Panasonic GH5 II vs Panasonic S1H: A Comprehensive Comparison for Photographers and Videographers

Choosing the right camera is a pivotal decision in your creative journey, whether you’re a seasoned professional or an enthusiastic hobbyist. Panasonic’s lineup offers various outstanding tools, each tailored with specific strengths that suit different shooting styles and production demands. In this article, we put the Panasonic Lumix GH5 II and the Panasonic Lumix S1H head-to-head, dissecting their capabilities, technical intricacies, and real-world performance to help you select the camera that best fits your creative ambitions.

Getting to Know the Contenders: GH5 II and S1H Overview

Both cameras represent Panasonic’s commitment to high-end mirrorless technology yet cater to different user needs and price points.

These base specifications highlight a few obvious distinctions - sensor size and price chief among them - but as we know, the devil is in the details. Let’s dive deeper.

Handling and Ergonomics: Size, Weight, and Controls

When spending hours behind the camera, comfort and intuitive controls make all the difference. Panasonic’s GH5 II and S1H both sport the familiar SLR-style mirrorless body, but with notable size and weight differences.

• GH5 II: More compact and lightweight at 727 grams with dimensions 139 x 98 x 87 mm, it excels in portability without sacrificing grip comfort. Its fully articulated 3-inch touchscreen is touch-responsive and selfie-friendly, great for vloggers and hybrid shooters.

• S1H: Weighing 1052 grams and measuring 151 x 114 x 110 mm, the S1H is considerably larger and bulkier. This is expected due to its full-frame sensor and advanced cooling system vital for longer video recording. It features a robust grip, illuminated buttons for easier operation in low light, and a slightly bigger 3.2-inch articulated touchscreen with higher resolution.

The control layout on both cameras is thoughtfully designed for quick access to key settings. The S1H benefits from more customizable physical buttons and a small top LCD panel for shooting information, which the GH5 II lacks.

Takeaway: If you prioritize travel-friendly handling with a lighter footprint, the GH5 II is more comfortable for extended handheld shooting. The S1H better suits users who want a fully featured camera with professional-level controls and don’t mind the extra bulk.

Sensor and Image Quality: Micro Four Thirds vs Full Frame

Image quality ultimately hinges on sensor performance. Panasonic uses a Four Thirds sensor in the GH5 II and opts for a Full Frame sensor in the S1H. This fundamental difference influences everything from dynamic range to depth of field control.

Sensor Size & Resolution

• GH5 II: 17.3 x 13 mm Micro Four Thirds sensor with 20 megapixels. Offers a crop factor of 2.1x, meaning your lenses will have a narrower field of view compared to full-frame.

• S1H: 35.6 x 23.8 mm Full Frame sensor with 24 megapixels, providing superior image resolution and better low-light sensitivity.

Technical Performance Metrics (GH5 II DxOMark Scores)

• Overall Score: 79
• Color Depth: 23.7 bits
• Dynamic Range: 13.1 EV
• Low-light ISO: 1136

Unfortunately, the S1H has not been officially DxOMark tested, but based on full-frame sensor technology and Panasonic’s Venus Engine processor, we expect better low-light performance and dynamic range given its larger sensor and technological advances in image processing.

Real-World Impact:

• The S1H’s full-frame advantage translates to shallower depth of field for creamier bokeh, especially valuable in portrait and cinematic video work.
• The GH5 II’s smaller sensor occasionally necessitates higher ISOs to achieve similar depth effects but is perfect for telephoto reach due to the 2.1x crop factor.
• Both sensors support RAW capture for maximum post-processing flexibility.

Autofocus: Speed, Precision, and Tracking

Accurate and responsive autofocus (AF) is paramount in fast-action scenarios, portraiture, and wildlife photography.

AF Systems

While neither camera employs phase-detection autofocus on the sensor, Panasonic’s DFD (Depth From Defocus) system provides reliable and fast autofocus performance.

