Fujifilm X-T1 vs Panasonic Lumix S5 II: A Hands-On Comparison for Enthusiasts and Pros

Choosing the right camera is always a balancing act between features, performance, ergonomics, and, of course, budget. Today, I’m diving deep into a matchup between two very different yet well-respected mirrorless cameras: the Fujifilm X-T1, a veteran APS-C powerhouse that helped define advanced mirrorless photography in its day, and the Panasonic Lumix S5 II, a recent full-frame prodigy designed with the pro-video hybrid shooter in mind.

Having put thousands of frames through both bodies across genres - from landscapes to wildlife to video - I’m excited to share my insights on how these cameras stack up in real-world use. We’ll cover everything from sensor tech and autofocus to build quality, value, and who exactly should consider each option today.

First Impressions: Size, Build, and Handling

Right off the bat, these two are different beasts in terms of size and feel. The Fujifilm X-T1 is compact and nimble, sporting a classic SLR-style body that’s relatively lightweight at 440g and compact at 129x90x47mm. This makes it excellent for street and travel photographers who want something easy to carry but still substantial enough to feel confident in hand.

The Panasonic S5 II, by contrast, is larger and heavier at 740g with dimensions of 134x102x90mm. This is a full-frame body with extensive cooling and video-centric features packed inside, so it feels more like a professional tool than a grab-and-go shooter. Its magnesium alloy chassis has excellent weather sealing comparable to the X-T1, but expect to feel the heft especially if you’re used to smaller mirrorless cameras.

Ergonomically, the X-T1’s controls - including the dedicated shutter speed and ISO dials - give a tactile, analog experience that Fujifilm aficionados adore. Meanwhile, the S5 II opts for a more modern layout with touch sensitivity, customizable buttons, and a larger grip, ideal for extended shoots especially in video or sports where stability is paramount.

At the top view, the X-T1’s retro dials are in full effect with direct access to shutter speed, ISO, exposure compensation, and drive modes. The Panasonic leans toward a more streamlined and tech-forward interface featuring dual control dials and an LED info panel, giving quicker feedback but less old-school charm.

Ergonomics Winner? For tactile control, the X-T1 edges ahead, but for extended use (think all-day event or video work), the S5 II’s larger grip and customizable options take the prize.

Under The Hood: Sensor and Image Quality

Next, sensor technology fundamentally separates these two models. The Fujifilm X-T1 employs a 16MP APS-C X-Trans II CMOS sensor (23.6x15.6mm) boasting unique color filter arrays intended to reduce moiré without the need for an optical low-pass filter. The sensor's total surface area clocks in around 368mm². This contributes to sharp, detailed images with Fujifilm’s signature color science known for smooth skin tones and pleasing film simulations.

The Panasonic Lumix S5 II, on the other hand, features a 24MP full-frame sensor (35.6x23.8mm) with an area of 847mm², more than twice the Fujifilm's sensor area, so it naturally excels in dynamic range, low-light performance, and achieving shallower depth of field for that creamy bokeh many pros crave. The S5 II’s newer sensor supports a higher max ISO of 51200 (native) with impressive noise control, expandable to ISO 204800, making it a low-light champ.

I personally ran side-by-side lab and real-world tests including ISO invariance, dynamic range charts, and skin tone accuracy via colorChecker charts. While the X-T1 impresses with its classic rendering and excellent detail at base ISO, it shows its age by ISO 3200 and above, with visible noise and reduced dynamic range. The S5 II handles shadows and highlights remarkably well even when shooting at ISO 6400 or above, maintaining detail and clean texture.

For landscape photographers craving resolution and dynamic range, the S5 II dominates with its larger sensor and higher pixel count. Meanwhile, portrait and street photographers inspired by Fujifilm’s artistic color profile may still find the X-T1’s sensor enough for respectable results in good light.

LCD & Viewfinder: Interface Matters

On the interface front, the Fujifilm X-T1 sports a 3.0-inch 1.04-million-dot tilting TFT LCD (RGBW) but no touchscreen capabilities. In contrast, the Panasonic S5 II boasts a fully articulated 3-inch 1.84-million-dot OLED touchscreen with excellent color accuracy. The difference is palpable when composing from weird angles or navigating menus quickly - touch responsiveness on the S5 II is a joy.

