Nikon Z7 II vs Panasonic GH5: The Definitive Pro Mirrorless Showdown for Enthusiasts and Professionals

Choosing a mirrorless camera that aligns perfectly with your photography style and professional demands can feel like walking a tightrope. Today, I’ll share my in-depth comparison of two acclaimed contenders - the full-frame Nikon Z7 II and the Micro Four Thirds Panasonic GH5 - both storied in their own right but tailored for remarkably different users. Drawing on extensive hands-on testing across genres, sensor analysis, and real-world shooting sessions, here’s everything you need to know before pulling the trigger.

Size, Feel, and Handling: Designed for Different Hands

Right out of the gate, these cameras cater to distinct ergonomic preferences and shooting workflows. The Nikon Z7 II is SLR-style mirrorless with a size and heft aiming squarely at professionals craving a solid, serious presence in hand.

Meanwhile, the Panasonic GH5 is slightly smaller and lighter but retains a robust build, aiming for versatility and a balance between mobility and control.

The Z7 II’s grip is deep and comfortable, crafted for long shoots without undue fatigue. Its magnesium alloy chassis feels reassuringly durable with excellent weather sealing, ideal for challenging outdoor conditions - a true workhorse.

In contrast, the GH5’s body is marginally more compact, lending itself well to travel and street photography where discretion and carry comfort matter. Though built tough with weather sealing, it lacks the sheer bulk of the Z7 II, making it easier to tote around all day.

Which you prefer here depends on your dominant shooting environment. For studio portraiture or extended landscape trips in rough weather, the Z7 II offers confidence and sturdiness. For nimble street or event shooting with less gear, the GH5’s balance and lighter weight can make a difference.

Design and Control Layout: Intuitive Mastery vs Feature-Rich

Beyond size, the tactile controls and menu systems invite deep dives. Comparing the top-button arrangement and dials lets you feel how much spontaneous control each model offers.

Nikon’s design philosophy shines with the Z7 II - controls are logically spaced, minimalist yet rich, with a clearly marked top LCD info panel that I found invaluable during extended outdoor shoots. The dual control dials and well-placed ISO, exposure compensation, and metering buttons facilitate fast-adjust without fumbling menus. It’s a setup designed to keep your eyes on the scene.

The GH5 trades some simplicity for sheer control complexity - a hallmark of Panasonic’s video-centric heritage. Numerous buttons, customizable function keys, and an articulating screen push it into “feature-rich” territory that might overwhelm newcomers yet empower advanced users who rely heavily on video or want tactile access to specialized functions like focus peaking or zebra stripes.

Ultimately, if intuitive physical handling with quick access under pressure is your priority - say, in sports photography - the Z7 II’s streamlined ergonomics win. If your work blends hybrid photo/video shooting needing more programmable shortcuts, the GH5’s layout rewards learning and adaptation.

Sensor Technology and Image Quality: A Full-Frame Powerhouse vs Four Thirds Precision

Central to any camera choice is sensor performance. Here the gap is clear - the Nikon Z7 II incorporates a 46-megapixel full-frame back-illuminated CMOS sensor, whereas the Panasonic GH5 relies on a 20-megapixel Four Thirds CMOS sensor.

The Z7 II’s sensor size of 35.9x23.9mm dwarfs the GH5’s 17.3x13mm area, translating to bigger pixels, improved light gathering, and superior dynamic range. In the lab and real-world tests, the Z7 II consistently delivers richer tonal gradation, better color depth (imperative for skin tones), and lower noise at high ISO.

For instance, in portrait work the Z7 II’s 46 MP resolution lets you crop tightly without sacrificing detail, while its sensor’s dynamic range effortlessly captures subtle shadow and highlight nuances - vital for natural skin rendering and realistic bokeh transitions.

The GH5’s sensor, while smaller, has strengths: speedy readout and lower noise at moderate ISOs, excellent for video recording and quick-action photography in decent light. Panasonic’s Venus Engine processor optimizes detail and sharpness well, but you’ll notice limitations at ISO 6400 and above compared to the Z7 II’s cleaner files, especially in night and astrophotography.

While the GH5’s 20 MP count suits web and HD printing perfectly, if your work demands large prints or extensive cropping, the Nikon’s sensor offers undeniable advantages.

LCD and Viewfinder: A Visual Experience Tailored Differently

Your framing and reviewing experience tie directly into the electronic viewfinder and rear screen quality.

The Z7 II features a 3.2-inch tilting touchscreen with 2.1 million dots offering sharp, accurate playback and straightforward menu navigation. Its 3,690k-dot OLED EVF boasts excellent clarity and eye-relief, making manual focusing precise even in bright conditions.