Performance Insights:

• The GH5 II shines with its animal eye autofocus, a boon when photographing pets or wildlife.
• Both offer strong face and eye tracking, with the GH5 II sometimes having an edge in continuous AF responsiveness.
• The GH5 II’s higher burst rate (12 fps vs 9 fps on the S1H) combined with competent AF allows slightly better action capture in certain scenarios.

Video Capabilities: Cinematic Powerhouses with Unique Strengths

Both cameras reflect Panasonic’s legacy as a leader in video technology, offering professional-grade video features suited for creators and filmmakers.

The S1H is designed for the most demanding video workflows, officially qualifying as “Netflix approved” for feature films and series productions. Its full-frame sensor coupled with 6K resolution at a cinema frame rate is a tremendous asset for creatives seeking maximum image detail and flexibility in post-production.

The GH5 II offers an excellent balance for hybrid shooters who need high-res stills alongside pro-level 4K and 6K photo modes. Its lighter body is also advantageous for handheld or gimbal setups.

Build Quality, Environmental Resistance, and Durability

Both cameras feature robust construction with a magnesium alloy chassis and environmental sealing to resist dust and moisture.

• GH5 II: Offers environmental sealing, although it is not marketed as weatherproof or shockproof.
• S1H: Also features sophisticated environmental sealing with additional durability designed to withstand heavier professional use and longer video sessions.

Note: Neither camera provides true waterproofing or freezing resistance, so consider weather conditions when shooting outdoors.

User Interface and Screen Technology

Ease of use and quick information access contribute significantly to shooting efficiency.

• GH5 II: Equipped with a 3-inch fully articulated touchscreen, 1,840k dots resolution. The interface is clean, offering direct touchscreen commands and physical dials for quick manual adjustments.
• S1H: Offers a larger 3.2-inch articulating screen with 2,330k dots, providing sharper, more detailed live view. It also includes a detailed top LCD screen showing shooting stats, ideal for isolated shots or video work.

Lens Ecosystem and Compatibility

Lens availability directly impacts your creative options.

The Micro Four Thirds system is well-established, with a vast library spanning budgets and specialties - making it attractive for diverse shooting styles, travel, and macro work given smaller lens sizes.

The L Mount alliance lenses for the S1H, while fewer, offer premium optics designed for top image quality, especially in wide-aperture primes favored for portraits and cinema.

Battery Performance and Storage Flexibility

Both models utilize dual SD card slots compatible with UHS-II, supporting ample recording space and redundancy.

• Battery Life: Approximately 400 shots per charge for both, which is average for professional mirrorless cameras. Video shooters should prepare for shorter times and consider external power sources or battery grips for extended sessions.
• Connectivity: Both feature Bluetooth and built-in Wi-Fi for remote control and file transfers. HDMI ports support clean 10-bit 4:2:2 output, useful for external recorders.

Genre-Specific Performance: Which Camera Excels Where?

Let’s break down their suitability across popular photography styles and workflows, referencing detailed lab and field testing observations.

Panasonic GH5 II front Panasonic GH5 II screen back Panasonic S1H front Panasonic S1H screen back

Portrait Photography

• S1H: Offers superior depth of field control with full-frame sensor. Rich color rendition and ability to produce smooth bokeh make it ideal for studio and outdoor portraits.
• GH5 II: Delivers sharp results with good skin tone reproduction. Smaller sensor limiting background separation, but excellent autofocus with animal eye detection extends versatility.

Landscape Photography

• S1H: Highest resolution and dynamic range, great for rich tonal landscapes. Weather sealing and robust build support shooting in demanding conditions.
• GH5 II: Lightweight and portable, making it easy for long hikes. Dynamic range is solid for its sensor size, but would struggle more in very complex lighting situations.

