited resolution and ISO of the camera. And again as we have discussed  above the Video recording of A7 II is limited to Full HD mode only.

At an affordable cost you are getting Advance AF system, more burst rate, 4K photo mode,  Dual IS 2 featuring 5 stops of shake compensation, Post Focus & Focus Stacking and finally 4K video with 60fps mode.

Panasonic GH5 available at Amazon | B&H

Panasonic GH5 is a wonder cam that completes almost all your wish if you are a cinematographer, even for still shots the GH5 is a excellent too but how it will stand against A7S II camera that have ability to capture crisp shots in moon light.

Sony A7S II has already become the first choice of photographers those who love to shoot in available light, the A7S series is world first camera to break out 409600 ISO Mark at consumer level.

Sensor and ISO

Before we begin we must let you know that the Sony A7S II camera pinned it’s name as one of the best camera available for low-light shooting.  Due to fullframe sensor low resolution of 12 MP the sensor have gigantic pixels / photodiode size of A7S II is approx 70.55µm2 whereas the sensor pixel area of Panasonic GH5  is 11.16µm2 which is very small compared to A7S II. So you can notice out the large difference in each pixel area of both sensor.

The large pixels of the Sony A7S II camera is able to grab out maximum amount of details from available light and hence you get a super clean noise free images with excellent color and contrast even at high ISO range. I have personally examined the high ISO samples of the camera and found that the A7S II images are usable upto 51200, whereas the Panasonic GH5 maximum ISO range of limited to 25600.

So if you are looking for image quality / low-light performance then stop reading this specification comparison right now and go get Sony A7S II camera.

Image Stabilization

Panasonic doing a lot of effort to publicize it’s Dual I.S 2 and they also claims that it works upto 5 stops of camera shake. On the other side we have Sony A7S II camera that do have 5 axis IS inside it and also work in sync with OSS lenses (yep A7 series also use Dual IS tech.) and provides image stabilization upto 4.5 Stops.

You will be surprised to know that Sony A7S II also features Dual IS mode just like Panasonic GH5. The Sony A7S II camera compensates five types of camera shake that may occur during handheld shooting.  With OSS lenses the camera uses X and Y  axes on the sensor as well as Roll compensation and the Pitch/Yaw is managed by optical stabilization of the lens.

So, fact of the matter is Sony A7S II is giving you 4.5 Stops of shake compensation whereas the Panasonic GH5 is able to provide 5 Stops of shake compensation, so Panasonic GH5 is a clear winner.

But, I am not able to leave this topic here, as you know the basic of photography rules and exposure triangle. When you raise ISO value the camera allow you to use faster shutter speed and in-turn you lessen up the chances of getting a fuzzy shot. As you know the A7S II allows you to increase is ISO level upto 409600 and believe me with A7S II you can extract a crisp picture even in a full-moon night, no other light source required. 

AF System

Panasonic GH5 features better and fast AF system compared to Sony A7S II camera. As you know that the dedicated DFD (depth from De-focus) enables Panasonic GH5 to lock down AF in 0.05 sec and GH5 support Auto Focusing upto 9 frames per second whereas the continuous shooting speed of Sony A7S II remains limited to 2.5 FPS only with AF support.

Despite of having small sensor the Panasonic GH5 features large number of AF points(225) compared to Sony A7S II camera (169). Hence the frame coverage of Panasonic GH5 is more than of the Sony A7S II camera and undoubtedly the Panasonic GH5 will track AF more precisely compared to Sony A7S II camera.

Video

The Panasonic can shoot videos 4K @ 60fps whereas the Sony A7S II camera remains limited to 4K @ 30 fps. But again, with Sony A7S II you can push out your ISO range to 409600 whereas the Panasonic GH5 hold your hand when you reached ISO 51200.

while strictly talking to the video specification of the camera Panasonic GH5 do offers better video specification and not only that Panasonic also promised future firmware updates that will arrive on April month of 2017 This update will bring 10-bit 4:2:2 full HD capture to the camera.

WiFi and NFC

The Sony A7S II camera features WiFi and NFC connectivity and with playmemory app and you can  connect, share transfer and even control you A7S II camera with smartphone. Whereas, Panasonic GH5 doesn’t have such well featured connectivity option.

The Panasonic GH5 features better battery life as well as affordable body, yes you pay $1K less when you buy Panasonic GH5.

Verdict

Above we have very briefly discussed the core specification of booth the camera. The Sony A7S II camera is a flagship device for low-light photography and Panasonic GH5 is a flagship mirrorless camera for creating cinematic videos. Both camera are based entirely different approach, hence select you device based on your needs.

Buy Panasonic A7S II camera from Amazon

Panasonic GH5 available at Amazon | B&H