Nikon Z5 II vs Panasonic Lumix S5 IIX
Nikon Z5 II has the edge on paper, but the right choice depends on what you shoot. The Z5 II is the better pick for beginners; the Lumix S5 IIX is better for vlogging.
Choose the Z5 II for
- a lighter body (700g vs 740g)
- a lower price (from £1,009)
- a newer design (2025)
Choose the Lumix S5 IIX for
- stronger video (6K 30p, ProRes)
- more lenses in our database (64 vs 54)
Specs side by side
| Spec | Z5 II | Lumix S5 IIX |
|---|---|---|
| Sensor | Full frame, 24MP | Full frame, 24MP |
| Mount | Nikon Z | L-Mount (Lumix S, Leica SL) |
| Released | 2025 | 2023 |
| Burst | 30 fps | 30 fps |
| Readout | — | — |
| 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 | 700 g | 740 g |
| Battery | Nikon EN-EL15c | Panasonic DMW-BLK22 |
| Card slots | 2× SD (UHS-II) | 2× SD (UHS-II) |
| New price | £1,499 | £1,599 |
| Used at MPB | £1,009–1,029 | £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 | Z5 II |
| Everyday & travel | About equal |
| Portraits | About equal |
| Landscape | About equal |
| Wildlife & animals | About equal |
| Sports & action | About equal |
| Astrophotography | About equal |
| Vlogging & video | Lumix S5 IIX |
| 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 II 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.
Z5 II compatible lenses → · Lumix S5 IIX compatible lenses → ·
Frequently asked questions
Is the Nikon Z5 II better than the Panasonic Lumix S5 IIX?
It depends on your priorities. The Z5 II offers a lighter body (700g vs 740g), a lower price (from £1,009), a newer design (2025); the Lumix S5 IIX offers stronger video (6K 30p, ProRes), more lenses in our database (64 vs 54).
Which is better for video, the Z5 II or the Lumix S5 IIX?
The Lumix S5 IIX is stronger for video: Z5 II records 4K 60p (crop), Lumix S5 IIX records 6K 30p, ProRes.
Which is cheaper, the Z5 II or the Lumix S5 IIX?
The Z5 II costs £1,499 new and from £1,009 used at MPB; the Lumix S5 IIX costs £1,599 new and from £1,219 used (checked 5 November 2026).
Can I use Nikon Z5 II lenses on the Lumix S5 IIX?
Not directly. The Z5 II uses Nikon Z and the Lumix S5 IIX uses L-Mount; switching usually means new lenses or an adapter where one exists.