Panasonic GH5 II vs Sony A7 II: A Hands-On, In-Depth Camera Comparison for Serious Photographers

Choosing the right camera is always a blend of art, science, and personal preference. As someone who’s tested thousands of cameras across genres and budgets, I’ll take you through a detailed, practical comparison between two popular but fundamentally different mirrorless models: the Panasonic Lumix GH5 II and the Sony Alpha A7 II. Both appeal strongly to professionals and enthusiasts, yet they cater to different needs, sensor formats, and shooting styles. My goal here is to give you real-world insights that go beyond spec sheets - what these cameras actually deliver in your hands, across photography disciplines, and in everyday use.

First Impressions: Size, Handling, and Build Quality

Right out of the gate, the Panasonic GH5 II feels like a beefier, more robust camera body compared to the Sony A7 II. The GH5 II’s dimensions (139x98x87mm) and 727g weight, compared with the A7 II’s slimmer 127x96x60mm form and 599g, reflect their design philosophies. Panasonic leans into a larger grip, comprehensive button layout, and a more durable “pro” feel - essential if you’re wrestling long telephotos or working in challenging environments. Sony’s A7 II, meanwhile, keeps things compact and lightweight, which can be an asset for street shooters or travelers seeking portability.

Ergonomics favor the GH5 II hands-down. Panasonic’s body is not just bigger; it’s thoughtfully weighted and well-contoured for extended shoots without fatigue. Sony’s body feels slightly cramped, especially if you have larger hands - a common critique, but one that’s offset by its discreet profile.

Both cameras offer weather sealing, a necessity for outdoors photographers. It’s worth noting, though, that Panasonic’s weather resistance is arguably more comprehensive - a point to consider if you regularly face the elements.

Checking out the control layout from the top view, the GH5 II impresses with a wealth of dedicated dials (ISO, exposure compensation, shutter speed) and hardworking buttons, many of which can be customized. This allows photographers rapid, tactile revisions on the fly without diving into menus. Sony’s A7 II, while clean and functional, sports fewer control knobs - a design that pushes some users into menu-land more often, which can interrupt workflow.

Sensor and Image Quality: Micro Four Thirds Meets Full Frame

Now, onto the heart of any camera: the sensor. The Panasonic GH5 II uses a 20MP Micro Four Thirds sensor (17.3x13mm), while the Sony A7 II sports a 24MP full-frame sensor (35.8x23.9mm). The difference in sensor size is substantial - the Sony captures roughly 3.8 times more area - and that impacts several factors in image quality.

On paper, this gives the A7 II an inherent advantage in:

• Low-light performance: Larger pixels gather more photons; thus, the Sony achieves cleaner images at high ISOs.
• Dynamic range: Sony’s full-frame sensor recorded a DxOMark dynamic range score of 13.6 EV, slightly ahead of Panasonic’s 13.1 EV - useful in harsh contrasts.
• Color depth: A subtle but measurable edge for the Sony (24.9 bits vs 23.7 bits).

However, sensor size isn’t the whole story. The GH5 II’s modern sensor and processing pipeline help it maintain strong color accuracy and sharpness. Four Thirds sensors, with their 2.1x crop factor, often prize versatility, allowing smaller, lighter lenses while still delivering very usable image quality. The GH5 II’s lack of an anti-aliasing filter results in sharper images than typical MFT cameras.

Resolution-wise, the Sony’s 24MP vs the Panasonic’s 20MP is a modest difference, but in pixel-level detail, the full-frame advantage shines through - noticeable if you regularly print large or crop extensively. The Panasonic’s max native ISO starts at 200, which signals its sensor’s design focus on quality over extreme low-light sensitivity.

Autofocus Systems: Tracking vs Precision

I run rigorous autofocus tests across a variety of lighting situations and action types, from wildlife flight to fast-paced sports. Here’s how these two stack up.

The Panasonic GH5 II employs a 225-point contrast-detection autofocus system, enhanced with Depth From Defocus (DFD) technology. Its excellent face and animal eye detection help keep portraits tack-sharp, a significant boon for shoots featuring people or pets. Autofocus is quick and smooth, especially in good lighting, and the continuous AF tracking is impressively reliable if somewhat conservative compared to phase-detection systems. A particular highlight: its post-focus and focus stacking modes, offering unique focus precision options difficult to find on other models.

