Panasonic Lumix DC-S1 vs. Lumix DMC-G5: An In-Depth, Hands-On Comparison for Every Photographer

Choosing a camera can sometimes feel like navigating a labyrinth - with hundreds of models shouting similar specs and promises. Today, we’re pitting two Panasonic mirrorless cameras that come from distinctly different eras and categories: the Panasonic Lumix DC-S1 (2019), a full-frame professional powerhouse, and the Panasonic Lumix DMC-G5 (2012), an entry-level Micro Four Thirds (MFT) option from an earlier generation.

Both are mirrorless, both wear the Lumix badge, but they cater to profoundly different needs and users. Having spent extensive time behind the viewfinder with both cameras, I’ll walk you through their real-world performance, build quality, image quality, autofocus capabilities, and more - across all major photography disciplines. By the end of this article, whether you're a pro looking for a serious upgrade or an enthusiast tying your shoelaces in the photo world, you’ll have a clear picture of which camera might best serve you.

First Impressions: Size, Ergonomics, and Design

Let’s address what hits you first when you pick up these two cameras: their physical presence.

Size Comparison: Panasonic S1’s robust SLR-like grip dwarfs the compact G5 body.

The Panasonic S1 is undeniably a hefty machine. Weighing in at just over 1 kilogram (1021g), it feels solid and reassuring in hand - a tool built to endure tough shoots and extended sessions. Its SLR-style mirrorless body, with pronounced grip and ergonomic placement of dials, suggests one thing loud and clear: this camera is meant for serious hands-on use. The tactile feedback of the illuminated buttons and varied control dials confirms Panasonic’s aim at pros demanding tactile, intuitive controls.

In stark contrast, the G5 is a light feather at 396g, compact and far more pocketable. With dimensions roughly half those of the S1, it’s tailored for enthusiasts or casual users wanting to shoot on the go without lugging bulk. Its plastic build and simpler button layout hint at its entry-level ambitions - not built for beating trudges through mud but ideal for city strolling or family meets.

Control Layout: S1's extensive control dials vs. G5's minimalistic approach.

The S1 features a top LCD panel - yes, like the old-school pro bodies - allowing quick glance checks of settings. The G5 skips this, leaning on its fully articulated touchscreen instead.

Bottom line: If you crave a robust camera that feels like it’s ready to tackle professional daily grind, the S1’s size, heft, and button layout are made for you. If size, portability, and lightness are top priorities, the G5’s smaller footprint wins hands-down.

Sensor and Image Quality: The Digital Heart of Each Camera

Image quality ultimately defines the success of any camera, and the difference in sensor size here is a critical place to begin.

Sensor Size Contrast: Full-frame S1 vs. Micro Four Thirds G5.

The Panasonic S1 boasts a full-frame (35.6x23.8mm) CMOS sensor with 24 megapixels, delivering a max image resolution of 6000x4000 pixels without an antialiasing filter. The expansive sensor area (~847 mm²) means it gathers significantly more light, boasting deeper color depth (DxOMark color depth score: 25.2 bits) and excellent dynamic range (score: 14.5 EV). High ISO performance is impressive too, with a native ISO range topping out at 51200 and boost options to 204800 with usable results, making it ideal for low light and night shooting.

Meanwhile, the G5 sports a smaller Four Thirds sensor measuring 17.3x13mm and packing 16 megapixels (~225 mm² area). With an antialiasing filter, it thins some detail but reduces moiré artifacts. DxOMark rates its color depth at 21.4 bits and dynamic range at 11.6 EV, respectable but trailing modern full-frame standards. Native ISO caps at 12800 and boosted ISO options are absent - so it struggles quietly in deep shadows or dimly lit scenes when pushed hard.

In practice, the S1 images have vibrant colors, more nuanced gradations, and impressively clean shadows. The larger sensor size and omission of AA filter provide a crispness and depth of field control that the G5 cannot match. The G5 delivers sharp, punchy images suitable for web or small prints, but falls short if you desire wall-sized prints or in scenarios demanding highlight retention.

Panasonic S1 front Panasonic S1 screen back Panasonic G5 front Panasonic G5 screen back

Whether you’re shooting portraits with delicate skin tones, landscapes with subtle gradients, or astro shots pushing ISO values - the S1’s sensor gives a clear edge in image fidelity.

Autofocus Systems: Speed, Accuracy, and Tracking

A camera’s autofocus (AF) system is its heart during decisive moments, especially in wildlife or sports.

