Sony’s recent launch of its ZV-E1 vlogging camera has once again stirred the pot as far as modern content creation goes, packing a ton of cool new features, such as a 35mm full-frame image sensor for video, Sony’s latest BIONZ XR image processing engine which makes heavy use of AI, and support for a ton of neat-looking photo and video features. This launch is just a few months after Panasonic announced the Lumix S5 II, which is aimed towards veteran photographers, content creators, and enthusiasts.
As such, both cameras each come with a list of compelling features, strengths, as well as weaknesses. Both also come with equally considerably high prices, which hover well above the two thousand dollar price-point, although there are some key differences between the two.
While there are some similarities with both cameras (such as in-body stabilization), the differences between the ZV-E1 and S5 II are apparent. For one, the S5 II comes with a larger size, since it’s built with a more “traditional” form factor, coming in at 134 x 102 x 90 mm, 740 grams, versus the comparably lighter ZV-E1 that measures 121 x 72 x 54 mm, 483 grams. This does make sense though, considering that the ZV-E1 is designed specifically for vlogging and on-the-go content creation and production. This also means better compatibility with portable tripods, gimbals, and other handheld usage.
Both cameras come with flexible LCD touchscreens, although the ZV-E1 does lack a viewfinder on account of its more compact nature, meaning that the S5 II will let you frame your shots and video from a more “traditional” perspective. The lack of a viewfinder on the ZV-E1 might be a deterrent for some users, but then again we go back to its vlogging-oriented structure, which is designed to let creators monitor content better during usage.
| Sony ZV-E1 | Panasonic S5 II |
|---|---|
| 121 x 72 x 54 mm, 483 grams | 134 x 102 x 90 mm, 740 grams |
| No viewfinder; 3-in LCD touchscreen | Electronic viewfinder; 3-in LCD touchscreen |
| 12 MP – Full Frame sensor | 24 MP – Full Frame sensor |
| Works with Sony E Mount Lenses | Works with Leica L mount lenses |
| Up to 4K/60p Video | Up to 6K/30p Video |
| ISO 80-102,400 (40 – 409,600) | ISO 100-51,200 (50 – 204,800) |
| In-body stabilization | In-body stabilization |
| Weathersealed body | Weathersealed body |
| Up to 570 shots per charge | Up to 370 shots per battery charge |
| Micro HDMI Port | Full-size HMDI port |
Additionally, the Sony ZV-E1 comes with some features which are unfortunately absent on the S5 II, such as Gyroscopic stabilization, video auto-framing, NFC, and even vehicle tracking auto-focus. While these might not be “must-have” features for users who aren’t after a vlogging camera, they no doubt add value to the ZV-E1’s bag of tricks.
The ZV-E1 also has another advantage in that it comes with longer battery endurance, as Sony claims it can get up to 570 shots per charge, versus the S5 II that can get up to 370 shots per battery charge. Again we go back to the content creation aspect of the ZV-E1, which focuses on a camera that can go all day without the constant need to recharge.
The S5 II trumps the ZV-E1 in some areas though – for example, it features a 24 megapixel full frame sensor which does outsize the 12 megapixel sensor on the Sony. This difference in megapixel count does mean that the S5 II has the advantage of over 40% gain when it comes to linear resolution, which also works terrific when it comes to cropping photos, for example.
Of course, both cameras can also shoot video, and it’s another area where Panasonic gains some ground. The S5 II can film video with up to 6K resolution at 30 frames per second, a considerable jump in resolution quality over the Sony’s 4K quality, although this does support 60 frames per second.
Additionally, there’s also a full-size HMDI port onboard the S5 II, which means better compatibility with a range of accessories, reducing the need for additional hardware such as adapters and such. Field monitors for example can be connected directly via the HDMI port on the S5 II – you won’t find this flexibility on the ZV-E1 however, as it only comes with a smaller micro HDMI port. Users will have to grab additional gear for connectivity purposes. Another big advantage is the addition of a secondary SD card slot, which does come in handy should your SD card give out on you.
So which should you go for? With the Sony ZV-E1, you’re getting features including a more compact size that makes it easy to take along with you on a whim, as well as better battery endurance for those days when you’re far from a charger. The addition of connectivity features like NFC add a bit of a modern touch as well. On the other hand, the S5 II comes with a higher linear resolution thanks to its 24-megapixel sensor, larger video solution (6K vs 4K), an extra SD card slot, as well as a standard HDMI port for better connectivity with accessories.
At the end of the day though, both cameras eventually branch off to different functionality as we mentioned earlier on, and ultimately your individual needs will dictate which camera you go with, be it the S5 II or the ZV-E1. If you’re interested in grabbing the latter, be sure to check out some of these accessories that we’ve rounded up for use with the camera.