The electronic viewfinders tell a similar story. The X-T1’s EVF resolution is 2.36 million dots with 0.77x magnification and 100% coverage - respectable for its time but marginal when you compare to the S5 II’s 3.68 million dot EVF, 0.78x magnification, and also 100% coverage. The latter displays crisper detail with less lag and is easier on the eyes for prolonged use.

Real-World Takeaway: The S5 II’s screen and EVF make assessing focus and exposure more intuitive, especially in challenging light or while video recording.

Autofocus: Speed and Accuracy in Action

Autofocus performance is a crucial differentiator, particularly for wildlife, sports, and event shooters.

The Fujifilm X-T1 uses a hybrid autofocus system combining phase-detection and contrast-detection with several focus modes including single, continuous, tracking, and face detection. However, it comes up short on modern standards with limited cross-type AF points and lack of animal eye detection. Based on my experience shooting birds and moving subjects with the X-T1, acquiring and maintaining focus is competent but not lightning fast - especially in lower light or with fast-moving subjects.

Compare this with the Panasonic S5 II’s advanced 779-point phase-detection AF array covering most of the frame. It supports eye and face detection for both humans and animals, plus excellent subject tracking aided by machine learning algorithms. While testing sports and wildlife, I consistently found the S5 II’s AF to be more reliable locking on subjects swiftly and holding focus through rapid movements and complex backgrounds.

The S5 II also supports advanced focusing features like focus bracketing and stacking, which the Fujifilm lacks entirely.

Autofocus Winner? Panasonic Lumix S5 II is the hands-down champion, offering speed, reliability, and smarter tracking ideal for demanding scenarios.

Shutter Mechanics, Burst Rate, and Buffer

The Fujifilm X-T1 has a shutter speed range from 30s to 1/4000s (mechanical), plus an electronic shutter up to 1/32000s. Continuous shooting maxes at 8 fps, which was competitive at launch but feels modest now. Buffer depth remains limited to about 25 RAW frames, adequate for casual bursts but not for sports pros.

Panasonic’s S5 II clocks a higher mechanical shutter ceiling of 1/8000s and a maximum silent electronic shutter speed of 1/8000s - newer options for capturing fast-paced moments discreetly. Burst modes include a mechanical max of 9 fps and an electronic mode reaching a blistering 30 fps at reduced resolution or Raw burst sizes. Its buffer is significantly larger, handling longer bursts without choking.

Thanks to these specs backed by high-speed UHS-II and dual card slots, the S5 II is more suited for action shooters who need relentless frame capture.

Video Capabilities: The Hybrid Shooter’s Playground

One of the most significant leaps from X-T1 to S5 II is video prowess.

The Fujifilm X-T1 only records Full HD 1080p up to 60fps in H.264 codec, with mic input but no headphone out and no built-in stabilization. It’s serviceable for casual video but not competitive for serious creators.

The Lumix S5 II is a video beast supporting up to 6K video (5952x3968 at 30p/24p), excellent 4K at 60fps, and multiple recording formats including H.264 and H.265. Notably, it has sensor-based 5-axis image stabilization combining with lens OIS for rock-solid handheld footage. Input and output options include microphone and headphone jacks, USB-C power, and clean HDMI, making it studio and run-and-gun ready.

If you’re a hybrid content creator shooting both stills and cinema-grade video, the S5 II is clearly the winner here.

Build Quality and Environmental Sealing

Both cameras come with weather resistant bodies capable of handling dust and light rain, which I put to the test during outdoor shoots. While neither is fully waterproof or shockproof, both offer good protection in the typical environmental abuse any photographer will endure.

The X-T1 feels very solid despite its small stature, with metal dials and a textured grip that doesn’t fatigue quickly. The S5 II steps this up with a more robust frame, better sealing, and improved button layout for gloved hands and professional use cases.

Lens Ecosystem and Compatibility

Fujifilm X T1 front Fujifilm X T1 screen back Panasonic S5 II front Panasonic S5 II screen back

Fujifilm’s X-mount has a mature lineup of 54 native lenses tailored for APS-C sensors, including stellar primes and zooms from ultra-wide to telephoto. The lens quality and Fuji’s color profiles have earned a dedicated following among portrait, street, and landscape shooters.

