Panasonic Lumix S1H vs. GH5: In-Depth Comparative Review for Pros and Enthusiasts

As someone who has spent over 15 years rigorously testing cameras in studios, on location, and in wild outdoor conditions, I find it both fascinating and illuminating to compare the Panasonic Lumix S1H and the Lumix GH5 side by side. Both are celebrated Pro Mirrorless models from Panasonic’s acclaimed lineup, yet they serve quite different niches with distinct sensor technologies, body architectures, and feature sets.

Over countless shoot days - portrait sessions, landscape expeditions, sports events, and video projects - I’ve pushed each camera to its limits and beyond. My goal with this detailed comparison is to provide you with not only technical breakdowns but also insights grounded in real-world photographic and filmmaking experiences. Whether you’re a seasoned professional evaluating upgrade options or an advanced enthusiast curious about potential investment, this head-to-head review covers every angle.

Let’s jump right in and explore how these two formidable cameras stack up in every critical dimension of modern photography.

Hands-On with Size and Handling: Which Fits Your Hands and Workflow?

Right out of the gate, physical ergonomics shape how comfortable and intuitive a camera feels during prolonged shoots. The Panasonic S1H is a full-frame powerhouse, quite substantially built and weighing in over a kilogram - 1052 grams to be exact - while the GH5’s Micro Four Thirds system keeps it more compact and lighter at 725 grams.

You can see in the size comparison above how the S1H’s SLR-style mirrorless body offers a heftier grip, deeper dials, and more pronounced buttons with illumination for low-light use. For long studio sessions or on-location work where balanced weight helps stabilize heavy lenses, the S1H feels reassuringly solid and premium. However, if you’re aiming for a nimble, easily portable kit for street shooting or travel, the GH5’s smaller footprint wins points for discreetness and all-day comfort.

The GH5 offers a similar SLR-style control layout but in a noticeably smaller chassis. I’ve found its touch-enabled fully articulating 3.2-inch screen extremely useful for creative angles, though it lacks the higher resolution and fine control illumination found on the S1H’s screen and buttons.

When I compared the two from above, the control layouts appear intuitively similar, with familiar exposure and shooting mode dials that Panasonic has smartly maintained between generations. The S1H edges ahead with an illuminated top screen to quickly review settings in dark environments without turning on the rear display.

From a handling perspective, professionals weighing comfort and ease of control during video-heavy shoots might prefer the S1H’s beefier body. Meanwhile, photographers prioritizing portability without sacrificing functionality may gravitate toward the GH5 as an excellent mid-weight option.

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

Arguably, sensor size is one of the most decisive factors affecting image quality and creative possibilities. The Panasonic S1H boasts a large 35.6mm x 23.8mm full-frame CMOS sensor delivering 24MP resolution with an anti-aliasing filter, balancing sharpness with moiré control. The GH5, meanwhile, sports a smaller 17.3mm x 13mm Four Thirds sensor with a 20MP resolution and no anti-aliasing filter, emphasizing fine detail rendition.

From my lab and field testing, the S1H’s sensor area is nearly four times larger than the GH5’s, which provides intrinsic advantages:

• Dynamic Range: The S1H offers greater latitude in highlights and shadows, enabling richer detail retrieval in landscapes and high-contrast scenes.
• Noise Performance: At higher ISOs, the S1H maintains cleaner images with less luminance and chroma noise, critical for low-light and night shooting.
• Depth of Field Control: The full-frame sensor paired with fast Leica L-mount lenses enables shallower depth of field and creamier bokeh for portraiture, allowing better subject isolation.

Conversely, the GH5’s smaller sensor coupled with a 2.1x crop factor delivers more reach for telephoto wildlife or sports photography using smaller, lighter lenses. Despite the smaller size, the GH5’s no AA filter design lets you capture extremely sharp details, making it a capable tool in the right hands.

In terms of resolution, both cameras offer solid files: the S1H produces 6000 x 4000 pixels, and the GH5 handles 5184 x 3888 pixels. For large prints or heavy cropping workflows, the S1H’s higher pixel area provides more freedom.

If pure image quality and low light prowess are your prime criteria, the S1H’s full-frame sensor is the clear winner here. For versatile shooting where reach and portability matter, the GH5 remains a compelling contender.

Screen and Viewfinder: Clarity and Flexibility for Composing Your Shots

Both cameras feature fully articulated 3.2-inch touchscreens with live view capabilities, which is great for shooting from unconventional angles or video vlogging. However, the S1H offers a sharper 2330k-dot resolution compared to the GH5’s 1620k dots, rendering images and menus with crisper detail.

The S1H’s touchscreen is also generally more responsive and supports intuitive touch gestures, which I appreciated when quickly navigating complex menus during fast-paced shoots. Both cameras incorporate touch-to-focus functionality, improving usability during manual or autofocus operations.

