• 4/3 224.9mm2
  • 10.2 megapixels
  • ISO 160 - 51,200
  • 35mm 858.0mm2
  • 24.5 megapixels
  • ISO 100 - 51,200

Buy From

Differences

Panasonic GH5S advantages over Nikon D780

  • Less expensive
    $1798* vs $2797
    Save money for lenses or accessories
  • Tilt-swivel screen
    Tilt-swivel vs tilt-only
    Tilt and swivel the screen for maximum shooting flexibility
  • Slower slow-motion
    240 fps vs 120 fps
    Supports slower slow-mo
  • More viewfinder magnification
    0.76x vs 0.70x
    Get a bigger view of the scene through the eye-level viewfinder
  • Lacks anti-aliasing filter
    No Filter vs Filter
    Enjoy sharper photos
  • Faster shutter
    1/16000 vs 1/8000 sec
    Shoot wide open in bright light

Nikon D780 advantages over Panasonic GH5S

  • Larger sensor
    35mm vs 4/3
    More sensor area. Bigger is (generally) better.
  • Bigger pixels
    ~ 5.94 vs 4.51 microns
    Better low-light and dynamic range (all else equal)
  • On-sensor phase detect
    Yes vs No
    Usually improves live view and video AF performance
  • Longer stills battery life
    More info 2260 vs 440 shots
    Capture more photos
  • Top deck display
    Yes vs No
    Check settings with a screen on top of the camera
  • Newer
    4 years vs 6 years old
    Newer cameras often support more advanced features
  • Higher-res screen
    786k vs 405k pixels
    More detail on the screen lets you judge focus and composition
  • More pixels
    24.5 vs 10.2 megapixels
    Higher resolution photos
  • Has anti-aliasing filter
    Filter vs No Filter
    Reduces unsightly moiré in photos
  • Longer exposure
    900 vs 60 sec
    Long exposures for night shots

Similarities

Common Strengths

  • Focus peaking
    Both provide
    Your camera will highlight what's in focus
  • Eye-level viewfinder
    Both provide
    You'll be able to frame photos even when the sun is out
  • Shoot 4K video
    Both provide
    Make sure you have a fast computer
  • Touchscreen
    Both provide
    Interact with your camera just like your smartphone
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
    Both provide
    Share your photos wirelessly
  • Built-in Bluetooth
    Both provide
    Always-on wireless connectivity
  • External Mic Jack
    Both provide
    Improved sound fidelity when shooting video
  • HDMI out
    Both provide
    Use HDMI output to monitor or review video
  • Hot shoe
    Both provide
    Off-camera flashes open new possibilities
  • Dual card slots
    Both provide
    Gives you more storage flexibility
  • Headphone jack
    Both provide
    Monitor audio recording while you shoot video
  • Bulb shutter
    Both provide
    Hold the shutter open manually for long exposures
  • Slow-motion videos
    Both provide
    Shoot slow-motion videos

Common Weaknesses

  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
    Neither provide
    Reduces the effects of camera shake at slower shutter speeds
  • In-camera panoramas
    Neither provide
    Stitches multiple shots into a panoramic photo
  • NFC
    Neither provide
    Simplifies pairing your camera with supported phones
  • Built-in GPS
    Neither provide
    Geotag your photos
  • Internal flash
    Neither provide
    Useful in a pinch for fill flash

User reviews

Buy From

Your purchases support this site

Buy the Panasonic GH5S
Body Only
All GH5S Deals

Your purchases support this site

Buy the Nikon D780
Body Only
  • Body Only
  • Kit with 24-120mm f/4 lens
All D780 Deals

Review Excerpt

  • Excellent video quality; Very good high ISO performance; Cinema 4K & UHD video up to 60p; Full HD up to 240p; 10-bit internal video recording; Tons of features & options for advanced/pro videographers.

  • 10MP resolution is limiting for still photos; No in-body image stabilization; Slower AF than GH5; Buffer clearing could be faster; No 6K Photo features due to sensor resolution.

  • Read our Panasonic GH5S Express Review

The Competition

Compared to Canon 5D Mark IV

Panasonic GH5S
Canon 5D Mark IV
  • $1948
  • 4/3
  • Less expensive
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • $2499
  • 35mm
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels

Compare Panasonic GH5S vs Canon 5D Mark IV

Nikon D780
Canon 5D Mark IV
  • $1830
  • 35mm
  • Focus peaking
  • Less expensive
  • $2499
  • 35mm
  • NFC
  • Built-in GPS

Compare Nikon D780 vs Canon 5D Mark IV

Compared to Panasonic G85

Panasonic GH5S
Panasonic G85
  • $1948
  • 4/3
  • Bigger pixels
  • Built-in Bluetooth
  • $698
  • 4/3
  • Less expensive
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization

Compare Panasonic GH5S vs Panasonic G85

Nikon D780
Panasonic G85
  • $1830
  • 35mm
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels
  • $698
  • 4/3
  • Less expensive
  • Tilt-swivel screen

Compare Nikon D780 vs Panasonic G85

Compared to Panasonic GH5

Panasonic GH5S
Panasonic GH5
  • $1948
  • 4/3
  • Slower slow-motion
  • Bigger pixels
  • $1348
  • 4/3
  • Less expensive
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization

Compare Panasonic GH5S vs Panasonic GH5

Nikon D780
Panasonic GH5
  • $1830
  • 35mm
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels
  • $1348
  • 4/3
  • Less expensive
  • Tilt-swivel screen

Compare Nikon D780 vs Panasonic GH5

Compared to Panasonic G9

Panasonic GH5S
Panasonic G9
  • $1948
  • 4/3
  • Slower slow-motion
  • Bigger pixels
  • $948
  • 4/3
  • Less expensive
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization

Compare Panasonic GH5S vs Panasonic G9

Nikon D780
Panasonic G9
  • $1830
  • 35mm
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels
  • $948
  • 4/3
  • Less expensive
  • Tilt-swivel screen

Compare Nikon D780 vs Panasonic G9

Compared to Pentax K-1 II

Panasonic GH5S
Pentax K-1 II
  • $1948
  • 4/3
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • Shoot 4K video
  • $1747
  • 35mm
  • Larger sensor
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization

Compare Panasonic GH5S vs Pentax K-1 II

Nikon D780
Pentax K-1 II
  • $1830
  • 35mm
  • Bigger pixels
  • Shoot 4K video
  • $1747
  • 35mm
  • Less expensive
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization

Compare Nikon D780 vs Pentax K-1 II

Compare Other Cameras?