The S1 opts for a 225-point contrast detected AF system with a clever touch interface and face detection, but no phase detection pixels on the sensor itself. Despite this, Panasonic’s Venus Engine processor provides snappy AF for most situations, with continuous AF tracking capable of 9 frames per second. This makes burst shooting reliable for sports or wildlife in controlled light, although some competitors with on-sensor phase detection sensors beat it slightly in extremely fast action tracking.

Conversely, the G5 utilizes a simpler 23-point contrast detect AF, without phase detection or advanced tracking algorithms. Continuous AF at 6 fps is modest and tracking isn’t as sharp by modern standards - an understandable limitation given its 2012 design.

In real shooting, I found the S1’s AF smoother and more confident, thanks to 225 focus points giving wide coverage and intelligent eye detection. The G5’s AF can hunt a bit more under low contrast or rapid subject movement, requiring more manual finesse.

For wildlife, sports, or any fast-moving subjects - the S1 confidently outperforms its smaller sibling.

Build Quality and Environmental Sealing: Ready for the Elements?

If you’re hauling gear on adventure trips, harsh conditions, or eventful travel, build and weather resistance are critical.

The Panasonic S1 features robust environmental sealing, safeguarding against dust and moisture (though it's neither waterproof nor freezeproof). Its magnesium alloy chassis emanates professional-resilience. This means that a rainy festival or dusty trail shoot isn’t immediately a crisis. Buttons are illuminated, useful in dim environments.

The G5, meanwhile, offers no weather sealing and has a plastic predominance in body panels - suitable for casual use but more vulnerable in tougher conditions.

If your photography frequently places you outdoors or in challenging conditions, the S1 is your trustworthy partner.

LCD Screens and Viewfinders: What You See Matters

Both cameras offer electronic viewfinders (EVFs) and LCD screens, but these vary in quality and usability.

Back Screen and Interface: tilting high-res vs. fully articulated modest-res.

The S1 sports a bright 3.2-inch Tilting touchscreen LCD with 2100k-dot resolution - wonderfully crisp for checking focus, playback, and menus. Its 5.76 million-dot EVF covers 100% of the frame with excellent magnification (0.78x), delivering a near-optical clarity level in the eyepiece.

The G5’s fully articulated 3-inch touchscreen is lower resolution at 920k dots but is still clickable and selfie-friendly (a bonus for vloggers or street shooters). Its EVF is modest at 1440 dots with a 0.7x magnification.

For careful focus checks, image review, and composing shots under bright sunlight, the S1’s screens provide a far more detailed, premium experience.

Lens Ecosystem and Compatibility: Your Creative Playground

No camera is an island; lenses shape your creative possibilities.

The S1 uses the Leica L-mount, a partnership platform with Leica and Sigma, boasting about 30 native lenses - including some excellent professional-grade R, S, and Cine lenses. This ecosystem is growing, with versatile primes and zooms optimized for full frame. From fast 85mm f/1.4 portraits to rugged telephoto zooms, the options suit pros and enthusiasts alike.

The G5’s Micro Four Thirds mount enjoys an extensive lineup of over 100 lenses, from Panasonic, Olympus, and third-party manufacturers like Sigma and Tamron. While these are smaller and more affordable, keep in mind that the smaller sensor size means a 2.1x crop factor - a 25mm lens frames like a 52.5mm equivalent.

If you’re budget-sensitive, the G5 ecosystem offers tremendous value and variety, but for critical image quality and modern lens designs, the newer L-mount system paired with the S1 is more future-forward.

Battery Life, Storage, and Connectivity

Battery life is often underestimated until you get stranded mid-shoot.

The S1 offers approximately 380 shots per charge, benefiting from efficient battery tech and dual SD card slots for redundancy or overflow - essential for professionals shooting weddings or events.

The G5’s battery lasts about 320 shots, reasonable for its class but less than the S1. It only has one card slot - acceptable for casual use, but a risk if the card fails.

On the connectivity front, the S1 is well-equipped with built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, enabling remote control and instant transfers via apps - handy for workflow integration.

The G5 offers none of these modern wireless features, typical of 2012-era equipment.

Charging the S1 via USB - able to use high-power portable chargers - is a delightful convenience when traveling without space for bulky chargers.

Video Capabilities: Who Said Still Photos Are the Only Show?

While neither is a dedicated cinema camera, both offer respectable video features catering to different needs.

The S1 delivers 4K UHD video at up to 60p with 10-bit 4:2:0 internal recording at 150 Mbps, plus advanced codecs like H.265. It sports both microphone and headphone ports - professionals rejoice. Sensor-based 5-axis image stabilization keeps footage smooth, and options like 4K Photo mode provide flexibility in still extraction.

