Panasonic Gh5 Vs Canon 5d Mark Iv: The Ultimate Showdown For Hybrid Shooters

In the realm of photography and videography, the Panasonic GH5 and Canon 5D Mark IV stand as two formidable contenders, each boasting its own strengths and weaknesses. Whether you’re a professional photographer, a filmmaker, or an aspiring content creator, understanding the differences between these two cameras is crucial for making an informed decision. This comprehensive comparison will delve into every aspect of the Panasonic GH5 and Canon 5D Mark IV, providing you with the knowledge you need to choose the perfect camera for your needs.

Image Quality

Sensor:

• Panasonic GH5: 20.3MP Micro Four Thirds sensor
• Canon 5D Mark IV: 30.4MP full-frame sensor

The Canon 5D Mark IV boasts a higher resolution full-frame sensor, which translates into larger file sizes and potentially more detail in your images. However, the Panasonic GH5’s Micro Four Thirds sensor is not to be underestimated, offering excellent image quality with less noise at higher ISOs.

Dynamic Range:

• Panasonic GH5: 13 stops
• Canon 5D Mark IV: 15 stops

The Canon 5D Mark IV has a slightly wider dynamic range, which gives you more flexibility in post-processing and allows you to recover more detail from shadows and highlights. However, the Panasonic GH5’s 13 stops of dynamic range is still impressive, especially for a Micro Four Thirds camera.

Video Capabilities

Resolution and Frame Rates:

• Panasonic GH5: 4K up to 60fps, 1080p up to 180fps
• Canon 5D Mark IV: 4K up to 30fps, 1080p up to 60fps

The Panasonic GH5 is a clear winner in terms of video capabilities. It offers 4K video at up to 60fps, which is crucial for creating smooth and cinematic footage. It also supports high frame rate recording in 1080p, making it ideal for capturing slow-motion videos. The Canon 5D Mark IV, on the other hand, is limited to 4K at 30fps and 1080p at 60fps.

Color Profile and Log:

• Panasonic GH5: V-Log L
• Canon 5D Mark IV: C-Log

Both the Panasonic GH5 and Canon 5D Mark IV offer log profiles that allow you to capture a wider dynamic range and have more flexibility in color grading. The Panasonic GH5’s V-Log L is a popular choice among filmmakers, while the Canon 5D Mark IV’s C-Log is also highly regarded.

Autofocus

Type:

• Panasonic GH5: Contrast-detect autofocus
• Canon 5D Mark IV: Phase-detect autofocus

The Canon 5D Mark IV uses a phase-detect autofocus system, which is generally faster and more accurate than the contrast-detect autofocus system used in the Panasonic GH5. This makes the 5D Mark IV a better choice for capturing fast-moving subjects or for using autofocus in low-light conditions.

Face and Eye Detection:

• Panasonic GH5: Yes
• Canon 5D Mark IV: Yes

Both the Panasonic GH5 and Canon 5D Mark IV offer face and eye detection, which can be useful for portraits and other situations where you want to focus on a specific subject.

Ergonomics and Handling

Size and Weight:

• Panasonic GH5: 138.5 x 98.1 x 87.4 mm, 680g
• Canon 5D Mark IV: 150.7 x 116.4 x 76.0 mm, 890g

The Panasonic GH5 is noticeably smaller and lighter than the Canon 5D Mark IV. This makes it easier to carry around and use for extended periods of time. However, the 5D Mark IV’s larger size and weight give it a more solid and professional feel.

Weather Sealing:

• Panasonic GH5: Yes
• Canon 5D Mark IV: Yes

Both the Panasonic GH5 and Canon 5D Mark IV are weather-sealed, which means they can withstand rain, dust, and other elements. This makes them ideal for outdoor photography and videography.

Lens Compatibility

Mount:

• Panasonic GH5: Micro Four Thirds mount
• Canon 5D Mark IV: EF mount

The Panasonic GH5 uses the Micro Four Thirds mount, while the Canon 5D Mark IV uses the EF mount. This means that you will need to purchase different lenses for each camera. However, there are a wide variety of lenses available for both mounts, so you should have no problem finding the right lenses for your needs.

Price

• Panasonic GH5: Body only: $1,699
• Canon 5D Mark IV: Body only: $2,499

The Panasonic GH5 is significantly cheaper than the Canon 5D Mark IV. This makes it a more affordable option for those who are on a budget. However, the 5D Mark IV offers some additional features and capabilities that may be worth the extra cost for some users.

Which Camera Is Right for You?

The Panasonic GH5 and Canon 5D Mark IV are both excellent cameras, but they have different strengths and weaknesses. The GH5 is a more versatile camera that offers excellent video capabilities, while the 5D Mark IV is a better choice for photographers who need high-resolution images and fast autofocus.

Panasonic GH5:

• Ideal for: Videographers, content creators, and photographers who need a compact and affordable camera.
• Strengths: 4K video at up to 60fps, V-Log L profile, weather sealing, small size and weight.
• Weaknesses: Lower resolution sensor, contrast-detect autofocus.

Canon 5D Mark IV:

• Ideal for: Photographers who need high-resolution images, fast autofocus, and a wide variety of lens options.
• Strengths: Full-frame sensor, 30.4MP resolution, phase-detect autofocus, weather sealing, solid build quality.
• Weaknesses: Lower frame rates for video, limited log profile, larger size and weight.

Ultimately, the best way to decide which camera is right for you is to try them both out and see which one feels better in your hands and meets your specific needs.

Answers to Your Questions

Q: Which camera has better image quality?
A: The Canon 5D Mark IV has a higher resolution full-frame sensor, which gives it an edge in terms of image quality.

Q: Which camera is better for video?
A: The Panasonic GH5 has superior video capabilities, including 4K video at up to 60fps and a V-Log L profile.

Q: Which camera has better autofocus?
A: The Canon 5D Mark IV has a faster and more accurate phase-detect autofocus system.

Q: Which camera is smaller and lighter?
A: The Panasonic GH5 is significantly smaller and lighter than the Canon 5D Mark IV.

Q: Which camera is more affordable?
A: The Panasonic GH5 is more affordable than the Canon 5D Mark IV.