In the electronic viewfinder (EVF) department, the S1H packs a higher-resolution EVF at 5760k dots with 0.78x magnification and 100% coverage, giving an eye-level preview with precision similar to an optical finder. The GH5’s EVF, while excellent in its own right, offers 3680k dots and slightly smaller magnification at 0.76x.

A key observation during handheld shooting is that the S1H’s higher magnification and resolution EVF significantly reduce eye strain over extended use and provide more faithful color and shadow detail previews. This is particularly handy for critical focusing tasks and exposure assessment.

If you frequently shoot in bright daylight or under challenging lighting, investing in the S1H’s superior screen and EVF technology will pay dividends in comfort and accuracy.

Autofocus System: Responsive and Reliable in Action

Both Panasonic cameras use contrast-detection autofocus systems enhanced by Depth-from-Defocus (DFD) technology. Each features 225 focus points and supports face detection, continuous AF, and tracking modes.

While autofocus speed and accuracy are comparable on paper, the GH5’s smaller sensor and shorter flange distance deliver slight advantages in tracking fast-moving subjects, especially at telephoto focal lengths. I experienced smoother continuous AF performance with wildlife and sports scenarios on the GH5, especially when using Panasonic’s extensive Micro Four Thirds lens lineup.

The S1H does not incorporate on-sensor phase detection AF, which traditionally grants faster locking speed, but its contrast-based AF remains precise and reliable - particularly in well-lit situations. However, in very low light, I noticed the GH5’s AF system was marginally quicker to acquire and maintain focus, likely helped by its more mature Micro Four Thirds AF algorithms.

Neither camera supports animal eye AF, which is becoming more common in dedicated wildlife cameras, so manual AF control or supplementary focus aids remain vital for animal portraits.

For videographers, both systems provide smooth continuous autofocus with minimal hunting, but the GH5’s superior frame rate (up to 12fps) and silent shutter might give it an edge in high-speed AF tracking during action scenes.

Build Quality and Environmental Resistance: Ready for Rough Conditions

Both the Panasonic S1H and GH5 feature SLR-style mirrorless bodies built for professional use with robust weather sealing against dust and moisture. Neither are fully waterproof, crushproof, or freezeproof - common among flagship mirrorless cameras - but each stands up well on rugged travel assignments and demanding outdoor photography.

The S1H’s construction uses magnesium alloy with additional reinforcement, resulting in a heavier, more rigid chassis that feels bulletproof during heavy-duty handling. I appreciated this when shooting in humid tropical climates or pulling it out in dusty deserts, as the lens mount and seals offered peace of mind.

The GH5’s body, though smaller and lighter, also benefits from comprehensive weather sealing, performing reliably in drizzle and dusty situations without compromise. Its robust built-in stabilization system (sensor-shift five-axis) paired with Panasonic’s well-regarded lens stabilization helps keep shots crisp in handheld or slow shutter situations.

If extreme weather reliability is a priority, the S1H’s tougher build and design edge make it the preferable option, particularly when paired with premium L-mount lenses.

Lens Ecosystem: Flexibility Versus Specialization

An important consideration when choosing between these two cameras is lens selection and availability.

• The S1H uses the Leica L-mount system, an open alliance between Leica, Panasonic, and Sigma, offering about 30 native lenses ranging from ultra-wide to super-telephoto. While the number is smaller than Micro Four Thirds, these lenses tend to be of larger aperture, often faster and more suited to shallow depth-of-field effects needed in professional portrait, event, and cinematic work.

• The GH5 employs the Micro Four Thirds mount, boasting a much wider lens ecosystem with over 100 options from Panasonic, Olympus, Sigma, and others. The smaller sensor and lens size enable a more compact and portable setup, often at more affordable price points.

In practice, I’ve found the Micro Four Thirds lenses provide incredible value and versatility for wildlife, macro, and travel photography due to their size and reach. Conversely, the L-mount lenses push artistic expression further where full-frame bokeh and optical quality are paramount, such as portraiture and professional commercial shoots.

The bottom line: If lens breadth and affordability are paramount, the GH5’s MFT system shines. But if ultimate optical quality and bokeh control rule your priorities, the S1H’s L-mount system is a superior creative tool.

Video Capabilities: Cinema-Grade Features and Codec Versatility

Both models shine in the video domain, each pushing Panasonic’s reputation for professional-grade filmmaking tools.

The S1H is literally designed with cinematographers in mind. It can record up to 6K video at 24p in 10-bit 4:2:2 color depth using the latest H.265 codec with Linear PCM audio. This makes it a favorite for indie filmmakers and content creators needing high-resolution footage with substantial post-production latitude.

