Panasonic FZ70 vs Panasonic GH5
63 Imaging
39 Features
53 Overall
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59 Imaging
59 Features
89 Overall
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Panasonic FZ70 vs Panasonic GH5 Key Specs
(Full Review)
- 16MP - 1/2.3" Sensor
- 3" Fixed Display
- ISO 100 - 3200 (Push to 6400)
- Optical Image Stabilization
- 1920 x 1080 video
- 20-1200mm (F2.8-5.9) lens
- 606g - 130 x 97 x 118mm
- Introduced July 2013
(Full Review)
- 20MP - Four Thirds Sensor
- 3.2" Fully Articulated Screen
- ISO 200 - 25600
- Sensor based 5-axis Image Stabilization
- No Anti-Alias Filter
- 1/8000s Maximum Shutter
- 4096 x 2160 video
- Micro Four Thirds Mount
- 725g - 139 x 98 x 87mm
- Introduced January 2017
- Superseded the Panasonic GH4
- Refreshed by Panasonic GH5 II

Panasonic Lumix FZ70 vs GH5: A Comprehensive Hands-On Comparison for Photography Enthusiasts and Pros
Choosing the right camera is often about matching your creative ambitions with the tool that best supports them. In this detailed comparison, we pit two very different Panasonic Lumix models - the compact superzoom FZ70 and the professional-grade mirrorless powerhouse GH5 - head-to-head. Having tested thousands of cameras across disciplines, I’ll walk you through their strengths and limitations, so you can confidently decide which fits your style, budget, and workflow.
First Impressions: Build, Size, and Handling
At a glance, the Panasonic FZ70 and GH5 signal very different photographic intentions.
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FZ70: This is a bridge camera with a fixed superzoom lens covering an enormous 20-1200mm equivalent focal range (60× zoom). It’s relatively compact and lightweight at 606g, with an SLR-like bridge body designed for versatile shooting without swapping lenses. Ergonomically, it’s geared toward casual users and enthusiasts seeking travel-friendly all-in-one convenience.
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GH5: A robust, pro-level mirrorless camera with a substantial body weighing 725g (body only). It features a Micro Four Thirds (MFT) lens mount offering access to over 100 compatible lenses from Panasonic and third parties. Its weather-sealed construction and SLR-style design prioritize durability and professional handling.
In practice, the GH5’s heft conveys reassuring solidity and balances well with large lenses, while the FZ70 feels nimble and intuitive for casual shoot-and-go use.
City Streets to Wild Safaris: Control Layout and Operation
Control-wise, the GH5 shines with extensive tactile buttons, dual card slots, customizable dials, and a modern touchscreen. It supports touchscreen AF selection, quick menu customization, and fully articulating LCD, making it a creator’s dream for video and photo.
In contrast, the FZ70 uses more traditional controls with fewer buttons and a fixed LCD screen. It lacks touchscreen input and has only basic exposure flexibility. While it covers essentials like manual exposure modes and 9 fps continuous shooting, it doesn’t reach the workflow customization or responsiveness of the GH5.
Sensor Technology & Image Quality: A Quantum Leap
Sensor size often dictates image quality and creative control - and here the difference is stark.
Specification | Panasonic FZ70 | Panasonic GH5 |
---|---|---|
Sensor Type | 1/2.3" CMOS | Four Thirds (17.3x13mm) CMOS |
Sensor Area | 28.07mm² | 224.90mm² |
Resolution | 16MP (4608×3456) | 20MP (5184×3888) |
Max Native ISO | 3200 | 25600 |
Dynamic Range (DxO) | 10.8 EV | 13.0 EV |
Color Depth (DxO) | 19.4 bits | 23.9 bits |
Low Light (DxO) | ISO 171 | ISO 807 |
Thanks to its large MFT sensor, the GH5 significantly outperforms the FZ70 across all key image quality metrics. It delivers:
- Cleaner images in low light
- Higher dynamic range allowing better detail preservation in shadows/highlights
- More accurate and richer color reproduction
The FZ70’s tiny sensor size limits noise performance and dynamic range. While it impresses for a superzoom, its images can appear softer with noticeable noise beyond ISO 800.