Conversely, the GH5 sports a fully articulating 3.2-inch touchscreen with slightly lower resolution (1.62 million dots) but excellent viewing angles - a boon for video shooters or vloggers who need flexible framing. Its OLED EVF is comparable in resolution (3680 dots) but slightly smaller magnification (0.76x vs 0.8x Z7 II).

For still shooters relying on manual focus precision, especially in landscapes or macro, the Nikon’s EVF edges ahead with a subtle advantage in clarity. But those who need maximum screen flexibility for video or varied shooting angles will appreciate the GH5’s 180-degree flip screen.

Autofocus Systems: Precision Face Detection vs Video-Focused Tracking

Autofocus technology is pivotal for performance, and here the cameras diverge.

The Z7 II sports a hybrid AF system with 493 phase-detection points spread over nearly the entire frame. It supports fast and reliable eye and animal eye detection - a feature I found exceptionally helpful when shooting portraits or wildlife where catching sharp eyes can be challenging.

The GH5 uses 225 contrast-detection points but lacks phase-detection AF, which makes the Z7 II notably superior for continuous and predictive AF in challenging lighting or fast action.

While GH5’s DFD (Depth From Defocus) contrast AF excels in video autofocus smoothness, it can struggle slightly with tracking erratic subjects in still photo bursts, unlike Nikon’s more robust phase-detection that maintains precise focus on moving runners or birds in flight.

If you mainly photograph dynamic scenes or subjects requiring pinpoint eye AF, the Z7 II’s autofocus system is more advanced and versatile. For video shooters or less demanding stills, the GH5’s AF remains respectable.

Burst Shooting and Frame Rates: Catching the Action

When action is on your mind, frame rates and buffer depth matter.

The GH5 offers a maximum continuous shooting speed of 12 fps - impressive for its sensor class - while the Z7 II trails at 10 fps. However, the Z7 II offers a substantial buffer and faster card types (CFexpress and XQD), meaning it maintains burst shooting longer without slowdown under JPEG and RAW modes.

Though the GH5’s 12 fps allows more frames per second, its smaller buffer and SD card dependence can introduce buffer limitations during extended bursts.

For sports and wildlife photographers, I recommend the Z7 II for its combination of reliable burst speed, buffer, and superior AF tracking despite slightly lower fps. The GH5 remains a solid option for moderately paced action or video shooting.

Video Capabilities: GH5’s Legacy Reigns With 4K Mastery, Nikon Hesitates

Video requirements can sway camera choice dramatically. Step into the GH5’s video domain, and you witness a performance benchmark.

The GH5 records 4K UHD up to 60p and even supports true 4K DCI at 24p, with comprehensive codec options including AVCHD, MPEG-4, and H.264. Its 5-axis sensor stabilization pairs with in-body vibration reduction to provide smooth handheld footage.

Conversely, the Z7 II also shoots 4K UHD at 60p but lacks the GH5’s professional video features like 10-bit 4:2:2 internal recording or advanced in-camera log profiles. For pro video shooters, this is a notable limitation.

Both offer headphone and microphone ports, but the GH5’s articulating screen and robust video toolkit clearly target hybrid shooters and videographers.

If video plays even a secondary role in your workflow or you value cinematic flexibility, the GH5 remains the king of video-centric mirrorless cameras in this comparison. For photographers prioritizing stills with occasional video, the Z7 II is likely sufficient.

Lens Ecosystem and Compatibility: Nikon’s Focused Z Mount vs Panasonic’s Micro Four Thirds Breadth

Lens availability impacts versatility and system investment long term.

The Nikon Z mount boasts 15 native lenses as of the Z7 II launch, with optics designed to leverage the full-frame sensor’s performance - sharpness, bokeh quality, and autofocus speed. Nikon is aggressively expanding this lineup, with third-party offerings increasing.

The GH5, with a Micro Four Thirds mount, has access to over 100 lenses from Panasonic, Olympus, and third parties, spanning a wide price range and focal lengths. The 2.1x crop factor can be limiting for wide-angle photography but benefits telephoto reach, particularly for wildlife.

If you crave wide aperture primes for portraiture and landscapes, Nikon Z’s collection currently focuses on large-aperture lenses excelling at shallow depth of field and image quality. The affordability and vast range of MFT lenses allow GH5 owners to build a varied system cost-effectively.

This difference is worth considering if you’re building around lens preferences.

Stabilization and Weather Resistance: Both Well-Equipped

Both cameras feature 5-axis sensor-based image stabilization, a game-changer for handheld shooting

In testing, the Z7 II’s IBIS combines synergistically with many Nikon lenses offering optical stabilization, achieving up to 5 stops of correction - ideal for low light and video.

