The Panasonic LUMIX S5 II sets a new standard in the full-frame mirrorless camera market. With its 24MP full-frame sensor, improved phase-detection AF system, 6K video recording capability, and powerful image stabilization, this camera is attracting attention from creators who work with both photos and videos. Particularly, its reasonable price point of $2,000 is catching the eye of many users. In this review, we’ll take a detailed look at the key features and performance of the LUMIX S5 II, analyzing its pros and cons based on real-world experience.
๐ Panasonic LUMIX S5 II Detailed Specifications
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Sensor | 35mm Full-frame CMOS (35.6 x 23.8mm) |
| Effective Pixels | 24.2 Megapixels |
| Total Pixels | 25.28 Megapixels |
| Aspect Ratio | 3:2 |
| Image Processor | New Venus Engine |
| Lens Mount | L-Mount |
| File Format | JPEG (DCF, Exif 2.31), RAW, HLG Photo (CTA-2072) |
| Image Quality | RAW, RAW+Fine, RAW+Standard, Fine, Standard |
| Image Size | 6000 x 4000 (L), 4272 x 2848 (M), 3024 x 2016 (S) |
| ISO Sensitivity | Auto / 100 (Extended) / 200-51200 / 204800 (Extended) |
| Dual Native ISO | ISO 640 and ISO 4000 |
| White Balance | AWB, AWBc, AWBw, Daylight, Cloudy, Shade, Incandescent, Flash, Color Temperature (2500-10000K) |
| Shutter Type | Focal-plane shutter |
| Shutter Speed | Photo: 1/8000 to 60 seconds, Bulb (up to 30 minutes) Video: 1/16000 to 1/25 second |
| Continuous Shooting | Mechanical shutter: 9fps (AFS), 7fps (AFC) Electronic shutter: 30fps (AFS/AFC) |
| 6K/4K PHOTO | 30fps (6K), 60fps (4K) |
| AF System | Contrast AF + Phase Detection AF (DFD technology) |
| AF Points | 779 points |
| AF Modes | AFS (Single) / AFC (Continuous) / MF |
| AF Area Selection Modes | Face/Eye/Body/Animal Detection, Tracking, 225-Area, Zone (Vertical/Horizontal), Zone (Oval), 1-Area+, 1-Area, Pinpoint |
| Image Stabilization | 5-axis sensor-shift, Dual I.S. 2 (up to 6.5 stops) |
| Viewfinder | 3,680K dot OLED, 0.78x magnification, 100% coverage, 120fps refresh rate |
| Monitor | 3.0-inch 1,840K dot free-angle touch LCD |
| Video Recording | 6K 30p/25p/24p (4:2:0 10-bit) 4K 60p/50p (4:2:0 10-bit), 30p/25p/24p (4:2:2 10-bit) Full HD 180fps |
| Audio | Built-in Stereo Microphone, 3.5mm external mic input 96kHz/24-bit, 48kHz/16-bit stereo sound recording 4-channel audio support (with XLR adapter) |
| Storage Media | Dual SD memory card slots (UHS-II supported) |
| Wireless Connection | Wi-Fi 5GHz (IEEE802.11ac) / 2.4GHz (IEEE802.11b/g/n) Bluetooth v5.0 (Bluetooth Low Energy) |
| Terminals | USB Type-C (USB3.2 Gen2), HDMI Type A, 3.5mm mic, 3.5mm headphone, 2.5mm remote |
| Battery | DMW-BLK22 Lithium-ion Battery (7.2V, 2200mAh) |
| Battery Life | CIPA standard: Approx. 370 shots (Rear Monitor), 350 shots (LVF) Power Save LVF mode: Approx. 1,500 shots |
| Dimensions (W x H x D) | Approx. 134.3 x 102.3 x 90.1 mm |
| Weight | Approx. 740g (with battery and SD card) Approx. 658g (body only) |
| Operating Environment | 0โ to 40โ |
| Dust/Splash Resistant | Dust and Splash Resistant construction |
| Special Features | V-Log/V-Gamut, Real-time LUT, Anamorphic mode, Waveform monitor, Vector scope |
| High-Speed Video | 1080p 120fps (AF-C supported) 1080p 180fps (AF-S only) |
| RAW Video Output | 5.9K 12-bit RAW (planned support via future firmware update) |
| Cooling System | Built-in cooling fan (Auto/High/Standard/Low/Off modes selectable) |
| Timecode | Supported (No TC IN/OUT terminal) |
๐ฅ Professional-Grade Video Features
The LUMIX S5 II boasts impressive performance in video recording. It offers a variety of features that can satisfy even professional videographers.
6K 30p and 4K 60p 10-bit Recording
- Supports 6K 30p and 4K 60p 10-bit 4:2:2 internal recording
- Unlimited recording possible in most modes (6K 30p limited to 30 minutes)
- Stable long-duration shooting possible with heat management function
V-Log/V-Gamut Support
- Supports V-Log/V-Gamut providing 14+ stops of dynamic range
- Facilitates cinema-grade video production and color matching with other Panasonic cameras
Real-time LUT Application
- Ability to upload custom LUTs to the camera for real-time application
- Useful feature for quick turnaround projects
๐ Improved Autofocus System
One of the most notable improvements in the S5 II is its autofocus system. It incorporates a new 779-point phase-detection AF system, showing incomparable performance to previous models.
Fast and Accurate AF Performance
- Equipped with a 779-point hybrid phase-detection AF system
- Combines the advantages of contrast AF and phase-detection AF
Various Subject Recognition and Tracking
- Face, eye, body, and animal recognition for humans
- Supports touch area and touch tracking
AF Performance During Video Recording
- Maintains excellent AF performance at 4K 60p and lower resolutions
- Some limitations exist when shooting in 6K (subject recognition limited during HDMI output)
๐ Powerful Image Stabilization (IBIS)
The LUMIX S5 II’s image stabilization system demonstrates top-tier performance in the current market.