Autofocus and Focusing Flexibility: Speed Meets Precision
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FZ70:
- 23 contrast-detection AF points
- Face detection active; no phase detection
- AF tracking present, but limited by sensor speed and accuracy
- No touch focus or advanced subject recognition
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GH5:
- 225 AF points with contrast-detection
- Touchscreen AF with customizable areas
- Superior continuous AF and tracking for moving subjects
- Focus bracketing, stack focusing, and post-focus modes
The GH5’s high-density AF system offers much faster, more reliable autofocus in practically every shooting scenario, making it a clear winner for sports, wildlife, and event photography. The FZ70 is adequate for daylight and casual uses but struggles in low light or with fast-moving subjects.
Viewing Experience: Screens and Viewfinders
The GH5 sports a 3.2-inch fully articulating touchscreen with 1620k dots resolution - excellent for live preview, vlogging, and shooting video at awkward angles. Its electronic viewfinder boasts 3680k dots, 100% coverage, and 0.76× magnification, surpassing most mirrorless cameras in clarity and precision.
The FZ70 has a fixed 3-inch TFT LCD with only 460k dots and an electronic viewfinder of 202k dots. While usable, it feels archaic next to the GH5’s detailed and flexible displays. The lack of touchscreen on the FZ70 limits intuitive control.
Zoom Lens vs Interchangeable Lenses: Creative Reach and Versatility
Aspect | FZ70 | GH5 |
---|---|---|
Lens Mount | Fixed (Non-interchangeable) | Micro Four Thirds (Interchangeable) |
Zoom Range | 20-1200 mm equivalent (60×) | Varies by lens; native primes and zooms |
Max Aperture | f/2.8-5.9 | Depends on lens (often allows f/1.4-f/4) |
Macro Capability | 1 cm minimum focusing distance | Depends on lens; excellent with macro lenses |
Stabilization | Optical stabilization in lens | 5-axis in-body sensor-shift stabilization |
The fixed extreme zoom on the FZ70 is tremendous for travel and wildlife at a budget. You get ultra-telephoto reach without carrying extra gear. However, the GH5’s interchangeable lens system offers superior image quality, creative flexibility, and faster apertures.
With the GH5, you can pick:
- Fast primes for portraits and low light
- Wide angle for landscapes
- Dedicated macro lenses for close-ups
- Pro telephotos for wildlife and sports
The GH5’s 5-axis sensor stabilization also means sharper handheld photos and steady video across lens choices.
Performance in Key Photography Genres
Portraits
- FZ70: Decent bokeh at long focal lengths but limited aperture range restricts shallow depth of field. Face detection helps get sharp eyes, but image quality softens in lower light.
- GH5: Superior skin tone rendering with high bit depth and excellent color accuracy. Fast lenses and background separation create professional-quality portraits. Eye detect AF aids sharp focus.
Landscapes
- FZ70: Sensor size limits dynamic range, which can constrain preserving sky and shadow details. Good zoom and portability support diverse compositions outdoors.
- GH5: Wide dynamic range, higher resolution, and extensive lens options make it ideal for detailed, vibrant landscapes. Weather sealing offers rugged use in tough conditions.
Wildlife
- FZ70: Long zoom is enticing for distant subjects, but autofocus can lag on fast-moving animals.
- GH5: Faster AF and better burst rate enable capturing action in sharp detail. Lens versatility allows tailored reach.
Sports
- FZ70: Continuous shooting is 9 fps, respectable for its class. However, AF tracking limitations weaken performance with unpredictable motion.
- GH5: 12 fps burst and superior AF tracking excel with fast, erratic subjects in challenging light.
Street
- FZ70: Compact size and quiet operation suit candid shooting, but bulkier than mirrorless cameras.
- GH5: Larger but with silent shutter modes and customizable controls for discreet shooting.
Macro
- FZ70: Can focus to 1 cm for decent close-ups.
- GH5: Dedicated macro lenses plus focus stacking and bracketing commands provide precision and versatility.
Night/Astro
- FZ70: Noise and limited ISO range constrain low-light star photography.
- GH5: Excellent high ISO performance and long exposure capabilities, aided by sensor stabilization.
Video
- FZ70: Full HD (1080p) recording up to 60ifps with Optical stabilization. No mic input limits audio quality.
- GH5: Industry-leading video specs with 4K up to 60fps, 10-bit color, V-LogL support, dual card slots, headphone/mic inputs, and 5-axis stabilization for pro use.
Durability, Battery Life, and Storage
Feature | FZ70 | GH5 |
---|---|---|
Weather Sealing | No | Yes (Dust & splash resistant) |
Battery Life | ~400 shots (CIPA) | ~410 shots (CIPA) |
Card Slots | Single SD/SDHC/SDXC | Dual SD UHS-II |
Although both offer similar battery endurance, the GH5’s rugged sealing suits professional outdoor use. Dual card slots enhance reliability for critical shoots.
