Between the Lumix S5 II and α9 III, the Lumix S5 II comes out ahead in af points and max video, while the α9 III wins on weight. Overall, the Lumix S5 II scores 46 and the α9 III scores 46 on our Mars Score.
Which should you buy?
These two are evenly matched on the broad strokes, with the decision sitting on which individual spec advantages weigh more for your use.
Pick the Lumix S5 II if you care most about af points and max video. The biggest gaps in its favor are af points, max video.
Pick the α9 III if you carry the device everywhere and weight or thickness has been the deciding factor before. Its strongest claims are weight.
Both ship with comparable sensor size, megapixels, in-body stabilization, so those specs don't separate the two — focus on the differences below.
Bottom line: there is no wrong answer here — match the spec advantages to how you actually use the product. The Mars Score parity tells you both are well-rounded; the differences are about trade-offs, not quality.
Why Panasonic - Lumix S5 II wins
- ▲AF points — 2.64% more. 779 vs 759.
- ▲Max video: 6K (vs 4K120).
Why Sony - α9 III wins
- ▲Weight — 37.00 g less. 703 vs 740.
Spec comparison
Sensor
| Spec | Panasonic - Lumix S5 II | Sony - α9 III |
|---|---|---|
| Sensor sizeⓘ | Full Frame | Full Frame |
| Megapixels | 24 MP | 24 MP |
| Max ISO | 51200 | 51200 |
Video
| Spec | Panasonic - Lumix S5 II | Sony - α9 III |
|---|---|---|
| Max video | 6Klead | 4K120 |
| RAW video | false | truelead |
| Log profileⓘ | true | true |
Autofocus
| Spec | Panasonic - Lumix S5 II | Sony - α9 III |
|---|---|---|
| AF pointsⓘ | 779lead | 759 |
| Eye AFⓘ | true | true |
| In-body stabilizationⓘ | true | true |
Body & Controls
| Spec | Panasonic - Lumix S5 II | Sony - α9 III |
|---|---|---|
| Weight | 740 g | 703 glead |
| Weather sealedⓘ | true | true |
| Dual card slotsⓘ | true | true |
Frequently asked
Spec-level deep dives
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