Panasonic’s S5 II uses the full-frame Leica L-mount, which benefits from a broader ecosystem of 65 lenses across Panasonic, Leica, and Sigma brands, many designed specifically for full-frame use. The increased sensor size and better native IS lenses give it an advantage in versatility.

Lens Ecosystem Verdict: Both are solid, but Panasonic offers more modern native options for full-frame shooters, while Fuji remains a favorite for APS-C purists and color mavens.

Battery Life and Storage Flexibility

The Fujifilm X-T1 uses the NP-W126 battery rated for around 350 shots per charge, which suits shorter trips but warrants spare batteries for full-day usage. Storage is limited to a single SD UHS-II card slot.

Panasonic’s S5 II, with its DMW-BLJ31 battery, marginally improves battery life to ~370 shots per charge but is attributable largely to increased power demands. However, it compensates with dual SD card slots, facilitating backup images and better workflow on shoots.

Connectivity and Wireless Features

Built-in Wi-Fi is present on both, allowing remote control and image transfer to smartphones. Bluetooth comes exclusively on the Panasonic S5 II, offering faster pairing and background sync for geotagging on the go.

USB connectivity differs; the X-T1’s USB 2.0 port pales compared to the S5 II’s high-speed USB 3.2 Gen 2, beneficial for tethered shooting and quick data dumps.

Price and Value: What You’re Paying For

At the time of writing, the Fujifilm X-T1 body commands about $1300, making it a compelling option for enthusiasts on a budget who want solid image quality and classic handling.

The Panasonic S5 II is priced around $2000, reflecting its pro-grade sensor, video features, and build. While pricier, it is arguably a better investment for a hybrid shooter or working professional requiring cutting-edge performance.

Considering how close the Fujifilm X-T1 is to being a mid-level amateur tool today, the Panasonic offers substantially more bang for your buck in terms of future-proofing.

Genre Breakdown: Who Shines Where?

To wrap it up with clarity, here’s how each camera performs across key photographic disciplines, based on my hands-on testing:

The overall camera scores I assigned after extensive testing reflect this balance:

Pros and Cons at a Glance

Fujifilm X-T1

Pros:

• Classic, tactile tactile dials and ergonomics
• Compact and lightweight for traveling and street photography
• Excellent color science and sharp APS-C sensor
• Solid weather sealing for an older model
• Affordable price entry point

Cons:

• Older sensor technology limits low-light and dynamic range
• Mediocre autofocus for fast or wildlife shooting
• No in-body image stabilization
• No 4K or advanced video features
• Limited screen resolution, no touchscreen

Panasonic Lumix S5 II

Pros:

• Modern 24MP full-frame sensor with great image quality and DR
• Advanced autofocus with animal eye detection and tracking
• Extensive video capabilities up to 6K, 4K 60p, and sensor stabilization
• Fully articulated touchscreen with superior EVF
• Dual SD card slots and good battery life

Cons:

• Larger and heavier body may deter street and travel photographers
• More complex controls might overwhelm beginners
• Pricier investment upfront

Final Thoughts: Which One Should You Buy?

If you’re a budget-conscious enthusiast, focused primarily on still photography, who values a retro shooting experience with reliable image quality and solid color science, the Fujifilm X-T1 remains a viable option - especially if you find a good deal in the used market. It lends itself well to street, portrait, and landscape work without breaking the bank.

However, if you are a hybrid shooter, working professional, or serious hobbyist who demands best-in-class autofocus, full-frame image quality, and robust video features in a weather-sealed body, the Panasonic Lumix S5 II is well worth the premium. Its cutting-edge sensor, versatile lens ecosystem, and video prowess make it a true all-rounder capable of handling the evolving demands of photography and videography alike.

In my experience, investing in the S5 II delivers more longevity and flexibility in the long run - perfect if your budget allows and you want a one-body solution to cover all creative bases.

Choosing between these two boils down to your priorities: the classic feel and APS-C charm of Fujifilm’s X-T1, or the high-tech, professional-ready muscle of Panasonic’s S5 II. Whichever route you take, both cameras hold respectable places in the mirrorless lineage and can produce stunning images and video when matched with the right lenses and skill.

Happy shooting!

Note: All technical data and hands-on findings are based on my personal testing over years and months with these cameras, including lab measurements and real-world shooting sessions under varied conditions.