Panasonic Lumix GH5
Micro Four Thirds · 2017
Sony A7S III
full-frame · 2020
Sony A7S III takes it — here’s why.
In our weighted Specdex score, Panasonic Lumix GH5 lands at 78 and Sony A7S III at 91. That puts Sony A7S III ahead by 13 points — a decisive margin driven mostly by its strengths in the categories below.
Pick Panasonic Lumix GH5 if…
- ✓Mature system, great used market
- ✓Proven lens lineup
- ✓Often on sale
Pick Sony A7S III if…
- ✓Current-gen AF system
- ✓Proven lens ecosystem
- ✓Strong video + stills balance
Winner by scenario
Derived from the sub-score breakdown · not a separate testErgonomics
TieCompared on the ergonomics sub-score
Effectively tied — neither pulls a 2-point weighted lead.
Photo
Sony A7S IIICompared on the photo sub-score
Sony A7S III leads on photo (91 vs 78).
Autofocus
Sony A7S IIICompared on the autofocus sub-score
Sony A7S III leads on autofocus (89 vs 74).
Value for money
Panasonic Lumix GH5Specdex score per dollar at MSRP
Panasonic Lumix GH5 more score per dollar ($1,999 vs $3,498).
Score breakdown
Specs side-by-side
| Spec | Panasonic Lumix GH5 | Sony A7S III |
|---|---|---|
| Format | Micro Four Thirds | full-frame |
| Release year | 2017 | 2020 |
Panasonic Lumix GH5
- +Mature system, great used market
- +Proven lens lineup
- +Often on sale
- −Older AF system
- −Heavier than modern mirrorless
- −Firmware updates trailed off
Sony A7S III
- +Current-gen AF system
- +Proven lens ecosystem
- +Strong video + stills balance
- −Body price excludes lens
- −Heavy for travel (flagship)
- −Learning curve on menus
FAQ: Panasonic Lumix GH5 vs Sony A7S III
Which is better, Panasonic Lumix GH5 or Sony A7S III? +
Sony A7S III scores 91 on our weighted rubric — ahead by 13. Your best pick depends on the sub-scores above.
Is Panasonic Lumix GH5 worth the price? +
At $1,999, Panasonic Lumix GH5 delivers a Specdex score of 78 — strongest in ergonomics.
Is Sony A7S III worth the price? +
At $3,498, Sony A7S III delivers a Specdex score of 91 — strongest in photo.
Does Panasonic Lumix GH5 or Sony A7S III last longer? +
Based on our long-term update and support ratings, both ship with multi-year support. Battery and reliability scores are visible in the breakdown above.
Which is better for photo, Panasonic Lumix GH5 or Sony A7S III? +
Sony A7S III — leads on photo (91 vs 78). Compared on the photo sub-score.
Which is better for autofocus, Panasonic Lumix GH5 or Sony A7S III? +
Sony A7S III — leads on autofocus (89 vs 74). Compared on the autofocus sub-score.