Panasonic
Lumix GH5
Landmark Micro Four Thirds video camera with internal 4K 60p, 10-bit options, IBIS, and dual card slots.
$1,999
Released Jan 2017
Sony
Alpha 7 IV
33MP hybrid all-rounder with 10-bit 4K 60p and AI-powered subject tracking.
$2,499
Released Oct 2021
Alpha 7 IV is 4.8 years newer.
Wins
Lumix GH5
Wins
Alpha 7 IV
4 categories tied
TL;DR — Key differences
- BAlpha 7 IV has higher RAW buffer depth (828 frames vs 60 frames)
- BAlpha 7 IV has higher AF points / zones (759 vs 225)
- BAlpha 7 IV has lower ISO min (native) (100 vs 200)
- BAlpha 7 IV has higher ISO max (native) (51,200 vs 25,600)
- BAlpha 7 IV has higher Resolution (33 MP vs 20.3 MP)
Key specs at a glance
Size and weight, to scale
Lumix GH5
139 × 98 × 87 mm
725 g (1.60 lb / 25.57 oz)
Alpha 7 IV
131 × 96 × 80 mm
658 g (1.45 lb / 23.21 oz)
Lumix GH5 is 7mm wider, 2mm taller, and 8mm thicker than Alpha 7 IV.
Lumix GH5 is 67 g heavier than Alpha 7 IV.
Depth (front-to-back): 87mm Lumix GH5 · 80mm Alpha 7 IV
Sensor size, to scale
Lumix GH5
17.3 × 13 mm · Micro Four Thirds
225 mm² area
Alpha 7 IV
35.9 × 23.9 mm · Full Frame
858 mm² area
3.8× larger sensor area = shallower depth of field and better low-light performance.
Lens ecosystem
Native lens selection
Lumix GH5
Micro Four Thirds
130+
native lenses available
Alpha 7 IV
✓ 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
Dimensions (W×H×D mm)
Adds 138.5, 98.1, 87.4
Codecs
Adds MOV, MP4, AVCHD
Subject recognition
Adds Face, Eye
Burst (mechanical)
12 fps vs 10 fps — higher is better
Burst (electronic)
12 fps vs 10 fps — higher is better
AF frame coverage
100 % vs 94 % — higher is better
Reasons to choose
Alpha 7 IV
Dimensions (W×H×D mm)
Adds 131.3, 96.4, 79.8
RAW buffer depth
828 frames vs 60 frames — higher is better
AF points / zones
759 vs 225 — higher is better
Subject recognition
Adds Bird, Insect, Car/Train…
Codecs
Adds XAVC HS, XAVC S, XAVC S-I
AA filter
Only Alpha 7 IV supports it
ISO min (native)
100 vs 200 — lower is better
ISO max (native)
51,200 vs 25,600 — higher is better
Both cameras share
- ✓Eye AF — Both support eye af
- ✓Animal / bird AF — Both support animal / bird af
- ✓4K max frame rate — Both 60 fps
- ✓In-body stabilization — Both support in-body stabilization
- ✓Weather sealing — Both support weather sealing
- ✓Card slots — Both 2
Pros & cons at a glance
Editorially curated highlights and trade-offs.
Lumix GH5
Pros
- ✓4K 60p video
- ✓Dual SD UHS-II slots
- ✓Strong IBIS
- ✓Rugged body
Cons
- –Older contrast AF
- –MFT sensor
- –Superseded by GH6/GH7
Alpha 7 IV
Pros
- ✓33MP — more detail for cropping and print
- ✓10-bit 4K 60p (Super35 crop) / 4K 30p full-frame
- ✓Full-size HDMI port
- ✓759 phase-detect AF points
Cons
- –4K 60p requires Super35 crop
- –10fps burst lags behind R6 II at 40fps
- –Complex menu system
Full specifications
✓ = category winner
Frequently asked
Quick answers generated from verified specs.
Which is better for portraits, Lumix GH5 or Alpha 7 IV?
Alpha 7 IV scores 9.0/10 versus 5.0/10 for Lumix GH5 — 33MP — ample resolution for portraits.
What's the resolution difference between the Lumix GH5 and Alpha 7 IV?
Lumix GH5 is 20.3 MP and Alpha 7 IV is 33 MP, so the Alpha 7 IV captures more detail for cropping and large prints.
Do the Lumix GH5 and Alpha 7 IV have in-body image stabilization?
Lumix GH5 has 5-stop in-body image stabilization, while alpha 7 IV has 5.5-stop in-body image stabilization.
Which shoots faster bursts — the Lumix GH5 or the Alpha 7 IV?
Lumix GH5 reaches 12 fps electronic. Alpha 7 IV reaches 10 fps electronic.
What's the weight difference between the Lumix GH5 and Alpha 7 IV?
Lumix GH5 weighs 725 g and Alpha 7 IV weighs 658 g, so the Alpha 7 IV is 67 g lighter.
Do the Lumix GH5 and Alpha 7 IV record 4K video?
Lumix GH5: 4K up to 60p. Alpha 7 IV: 4K up to 60p.
Are the Lumix GH5 and Alpha 7 IV weather sealed?
Lumix GH5: Yes. Alpha 7 IV: Yes.
Which has better battery life?
Rated battery life is 410 shots (CIPA) for the Lumix GH5 and 580 shots for the Alpha 7 IV, giving the Alpha 7 IV the edge.
How much does each cost?
Lumix GH5 launched at $1,999 and Alpha 7 IV at $2,499. The Lumix GH5 is $500 less.
Specs sourced from manufacturer data. Use-case scores algorithmically derived. Last reviewed May 2026.
Product images courtesy of Panasonic and Sony press materials.