While there are quite a lot of photography camera options out there, the Panasonic Lumix model distinguishes itself as one of the best mirrorless cameras in production. Panasonic models are popular among photographers for their compact sizes. Now the question is, which Panasonic camera to get? Or which Panasonic camera model would work best for your use?

Top 10 Best Panasonic Cameras in 2021

Panasonic camera models fall into three main categories. The Lumix G series, the Lumix S series, and the Lumix compact cameras. The Lumix G series are popular for their Micro four-thirds mount (4/3) and 4K resolutions. Panasonic Lumix S series are full-frame mirrorless cameras. While the Lumix compact camera models are very portable and popular among camera enthusiasts. 

These main camera models have their own specialization and are built a bit differently from each other. Their individual characteristics do not make one camera model better than another instead, it ensures that photographers pick the right camera for their work. 

Photographers have varying requirements for their cameras. Panasonic Lumix camera models are built to be compact and easy to use. This review rates point and shoot cameras based on their cost, features, and how well they do what they are specialized to do.

1. Panasonic Lumix G9 (2017) 

⊕ Flexible body and good handling 

⊕ Quick and precise autofocus 

⊕ 4k and 6K pictures 

⊕ UHD 4K video resolution (60p) 

⊕ Burst shooting with continuous focus.  

⊕ Sensor control via an LCD screen

⊕ Weatherproof 

⊕ Bluetooth, WiFi

⊖ No Built-in Flash

 Price: $999.99
 

This mirrorless camera is exceptional at both stills and video capture. The G9 model’s high-speed burst mode feature has very responsive autofocus. In addition, its enhanced DFD (Depth from Defocus) with 225 points allows for precise focusing across the frame. A joystick is attached to the camera that helps it control the focus point of the camera. 

The camera model 2x focal length conversion makes it attractive to those who pursue wildlife and sports photography. The camera is also built to be weatherproof, including splash, dust, and freeze resistance. Its 5-axis sensor stabilization system allows it to compensate for camera shake which makes it superior to the GH5S. 

The G9 is built with a flexible body and has a convenient grasping handle that makes it easy to grip. Panasonic Lumix G9’s many amazing features make it one of the best mirrorless cameras.  

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2. Panasonic Lumix GH5S (2018) 

⊕ Superb touch screen function 

⊕ All-Intra, a capacity of 400 Mbit

⊕ Sensitive and fast autofocus

⊕ Built for scalability

⊖ Low matrix resolution

⊖ No inbuilt stabilization

The GH5S is standard videography made by Panasonic that captures stunning images in 4K up to 60 fps. While mainly designed as a video camera it is used to shoot still images and has similar features to the G9. However, the GH5S is built for scalability, it has a qualitative body that allows for great additions which many professional shooters find significant. 

One drawback of the GH5S is the sensor. The sensor has a resolution of only 10.2 MP which is not very suitable for shooting pictures. However, for low-light shooting and high-resolution video recording, the 10.28 MP Digital Live MOS sensor coupled with a Venus Engine allows for clean detailed shoots. 

The GH5S does not have any internal stabilization which for some videographers is seen as a benefit. Rigs and cages can be used instead to hold the camera firmly during shoots. The GH5S also supports unlimited recording that is only limited by the memory card and battery life of the device. 

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3. Panasonic DC-S1R (2019)

⊕ Full-frame high resolution

⊕ Great sharpness and high quality

⊕ Has two card slots 

⊕ Dual image stabilization 

⊖ Expensive

⊖ Huge weight 

 

If you are a professional photographer, the Lumix S1R is probably a great option for you. If you are only a camera enthusiast discouraged by the high cost of the Lumix S1R but want to shoot good quality pictures then the Lumix S1 is a good option. The Lumix S1R, though more expensive, shoots stunning top-quality still images; its resolution is almost two times the resolution of the Lumix S1.  

The Lumix S1R full-frame 46.7 MP MOS sensor along with the Venus Engine makes it highly optimized for high-resolution recording. The S1R is also highly sensitive and flexible recording modes. One drawback of the S1R is that it is quite big and heavy. It has an internal image stabilization that helps increase image sharpness and compensate for camera shakes. 

