Panasonic S5 Review: Best Value Full-Frame Hybrid Camera

The Panasonic S5 is making waves in the full-frame mirrorless camera market. With its lightweight design, excellent image quality, and powerful video features, this camera is attracting attention from hybrid creators who work with both photos and videos. The improved autofocus system and reasonable price point are particularly eye-catching for many users. In this review, we’ll take a detailed look at the key features and performance of the Panasonic S5, analyzing its pros and cons based on real-world experience.

📊 Panasonic LUMIX S5 Detailed Specifications

🏋️ Lightweight Design and Excellent Portability

One of the most notable features of the Panasonic S5 is its lightweight body. Weighing just 714g with battery and memory card included, it’s one of the lightest full-frame mirrorless cameras available.

Perfect Balance of Portability and Operability

• The S5 is over 300g lighter than its predecessor, the S1. This is a significant advantage for long shooting sessions or travel photography.
• Despite its light weight, it maintains excellent grip. It offers a more stable grip than competitors like the Sony A7 III.
• Dials and buttons are ergonomically designed for easy operation.

Robust Durability

• The S5 features GH5-level weather sealing, allowing for confident use in challenging environments.
• While lightweight, it maintains a solid body structure that doesn’t feel cheap.

Dual SD Card Slots

• Two SD card slots provide flexible workflow options like backup recording or separate photo/video storage.
• One slot supports UHS-II for high-speed data transfer.

📸 Image Quality and Performance

The S5 features a 24.2MP full-frame sensor, the same as in the S1, providing proven excellent image quality.

Outstanding Low-Light Performance

• It offers a native ISO range of 100-51200, expandable to ISO 204800.
• Noise control is excellent even at high ISOs, with usable quality up to ISO 6400.

Wide Dynamic Range

• The S5 supports V-Log/V-Gamut profiles, allowing for a wider dynamic range in post-processing.
• It excels in preserving details in high-contrast scenes and landscape photography.

High Resolution Mode

• The camera supports a high-resolution mode using sensor-shift technology.
• It can create up to 96MP high-resolution images for stationary subjects, useful for landscape or product photography.

🎥 Professional-Grade Video Features

The S5 excels in video capabilities, offering features that satisfy even professional videographers.

4K 60p 10-bit Internal Recording

• It supports 4K 60p 4:2:0 10-bit internal recording, and 4:2:2 10-bit in 4K 30p.
• 10-bit recording allows for richer color information, beneficial for post-processing.

V-Log/V-Gamut Support

• The S5 supports V-Log/V-Gamut, providing 14+ stops of dynamic range.
• This enables cinema-grade video production and easy color matching with other Panasonic cameras.

Unlimited Recording Time

• There’s no 30-minute recording limit, allowing for extended continuous shooting.
• Effective heat management minimizes overheating issues.

Various Frame Rate Options

• In addition to 4K 60p, the S5 supports slow-motion recording up to 180fps in 1080p.
• Note that audio recording is not possible above 120fps.

🔍 Improved Autofocus System

One of the most notable improvements in the S5 is its autofocus system. Panasonic’s DFD (Depth From Defocus) technology has been significantly upgraded.

More Stable AF Performance

• The AF ‘wobbling’ issue noted in previous models has been greatly improved.
• Focusing is more stable and natural, especially during video recording.

AI-Based Subject Recognition

• The camera can recognize and track various subjects including human faces and eyes, animals, and vehicles.
• When multiple people are in the frame, you can easily select the desired subject using the joystick.

Situational AF Performance Differences

• AF performance is somewhat limited in full-frame 4K 24p, but improves in APS-C crop mode or at higher frame rates.
• AF performance tends to improve with faster shutter speeds.

🖥️ Display and Viewfinder

The S5 offers a display and viewfinder that are appropriate for its price range.

Electronic Viewfinder (EVF)

• It features a 2.36 million-dot OLED EVF. While the resolution is lower than some high-end models, it’s practical for most uses.
• The 0.74x magnification and 120Hz refresh rate provide smooth image preview.

Variable-Angle Touch LCD

• The S5 offers a 3.0-inch 1.84 million-dot variable-angle touch LCD.
• Its fully articulating design allows for shooting from various angles and easy self-recording.

