Nikon Zf vs Panasonic Lumix S5 II
Panasonic Lumix S5 II has the edge on paper, but the right choice depends on what you shoot. The Zf is the better pick for astrophotography, a film look; the Lumix S5 II is better for travel, wildlife, vlogging.
Choose the Zf for
- more resolution (24.5MP vs 24.2MP)
- a lighter body (710g vs 740g)
Choose the Lumix S5 II for
- faster bursts (30fps vs 14fps)
- a lower price (from £964)
- stronger video (6K 30p / 4K 60p)
- more lenses in our database (64 vs 54)
Specs side by side
| Spec | Zf | Lumix S5 II |
|---|---|---|
| Sensor | Full frame, 24.5MP | Full frame, 24.2MP |
| 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 / 4K 60p |
| 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 | £1,399 |
| Used at MPB | £1,179–1,269 | £964–999 |
| 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 | Lumix S5 II |
| Portraits | About equal |
| Landscape | About equal |
| Wildlife & animals | Lumix S5 II |
| Sports & action | About equal |
| Astrophotography | Zf |
| Vlogging & video | Lumix S5 II |
| 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 II 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 II?
It depends on your priorities. The Zf offers more resolution (24.5MP vs 24.2MP), a lighter body (710g vs 740g); the Lumix S5 II offers faster bursts (30fps vs 14fps), a lower price (from £964), stronger video (6K 30p / 4K 60p).
Which is better for video, the Zf or the Lumix S5 II?
The Lumix S5 II is stronger for video: Zf records 4K 60p (crop), Lumix S5 II records 6K 30p / 4K 60p.
Which is cheaper, the Zf or the Lumix S5 II?
The Zf costs £1,899 new and from £1,179 used at MPB; the Lumix S5 II costs £1,399 new and from £964 used (checked 5 November 2026).
Can I use Nikon Zf lenses on the Lumix S5 II?
Not directly. The Zf uses Nikon Z and the Lumix S5 II uses L-Mount; switching usually means new lenses or an adapter where one exists.