Between the Z 9 and Lumix S5 II, the Z 9 comes out ahead in megapixels and max video, while the Lumix S5 II wins on weight and af points. Overall, the Z 9 scores 61.1 and the Lumix S5 II scores 46 on our Mars Score.
Which should you buy?
The Z 9 is the clear pick on raw spec strength, leading by 15.1 points on the Mars Score. The margin is wide enough that the underdog only makes sense if its individual strengths line up with what you specifically need.
Pick the Z 9 if you care most about megapixels and max video. The biggest gaps in its favor are megapixels, max video.
Pick the Lumix S5 II if you carry the device everywhere and weight or thickness has been the deciding factor before. Its strongest claims are weight, af points.
Both ship with comparable sensor size, in-body stabilization, log profile, so those specs don't separate the two — focus on the differences below.
Bottom line: the Z 9 is the safer default. The other model is the right choice only when its specific advantages line up with your priorities.
Why Nikon - Z 9 wins
- ▲Megapixels — 87.50% more. 45 MP vs 24 MP.
- ▲Max video: 8K (vs 6K).
Why Panasonic - Lumix S5 II wins
- ▲Weight — 600.00 g less. 740 vs 1340.
- ▲AF points — 58.01% more. 779 vs 493.
Spec comparison
Sensor
| Spec | Nikon - Z 9 | Panasonic - Lumix S5 II |
|---|---|---|
| Sensor sizeⓘ | Full Frame | Full Frame |
| Megapixels | 45 MPlead | 24 MP |
| Max ISO | 102400lead | 51200 |
Video
| Spec | Nikon - Z 9 | Panasonic - Lumix S5 II |
|---|---|---|
| Max video | 8Klead | 6K |
| RAW video | truelead | false |
| Log profileⓘ | true | true |
Autofocus
| Spec | Nikon - Z 9 | Panasonic - Lumix S5 II |
|---|---|---|
| AF pointsⓘ | 493 | 779lead |
| Eye AFⓘ | true | true |
| In-body stabilizationⓘ | true | true |
Body & Controls
| Spec | Nikon - Z 9 | Panasonic - Lumix S5 II |
|---|---|---|
| Weight | 1340 g | 740 glead |
| Weather sealedⓘ | true | true |
| Dual card slotsⓘ | true | true |
Spec-level deep dives
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