Panasonic
Lumix BGH1
Box-style MFT cinema camera for multi-cam and drone workflows.
$3,499
Released Oct 2020
Panasonic
Lumix S5 II
Phase-detect L-mount hybrid with 6K open gate and strong video tools.
$1,999
Released Jan 2023
Lumix S5 II is 2.3 years newer.
Wins
Lumix BGH1
Wins
Lumix S5 II
4 categories tied
TL;DR — Key differences
- BLumix S5 II has higher Burst (mechanical) (9 fps vs 0 fps)
- BLumix S5 II has higher IBIS effectiveness (5 stops vs 0 stops)
- BLumix S5 II has higher AF points / zones (779 vs 225)
- BLumix S5 II has higher Resolution (24.2 MP vs 10.2 MP)
- BLumix S5 II has higher Burst (electronic) (30 fps vs 14 fps)
Key specs at a glance
Size and weight, to scale
Lumix BGH1
93 × 93 × 78 mm
545 g (1.20 lb / 19.22 oz)
Lumix S5 II
134 × 102 × 90 mm
740 g (1.63 lb / 26.10 oz)
Lumix BGH1 is 41mm narrower, 9mm shorter, and 12mm thinner than Lumix S5 II.
Lumix BGH1 is 195 g lighter than Lumix S5 II.
Depth (front-to-back): 78mm Lumix BGH1 · 90mm Lumix S5 II
Sensor size, to scale
Lumix BGH1
17.3 × 13 mm · Micro Four Thirds
225 mm² area
Lumix S5 II
35.6 × 23.8 mm · Full Frame
847 mm² area
3.8× larger sensor area = shallower depth of field and better low-light performance.
Lens ecosystem
Native lens selection
Lumix BGH1
✓ more lensesMicro Four Thirds
130+
native lenses available
Lumix S5 II: mount data unavailable
Counts include current first-party and major third-party native autofocus lenses.
Use-case scoring
Which one for what?
Algorithmic scores from verified specs · 10 = best in class
Why pick one over the other
Reasons to choose
Lumix BGH1
Dimensions (W×H×D mm)
Adds 93, 93, 78
Max video bit rate
400 Mbps vs 200 Mbps — higher is better
Battery life (CIPA)
640 shots vs 370 shots — higher is better
Weight
545 g vs 740 g — lower is better
Reasons to choose
Lumix S5 II
AF low-light limit
-6 EV vs -4 EV — lower is better
Burst (mechanical)
9 fps vs 0 fps — higher is better
IBIS effectiveness
5 stops vs 0 stops — higher is better
Dimensions (W×H×D mm)
Adds 134.3, 102.3, 90.1
AF points / zones
779 vs 225 — higher is better
Resolution
24.2 MP vs 10.2 MP — higher is better
Burst (electronic)
30 fps vs 14 fps — higher is better
In-body stabilization
Only Lumix S5 II supports it
Both cameras share
- ✓ISO max (native) — Both 51,200
- ✓AF frame coverage — Both 100 %
- ✓Eye AF — Both support eye af
- ✓Animal / bird AF — Both support animal / bird af
- ✓4K max frame rate — Both 60 fps
- ✓Internal RAW video — Both support internal raw video
Pros & cons at a glance
Editorially curated highlights and trade-offs.
Lumix BGH1
Pros
- ✓Box form factor
- ✓Genlock
- ✓Pro video
Cons
- –No screen
- –MFT sensor
- –Niche use
Lumix S5 II
Pros
- ✓Phase-detect AF finally
- ✓6K open gate
- ✓IBIS
- ✓Great value
Cons
- –24MP resolution
- –L-mount size
- –AF still behind Canon/Sony
Full specifications
✓ = category winner
Frequently asked
Quick answers generated from verified specs.
Which is better for landscape, Lumix BGH1 or Lumix S5 II?
Lumix S5 II scores 7.0/10 versus 1.0/10 for Lumix BGH1 — Full-frame sensor — wider dynamic range.
What's the resolution difference between the Lumix BGH1 and Lumix S5 II?
Lumix BGH1 is 10.2 MP and Lumix S5 II is 24.2 MP, so the Lumix S5 II captures more detail for cropping and large prints.
Do the Lumix BGH1 and Lumix S5 II have in-body image stabilization?
Lumix BGH1 does not have IBIS, while lumix S5 II has 5-stop in-body image stabilization.
Which shoots faster bursts — the Lumix BGH1 or the Lumix S5 II?
Lumix BGH1 reaches 14 fps electronic. Lumix S5 II reaches 30 fps electronic.
What's the weight difference between the Lumix BGH1 and Lumix S5 II?
Lumix BGH1 weighs 545 g and Lumix S5 II weighs 740 g, so the Lumix BGH1 is 195 g lighter.
Do the Lumix BGH1 and Lumix S5 II record 4K video?
Lumix BGH1: 4K up to 60p. Lumix S5 II: 6K Open Gate (max), 4K up to 60p.
Are the Lumix BGH1 and Lumix S5 II weather sealed?
Lumix BGH1: No. Lumix S5 II: Yes.
Which has better battery life?
Rated battery life is 640 shots (CIPA) for the Lumix BGH1 and 370 shots for the Lumix S5 II, giving the Lumix BGH1 the edge.
How much does each cost?
Lumix BGH1 launched at $3,499 and Lumix S5 II at $1,999. The Lumix S5 II is $1,500 less.
Specs sourced from manufacturer data. Use-case scores algorithmically derived. Last reviewed May 2026.