The Sony A7 II features a 117-point phase-detection AF system combined with contrast detection, bridging speed and accuracy. Phase detection here results in faster initial focus lock, beneficial for sports and action photographers chasing erratic subjects. Surprisingly, Sony’s A7 II lacks animal eye AF (a feature introduced in the newer A7 III and beyond), so wildlife portrait work may require more manual focus babysitting.

Combined with a 5fps continuous burst rate (the GH5 II can do up to 12fps), the Sony’s AF might struggle catching ultra-fast sequences, but it holds its own in solid lighting conditions.

Displays and Viewfinders: Your Eye on Creativity

Viewing your scene accurately is critical, and these two deliver quite different experiences:

The Panasonic GH5 II boasts a 3-inch, 1840k-dot fully articulating touchscreen, offering extensive flexibility for low or high-angle shots, vlogging, and live menus navigation. The fully articulated screen is a real asset if you shoot video or frequently adjust settings on the fly. The 3680k-dot electronic viewfinder with 0.76x magnification is sharp and responsive, making it easier to compose under bright sunlight.

In contrast, the Sony A7 II has a smaller 3-inch, 1230k-dot tilting LCD screen - no touchscreen here - which can feel limiting if you rely on touch controls or want to flip your screen for selfies or vlogging. Its electronic viewfinder is 2359k dots at 0.71x magnification, decent but less immersive than Panasonic’s.

For outdoor or street photography, I prefer Panasonic’s brighter and more flexible display setup, which saved me from straining my neck or guessing framing angles.

Photography Disciplines: Which Camera Suits Which Genre?

Now, let’s unpack how each performs across various major photography types, something I always do in my reviews, because camera choice depends heavily on your primary creative focus.

Portrait Photography

If portraits are your passion, skin tone rendering, bokeh quality, and sharp eye detection matter. The Sony’s larger sensor naturally helps create more creamy background blur at equivalent apertures - a true full-frame aesthetic. The A7 II’s 117-point PDAF system and face detection work well, but no animal eye AF limits pet portraits.

The GH5 II’s 225-point contrast AF with human and animal eye detection is excellent for accuracy, but smaller sensor means less background separation. Still, Panasonic’s sensor and lens line-up produce pleasing, natural skin tones with punchy colors.

Landscape Photography

Key concerns here: dynamic range, resolution, weather sealing, and portability.

Sony A7 II’s full-frame sensor shines for landscapes with greater dynamic range and resolution for detailed files - perfect for producing large prints or cropping. It’s weather-sealed, but compact.

Panasonic’s GH5 II offers a robust body with full weather sealing, excellent stabilization, and 20MP sharp capture. Its Micro Four Thirds lenses are typically smaller and lighter, allowing easier hikes.

Landscape photographers valuing fine detail and tonality may lean Sony; those prioritizing long days on rough trails might find Panasonic more comfortable.

Wildlife Photography

Quick, accurate autofocus combined with good burst rate and telephoto reach matter here.

With a 2.1x crop factor, the GH5 II effectively extends your reach via smaller, lighter lenses popular in the Micro Four Thirds ecosystem - a distinct advantage. Its 12fps continuous shooting captures fast animal movement better than the Sony’s 5fps, and effective AF tracking makes it reliable for natural subjects.

Sony A7 II’s autofocus is faster locking but slower in burst rate and battery life. Full-frame depth helps image quality, but the bulk and cost of longer lenses often rise steeply.

Sports Photography

Rapid autofocus, high burst rates, and low light performance are critical.

Here, Panasonic’s continuous 12 fps shooting and solid AF tracking provide an edge for high-speed action. The GH5 II’s sensor with native ISO 200-25600 range helps moderately in dim conditions, though full-frame sensors excel in low light.

Sony A7 II’s 5 fps and phase-detection autofocus handle everyday sports well but aren’t ideal for high-octane events. Its superior ISO handling shines under stadium lighting.

Street Photography

Portability, quiet operation, rapid AF, and low light capability come first.

Sony A7 II’s smaller and lighter body is unobtrusive for street shooters, though ergonomics can feel cramped. Silent shutter is not available (only mechanical), limiting stealth. Lack of touchscreen slows menu navigation.

Panasonic’s GH5 II’s fully articulating screen and superior video capabilities provide versatility, but it’s a tad too big and loud for high-street discretion.

Macro Photography

Precise focus control, magnification, and stabilization are key.

GH5 II’s advanced focus stacking, post-focus features, and in-body 5-axis sensor stabilization give an advantage, especially with Micro Four Thirds’s tiny, sharp macro lenses.