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4. Panasonic Lumix G100 (2020) 

⊕ Great quality videos and still 

⊕ Easy to use and navigate 

⊕ Excellent audio-recording capabilities 

⊕ Compact size and lightweight

⊖ No headphone or mic jack 

⊖ No internal image stabilization 

⊖ No 4K/60p

The Panasonic Lumix G100 is a compact camera created for vloggers and content creators. Panasonic especially developed this camera to be easy to use. Rather than upgrading to newer phone models, the G100 provides great quality video and stills. It has inbuilt wifi and Bluetooth systems that make transferring videos and images very simple.  

Panasonic combines the technicality of high-end cameras and the simplicity inherent in social media use to make this stunning camera. Other Panasonic models like the Panasonic Lumix S5 have better features but are a lot more expensive than the G100. The G100 cost and capability make it a wonderful camera choice for vloggers and beginner photographers.

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5. Panasonic Lumix S5 (2020) 

⊕ Great video quality

⊕ Lightweight and well-rounded body 

⊕ Durable and weatherproof 

⊕ 96MP High-Res Shot mode

⊕ Internal image Stabilization 

⊖ Smaller sized HDMI port

⊖ No built-in flash

Its impressive 24MP full-frame sensor on the S5 is similar to the older S1 model. The S5 camera body is sleeker and weighs less than the bigger S1 model. It is compact-sized and is built to be weather resistant. Its amazing 4k recording and 96MP high-resolution features allow for very stunning video capture. The contrast-detect 225 DFD AF feature makes it superior to the S1. 

The S5 is a pretty great camera and is cheaper than other Panasonic models like the Lumix S1 and S1R models, however, the lack of an in-built flash system is a drawback. The S5 still image quality is just as great as the Lumix S1 model.   

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6. Panasonic Lumix S1 (2019) 

⊕ Internal image stabilization 5-axis 

⊕ High image quality

⊕ Smart autofocus 

⊕ Continuous Shooting 

⊕ Has a smart recognition function

⊖ Bulky size and a huge weight

⊖ No in-built flash

The Lumix S1’s full-frame 24.2 MP MOS sensor supported by an updated Venus Engine offers remarkable image quality. It offers advanced features for capturing both stills and videos. The DFD contrast-detection autofocus system enables quick and precise focusing for both still and video. The autofocus feature is quite developed and reduces the need to use manual focus. 

Images and Videos captured with the S1 are clear because of the image stabilizer present in the S1 model. It is also weatherproof, dustproof, and splashproof and can stand harsh conditions.

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7. Panasonic Lumix GX80/85

⊕ Affordable

⊕ Compact size 

⊕ Inbuilt flash

⊕ Comes with accessories 

⊕ Has incredible features for a low price

⊖ Low Megapixels, 16.0MP

The Lumix GX80/85 is an incredible camera for a very low price. It comes with a 12-32mm kit lens that would serve well in taking close-up images. It has an internal image stabilization present in high-end Panasonic models like the S1 and S1R models. The GX80/85 has a compact size that makes it easy to carry on trips and journeys. 

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8. Panasonic Lumix ZS100 (2016)

⊕ Post Focus feature

⊕ Low cost for great features

⊕ Image stabilization

⊕ Built-in flash

⊖ A fixed lens

⊖ Aperture keeps changing when using the zoom

The 20.1 MP coupled with venus engine image processor allows for continuous shooting up to 50 fps with an electronic shutter. ZS100 has a feature called Post Focus. With this feature, a specific point of focus can be selected after shooting stills. 

The ZS100 shoots great images in low light conditions at around 1600 ISO. However, the image gets progressively worse as the ISO increases. For shooting videos, the ZS100 is a good choice. It shoots UHD videos at 30fps and has an amazing slow-motion feature that can shoot 100fps on HD mode only. The camera has a fixed lens which is a drawback for many professional photographers and videographers. Conversely, this low-priced camera includes many great features that make it perfect for vloggers. 

The pocket-sized ZS100 has optical image stabilization that minimizes the effect of camera shakes while shooting.