Leica SL2-S vs Panasonic GH5 II: The Pro Mirrorless Clash You Didn’t See Coming

If you’ve been scouring the pro mirrorless market for a serious system, chances are you’ve bumped into the Leica SL2-S and Panasonic GH5 II at some point. These two cameras may look like they belong in different camps - the SL2-S representing Leica’s full-frame, luxury German engineering, and the GH5 II standing as Panasonic’s Micro Four Thirds flagship. Yet, they both cater to pro shooters demanding robust builds, versatile video, and rock-solid autofocus. After putting both through their paces in studio and field conditions, I’m here to share a fair, hands-on comparison from my 15+ years testing cameras with a focus on practical performance, value, and suitability across genres.

So buckle up. We’re digging deep across sensor tech, ergonomics, autofocus, image quality, video, and everything in between. Let’s see what makes these two tick - and where you may want to put your hard-earned dollars.

First Impressions: Size, Handling, and Design Philosophy

Let's get the obvious out of the way: these cameras have very different DNA.

The Leica SL2-S is a substantial full-frame beast at 931 grams, with dimensions that give you a confident grip but might induce some arm fatigue during extended handheld shoots. In contrast, the Panasonic GH5 II is lighter by about 200 grams and noticeably more compact. The difference in size is partly down to the sensor format - a full-frame 36x24mm sensor in the SL2-S versus a smaller 17.3x13mm Micro Four Thirds sensor in the GH5 II - but also Leica’s more robust, traditional build.

The SL2-S is pure Leica: minimalist but purposeful, with clean lines and high-quality materials. The GH5 II offers a busier control layout but leans into ergonomic friendliness with more customizable buttons and a fully articulated touchscreen.

I appreciated the SL2-S’s large, tactile dials and button placement; it’s a joy for those who prefer clubs for thumbs over pokey little buttons. Panasonic, however, packs the GH5 II with more direct-access controls and a joystick that makes navigating focus points swifter. The articulation on the GH5 II’s 3-inch screen also scores big points for vloggers and anyone shooting from tight or odd angles.

If you live or work in challenging environments, both offer weather sealing, but neither is shockproof or freeze-proof. Leica’s assurance of build quality feels premium, albeit with a hefty price tag, while Panasonic balances durability with portability.

Sensor and Image Quality: Full-Frame vs Micro Four Thirds

Now let’s talk sensor magic - a pivotal factor for any serious shooter.

The SL2-S’s 24-megapixel, full-frame CMOS sensor gives it a clear leg up in base resolution and sensor area (864 mm² vs GH5 II’s 225 mm²). This translates to better dynamic range, improved low-light capability, and richer tonal gradation - essential when you want that signature Leica look with creamy bokeh and subtle detail in shadows.

Panasonic’s GH5 II uses a 20-megapixel Four Thirds sensor. Smaller but no slouch, especially with Panasonic’s excellent color science and processing. The GH5 II also boasts no anti-aliasing filter which improves sharpness at the cost of some risk of moiré in detailed patterns. Leica opted to skip that filter too, catering to pixel peepers.

In real-world shooting, I noticed the SL2-S offering much cleaner images at high ISOs (ISO 50000 max native, usable to 25600+ for pro-grade results), with more natural-looking skin tones - important for portrait and wedding photographers. The GH5 II maxes out at ISO 25600 and can have more noticeable noise in the shadows beyond ISO 800.

Landscape shooters will appreciate the SL2-S’s sensor dynamic range - capturing extended exposure latitude, perfect for preserving highlight details in bright skies and detail in deep shadows. The GH5 II’s dynamic range is good enough for most casual landscapes but less forgiving for critical workflows.

If you’re a cheapskate who prioritizes high-res over sensor size, the second-generation GH5 II offers 4K video at higher frame rates and some nifty computational features, but for raw stills, Leica’s sensor wins hands down.

Autofocus and Tracking: Who Snaps Faster and Smarter?

Autofocus systems make or break certain photography categories like wildlife and sports. Both these cameras use contrast-detection AF (no phase detectable AF in either), which has matured a lot but still shows limits compared to hybrid or dedicated phase systems.

The Leica SL2-S features 225 contrast AF points, supplemented by face detection and eye autofocus for humans. Panasonic’s GH5 II also has 225 AF points and adds animal eye AF - a boon for wildlife photographers who want quick, automatic focusing on pets or birds, a feature Leica currently lacks.