5-axis IBIS System
- Provides up to 6.5 stops of correction
- Offers standard IBIS mode and a mode combining IBIS with electronic stabilization (EIS)
Excellent Performance During Movement
- Provides impressive stability even when shooting while walking or running
- Some distortion occurs with wide-angle lenses, but minimal above 24mm
Continuous Improvement Through Firmware Updates
- Expect further enhanced performance through the manufacturer’s ongoing improvement efforts
๐ธ Image Quality and Performance
The S5 II is equipped with a 24.2MP full-frame sensor. While it uses the same sensor as the previous model, performance has been improved with a new Venus Engine processor.
Excellent Dynamic Range
- Provides 14+ stops of dynamic range when shooting in V-Log
- Achieves 12.3 stops of clean dynamic range at ISO 640
Dual Native ISO
- Offers dual native ISOs of 640 and 4000
- Excellent noise control capability even in high-sensitivity shooting
RAW and JPEG Image Quality
- Provides RAW files rich in detail and sharpness
- JPEG output with natural and attractive color rendition
๐ ๏ธ Design and Ergonomics
The S5 II inherits the design of the previous model while adding several important improvements.
Improved Operability
- Adoption of 8-way joystick for easy AF point selection
- Thicker grip for stable handling
Enhanced Connectivity
- Adoption of full-size HDMI Type A port
- Supports power delivery and data transfer via USB-C
Dual UHS-II SD Card Slots
- Provides two high-speed UHS-II SD card slots
- Supports relay recording and backup recording options
๐๏ธ Features for Professionals
The S5 II offers various advanced features for professional photographers and videographers.
Anamorphic Mode
- Supports 3.3K 4:3 anamorphic mode
- Shooting possible up to 48fps
- Optimized screen display when using anamorphic lenses
Various Exposure Assist Tools
- Adjustable waveform monitor
- Vector scope
- Two levels of zebra patterns
- Luminance spot meter
Audio Features
- Supports 4-channel audio recording
- Compatible with XLR microphone adapter
- High-quality 96kHz/24-bit audio recording
๐ก Real-World Experience
The LUMIX S5 II demonstrates excellent performance in various shooting situations. Based on real-world experience, here are some key points:
During Video Recording
- Wide dynamic range shooting utilizing V-Log profile
- Stable handheld shooting possible with powerful IBIS
- Easy tracking of moving subjects with improved AF
During Photo Shooting
- Capture decisive moments with 30fps continuous shooting
- Suitable for sports and wildlife photography with improved AF response speed
- Excellent low-light performance utilizing dual native ISO
User Experience
- Intuitive menu system and customization options
- Harmony of articulating LCD and high-resolution EVF
- Convenient charging and power supply via USB-C
๐ Comparison with Competitors
The LUMIX S5 II faces several strong competitors in the full-frame mirrorless camera market. Let’s compare it with key rival models.
Comparison with Sony A7 IV
- Sensor Resolution: Both 24MP
- Video Features: S5 II has an advantage with 6K recording support
- AF Performance: Similar level, but Sony slightly ahead
- Price: S5 II is more affordable
Comparison with Canon EOS R6 Mark II
- Sensor Resolution: R6 II slightly lower at 20MP
- Continuous Shooting: R6 II has an advantage with up to 40fps
- Video: S5 II has an advantage with 6K support
- Price: S5 II is more affordable
Comparison with Nikon Z6 II
- Sensor Resolution: Both 24MP
- Video: S5 II offers more advanced features
- AF Performance: Similar level, but Z6 II with latest firmware slightly ahead
- Price: S5 II is slightly more affordable
Comparison with Fujifilm X-H2S
- Sensor Size: S5 II has an advantage with full-frame
- Continuous Shooting: X-H2S has an advantage with up to 40fps
- Video: Both offer excellent features, S5 II has full-frame advantage
- Price: S5 II is more affordable
Comparison with Panasonic S1
- Size and Weight: S5 II is smaller and lighter
- AF Performance: S5 II has a significant advantage with improved phase-detection AF system
- Video: S5 II offers more features including 6K recording
- Price: S5 II is more affordable
๐ Conclusion: Who Is This Camera For?
The Panasonic LUMIX S5 II is a versatile hybrid camera that excels in both photo and video performance. It’s particularly suitable for:
- Content creators who work with both photos and videos
- Videographers seeking professional-grade video features
- Users who prefer handheld shooting and need powerful IBIS
- Those looking for a full-frame system at a reasonable price
- Photographers who prefer Panasonic’s color science and image quality
Advantages
- Excellent video features (6K 30p, 4K 60p 10-bit 422)
- Significantly improved AF performance
- Powerful IBIS
- Reasonable price
- Various professional-grade features
Disadvantages
- APS-C crop in 4K 60p
- Rolling shutter effect in some situations
- Limited timecode support
The LUMIX S5 II is setting a new standard in the full-frame mirrorless camera market. By offering powerful video features, improved AF performance, and an excellent stabilization system at a reasonable price, it’s attracting attention from many creators. It’s particularly appealing to users who primarily do hybrid shooting.
With the S5 II, Panasonic has significantly improved its AF performance, which was previously a weak point, and this is expected to make it highly competitive in the market. However, users should consider some limitations such as the crop in 4K 60p and rolling shutter effect in certain situations.
In conclusion, the Panasonic LUMIX S5 II is highly recommended for users seeking a high-value full-frame mirrorless camera. It’s an ideal choice for users who focus on video shooting but also want excellent photo performance. With future firmware updates promising to add even more features, it appears to be a worthwhile long-term investment.
