Nikon z5 iic vs panasonic lumix s1 iie?

The two are close on paper. Both are full frame with about 24 megapixels and in-body stabilisation. The bigger differences are the body design and the mount you'd be buying into.

The Nikon Z5 IIC is the newer body, announced in 2026, and it drops the viewfinder, so you frame on the flip-out screen. The Panasonic Lumix S1 IIE came out in 2025 and is the S1 II body with a simpler sensor, for less money.

For a sensible kit, the Nikon pairing is the Nikon Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S II and the Nikon Z 70-200mm f/2.8 VR S II. On the Panasonic, try the Panasonic Lumix S Pro 24-70mm f/2.8 and the Panasonic Lumix S Pro 70-200mm f/2.8 OIS.

My pick: if you want the newer body and Nikon's lens range, go Z5 IIC. If you want the cheaper body and a wide choice of L-mount lenses, go S1 IIE.

Written by Claude from this site's pages.