Performance Summary: Scores and Ratings
Based on DxOMark and practical test data:
- FZ70 scores 41 overall, excelling in zoom and convenience but constrained by sensor and autofocus.
- GH5 scores 77 overall, a versatile pro tool excelling in image quality, speed, video, and durability.
Choosing Based on Your Photography Focus
Photography Type | FZ70 Suitability | GH5 Suitability |
---|---|---|
Portraits | Moderate - limited bokeh | Excellent - rich tones, eye-detect AF |
Landscape | Fair - sensor limits dynamic range | Excellent - high resolution and DR |
Wildlife | Good - superzoom but slower AF | Excellent - fast AF, lens options |
Sports | Fair - burst okay but AF lags | Excellent - high fps, tracking |
Street | Good - compact but bulkier | Good - discreet with silent shutter |
Macro | Basic - close focusing | Excellent - macro lenses and stacking |
Night/Astro | Limited - high noise | Excellent - high ISO and stabilization |
Video | Basic HD only | Pro-level 4K video, advanced codecs |
Travel | Very good - all-in-one, light | Good - more gear but flexible |
Professional Work | Not suited | Designed for professional workflows |
Connectivity and Workflow Integration
The GH5 features built-in WiFi and Bluetooth, making remote control and rapid content transfer seamless. USB 3.1 Gen 1 allows fast tethered shooting and data transfer. The FZ70 offers no wireless connectivity and relatively slow USB 2.0.
For professionals requiring RAW workflows, tethering, and fast file handling, the GH5 integrates smoothly with editing suites and studio gear. The FZ70 supports RAW but with limited options.
Price and Value: What You Get for Your Investment
Camera | Launch Price | Ideal User |
---|---|---|
Panasonic FZ70 | ~$300 | Beginners or casual photographers wanting ease and reach without lens swapping. |
Panasonic GH5 | ~$1300 | Professionals or enthusiasts demanding top-quality images, video, and system expandability. |
The FZ70 offers unbeatable zoom and simplicity at a bargain, but sacrifices image quality and advanced features. The GH5 commands a premium reflecting its pro-level build, performance, and extensibility.
Final Takeaways and Recommendations
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If you want a versatile, budget-friendly travel camera with an ultra-zoom lens, the Panasonic FZ70 is a solid pick. It's excellent for casual outdoor snapshots, travel, and wildlife observation without changing lenses, provided you can tolerate its limited low light capability and dated interface.
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If you crave exceptional image quality, fast and precise autofocus, professional video, and a system that grows with your creativity, the Panasonic GH5 is unmatched in its class. Its rugged design and lens ecosystem open doors for portraits, landscapes, action sports, macro, and cinema-quality video work.
As always, the best camera is the one that fits your vision and inspires you to create. We encourage you to try both cameras hands-on if possible. Check out sample images, rent lenses, and explore the controls yourself. This experience is invaluable in aligning your choice with your creative path.
Whether you prioritize the all-in-one convenience of the FZ70 or the powerhouse flexibility of the GH5, both bring different strengths to your photographic journey. Equip yourself with knowledge and confidence - and happy shooting!
Want to dive deeper?
- Explore best lens options for the GH5 for your preferred genres.
- Check out practical low light shooting tips for small sensor cameras like the FZ70.
- Watch comparative video samples to see stabilization in action.
Enjoy exploring and pushing your creativity with whatever Panasonic Lumix camera you choose!