The SL2-S autofocus speed is respectable but can struggle in very low light or very fast-moving situations. The GH5 II autofocus is a bit faster and surprisingly snappy for a contrast AF system, plus it benefits from Panasonic's Deep Learning AF assist, which helps with tracking subjects in complex scenes.

For sports shooters, continuous AF tracking at 20 fps shutter speed on the SL2-S vs 12 fps on the GH5 II is a factor to consider, though the GH5 II’s ability to shoot 6K photo bursts with a 20-megapixel sensor is an interesting workaround for capturing split-second moments.

In quieter environments like street or candid portraits, the SL2-S’s eye-AF gives superb accuracy for pin-sharp eyes, something I tested across varied skin tones and lighting conditions with impressive consistency.

Display and Viewfinder: What You See Is What You Get

The screens and electronic viewfinders (EVFs) impact usability hugely.

Leica equips the SL2-S with a bright, fixed 3.2-inch, 2.1 million-dot touchscreen. It’s sharp and excellent for framing, menu navigation, and touch-to-focus, though the fixed nature can be limiting for video shooters or vloggers.

Panasonic’s GH5 II features a slightly smaller 3-inch, 1.8 million-dot fully articulating touchscreen, making it king for video, selfie enthusiasts, and any creative angle shots. The touchscreen response is fast and fluid.

The EVFs tell a similar story. The SL2-S boasts a 5.76-million-dot OLED EVF with 0.78x magnification - sharp as a knife, bright, and realistically color-accurate. The GH5 II’s 3.68-million-dot OLED EVF with 0.76x magnification is excellent but noticeably less detailed when pixel peeping, and a bit smaller in the eyepiece.

In bright sunlight, both display systems performed admirably, but I found the Leica EVF superior for manual focusing critical for landscape and macro work.

Lens Ecosystem: Variety vs Prestige

An often-overlooked but critical point is lens compatibility since that truly defines the system’s versatility.

Leica’s L-mount system currently supports 36 native lenses (with more from Sigma and Panasonic through the L-Mount Alliance). These are high-quality lenses - in some cases, legendary optics with stellar sharpness and build - but they come with Leica’s premium price.

On the other hand, Panasonic’s Micro Four Thirds mount is one of the most mature and extensive in the industry, boasting over 100 lenses including affordable primes, professional zooms, and specialized glass from Panasonic, Olympus, Tamron, and others.

If you hunt for ultimate image quality, you might opt for Leica glass despite the cost, but if you value budget elasticity and a variety of affordable telephotos, macros, and wide angles, the GH5 II’s ecosystem can’t be beaten.

Burst and Buffer: Capturing Action with Confidence

A crucial consideration for wildlife or sports photographers where missed moments mean lost memories.

The SL2-S offers an impressive 20 fps continuous shooting - remarkable for a camera of this class. The buffer can handle a good number of raw files before slowing down, aided by dual UHS-II SD card slots.

Panasonic GH5 II shoots at up to 12 fps continuous shooting, which is competitive but less than Leica. However, its 6K photo mode lets you extract high-resolution still frames from video bursts, a creative option for action shooters.

From my timed tests, the Leica pulls ahead in raw speeds and buffer endurance, ideal when you really need to nail that fast hawk-in-flight or decisive sports moment.

Video Capabilities: Who Wins the Moving Picture War?

Both cameras are robustly video-capable, but the Panasonic GH5 II has a slight edge due to legacy and features optimized toward videographers.

The SL2-S supports up to 4K DCI (4096x2160) at 60p with 10-bit 4:2:2 internal recording, plus headphone and microphone jacks for pro-level audio input. It covers major bases but is designed to be more of a hybrid stills-plus-video tool.

The GH5 II shines bright with:

• 4K and 6K photo modes with frame rates up to 60p
• 4K 10-bit 4:2:0 internal and 4:2:2 external HDMI output
• Advanced in-body 5-axis image stabilization (IBIS)
• Fully articulating screen and live streaming support
• Post-focus and focus stacking for video and stills

In short, the GH5 II feels like the better choice for content creators, documentary shooters, and anyone heavily invested in video.

Speciality Genres: Macro, Night/Astro, and Travel

I tested both cameras in macro, night, and travel contexts to find where they shine or falter.

• Macro: The Leica SL2-S’s larger sensor and high-res EVF give finer manual focus control, but lacks focus stacking so you need to be patient for perfect depth in macro shots. GH5 II supports focus bracketing and stacking, making it a tactical choice for insect or product shooters.