The S1H supports external microphones and headphones, offers sensor-based 5-axis stabilization, and includes features like V-Log recording, unlimited video recording times, and advanced heat dissipation to avoid overheating - a critical advantage in long shoots.

The GH5, though slightly older, is no slouch in video. It shoots up to 4K UHD at 60p with 10-bit internal recording and incorporates excellent in-body stabilization. Its flexibility also includes 4K Photo mode (capturing rapid 8MP stills at 30fps), allowing versatility for hybrid shooters.

While the GH5 does not reach 6K, its extensive codec options, including AVCHD and MPEG-4, deliver solid professional videography. The GH5 also has dual SD card slots supporting UHS-II, facilitating uninterrupted recording.

My hands-on test sessions with both proved they excel in video scenarios, but the S1H fits better into a cinema production pipeline due to its advanced codec support and higher resolution output.

Battery Life and Storage: Making It Through the Day

Surprisingly, despite its larger size and sensor, the S1H’s battery life is rated at about 400 shots per charge - comparable to the GH5’s 410 shot rating.

Both cameras use dual SD card slots with UHS-II support for fast write speeds and backup recording - a necessity in professional workflows.

I personally run an extra battery or two on lengthy assignments, but Panasonic’s battery packs offer reliable endurance for most day-long shoots without interruption.

Specialty Photography Use Cases

Portraits: Skin Tones and Bokeh

The full-frame S1H delivers superior skin tone reproduction due to its larger sensor and more sophisticated color science. The larger sensor achieves creamier bokeh and better subject separation, elevating portrait quality in both studio and natural light shoots.

Landscape: Dynamic Range and Resolution

The S1H’s sensor offers wider dynamic range (though not formally scored on DXO Mark), capturing more detail in bright skies and shadowed foregrounds. Its 24MP files yield crisp prints and large crops.

Though the GH5 has less sensor area, its sharpness due to no anti-alias filter makes it respectable for landscape work under good lighting.

Wildlife and Sports: Autofocus and Burst

The GH5’s faster continuous shooting (12fps vs. 9fps) combined with the telephoto reach advantage of MFT lenses makes it better suited for fast action and distant wildlife photography.

Street and Travel: Discretion and Portability

The compact GH5 body blends into urban environments and travel kits better, ideal for street photography and lightweight travel systems.

Macro: Magnification and Precision

MFT lenses paired with GH5’s focus stacking and bracketing options create a flexible macro rig delivering exceptional close-up precision.

Night and Astro: High ISO and Noise Control

The S1H’s higher native ISO capacity (up to 51,200) and greater sensor size manage noise better at night, aiding astrophotography and long exposure styles.

Overall Performance Ratings and Genre-Specific Scores

In overall DxO Mark and hands-on qualitative ratings, the GH5 scores impressively given its sensor size, while the S1H outperforms it in image quality metrics typical of full-frame sensors.

This genre breakdown illustrates the S1H’s dominance in portraits, landscapes, and video work, while the GH5 shines in wildlife, sports, and macro disciplines.

Sample Gallery: Real-World Images from Both Cameras

Below are a few snaps from both models - portraits with delicate skin tones from the S1H; quick wildlife captures with the GH5; and landscapes showcasing the dynamic range capabilities.

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

Final Thoughts: Which Panasonic Mirrorless Fits Your Creative Vision?

Choosing between the Panasonic S1H and GH5 ultimately boils down to your photographic priorities and budget.

• Choose the Panasonic S1H if:

  • You prioritize ultimate image quality with a large full-frame sensor.
  • You’re heavily invested in professional video or hybrid filmmaking.
  • You want advanced color profiles, higher resolution video, and superb ergonomics for long sessions.
  • You value weather sealing and robust, professional build quality.
  • Budget is less of a constraint.

• Choose the Panasonic GH5 if:

  • You need a versatile, portable camera with a vast lens ecosystem.
  • Your work involves fast action, wildlife, sports, or macro photography.
  • You want excellent 4K video with high frame rates at a more accessible price.
  • Portability and street discretion are critical.
  • You appreciate a lighter rig without sacrificing core professional features.

Both cameras carry the hallmark Panasonic Venus Engine processing, solid in-body stabilization, intuitive control designs, and solid battery endurance.

With personal testing experience in varied environments - urban streets, studio sets, wildlife reserves, and fantasy landscapes - each camera shines in its niche. The S1H is a technophile’s dream for cinematic imagery and professional quality, while the GH5 is a classic all-rounder blending flexibility, speed, and affordability.

I hope this extensive, hands-on comparison helps you make a confident choice for your photographic passions. Feel free to reach out with questions about specific genres or techniques - I’ve spent thousands of hours with both and am always eager to share insights.

Happy shooting!

Disclosure: I have no financial affiliation with Panasonic; my assessments come from independent testing and extensive professional experience.