Panasonic GH5 vs Sony A7 II

Choosing Between Titans: Panasonic GH5 vs. Sony A7 II – A Hands-On Expert Comparison

When deciding on a pro-level mirrorless camera in the mid-2010s lineup, two heavyweights almost always come to mind for photography enthusiasts and professionals alike: the Panasonic Lumix GH5 and the Sony Alpha A7 II. Both cameras impressed the market with their mix of features and solid builds, but they cater to subtly different users and shooting styles. Having spent years testing hundreds of cameras across genres and situations, I’m here to demystify these models for you - sharing the nitty-gritty, real-world performance notes, and which one fits your shooting needs best.

Unpacking the Bodies: Size, Feel, and Handling

Starting off with a handshake, let’s talk about how these cameras greet you physically. The Panasonic GH5 is noticeably chunkier and heavier - about 725g versus the Sony A7 II’s 599g. The Panasonic feels more like a DSLR-hybrid, clubbing you with a robust grip and a slightly larger footprint (139x98x87mm vs. 127x96x60mm). It's a sign of Panasonic aiming this beast toward shooters who appreciate a well-muscled chassis that can handle grueling shoots without feeling flimsy.

Sony’s A7 II, with its sleeker, more compact frame, is a traveler’s dream - lighter in hand and slipping easily into shoulder bags without a protest. However, the smaller size means controls are tighter and sometimes less accessible, especially if you have big thumbs like me.

Both cameras are SLR-style mirrorless with solid weather sealing, so they won’t bail on you during a drizzle or dusty hike. Just note neither is fully waterproof.

Top Controls & Interface: Finding Your Command Center

Let’s glance down from the crown and check the control layout with a bit more detail.

Panasonic’s GH5 sports a fully articulated 3.2-inch touchscreen alongside a dense array of external dials and buttons - including dedicated dials for ISO, shutter speed, and exposure compensation, plus quick toggles for video functions. It’s evidence of Panasonic catering equally well to serious videographers and photographers alike. The menu system is deep but intuitive once you get used to the logic.

Sony’s A7 II opts for a simpler tilting screen (3-inch), no touchscreen support, and fewer dedicated dials - relying more on programmable buttons and the rear command wheel. This design keeps the body compact and clean but may slow you down if you’re a fan of quick manual adjustments on the fly.

If you love poking and prodding your screen, the GH5 gives you extra control points. But if you’re keyboard shortcuts centralized and don’t mind a less tactile approach, the A7 II’s layout feels elegant.

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

One cannot compare Panasonic GH5 and Sony A7 II without facing the elephant in the room - sensor size and specs.

The GH5 features a 20MP Micro Four Thirds (MFT) sensor measuring 17.3x13mm, while the Sony A7 II packs a 24MP full-frame sensor (35.8x23.9mm) a little slimmer, but substantially bigger in area (~856mm² vs. 225mm²). This difference in sensor real estate fundamentally affects aspects like depth of field control, low-light capability, and dynamic range.

Image Quality Metrics: According to DxOMark's scores, Sony A7 II pulls ahead with an overall 90 score versus 77 for GH5. Color depth and dynamic range are noticeably better on the full frame sensor, with the A7 II boasting 24.9-bit color depth and 13.6 EV dynamic range, compared to GH5’s 23.9-bit and 13 EV respectively. The big win for Sony lies in low-light ISO performance - an ISO near 2450 (DxO low-light ISO) versus Panasonic’s modest 807.

So what does this mean in practice? The Sony offers cleaner images in dim conditions, smoother gradations in shadows and highlights, and impressive detail retention in HDR-heavy scenes. The GH5 remains very respectable for its class, delivering punchy colors and excellent resolution for MFT, but it can’t quite match the A7 II’s full-frame mojo when subtlety and light are thin.

In the Viewfinder and on Screen: Engaging Your Composition

Both cameras use electronic viewfinders (EVFs), but the Panasonic GH5 one is notably higher resolution - 3.68M dots compared to Sony’s 2.36M dots - which means a crisper, clearer image with less visible pixelation, a boon for manual focusing or detailed framing.

The GH5’s articulating touchscreen also sets it apart, providing versatile angles and touch-to-focus/shoot features that can accelerate shooting in awkward positions. It’s welcome for vloggers or wildlife shooters who work low or high to the ground. The A7 II’s tilting, non-touch screen is less flexible but still viable for most shooting styles.

Autofocus and Burst Rates: Catching the Moment

Both cameras offer hybrid autofocus with phase and contrast detection, though implemented differently.

• Panasonic GH5 has 225 autofocus points (contrast detection only) and boasts a fast continuous shooting speed of 12fps.
• Sony A7 II uses 117 autofocus points with phase detection, more beneficial in subject tracking and low light, but a slower burst rate at 5fps.

In real-world wildlife or sports scenarios, the GH5’s speed and tracking work nicely with contrast-detection optimized for video and stills, but the Sony’s phase-detection points provide more reliable subject locking in tricky lighting or fast action.

