Panasonic has two new hybrid full-frame mirrorless cameras, (the first LUMIX cameras to feature Phase Detection Auto-Focus), the LUMIX S5II and S5IIX as well as a new Lumix S 14-28mm f/4.0-5.6 Macro L-Mount Lens.
The design of the LUMIX S5II and S5IIX is based on the original LUMIX S5 and as mentioned above, they are the first S Series cameras to feature the newly developed Phase Detection Auto-Focus (PDAF) compliant, 24.2-megapixel 35mm full-frame CMOS sensor and new imaging engine providing approximately 2x higher-speed signal processing allowing for high bit-rate video recording.
View Panasonic LUMIX S5II and LUMIX S5IIX Pricing and Availability at Vistek
Both cameras feature fast, accurate, 779 point Phase Hybrid AF with advanced subject detection and metering technologies that Panasonic says will significantly improve tracking performance even in adverse lighting conditions and when multiple objects are moving within the frame.
The 5-axis Dual I.S. 2 image stabilization system combines the Body I.S. in the camera and the O.I.S. in the LUMIX S Series lens, allowing for up to 6.5-stops of stabilization for both photo and video applications.
Active I.S. has also been added allowing for even more stable video recording by optimizing horizontal, vertical, and rotational correction ratios, offering approximately 200% more compensation for camera shake when compared with the conventional image stabilization.
Panasonic says that the new processor provides the LUMIX S5II and S5IIX with “high video performance” that is comparable with the more expensive LUMIX S1H.
Video can be recorded in 4:2:0 10-bit 6K (17:9 or 3:2) / 5.9K (16:9), as well as unlimited 4:2:2 10-bit C4K/4K and thanks to a new heat-dispersion mechanism, there is no limit in recording time due to overheating issues.
Both the S5II and S5IIX can utilize 14+ stop V-Log/V-Gamut to allow for the capture of high dynamic range and broad colours.
Additionally, a REAL TIME LUT function is provided to enable in-camera colour grading on compatible videos and photos by applying the LUT(.VLT/.cube) saved on the SD memory card.
This allows users to perform colour grading on the spot, without postproduction, and share images to their favourite social media channels. Panasonic says that can also be applied for livestreaming applications.
Differences between the S5II and S5IIX
While the two cameras share many of the same features, there are a few “premium” ones that are only available on the S5IIX . These are features that might not be needed by everyone and allow Panasonic to offer the S5II to people who don’t need them at a slightly lower price point.
Those “premium” features include RAW video output and All-Intra, ProRes recording onto an attached USB-C SSD, wired and wireless IP streaming functionality and USB tethering and a pure black and white design esthetic on the exterior.
Hardware Specifications
Both cameras feature a large OLED live viewfinder with a magnification ratio of approximately 1.52x/0.76x which is the equivalent of a 35mm camera.
They also boast a 3-inch “free-angle” rear touch display that won’t interfere with a connected HDMI or USB cable.
The HDMI Type A port allows for an external monitor to be connected and includes a cable lock holder for both the HDMI and USB cable to prevent them from unplugging during a shoot.
USB 3.2 Gen 2 for high-speed writing and readout is supported on both cameras and are both are also equipped with double UHS-II SD card slots.
Relay Recording, Backup Recording, and Allocation Recording recording methods are also available and for audio recording and monitoring, the cameras feature a 3.5mm stereo mic and headphone jack.
Other improvements have been made to the body design, including a new eight-direction joystick and adding a setting position to the drive dial for the 96-megapixel high-resolution mode.
WiFi 5Ghz and 2.4 GHz along with Bluetooth 5.0. is supported and when using a multiple camera set-up, camera settings can be copied and wirelessly transmitted to other nearby S5II and S5IIX cameras.
Both cameras feature a magnesium alloy full die-cast front / rear frame and are splash-resistant and dust-resistant.
Power is supplied from a 2,200mAh high-capacity battery that can be recharged either via AC or USB, that also complies with USB PD (Power Delivery) when used with the DMW-BTC15 (sold separately) battery charger.
The cameras are also compatible with the DMW-BGS5 battery grip that was originally made for the first generation S5 camera.
