The Battle of the Titans: Canon EOS 90D Canon EF-S 18-135mm F3.5-5.6 IS STM vs Panasonic Lumix DC-S5 II – Which Camera Will Capture Your Heart?

Choosing the right camera can be a daunting task, especially when faced with a plethora of options. The Canon EOS 90D with Canon EF-S 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS STM and the **Panasonic Lumix DC-S5 II** are two popular choices that cater to different needs and preferences. This comprehensive comparison will delve into the strengths and weaknesses of each camera, helping you make an informed decision based on your specific requirements.

Image Quality: A Tale of Two Sensors

The heart of any camera lies in its sensor, and both the Canon EOS 90D and the Panasonic Lumix DC-S5 II boast impressive image quality. The Canon EOS 90D utilizes a 32.5MP APS-C CMOS sensor, renowned for its detail and dynamic range. This sensor excels in capturing vibrant colors and producing sharp images, even in challenging lighting conditions.
On the other hand, the Panasonic Lumix DC-S5 II packs a 24.2MP full-frame CMOS sensor. The larger sensor size translates to superior low-light performance, capturing more light and producing images with less noise. While the resolution is slightly lower than the Canon EOS 90D, the full-frame sensor provides a shallower depth of field, enabling beautiful bokeh effects.

Autofocus Performance: A Race to the Focus Point

Both cameras offer impressive autofocus capabilities, but their approaches differ significantly. The Canon EOS 90D employs a 45-point all cross-type autofocus system, providing rapid and accurate focus acquisition. This system is particularly effective for tracking moving subjects, making it an excellent choice for wildlife and sports photography.
The Panasonic Lumix DC-S5 II, on the other hand, boasts a state-of-the-art contrast-detection autofocus system with 230 focus points. This system is known for its accuracy and ability to focus on subjects with intricate details. While it may not be as fast as the Canon EOS 90D’s phase-detection system, it excels in low-light and video recording scenarios.

Video Capabilities: A Battle of Resolution and Features

Both cameras are capable of capturing high-quality videos, but their video features cater to different needs. The Canon EOS 90D offers 4K video recording at 30fps, with a maximum bitrate of 120 Mbps. This provides excellent detail and clarity for everyday video recording. The camera also supports Full HD video recording at up to 120fps, allowing for slow-motion effects.
The Panasonic Lumix DC-S5 II, being a full-frame camera, offers a higher video resolution of 5.7K at 30fps. This resolution provides even more detail and flexibility for post-production editing. The camera also supports 4K video recording at up to 60fps, enabling smoother and more cinematic footage. Furthermore, the Panasonic Lumix DC-S5 II offers features like internal 10-bit recording, anamorphic video recording, and V-Log color profiles, making it a more professional-grade video camera.

Design and Ergonomics: A Matter of Comfort and Control

The Canon EOS 90D and the Panasonic Lumix DC-S5 II both offer robust and ergonomic designs, but with distinct characteristics. The Canon EOS 90D features a classic DSLR design with a deep grip and a comfortable layout. It’s a familiar and intuitive camera for those accustomed to DSLR handling.
The Panasonic Lumix DC-S5 II, being a mirrorless camera, boasts a more compact and lightweight design. Its electronic viewfinder offers a clear and detailed view, and the rear touchscreen provides intuitive control over camera settings. The camera features a weather-sealed body, making it suitable for outdoor photography in challenging conditions.

Lens Options: A Universe of Creative Possibilities

The Canon EOS 90D utilizes Canon’s extensive EF and EF-S lens system, offering a vast selection of lenses to choose from. This gives you incredible flexibility to capture a wide range of subjects, from wide-angle landscapes to telephoto wildlife shots. The EF-S 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS STM lens included with the Canon EOS 90D provides a versatile zoom range, making it a great all-around lens for everyday photography.
The Panasonic Lumix DC-S5 II utilizes the L-Mount system, which is a growing ecosystem with lenses from Panasonic, Leica, and Sigma. This system offers a wide variety of lenses, including excellent prime lenses for high image quality and zoom lenses for versatility. The L-Mount system, while growing, is still smaller than Canon’s EF system, but it offers a solid selection of lenses for various photographic needs.

Price and Value: Finding the Best Fit for Your Budget

The Canon EOS 90D with the Canon EF-S 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS STM lens is generally priced lower than the Panasonic Lumix DC-S5 II. This makes it a more affordable option for photographers on a budget. However, it’s important to consider the overall value proposition.
The Panasonic Lumix DC-S5 II, while more expensive, offers a full-frame sensor, superior video features, and a growing lens ecosystem. For photographers who prioritize image quality, video capabilities, and future-proofing their investment, the Panasonic Lumix DC-S5 II might be a better long-term value.

Verdict: Choosing the Right Camera for Your Needs

Ultimately, the choice between the Canon EOS 90D with Canon EF-S 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS STM and the Panasonic Lumix DC-S5 II depends on your individual priorities and photographic style.
Canon EOS 90D with Canon EF-S 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS STM:

• Best for: Budget-conscious photographers, photographers who prioritize speed and autofocus performance, and those who are comfortable with DSLR ergonomics.
• Strengths: Affordable price, excellent autofocus performance, vast lens selection, intuitive DSLR design.
• Weaknesses: Smaller APS-C sensor, limited video features compared to the Panasonic Lumix DC-S5 II.

Panasonic Lumix DC-S5 II:

• Best for: Photographers who prioritize image quality, video capabilities, and future-proofing their investment, and those who prefer a compact and lightweight camera.
• Strengths: Full-frame sensor, superior low-light performance, advanced video features, weather-sealed design, growing lens ecosystem.
• Weaknesses: Higher price, slower autofocus compared to the Canon EOS 90D, smaller lens selection compared to Canon.

Information You Need to Know

Q: Which camera is better for wildlife photography?
A: The Canon EOS 90D with its faster autofocus system and wider lens selection makes it a better choice for wildlife photography.
Q: Which camera is better for video recording?
A: The Panasonic Lumix DC-S5 II offers superior video features, including higher resolution, 10-bit recording, and V-Log color profiles, making it a better choice for professional video recording.
Q: Which camera is more compact and portable?
A: The Panasonic Lumix DC-S5 II, being a mirrorless camera, is more compact and lightweight than the Canon EOS 90D.
Q: Which camera has better low-light performance?
A: The Panasonic Lumix DC-S5 II, with its full-frame sensor, offers better low-light performance than the Canon EOS 90D.
Q: Which camera is better for beginners?
A: The Canon EOS 90D, with its familiar DSLR design and intuitive controls, is a good choice for beginners. However, the Panasonic Lumix DC-S5 II offers a user-friendly touchscreen interface and a variety of shooting modes that can also be suitable for beginners.
Ultimately, the best camera is the one that fits your individual needs and budget. By carefully considering the strengths and weaknesses of each camera, you can make an informed decision and find the perfect camera for your photographic journey.