Panasonic seems poised to hit the camera and video industry again. The name of Lumix S5 has been registered and everything points to a new camera with a Full Frame sensor that would be like a cheaper and lower-performance version than the Lumix S1. A strategy that could emulate Canon’s steps with its EOS R and RP.
Panasonic and its budget version of the Lumix S1
There were rumors about an upcoming launch by Panasonic, a new camera seemed to point to the revamp of its popular Lumix GH series, with the current GH5 and GH5s leading the way. Two cameras that despite certain limitations or shortcomings compared to their rivals and have been on the market for a few years are still very valid for video productions mainly. But no, it will not be a new Lumix GH6 but a new Lumix S that seeing the movements of rivals like Sony or Canon makes a lot of sense.
The Lumix S5 would be the new camera that the Japanese manufacturer would present shortly, because the brand seems to have already been registered by some retailers. So it should not take long for the launch of this future proposal to become official, which would compete with others that are yet to come and even with the most recent and higher-end models thanks to a much more contained price.
The future Lumix S5 would be a full-frame sensor camera . Hence, it is part of the S series and not the G or GH. Logically, to be competitive in terms of price there will be compromises that must be assumed as a body that may not reach the level of quality in terms of sealing and resistance to water and dust that the highest-end models can offer with the Lumix S1H, a wonderful camera that we could already test ourselves.
パ ナ ソ ニ ッ ク の フ ル サ イ ズ ミ ラ ー レ ス カ メ ラ 「LUMIX S5 Body」 と 「LUMIX S5 20-60mm レ ン ズ キ ッ ト」 が 海外 の 販 し 店 に 先 れ 登録 噂 し 店 に 先 れ 噂 噂 し に 先 れ 登録 噂 し さ に た 程噂
– 軒 下 デ ジ カ メ 情報 局 (@nokishita_c) August 14, 2020
If it is confirmed, the new Panasonic proposal would be accompanied by an L-mount lens and focal 20-60 mm.
Lumix S5, what we would like to see
Lumix S1H
Regarding photographic and video features, coming from Panasonic it is logical to think that the video format will keep those characteristics and options that define the manufacturer’s cameras. Although it may occur as the first model the same as with the current S1, S1R and S1H, where each one is more focused or not on the subject of the photo or video.
However, the most interesting thing will be to know what improvements it can bring to be competitive against models such as the Canon EOS RP or that also supposed new Sony A5 or A6. Better autofocus? 6K video? Video recording without time limitation? Nokia‘s OZO audio capture system like the Lumix G100?
After our own experience using cameras from Panasonic, Sony, Canon and even Blackmagic, for the new Lumix S5 to gain a strong market penetration, the brand should offer the following:
- Full Frame sensor , perhaps around 20 MP, which allows good performance in photo-by-resolution and video in low light
- Notable improvement in their autofocus system
- 4K video recording at 60fps and 10 bit , basically the same as the GH5 at least
- Microphone in and audio out for monitoring
- 5-axis stabilizer
This would be, together with a price that does not exceed 1,500 euros per body, something basic to be interesting. Because the Canon EOS RP is for 1200 euros only the body and the possible future economic Sony with a full frame sensor would also be around.
We will have to be vigilant, because in a few weeks we could learn more data through new rumors, leaks or directly an official presentation. Although many may be wondering now: if this launch is confirmed, what will happen to the Lumix GH6? Will it see the light or does the micro four-thirds format have the days numbered?