Panasonic
Lumix GH5 II
MFT video workhorse with V-Log, streaming, and unlimited recording.
$1,699
Released May 2021
Sony
Alpha 1 II
50MP stacked flagship with 30fps RAW, 8K video, and Sony's fastest hybrid performance.
$6,499
Released Nov 2024
Alpha 1 II is 3.5 years newer.
Wins
Lumix GH5 II
Wins
Alpha 1 II
2 categories tied
TL;DR — Key differences
- BAlpha 1 II has higher AF points / zones (759 vs 225)
- ALumix GH5 II has higher Max video bit rate (400 Mbps vs 150 Mbps)
- BAlpha 1 II has higher EVF resolution (9,437,184 vs 3,680,000)
- BAlpha 1 II has higher Burst (electronic) (30 fps vs 12 fps)
- BAlpha 1 II has higher Resolution (50.1 MP vs 20.3 MP)
Key specs at a glance
Size and weight, to scale
Lumix GH5 II
139 × 98 × 87 mm
727 g (1.60 lb / 25.64 oz)
Alpha 1 II
136 × 97 × 83 mm
743 g (1.64 lb / 26.21 oz)
Lumix GH5 II is 2mm wider, 1mm taller, and 5mm thicker than Alpha 1 II.
Lumix GH5 II is 16 g lighter than Alpha 1 II.
Depth (front-to-back): 87mm Lumix GH5 II · 83mm Alpha 1 II
Sensor size, to scale
Lumix GH5 II
17.3 × 13 mm · Micro Four Thirds
225 mm² area
Alpha 1 II
35.9 × 24 mm · Full Frame
862 mm² area
3.8× larger sensor area = shallower depth of field and better low-light performance.
Lens ecosystem
Native lens selection
Lumix GH5 II
Micro Four Thirds
130+
native lenses available
Alpha 1 II
✓ more lensesSony E
350+
native lenses available
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 GH5 II
Dimensions (W×H×D mm)
Adds 138.5, 98.1, 87.4
Max video bit rate
400 Mbps vs 150 Mbps — higher is better
Subject recognition
Adds Face, Eye
Codecs
Adds MOV, MP4
Burst (mechanical)
12 fps vs 10 fps — higher is better
AF frame coverage
100 % vs 94 % — higher is better
Weight
727 g vs 743 g — lower is better
Reasons to choose
Alpha 1 II
Dimensions (W×H×D mm)
Adds 136.1, 96.9, 82.9
AF points / zones
759 vs 225 — higher is better
Subject recognition
Adds Bird, Insect, Car/Train…
EVF resolution
9,437,184 vs 3,680,000 — higher is better
Burst (electronic)
30 fps vs 12 fps — higher is better
Codecs
Adds XAVC HS, XAVC S, XAVC S-I
Resolution
50.1 MP vs 20.3 MP — higher is better
AA filter
Only Alpha 1 II supports it
Both cameras share
- ✓Eye AF — Both support eye af
- ✓Animal / bird AF — Both support animal / bird af
- ✓In-body stabilization — Both support in-body stabilization
- ✓Weather sealing — Both support weather sealing
- ✓Card slots — Both 2
- ✓Touchscreen — Both support touchscreen
Pros & cons at a glance
Editorially curated highlights and trade-offs.
Lumix GH5 II
Pros
- ✓V-Log included
- ✓Live streaming features
- ✓IBIS
Cons
- –MFT sensor
- –Superseded by GH6/GH7
- –20MP
Alpha 1 II
Pros
- ✓50MP stacked sensor
- ✓30fps blackout-free burst
- ✓8K 30p video
- ✓Best Sony AF
Cons
- –Very expensive
- –Complex menus
- –Large files
Full specifications
✓ = category winner
Frequently asked
Quick answers generated from verified specs.
Which is better for landscape, Lumix GH5 II or Alpha 1 II?
Alpha 1 II scores 9.0/10 versus 3.5/10 for Lumix GH5 II — 50.1MP — massive detail for large prints.
What's the resolution difference between the Lumix GH5 II and Alpha 1 II?
Lumix GH5 II is 20.3 MP and Alpha 1 II is 50.1 MP, so the Alpha 1 II captures more detail for cropping and large prints.
Do the Lumix GH5 II and Alpha 1 II have in-body image stabilization?
Lumix GH5 II has 6.5-stop in-body image stabilization, while alpha 1 II has 8.5-stop in-body image stabilization.
Which shoots faster bursts — the Lumix GH5 II or the Alpha 1 II?
Lumix GH5 II reaches 12 fps electronic. Alpha 1 II reaches 30 fps electronic.
What's the weight difference between the Lumix GH5 II and Alpha 1 II?
Lumix GH5 II weighs 727 g and Alpha 1 II weighs 743 g, so the Lumix GH5 II is 16 g lighter.
Do the Lumix GH5 II and Alpha 1 II record 4K video?
Lumix GH5 II: 4K up to 60p. Alpha 1 II: 8K (max), 4K up to 120p.
Are the Lumix GH5 II and Alpha 1 II weather sealed?
Lumix GH5 II: Yes. Alpha 1 II: Yes.
Which has better battery life?
Rated battery life is 410 shots (CIPA) for the Lumix GH5 II and 520 shots for the Alpha 1 II, giving the Alpha 1 II the edge.
How much does each cost?
Lumix GH5 II launched at $1,699 and Alpha 1 II at $6,499. The Lumix GH5 II is $4,800 less.
Specs sourced from manufacturer data. Use-case scores algorithmically derived. Last reviewed May 2026.
Product images courtesy of Panasonic and Sony press materials.