Sony A7 II lacks focus bracketing and focus stacking, meaning more effort on manual focus.

Night and Astro Photography

Low-noise performance and exposure control are vital.

Sony’s larger sensor and better high ISO noise scores provide cleaner images at elevated ISOs (up to 51200). It supports multiple exposure bracketing for night shots.

Panasonic’s native ISO floor starts at 200; its Micro Four Thirds sensor sees more noise in very low light, but impressive image stabilization helps for longer handheld exposures.

Video Capabilities

Video shooters will find the GH5 II a powerhouse: 4K up to 60p, V-Log L, 10-bit 4:2:2 internal recording, and 6K photo modes combine for professional-level footage. Its fully articulating screen and microphone/headphone ports make it a favorite among vloggers and hybrid shooters.

Sony A7 II offers only 1080p video without 4K, limiting it for modern video demands.

Travel Photography

Weight, size, versatility, and battery life come into sharp focus.

Despite its bigger body, Panasonic’s GH5 II benefits from small, lightweight lenses thanks to the MFT mount, plus a more versatile LCD. Battery life is respectable, rated for 400 shots versus Sony’s 350.

Sony’s smaller frame and native full-frame sensor appeal to those wanting top-notch image quality without carrying large glass.

Professional Workflow Integration

Sony’s RAW files (ARW format) are widely supported across editing software, and its lens ecosystem continues to grow with high-quality primes and zooms from Sony and third parties.

Panasonic’s RAW files (RW2) are also well supported. The Micro Four Thirds mount is extremely mature, with over 100 lenses available, ensuring great lens choices.

Technical Performance Summary and Ratings

Let’s summarize the technical strengths and weaknesses.

Practical Recommendations: Who Should Choose Which?

Pick the Panasonic GH5 II if you:

• Value speedy, accurate autofocus with advanced face and animal eye detection
• Want high-end video capabilities (4K 60p, 10-bit recording) alongside stills
• Shoot sports or wildlife needing fast burst rates and extended effective telephoto reach via focal length multiplier
• Prefer a robust, weather-sealed body with excellent tactile controls and articulating touchscreen
• Appreciate in-camera focus stacking and post-focus options for macro or critical focus control
• Are fine with the Micro Four Thirds image look and slightly lower high ISO performance in exchange for smaller lenses and versatility

Go with the Sony A7 II if you:

• Prioritize full-frame sensor image quality for portraits, landscapes, and low light shooting
• Want good dynamic range and cleaner high ISO performance for night or astro photography
• Need a compact, lightweight body for travel and street photography, albeit with fewer direct controls
• Are invested in Sony’s extensive E-mount lens ecosystem or workflows
• Don’t require advanced video features beyond 1080p
• Work primarily in stills and want a reliable, proven full-frame mirrorless platform on a budget

Real-World Image Comparison and Gallery

To truly appreciate their output, I recommend viewing these sample shots taken under identical conditions with both cameras.

Panasonic GH5 II front Panasonic GH5 II screen back Sony A7 II front Sony A7 II screen back

Across portraits, you’ll notice Sony’s creamy bokeh and nuanced skin tones. In landscapes, Sony files showcase marginally better shadow detail recovery. Panasonic impresses with punchy colors and ultra-sharp detail on telephoto wildlife shots, thanks to cropping advantage.

Verdict: Two Great Cameras, Different Intentions

These cameras embody two philosophies. Panasonic’s GH5 II leans heavily into versatility, speed, and hybrid photo/video pro features. Sony’s A7 II emphasizes the image quality advantages of full-frame sensors and streamlined handling.

If video is important or you’re chasing action, the GH5 II’s combinations of fast shooting, deep AF systems, and stabilization are hard to beat.

If you prioritize ultimate still image quality, especially portraits and low light photos, and want full-frame’s signature look, the A7 II remains a compelling value - especially if newer budgets are tight, or you want to grow into Sony’s ecosystem.

Either way, you’re investing in reliable toolkits. Remember, the best camera for you is the one that fits your style, subjects, and shooting conditions best - not just the spec sheet. Hopefully, armed with this hands-on evaluation, you can make an informed choice based on practical experience rather than marketing hype.

If you’re curious about usage tips, combo lenses, or workflow tweaks for either camera, just ask! I’ve put thousands of hours behind the viewfinder with both systems and am happy to share deeper insights. Your next perfect shot may just be one decision away.