The GH5 similarly sports excellent 5-axis IBIS, very effective for video and stills alike, stabilizing a wide array of lenses.

Regarding weather sealing, both are splash and dust resistant, suitable for outdoor photography, though neither is fully waterproof or shockproof.

Battery Life and Storage Options: Head-to-Head Practicality

Shooting longevity can dictate field workflow.

The Nikon Z7 II delivers roughly 420 shots per battery charge using the EN-EL15C battery; the GH5 yields a similar 410 shots per charge.

A practical parity that means you won’t drastically favor one over the other for long shoots, though the GH5’s dual SD card slots (UHS-II) versus the Z7 II’s hybrid CFexpress/XQD and SD (UHS-II) slots represent different storage philosophies. CFexpress and XQD provide speed advantages for burst and 4K video in Nikon’s case but with slightly higher memory card costs.

Value and Price: Investment vs Return

Price differences remain stark. The Z7 II retails around $3,000 body-only, reflecting its flagship status. The GH5 is offered near $1,300, more accessible especially with established MFT lenses.

Your budget inevitably shapes the decision. The Z7 II is an investment into a next-gen full-frame platform with future-proof specs and outstanding image quality. The GH5 offers remarkable value with a rich feature set focused on video and versatile stills.

For Different Photography Disciplines: How Do They Stack Up?

Let me break down their comparative suitability across photography types, informed by my hands-on tests.

• Portraits: Nikon Z7 II shines via higher resolution and superior autofocus eye detection, producing exquisite skin tones and creamy bokeh unmatched by GH5.
• Landscape: Z7 II’s dynamic range and sensor size offer detail and color fidelity ideal for large prints, plus better weather sealing support.
• Wildlife: Z7 II’s faster AF and full-frame sensor help capture distant subjects with clarity, despite lower burst rate than GH5.
• Sports: The GH5’s faster fps and compact size help in quick action, but Z7 II autofocus precision and buffer management favor highly demanding sports.
• Street: GH5’s smaller body and flip screen add discretion and composure flexibility; Z7 II bulk may deter casual street photography.
• Macro: Z7 II’s shared sensor stabilization and lens quality support precise macro work better than GH5’s smaller sensor crop.
• Night/Astro: Z7 II’s big sensor and cleaner high ISO output beats GH5 hands down for low-light starscapes.
• Video: GH5 leads with superior codecs, profiles, 4K options, and articulating screen for video-focused shooters.
• Travel: GH5’s smaller size and weight offer portability advantage for globetrotters, though Z7 II’s image quality can justify the extra weight.
• Professional Work: Z7 II’s durability, file options, and lens line-up fit pro workflows better overall.

Seeing Is Believing: Sample Images from Both Cameras

Nothing beats direct comparison to understand the impact of specs on real photos.

Nikon Z7 II front Nikon Z7 II screen back Panasonic GH5 front Panasonic GH5 screen back

In this gallery, you can examine Nikon’s detailed, nuanced gradations and Panasonic’s sharp, punchy video-friendly images side-by-side. Note the Z7 II’s exceptional highlight retention and natural gradation on the portrait, versus GH5’s crisp but less nuanced texture.

Summary: Which Camera Wins - and For Whom?

Before you reach for your credit card, consider this:

• If you want uncompromising still photography with top-tier image quality, advanced autofocus, and are ready to invest for versatility and pro use, the Nikon Z7 II is hard to beat. You get a future-proof system suited to demanding work in portraiture, landscape, wildlife, and more.

• If you primarily shoot video alongside stills, prize portability, or have budget constraints, the Panasonic GH5 remains a stalwart choice. It’s packed with professional video options, dual cards, and great ready-to-shoot versatility for travel, street, and casual action.

Final Thoughts on Making the Choice

Choosing between the Nikon Z7 II and Panasonic GH5 boils down to your prioritized medium, shooting style, and investment capacity. Both cameras have carved solid reputations and excel when matched well to their intended use.

By blending my years of extensive, objective testing with practical field experience, I hope this comparison demystifies the decision for you, saving hours of trial and error. Remember to handle both models yourself if possible; personal feel complements technical specs.

Happy shooting, whichever path you choose.

Disclosure: Throughout months of testing, I used the Nikon Z7 II with native and third-party lenses, primarily in controlled studio, wildlife trips, and urban landscapes; the Panasonic GH5 was my main companion for hybrid photo/video, street scenes, and rapid-action shoots, which informed my hands-on insights here.