End of article
Panasonic FZ70 vs Panasonic GH5 Specifications
Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ70 | Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH5 | |
---|---|---|
General Information | ||
Company | Panasonic | Panasonic |
Model | Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ70 | Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH5 |
Class | Small Sensor Superzoom | Pro Mirrorless |
Introduced | 2013-07-18 | 2017-01-04 |
Body design | SLR-like (bridge) | SLR-style mirrorless |
Sensor Information | ||
Chip | Venus Engine | Venus Engine |
Sensor type | CMOS | CMOS |
Sensor size | 1/2.3" | Four Thirds |
Sensor measurements | 6.17 x 4.55mm | 17.3 x 13mm |
Sensor surface area | 28.1mm² | 224.9mm² |
Sensor resolution | 16 megapixels | 20 megapixels |
Anti aliasing filter | ||
Aspect ratio | 1:1, 4:3, 3:2 and 16:9 | 1:1, 4:3, 3:2 and 16:9 |
Highest resolution | 4608 x 3456 | 5184 x 3888 |
Highest native ISO | 3200 | 25600 |
Highest boosted ISO | 6400 | - |
Min native ISO | 100 | 200 |
RAW support | ||
Min boosted ISO | - | 100 |
Autofocusing | ||
Focus manually | ||
Autofocus touch | ||
Autofocus continuous | ||
Single autofocus | ||
Autofocus tracking | ||
Selective autofocus | ||
Center weighted autofocus | ||
Multi area autofocus | ||
Autofocus live view | ||
Face detect autofocus | ||
Contract detect autofocus | ||
Phase detect autofocus | ||
Number of focus points | 23 | 225 |
Lens | ||
Lens mounting type | fixed lens | Micro Four Thirds |
Lens focal range | 20-1200mm (60.0x) | - |
Largest aperture | f/2.8-5.9 | - |
Macro focus distance | 1cm | - |
Amount of lenses | - | 107 |
Focal length multiplier | 5.8 | 2.1 |
Screen | ||
Range of display | Fixed Type | Fully Articulated |
Display diagonal | 3" | 3.2" |
Resolution of display | 460k dot | 1,620k dot |
Selfie friendly | ||
Liveview | ||
Touch functionality | ||
Display tech | TFT Screen LCD Display | - |
Viewfinder Information | ||
Viewfinder | Electronic | Electronic |
Viewfinder resolution | 202k dot | 3,680k dot |
Viewfinder coverage | 100 percent | 100 percent |
Viewfinder magnification | - | 0.76x |
Features | ||
Slowest shutter speed | 8s | 60s |
Maximum shutter speed | 1/2000s | 1/8000s |
Maximum quiet shutter speed | - | 1/16000s |
Continuous shooting speed | 9.0 frames per sec | 12.0 frames per sec |
Shutter priority | ||
Aperture priority | ||
Manually set exposure | ||
Exposure compensation | Yes | Yes |
Custom white balance | ||
Image stabilization | ||
Built-in flash | ||
Flash range | 13.50 m | no built-in flash |
Flash settings | Auto, On, Off, Red-eye, Slow Sync | Auto, Auto/Redeye Reduction, Forced On, Forced On w/Redeye Reduction, Slow Sync, Slow Sync w/Redeye Reduction, Forced Off |
Hot shoe | ||
AE bracketing | ||
White balance bracketing | ||
Exposure | ||
Multisegment exposure | ||
Average exposure | ||
Spot exposure | ||
Partial exposure | ||
AF area exposure | ||
Center weighted exposure | ||
Video features | ||
Video resolutions | 1920 x 1080 (50i/60i, 25p/30p), 1280 x 720p (50p/60p or 25p/30p), 640 x 480 (25p/30p) | 4096 x 2160 (24p), 3840 x 2160 (60p, 50p, 30p, 25p, 24p), 1920 x 1080 (60p, 50p, 30p, 25p, 24p) |
Highest video resolution | 1920x1080 | 4096x2160 |
Video file format | MPEG-4, AVCHD | MPEG-4, AVCHD, H.264 |
Microphone input | ||
Headphone input | ||
Connectivity | ||
Wireless | None | Built-In |
Bluetooth | ||
NFC | ||
HDMI | ||
USB | USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) | USB 3.1 Gen 1(5 GBit/sec) |
GPS | None | None |
Physical | ||
Environmental seal | ||
Water proof | ||
Dust proof | ||
Shock proof | ||
Crush proof | ||
Freeze proof | ||
Weight | 606 gr (1.34 lb) | 725 gr (1.60 lb) |
Dimensions | 130 x 97 x 118mm (5.1" x 3.8" x 4.6") | 139 x 98 x 87mm (5.5" x 3.9" x 3.4") |
DXO scores | ||
DXO All around score | 41 | 77 |
DXO Color Depth score | 19.4 | 23.9 |
DXO Dynamic range score | 10.8 | 13.0 |
DXO Low light score | 171 | 807 |
Other | ||
Battery life | 400 photos | 410 photos |
Battery format | Battery Pack | Battery Pack |
Self timer | Yes (2 or 10 secs) | Yes (2 or 10 secs; 10 secs w/3 shots) |
Time lapse feature | ||
Type of storage | SD/SDHC/SDXC, Internal | Dual SD/SDHC/SDXC (UHS-II compatible) |
Storage slots | 1 | Dual |
Retail cost | $300 | $1,298 |