Panasonic
Lumix FZ300
Weather-resistant bridge camera with constant f/2.8 25-600mm equivalent Leica zoom and 4K video.
$599
Released Jul 2015
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 7.5 years newer.
Wins
Lumix FZ300
Wins
Lumix S5 II
2 categories tied
TL;DR — Key differences
- BLumix S5 II has higher IBIS effectiveness (5 stops vs 0 stops)
- BLumix S5 II has higher AF points / zones (779 vs 49)
- BLumix S5 II has higher RAW buffer depth (200 frames vs 20 frames)
- BLumix S5 II has higher ISO max (native) (51,200 vs 6,400)
- BLumix S5 II has higher EVF resolution (3,680,000 vs 1,440,000)
Key specs at a glance
Size and weight, to scale
Lumix FZ300
132 × 92 × 117 mm
691 g (1.52 lb / 24.37 oz)
Lumix S5 II
134 × 102 × 90 mm
740 g (1.63 lb / 26.10 oz)
Lumix FZ300 is 3mm narrower and 11mm shorter than Lumix S5 II but it is also 27mm thicker.
Lumix FZ300 is 49 g lighter than Lumix S5 II.
Depth (front-to-back): 117mm Lumix FZ300 · 90mm Lumix S5 II
Sensor size, to scale
Lumix FZ300
6.17 × 4.55 mm · Compact
28 mm² area
Lumix S5 II
35.6 × 23.8 mm · Full Frame
847 mm² area
30.3× larger sensor area = shallower depth of field and better low-light performance.
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 FZ300
Dimensions (W×H×D mm)
Adds 131.6, 91.5, 117.1
Card types
Adds SD UHS-I
Burst (electronic)
60 fps vs 30 fps — higher is better
Codecs
Adds AVCHD
Burst (mechanical)
12 fps vs 9 fps — higher is better
Weight
691 g vs 740 g — lower is better
Battery life (CIPA)
380 shots vs 370 shots — higher is better
Reasons to choose
Lumix S5 II
AF low-light limit
-6 EV vs -3 EV — lower is better
IBIS effectiveness
5 stops vs 0 stops — higher is better
Dimensions (W×H×D mm)
Adds 134.3, 102.3, 90.1
Card types
Adds SD UHS-II, SD UHS-II
AF points / zones
779 vs 49 — higher is better
RAW buffer depth
200 frames vs 20 frames — higher is better
ISO max (native)
51,200 vs 6,400 — higher is better
EVF resolution
3,680,000 vs 1,440,000 — higher is better
Both cameras share
- ✓ISO min (native) — Both 100
- ✓AF frame coverage — Both 100 %
- ✓Eye AF — Both support eye af
- ✓Animal / bird AF — Both support animal / bird af
- ✓Weather sealing — Both support weather sealing
- ✓Touchscreen — Both support touchscreen
Pros & cons at a glance
Editorially curated highlights and trade-offs.
Lumix FZ300
Pros
- ✓Constant f/2.8 24x zoom
- ✓Weather resistant
- ✓4K video
- ✓Great reach
Cons
- –Small 1/2.3-inch sensor
- –12MP
- –Bridge-camera bulk
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 FZ300 or Lumix S5 II?
Lumix S5 II scores 7.0/10 versus 1.5/10 for Lumix FZ300 — Full-frame sensor — wider dynamic range.
What's the resolution difference between the Lumix FZ300 and Lumix S5 II?
Lumix FZ300 is 12.1 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 FZ300 and Lumix S5 II have in-body image stabilization?
Lumix FZ300 does not have IBIS, while lumix S5 II has 5-stop in-body image stabilization.
Which shoots faster bursts — the Lumix FZ300 or the Lumix S5 II?
Lumix FZ300 reaches 60 fps electronic. Lumix S5 II reaches 30 fps electronic.
What's the weight difference between the Lumix FZ300 and Lumix S5 II?
Lumix FZ300 weighs 691 g and Lumix S5 II weighs 740 g, so the Lumix FZ300 is 49 g lighter.
Do the Lumix FZ300 and Lumix S5 II record 4K video?
Lumix FZ300: 4K up to 30p. Lumix S5 II: 6K Open Gate (max), 4K up to 60p.
Are the Lumix FZ300 and Lumix S5 II weather sealed?
Lumix FZ300: Yes. Lumix S5 II: Yes.
Which has better battery life?
Rated battery life is 380 shots (CIPA) for the Lumix FZ300 and 370 shots for the Lumix S5 II, giving the Lumix FZ300 the edge.
How much does each cost?
Lumix FZ300 launched at $599 and Lumix S5 II at $1,999. The Lumix FZ300 is $1,400 less.
Specs sourced from manufacturer data. Use-case scores algorithmically derived. Last reviewed May 2026.