The Lumix S5 is Panasonic‘s new full frame sensor camera . A very interesting proposal and that we are convinced that for many it will be that GH5 with a full size sensor that they always dreamed of. While for others it will mean the possibility of opting for several of the benefits that it shares with the great S1H. Here’s everything you need to know about Panasonic’s latest proposal.
Lumix S5, a camera to always carry with you
Before getting into technical matters, the first thing that strikes you about the new Lumix S5 is its body . Basically we are in front of one of the cameras of the S1 family, only more compact. This is a good thing for many, especially if they plan to always carry it with them.
Logically, when reducing the size of the body there are elements that are waived, such as the full HDMI output or the screen that the Lumix S1H incorporated. But all these differences are assumed and accepted in favor of a much lighter and more comfortable camera during day to day.
Otherwise, the keypad and dials maintain that classic Panasonic scheme that is very convenient to use quickly in all kinds of situations. Thus being able to change aspects that affect when capturing photo or video such as white balance, ISO, aperture and even access to slow cameras that is now in a new position of the day called S&Q.
Full frame sensor and dual native ISO
Entering technical issues, the Lumix S5 incorporates a 24.2 megapixel full frame sensor and is undoubtedly one of its main attractions. And it is that it will not only allow you to capture video at 4K resolution, but also have some very interesting photographic capabilities at the level of detail. To give you an idea, the Canon EOS R6 offers 20.1 megapixels of resolution and we already told you that it takes some great photos.
Of course, this full frame sensor and its 24.2 megapixels hide another great surprise: the dual native ISO technology. Thanks to this, the sensor integrates two independent circuits that allow better management of the signal in low light conditions. In this way, the noise generated by the sensor is reduced and the quality of the results is increased. So that you understand what this means, until now only the GH5s and the Lumix S1H incorporated this technology beyond the Varicam and other professional cameras from Panasonic.
5-axis stabilizer
If there has been an important feature within Panasonic cameras, in addition to their good performance in video matters, it is the stabilization system. Both in their G and GH series and recently in the S1 family the 5-axis stabilization system worked great. So much so that you could afford to capture many shots directly freehand, because you knew the material would later be usable.
In the Lumix S5 the 5-axis stabilizer of the sensor is maintained and complemented by the two-axis OIS built into many of the brand’s own lenses. With all this, the camera allows you to increase the shutter speed by 6.5 steps. Ideal for shake-free photos when shooting at slow speeds and smoother video without the need for a tripod or gimbal.
Enhanced AF system
In this section we will be more cautious, but Panasonic comments that its autofocus system has been improved thanks to the use of new algorithms and artificial intelligence capable of detecting objects and, above all, people, with an improvement in the detection of body, head, face and eyes in both photography and video AF / AFC.
Does it really work? The answer is yes. From the demos shown and what has been seen in recent cameras it is true that there is a significant jump, but it is also true that they will continue behind the fantastic AF from Sony and even Canon. This is not a bad thing at all, but it is true that we have always believed that these Panasonic cameras provide more value for other features than for their AF and that they are designed to be operated and not to leave them alone recording you, although they can do so.
The video as a great claim
However, it is undoubtedly the video capabilities that put this Lumix S5 at the top of the cameras designed for all types of content creators, not just the most professional. And, with everything seen, the Lumix S5 is a camera that, saving certain distances with respect to the Lumix S1H -camera accepted by Netflix to create original content within its platform-, will make many fall in love.
The camera is capable of recording video at maximum 4K resolution, 60 or 50 frames per second depending on whether it is configured as NTSC or PAL and with a 10-bit color space. Thanks to all this, the use of V-Log and V-Gamut you will be able to capture a video that will give a lot of play in post-production, which will complement very well the higher-level camera material such as VariCam and with which even create HDR content .
Below you have the complete list of resolutions and other important technical aspects, among which the limitation in recording time stands out. Except for when it is recorded at the highest quality, if you record video at 4K 30p and 8 bits you can do it without any limit.
By the way, the Lumix S5 shares the heatsink design of the Gh5 / 5s and Lumix S1. Only here there is no active fan as in the S1H, but because it does not need it as it does not suffer from heating problems.
Lumix S5, features
| Lumix S5 | characteristics |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 132.6 x 97.1 x 81.9 mm |
| Weight | 714 gr |
| Sensor | 24.2 megapixel resolution full frame |
| ISO | Native Dual ISO Technology (ISO 100-51,200 and Extended Mode 50-204,800) |
| Dynamic range | 14+ steps V-Log / V-Gamut |
| Video recording | – Maximum resolution 4K 60p in internal recording at 10 bits and 4: 2: 2 (limited to 4K 30p).
– Slow motion mode up to 18 ‘fps at 1080p. |
| Stabilization | 5-axis BIS system Allows reaching 6.5 steps with stabilization 5-axis DUAL IS 2 |
| Additional features | – Rotating screen – Microphone input and headphone output for monitoring – Micro HDMI video output for use by external monitors and recorders (compatible with Atomos) – Bluetooth and Wifi connection (2.4 and 5 Ghz) – Double SD slot – Dust and splash resistant body – Power and charging option via USB connection – LUT View Assist – Frame marker for recording in different aspect ratios |
| Price | From 1,999 euros only body and 2,299 euros kit plus 20-60 mm f3.5-5.6 lens |
As you can see, the Lumix S5 can be classified as an inexpensive full frame, but its capabilities do not limit it for many demanding jobs that you want to do with it. Obviously there are details that make the difference between a model designed for professionals, such as the full HDMI connector among others, but it is still a very interesting and acceptable bet for most users.
The camera will have an official price of 1,999 euros just for the body and 2,299 euros for the kit consisting of the camera and the Lumix 20-60 f3.5-5.6 L-mount lens. Until the end of September those who reserve the camera will get a gift Sigma 45mm f2.8 lens.
Soon we hope to be able to tell you more details and show what are the real capabilities in photographic and video issues of this new Panasonic proposal. An interesting camera that will allow those more ambitious users to obtain more attractive results and professionals to have an additional tool that does not involve the same outlay as other proposals.
Finally, Panasonic announced an upcoming firmware update which will further improve the performance of the Lumix S5 with C4K video recording, RAW video data output to ATOMOS NINJA V via HDMI with a resolution of 5.9K (5888 × 3312) 29.97p / 25p, 4K (4128 × 2176) 59.94p / 50p and Anamorphic 3.5K (3536 × 2656) / 50p. In addition to tools such as video recording assistance functions such as Vectorscope Vector Scope Display, master pedestal adjustment and operating menus in SS / Gain (SEC / ISO, ANGLE / ISO, SEC / dB) and two new L styles. MonochromeS and L.ClassicNeo.
So yeah, this is a camera to consider if you were thinking about upgrading your gear or making the leap to a higher quality option without breaking the bank.