The G5 maxes out at 1080p Full HD at 60 fps, with simpler MPEG-4 and AVCHD formats. No headphone or microphone jack limits audio control. There is no sensor stabilization either.

For vloggers, hybrid shooters, or videographers who want 4K, the S1 is a clear winner.

Specialized Photography Uses: How Do These Cameras Shine?

Let’s break down their suitability across niches:

Portraits

The S1’s full-frame sensor combined with high-quality lenses offer creamy bokeh, superior skin tone rendering, and reliable eye detection AF - making it excellent for portraits. The G5 works fine indoors or casual portraits but struggles to isolate subjects with shallow depth of field, especially in challenging light.

Landscapes

The S1’s dynamic range and resolution produce stunning landscapes with rich tonality - even capturing sunrise and sunset nuances. Weather sealing lets you shoot through mist and drizzle comfortably. The G5 can deliver decent landscapes but will be limited in dynamic range and detail on enlargement.

Wildlife & Sports

Thanks to faster continuous shooting (9 fps vs 6 fps), more AF points, and larger buffer, the S1 is better suited for capturing fast action. Its bigger sensor also allows longer telephoto lenses to resolve more detail. The G5 can be a decent introduction to wildlife but is slower and less precise.

Street Photography

Here’s a surprise: the compact G5’s size and lighter weight make it far more discreet for street shooting. Its fully articulated screen helps in low angles or candid shots. The S1 is bulkier and more conspicuous, which can sometimes hinder candid opportunities.

Macro Photography

The S1’s superior autofocus, powerful in-body 5-axis image stabilization, and access to native macro primes give it an edge here. The G5 relies more on lens stabilization and manual focusing, which may slow down macro composing.

Night and Astro Photography

With incredibly clean high ISO performance and wide dynamic range, the S1 can capture deep night skies with minimal noise, especially when paired with sturdy tripods and remote triggers. The G5’s sensor noise becomes noticeable at ISO above 1600, making prolonged exposures trickier.

Travel Photography

While the S1 packs power and versatility, its size and weight may deter ultra-light travelers. The G5 offers a nimble package that’s easy to carry all day. Battery life of the S1 slightly edges out G5, but the G5’s smaller body might win hearts on multi-hour walks.

Professional Workflows

The S1 supports high-bit-depth RAW files, dual card slots, and industry-compatible codecs - important for commercial workflows. The G5, being older and simpler, lacks such professional features.

Summary of Strengths and Weaknesses

Who Should Buy Which Camera?

Choose the Panasonic Lumix DC-S1 if:

• You’re a serious enthusiast or professional prioritizing image quality and rugged reliability.
• Portraits, landscapes, sports, or wildlife are your mainstay - and you need fast AF and expansive lens options.
• You want future-proof connectivity, advanced video features, and robust workflow support.
• You frequently shoot in challenging environments and need weather sealing.
• Budget is sufficient (~$2,500); you want a camera that grows with your skills.

Choose the Panasonic Lumix DMC-G5 if:

• You’re new to mirrorless cameras or operate on a leaner budget (~$700).
• Portability weighs heavily - you want a lightweight camera easy to carry all day.
• Your shooting focus is casual portraits, street photography, travel snapshots, and family events.
• Advanced features like 4K video, dual slots, and professional-grade AF aren’t priorities.
• You desire entry into Micro Four Thirds with access to a broad, affordable lens range.

Final Thoughts: Two Cameras, Two Worlds

In the grand tapestry of Panasonic’s mirrorless lineup, the Panasonic Lumix DC-S1 and the Lumix DMC-G5 represent two very different chapters.

The S1 is a full-grown workhorse, marrying advanced sensor tech, solid construction, and versatile controls to win in nearly every demanding photographic discipline. Shooting with the S1 feels like wielding a professional’s scalpel - precise, robust, and assured. It doesn’t come cheap, but it’s part of a modern arsenal for those who rely on their gear for their livelihood or artistic passion.

The G5, meanwhile, is an approachable gateway, inviting budding photographers or hobbyists into the world of interchangeable lenses and mirrorless convenience. Its small size, simpler operation, and affordability make it a delightful companion for casual shooters, street photographers, and those who favor portability.

Choosing between them boils down to where you stand on the photographic spectrum - extensive flexibility and heavy lifting, or easy-going versatility and entry-level fun.

Happy shooting!

I hope this detailed hands-on comparison sheds light on what these two Panasonic Lumix mirrorless gems can bring to your photography journey.