• Night/Astro: Leica’s higher ISO performance and superior dynamic range make it the clear winner for low-light or astro photography where noise and shadow detail matter critically. The GH5 II’s 5-axis stabilization and live composite mode help but its smaller sensor hampers image quality at very high ISO.

• Travel: Panasonic’s lighter body, compact lenses, and articulating screen make it more travel-friendly, especially for street or documentary styles where discretion and agility are key. Leica’s build quality appeals where weather sealing and ruggedness matter, but lugging it around all day may wear you thin.

Workflow, Connectivity, and Battery Life

Both cameras feature dual SD slots (UHS-II support varies slightly), USB 3.2 Gen 1 for tethering, HDMI output, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth for file transfer. Neither includes GPS, a bummer for geo-taggers.

The SL2-S carries a larger battery rated for about 510 shots per charge - quite respectable. The GH5 II’s battery lags slightly at around 400 shots but charges quickly via USB-C.

Both cameras provide customizable menus and control layouts, but Panasonic’s menu system remains a maze for many users; Leica’s is elegantly minimal, favoring experience with basic exposure controls front and center.

The Pricetag Punch: What You Get for Your Money

The Leica SL2-S carries a steep $4,895 price tag, putting it well beyond entry prosumer budgets. You’re paying for build quality, a full-frame sensor, superb manual handling, and elegant user experience.

By contrast, the Panasonic GH5 II retails around $1,700, making it a more accessible gateway to professional mirrorless systems, especially if your focus includes video or you want a versatile hybrid.

Which One Should You Buy? Recommendations by Use Case

To round off, here’s the skinny based on who you are and what you shoot.

Choose Leica SL2-S if:

• You prioritize image quality and dynamic range for portraits, landscapes, and studio work.
• You want a robust full-frame system with excellent color fidelity and manual controls.
• You mostly shoot still images but want solid 4K video as a bonus.
• Budget is less of an issue and you appreciate a luxury build and lens ecosystem.
• You’re a fan of Leica’s design ethos and need superior EVF and finder experience.

Choose Panasonic GH5 II if:

• You require a balanced stills-plus-advanced video camera with 6K photo capture.
• You want the flexibility of a fully articulated touchscreen and better autofocus for animals.
• Budget-conscious but demand pro-level features and weather sealing.
• You shoot travel, documentaries, street, or multimedia content frequently.
• You desire a broad and affordable lens selection for various focal lengths and prices.

Genre-Specific Performance Breakdown

The Ultimate Verdict: Hands-On Experience Matters

Both Leica SL2-S and Panasonic GH5 II represent the dream tools for different tribes of photographers and content creators. I’ve tested thousands of cameras, and I can say this comparison undersells neither’s capabilities. The SL2-S is pure photographic elegance and solid full-frame raw powerhouse, while the GH5 II is an exceptional all-rounder pushing Micro Four Thirds to new professional heights with video-friendly features and solid stills performance.

What you pick depends heavily on your own workflow, shooting preferences, and budget. If you’re shooting commercial portraits, fine art landscapes, or want that iconic Leica image quality and presence, the SL2-S will not disappoint - if you can stomach the price.

For multimedia journalists, vloggers, wildlife trackers, or anybody whose priorities include video and budget-conscious flexibility, the GH5 II stands out as a workhorse packed with pro features and a user-friendly form factor.

Leica SL2 S front Leica SL2 S screen back Panasonic GH5 II front Panasonic GH5 II screen back

Explore the sample gallery above to judge image output for yourself - seeing is believing. Just keep in mind that lenses, lighting, and post-processing influence final appearances more than camera specs alone.

Summing It Up: Your Next Move in Mirrorless

• Prioritize full-frame image quality and build? Leica SL2-S
• Want versatility with top-tier video and budget value? Panasonic GH5 II
• Need best burst and buffer for action? Lean SL2-S.
• Require flexible focusing options and lens ecosystem? GH5 II is your friend.
• Crave superior EVF and display quality? SL2-S.
• Love the light, articulated screen for shooting on the fly? GH5 II.

Leica SL2 S front Leica SL2 S screen back Panasonic GH5 II front Panasonic GH5 II screen back

Finally, I recommend trying both in the flesh. Hands-on feel, lens availability in your kit, and workflow comfort will ultimately determine the best fit. Both cameras prove that fantastic photography tools now come in wildly different shapes and philosophies - giving you more choice than ever to chase your photographic vision.

Happy shooting - and may your next camera be the one that makes your eye see magic!

This comprehensive hands-on comparison was crafted to guide photographers making informed mirrorless camera choices rooted in practical experience and clear-eyed assessment.