One caveat: neither model offers animal eye autofocus, an emerging feature in newer cameras. So if chasing birds or pets is your jam, you’ll have to rely more on your skills and lens choice.

Built to Last: Solid Bodies and Weather Resistance

Both cameras boast splash and dust resistance - an essential for outdoor photographers. The GH5 edges ahead with a more rugged and chiseled body, suited for professionals who push gears in tough environments.

Sony downsized weight and thickness for portability but kept a durable magnesium alloy frame that should hold up in most field scenarios. Neither camera is shockproof or freezeproof, so treat accordingly.

Lens Ecosystem: A Tale of Two Mounts

The GH5, sporting the Micro Four Thirds mount, boasts a vast lineup with over 100 lenses available from Panasonic, Olympus, and third parties. The compact sensor allows for smaller, lighter lenses - ideal for travel and situations where carrying less weight matters.

The A7 II uses Sony’s E-mount with a strong selection of about 120 lenses, spanning native full-frame optics and APS-C glass (though the latter pops crop). Sony’s lens ecosystem is further enriched with Zeiss, Sigma, and Tamron options, often delivering excellent optical performance, albeit with heftier lenses compared to MFT glass.

If you want the lightest, most compact rig, Panasonic’s system is a winner. But if shallow depth-of-field and dynamic range are your photography partners, Sony’s lens options deliver pro-level total image control.

Battery Life and Storage: How Long Can You Shoot?

The Panasonic GH5 uses a battery good for about 410 shots per charge, supported by dual UHS-II SD card slots - a dream for professionals needing buffer space and backup redundancy during weddings or long events.

Sony’s A7 II, with its smaller battery, runs for about 350 shots and has only one SD card slot (compatible with Memory Stick and SD cards). This is a limitation for some pros who prefer card redundancy to avoid data loss.

For extended jobbing shoots, Panasonic’s dual-slot design plus superior battery longevity make it a practical workhorse.

Connectivity and Extras: Staying Connected and Future-Proof

The GH5 offers built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, enabling smooth remote control and image transfer via smartphones or tablets - perfect for social media shooters and quick sharing.

Sony A7 II includes built-in Wi-Fi and NFC but lacks Bluetooth, though Sony does offer a downloadable app for motion timelapse and other extras.

Both have microphone and headphone jacks for professional video shooters. The GH5 arguably leads in video features with 4K and even 6K photo modes and advanced video codecs; the A7 II caps out at full HD video, which might disappoint cinephiles.

Dive into Genres: Which Camera Excels Where?

Now let’s put these specs and features into real photographic contexts, using my hands-on evaluations and research:

Portraits: Skin Tones, Bokeh, and Eye Detection

• Sony A7 II’s full-frame sensor grants a creamy, smooth bokeh and excellent shallow depth-of-field control - critical for flattering portraits and subject isolation. The higher resolution and dynamic range help skin tones look natural and retain highlight detail better.
• GH5 can offer decent subject separation but due to the smaller sensor size, the background blur is less pronounced overall.
• Face and eye detection autofocus works well on both but lean slightly to Panasonic with touch AF, aiding quick focus on moving subjects.

Winner for portrait buffs: Sony A7 II, for that full-frame look and more precise backing autofocus.

Landscapes: Resolution, Dynamic Range, and Weather Sealing

Landscape shooters demand high resolution and dynamic range to capture the subtleties of light and shadow, plus rugged bodies.

• Sony A7 II offers a 24MP sensor with an edge in dynamic range. It captures fine details and wide tonal gradations excellently. Weather sealing allows shooting in unpredictable environments.
• GH5 with 20MP and solid dynamic range is no slouch either, though smaller sensor area limits ultimate image quality.
• Panasonic’s fully articulated screen can help compose tricky landscape angles.

Landscape champ: Sony A7 II, with better dynamic range and resolution.

Wildlife: Autofocus Speed, Telephoto Reach, and Burst Rates

Wildlife photography thrives on fast, accurate AF and rapid frame capture to catch fleeting moments.

• GH5 scores high with 12fps burst and 225 focus points, great for rapid sequences.
• Sony A7 II’s 5fps is slower, but its phase-detection AF points improve tracking.
• Micro Four Thirds’ 2x crop factor doubles your teleconverter advantage, meaning a 300mm lens behaves like 600mm - a powerful bonus for wildlife.

For wildlife shooters: it’s a deliberate toss-up. GH5 if speed and reach matter; A7 II if you prioritize tracking accuracy and image quality.

Sports: Tracking Accuracy, Low Light, Frame Rates

Sports needs fast shooting and autofocus that can stick on fast-moving subjects indoors or at dusk.

• GH5’s 12fps burst rate shines, matched with contrast-detect AF tuned more for video but responsive enough for stills.
• A7 II’s slower 5fps may feel limiting; however, its phase-detect AF and superior ISO sensitivity (2450 low-light ISO vs. 807 GH5) help in dim arenas.

Verdict: GH5 for speed lovers shooting bright arenas; A7 II for low-light, indoor, or evening sports.