🔋 Battery Performance and Connectivity

The S5 uses a new DMW-BLK22 battery. It’s similar in size to the GH5 battery but offers higher capacity.

Excellent Battery Life

• CIPA rates the battery life at 440 shots using the LCD and 470 shots using the EVF.
• In real-world use, you can expect even more shots, with over 1150 shots possible in power-saving mode.

Various Connection Options

• It supports Wi-Fi 5GHz/2.4GHz and Bluetooth 4.2 for easy smartphone connectivity.
• USB-C port allows for power delivery and data transfer.

📈 Comparison with Competitors

The S5 faces several strong competitors in the full-frame mirrorless camera market. Let’s compare it with key rival models.

Comparison with Sony A7 III

• Sensor Resolution: Both have 24MP
• Video Features: S5 has an advantage with 4K 60p and 10-bit recording
• AF Performance: A7 III’s phase-detection AF is faster and more accurate
• Price: Similar, but S5 is a newer model

Comparison with Nikon Z6 II

• Resolution: Both have 24MP
• Continuous Shooting: Z6 II has an advantage with up to 14fps
• Video: S5 offers more professional-grade video features
• Lens Selection: Z mount has a more diverse lineup of dedicated lenses

Comparison with Canon EOS R6

• Resolution: R6 is slightly lower at 20MP
• Video: Both support 4K 60p, but S5 offers more codec options
• AF Performance: R6’s Dual Pixel AF is superior
• Price: S5 is more affordable

Comparison with Panasonic S1

• Size and Weight: S5 is much smaller and lighter
• Continuous Shooting: S1 offers faster burst rates and larger buffer
• Video: S5 provides more diverse video features
• Price: S5 is significantly more affordable

Comparison with Fujifilm X-T4

• Sensor Size: S5 has the advantage with a full-frame sensor
• Video: Both offer excellent video capabilities
• AF Performance: X-T4 provides faster and more accurate AF
• Price: Similar, but S5 offers more value with its full-frame sensor

🛠️ Future Firmware Updates

Panasonic has announced major firmware updates for the S5, which are expected to enhance the camera’s value further.

Planned Major Feature Additions

• Shutter angle setting option
• Cinema 4K resolution support
• ProRes RAW output support
• Vector scope function

These updates are expected to strengthen the S5’s professional video production capabilities.

💡 User Experience and Real-World Application

The S5 demonstrates excellent performance in various shooting situations. Based on real-world experience, here are some key points:

For Photography

• Landscape: Wide dynamic range and sharp detail reproduction stand out. High-resolution mode can capture even more detailed images.
• Portrait: Improved AF system provides accurate eye focus, and the full-frame sensor allows for beautiful bokeh with shallow depth of field.
• Sports/Action: While limited to 5fps in continuous AF mode, 6K/4K Photo modes can help capture decisive moments.

For Videography

• Travel Vlog: Lightweight body, articulating LCD, and powerful IBIS are great for handheld shooting.
• Interviews: V-Log profile and 10-bit recording allow for rich expression in post-processing.
• Filmmaking: Various frame rate options and high video quality enable cinematic video production.

🌟 Conclusion: Who Is This Camera For?

The Panasonic S5 is a versatile hybrid camera that excels in both photo and video performance. It’s particularly suitable for:

1. Content creators who work with both photos and videos
2. Travel photographers looking for a lightweight full-frame system
3. Video producers wanting professional-grade video features at a reasonable price
4. Users looking to upgrade from Micro Four Thirds systems like the GH5 to full-frame

Advantages

• Excellent image and video quality
• Powerful IBIS
• Various professional-grade video features
• Lightweight and durable body
• Reasonable price

Disadvantages

• Limited continuous shooting speed compared to some competitors
• AF performance still lags behind phase-detection AF systems
• Relatively low-resolution EVF

The Panasonic S5 is setting a new standard in the full-frame mirrorless camera market. With its powerful features, reasonable price, and excellent portability, it’s attracting attention from many photographers and videographers. It’s particularly appealing to users who primarily do hybrid shooting. However, users who need ultra-fast continuous shooting or extreme AF performance might want to consider other options.

In conclusion, the Panasonic S5 is highly recommended for users seeking a high-value full-frame mirrorless camera. With future firmware updates promising to add even more features, it appears to be a worthwhile long-term investment.