Panasonic
Lumix S5 IIX
Video-first full-frame body with internal ProRes and phase-detect AF.
$2,199
Released May 2023
Sony
Alpha 7 IV
33MP hybrid all-rounder with 10-bit 4K 60p and AI-powered subject tracking.
$2,499
Released Oct 2021
Lumix S5 IIX is 1.6 years newer.
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Wins
Lumix S5 IIX
Wins
Alpha 7 IV
6 categories tied
TL;DR — Key differences
- BAlpha 7 IV has higher RAW buffer depth (828 frames vs 200 frames)
- ALumix S5 IIX has higher Burst (electronic) (30 fps vs 10 fps)
- BAlpha 7 IV has higher Battery life (CIPA) (580 shots vs 370 shots)
- BAlpha 7 IV has higher Resolution (33 MP vs 24.2 MP)
- ALumix S5 IIX has higher Max video bit rate (800 Mbps vs 600 Mbps)
Key specs at a glance
Size and weight, to scale
Lumix S5 IIX
134 × 102 × 90 mm
740 g (1.63 lb / 26.10 oz)
Alpha 7 IV
131 × 96 × 80 mm
658 g (1.45 lb / 23.21 oz)
Lumix S5 IIX is 3mm wider, 6mm taller, and 10mm thicker than Alpha 7 IV.
Lumix S5 IIX is 82 g heavier than Alpha 7 IV.
Depth (front-to-back): 90mm Lumix S5 IIX · 80mm Alpha 7 IV
Sensor size, to scale
Lumix S5 IIX
35.6 × 23.8 mm · Full Frame
847 mm² area
Alpha 7 IV
35.9 × 23.9 mm · Full Frame
858 mm² area
Lens ecosystem
Native lens selection
Lumix S5 IIX: mount data unavailable
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
The verdict
The $300 price difference separates the Panasonic Lumix S5 IIX's advanced video capabilities from the Sony Alpha 7 IV's higher resolution sensor.
Choose the Panasonic Lumix S5 IIX if you prioritize professional cinema workflows, as it supports 6K recording and internal Apple ProRes 422 HQ codecs. Its 6.5-stop in-body image stabilization also provides a more stable platform for handheld filming than the Sony.
Choose the Sony Alpha 7 IV if you are a hybrid shooter focused on high-resolution stills, utilizing the 33-megapixel sensor and an expansive 828-shot raw buffer. The Sony also features a broader subject recognition system that tracks birds, insects, and vehicles for more versatile autofocus performance.
Why pick one over the other
Reasons to choose
Lumix S5 IIX
AF low-light limit
-6 EV vs -4 EV — lower is better
Dimensions (W×H×D mm)
Adds 134.3, 102.3, 90.1
Subject recognition
Adds Face, Eye, Car…
Burst (electronic)
30 fps vs 10 fps — higher is better
Codecs
Adds Apple ProRes 422 HQ, Apple ProRes 422, MOV…
Card types
Adds USB-SSD
Max video bit rate
800 Mbps vs 600 Mbps — 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 200 frames — 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
Card types
Adds CFexpress Type A
Battery life (CIPA)
580 shots vs 370 shots — higher is better
Resolution
33 MP vs 24.2 MP — higher is better
Both cameras share
- ✓ISO min (native) — Both 100
- ✓ISO max (native) — Both 51,200
- ✓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 S5 IIX
Pros
- ✓Internal Apple ProRes 422 HQ recording
- ✓First Lumix with phase-detect AF
- ✓6K open gate video (3:2 full-sensor)
- ✓4K 120p slow-motion
Cons
- –24.2MP limits still resolution vs. A7 IV
- –AF still trails Canon/Sony in tracking speed
- –Large body for 24MP
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
Decided which one is right for you?
Compare live prices for the Lumix S5 IIX and Alpha 7 IV at major authorized retailers.
Panasonic Lumix S5 IIX
Sony Alpha 7 IV
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Full specifications
✓ = category winner
Frequently asked
Quick answers generated from verified specs.
Which is better for sports, Lumix S5 IIX or Alpha 7 IV?
Lumix S5 IIX scores 7.5/10 versus 6.0/10 for Alpha 7 IV — 30fps burst — pro-level action capture.
What's the resolution difference between the Lumix S5 IIX and Alpha 7 IV?
Lumix S5 IIX is 24.2 MP and Alpha 7 IV is 33 MP, so the Alpha 7 IV captures more detail for cropping and large prints.
Do the Lumix S5 IIX and Alpha 7 IV have in-body image stabilization?
Lumix S5 IIX 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 S5 IIX or the Alpha 7 IV?
Lumix S5 IIX reaches 30 fps electronic. Alpha 7 IV reaches 10 fps electronic.
What's the weight difference between the Lumix S5 IIX and Alpha 7 IV?
Lumix S5 IIX weighs 740 g and Alpha 7 IV weighs 658 g, so the Alpha 7 IV is 82 g lighter.
Do the Lumix S5 IIX and Alpha 7 IV record 4K video?
Lumix S5 IIX: 6K Open Gate (max), 4K up to 60p. Alpha 7 IV: 4K up to 60p.
Are the Lumix S5 IIX and Alpha 7 IV weather sealed?
Lumix S5 IIX: Yes. Alpha 7 IV: Yes.
Which has better battery life?
Rated battery life is 370 shots (CIPA) for the Lumix S5 IIX and 580 shots for the Alpha 7 IV, giving the Alpha 7 IV the edge.
How much does each cost?
Lumix S5 IIX launched at $2,199 and Alpha 7 IV at $2,499. The Lumix S5 IIX is $300 less.
Specs sourced from manufacturer data. Use-case scores algorithmically derived. Last reviewed May 2026.
Product images courtesy of Panasonic and Sony press materials.