Street Photography: Discreteness, Low Light, Portability

When you roam city streets, smaller and quieter cameras win, especially if you want less shutter clack and stealth operation.

• A7 II is lighter, smaller, and offers silent shutter options (though limited), giving the edge in discreet shooting.
• GH5 is bulkier and louder but offers better screen articulation for off-angle shots.

Street choice: Sony A7 II takes the prize for portability and stealth.

Macro: Magnification, Precision Focus, and Stabilization

Both cameras have excellent 5-axis sensor stabilization, critical for handholding macro shots.

• GH5 offers focus bracketing, stacking, and post-focus modes, enabling higher depth of field for tiny subjects.
• A7 II lacks these features, requiring more manual technique.

Macro reiteration: Panasonic GH5 is the macro-friendly camera.

Night & Astro Photography: High ISO and Exposure Modes

Shooting stars demands high ISO performance and long exposures with minimal noise.

• Sony’s full-frame sensor and ISO800+ sensitivity make it the better low-light champion.
• GH5 struggles higher above ISO800, showing more noise.
• Both cameras can do long exposures, but GH5’s electronic shutter speed (up to 1/16000s) and in-body stabilization give it some advantages in some situations.

For night owls and astrophotographers: Sony A7 II for cleaner high-ISO performance.

Video: Recording Specs and Stabilization

This is where Panasonic GH5 truly shines.

• GH5 offers 4K/60p recording, 10-bit 4:2:2 internal color depth, and multiple video modes (4K, 6K photo). Sensor-based 5-axis stabilization and microphone/headphone jacks complete the package for filmmakers.
• Sony A7 II maxes out at 1080p full HD, lacking 4K entirely. Though stabilized, video options are limited.

Video verdict: Panasonic GH5 is the clear pro video platform.

Travel Photography: Versatility, Battery Life, and Size

If you want one camera for everything on the road...

• GH5 supports dual SD cards, longer battery life (410 vs. 350 shots), and a versatile lens lineup for all focal needs.
• Sony A7 II scores with lighter body and full-frame sensor for image quality.

Travel pick: It depends if you favor portability (Sony) or operational readiness and video (GH5).

Professional Work: Reliability and Workflow

Both cameras are solid runners for pro jobs, but dual card slots and more comprehensive video codec support gives GH5 a resilience edge in professional environments.

Sony’s single-card slot and older USB 2.0 port can be bottlenecks.

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

Real-World Image Samples: How They Stack Up

I captured the same scenes with both these cameras under challenging light - landscapes, portraits, and street shots - and the differences were clear:

• Sony’s full-frame sensor produced more depth, cleaner highlights, and lush bokeh.
• Panasonic’s MFT sensor gave punchy colors and faster burst adaptability.

Look closely at skin tones and shadow detail to see how the A7 II's larger sensor handles subtlety.

Performance Ratings Summed Up

The Sony A7 II dominates the overall DxOMark score and excels in portrait, landscape, and night photography. The GH5 pulls ahead in video, macro, burst shooting, and wildlife.

Pros and Cons Recap

Final Thoughts and Recommendations: Who Should Buy Which?

I’ve owned and used both cameras extensively, and here’s my no-nonsense advice based on real-world needs and budgets:

Choose the Panasonic GH5 if:

• You crave a hybrid camera excelling in video AND stills, with top-notch 4K features.
• You want rapid frame rates and a robust burst mode for wildlife or sports.
• You love a tactile, fully articulating touchscreen and don’t mind a chunkier camera.
• You favor macro or studio work requiring focus stacking and bracketing.
• Dual card slots and longer battery life are priorities for your professional gigs.

Pick the Sony A7 II if:

• You want the image quality benefits of a full-frame sensor - gorgeous portraits, landscape depth, and night shots.
• Portability and stealth are non-negotiable for street, travel, and event photography.
• You favor phase-detection autofocus for more confident subject tracking in variable light.
• You don’t need 4K video or extensive videography tools.
• You can tolerate a bit less burst speed and fewer physical controls in favor of a lighter rig.

Wrapping Up

No camera is a perfect all-in-one (though the GH5 comes closest for video enthusiasts). The Panasonic GH5 is a powerhouse for videographers and action junkies who want versatility backed by robust features and controls. The Sony A7 II remains a compelling full-frame stills machine with considerable image quality advantages, particularly for portraits, landscapes, and low-light shooting.

Understanding your shooting style and priorities will help you pick the tool that truly supports your creative vision rather than just chasing specs. I’ve walked through testing these two cameras extensively - meter-to-meter, frame-to-frame - and in practice, each has carved a unique place in the market.

If budget allows, and you want a future-ready body with excellent video, the GH5 delivers incredible value at under $1300. For pure image quality and a slightly easier travel profile (especially with lenses), the A7 II makes more sense around $1450.

Whichever path you choose, these cameras proved to be reliable, solid companions - each capable of professional results when paired with the right lenses and expertise.

Happy shooting!