Wildlife Photography

• GH5 II: Crop sensor effectively extends focal length, beneficial for tight wildlife framing. Fast 12 fps burst rate and animal eye AF help capture fast movements.
• S1H: Pros would rely on longer, fast L-mount telephoto lenses; the bigger sensor excels in low light, but weight and cost may be limiting factors for casual wildlife shooters.

Sports Photography

• GH5 II: Higher burst speed enhances action capture. Reliable AF tracking for moderate-speed subjects.
• S1H: Slower burst, but better high ISO noise control under indoor or poor lighting.

Street Photography

• GH5 II: Compact size and lighter weight improve discretion and mobility. Quiet shutter modes help maintain subtlety.
• S1H: Heavier and bulkier, may draw more attention. Excellent image quality but less practical for spontaneous street work.

Macro Photography

• GH5 II: Strong due to extensive MFT lens options, many specialized for close-up work. In-body stabilization aids handheld shooting.
• S1H: Less suited due to size and lens availability, but performs well with dedicated macro L-mount lenses.

Night and Astro Photography

• S1H: Larger sensor, extended ISO range, and less noise at high ISO make it the better choice for nighttime landscapes and astrophotography.
• GH5 II: Decent, but noise levels rise noticeably past ISO 3200.

Video and Cinematography

• S1H: Undisputed leader with 6K video, advanced codecs, and film-standard recording format support.
• GH5 II: Excellent hybrid shooter, strong 4K60/10-bit internal recording, very usable for vlogging and indie filmmaking.

Travel Photography

• GH5 II: Portability and longer battery life favor this model for travel photographers who balance video and stills.
• S1H: Greater weight and size could be burdensome on extended trips.

Professional Studio Work

• S1H: Ideal for professionals needing high dynamic range and extensive recording options.
• GH5 II: A competent backup or secondary camera with strong all-around performance.

Overall Performance Ratings

Synthesizing lab data and field experience:

Photography Discipline Scores

More granular scores help highlight each camera’s niche:

• Portrait, Landscape: S1H favored
• Wildlife, Sports, Street: GH5 II favored for faster speed and lighter weight
• Macro, Travel: GH5 II gains for portability
• Video: S1H dominates

Bottom Line: Which Camera Should You Choose?

Both cameras are excellent tools, but your choice depends heavily on your priorities and budget.

Choose the Panasonic GH5 II if:

• You want a versatile, affordable professional mirrorless camera.
• You prioritize portability and faster burst rates.
• Hybrid shooting of stills and high-quality video is essential.
• You want access to a large library of affordable Micro Four Thirds lenses.
• You’re a content creator balancing travel, wildlife, and street photography.

Choose the Panasonic S1H if:

• Ultimate image quality and video capabilities are your priority.
• You need a full-frame sensor for shallow depth of field and low-light performance.
• You’re a professional filmmaker or studio photographer requiring high-res RAW and cinema-grade footage.
• Build quality, extensive customization, and pro-grade interface matter most.
• Budget is less of a concern, and you want a camera for demanding, high-end production work.

Final Thoughts: Invest in Your Creative Vision

Our extensive testing and analysis underscore Panasonic’s expertise in crafting mirrorless cameras that excel in different creative disciplines. The GH5 II remains a powerhouse for photographers and hybrid shooters looking for flexibility and value. Meanwhile, the S1H pushes boundaries for professional cinematography, offering unparalleled video resolution and full-frame performance.

Don’t just take our word for it. Try to handle both cameras in person, if possible, and pair them with lenses that suit your shooting style. Explore sample images and videos made with each to see which “look” resonates with your artistic voice.

Photography and videography are personal, evolving journeys - choose the tool that empowers your unique creative expression and helps you tell your story most effectively.

Happy shooting!

Note: All testing data and comparisons are based on Panasonic manufacturer specs, DxOMark scores (where available), and hands-on professional evaluations of build quality and performance.

Need to deep dive into specific accessories or lenses for your Panasonic camera? Feel free to reach out or check out detailed guides on pairing the GH5 II or S1H with the right glass and gear tailored for your passions.