Panasonic recently announced its new hybrid full-frame mirrorless option: the Lumix S5II and S5IIX Camera. This latest addition to the Lumix S Series camera lineup comes with never-before-seen features in a Lumix camera, including an AF system and real-time LUT. In addition to these full-frame cameras, Lumix has also introduced a brand-new ultra wide lens. Let’s dive into all the features of these new offerings.
Key Features of the Lumix S5II and S5IIX Camera
- 24.2MP image sensor
- Fast, accurate, phase hybrid autofocus
- 6.5-stop in camera image stabilization
- 14+ stop V-Log/V-Gamut video
- 30fps RAW burst shooting
- Real-time LUT in-camera for video and photo color grading
- Double SD card slot
- Unlimited 4K 60p recording
- Joystick with 8 directions
- Well-thought-out menu design
- Wireless/Wired IP Streaming (S5IIX only)
- High-bitrate video (S5IIX only)
What’s New About This Camera?
24.2MP CMOS Sensor
This new, superior high-sensitivity performance sensor offers excellent dynamic range with Phase Detection AF. The sensor includes a 14+ stop V-Log/V-Gamut for superior dynamic range on both video and photo captures. This means you’ll be able to capture scenes with the brightest highlights and darkest shadows, and still be able to retain detail. The Phase Detection AF ensures that your subject will stay in focus, even when on the move. Lastly, 24.2MP gives a very high-resolution file, capable of being cropped or largely printed.
Real-Time LUT
Whether you aren’t familiar with how to edit your photos with software, or you just want to capture the image perfectly in the field, real-time LUT is an incredible new option. This new feature allows you to apply color grading to your photos or videos in the field to achieve a more finished look straight out of the camera.
Phase Hybrid AF
The S5II and S5IIX use LUMIX’s new Phase Hybrid AF, which combines the best of human and animal Detection AF, Contrast AF, and Phase Detection AF to become the very first LUMIX mirrorless camera to adopt this AF system. This means significantly improved subject tracking and a massive 779 autofocus points. No matter where your subject lies in the frame, Phase Hybrid AF with 779 autofocus points will focus on your subject quickly and quietly. Whether you want to utilize the 30fps continuous shooting, or capture video footage, this new AF system is up for the task.
Active Image Stabilization Technology
These new LUMIX cameras are ideal for aggressive shooting styles. For moving subjects, the Phase Hybrid AF will keep your subject in focus. When the camera is moving, the new and improved Active Image Stabilization Technology will keep your photos sharp. The S5II and S5IIX can determine the status of camera shake and correction ratios, and can compensate for camera shake 200% more than the LUMIX S5. The new Active Image Stabilization Technology is ideal for photographers shooting in low-light situations, or while shooting on the run.
Unlimited Recording
Both the S5II and S5IIX offer unlimited video recording on 4K 60p footage — up from 30 minutes on the previous model. The S5IIX also allows wired or wireless streaming, making this camera ideal for instances where you would want to record for a very long time at a very high quality. You can also use the USB-SSD on the S5IIX to improve efficiency in data backup and post-processing. This offers a better heat resistance than internal recording, and is capable of shooting in high bitrate recording mode.
The USB-SSD sits on top of the camera and is only compatible with the S5IIX model.
Who Should Buy This Camera?
Both the LUMIX S5II and S5IIX are excellent hybrid cameras. Designed with impressive features for both videographers and photographers, these cameras are perfect for any creator.
The S5II is designed for the amateur to advanced photographer or videographer. Its 24 megapixels, 14+ stops of dynamic range, and real-time LUT gives photographers the ability to create incredible, high quality images easier than ever before. Meanwhile, its 779 autofocus points and unlimited recording add to the impressive spec sheet, making this this an ideal camera for videographers as well. The S5II requires the DMW-SFU2 to capture RAW video footage, while the S5IIX has HDMI RAW video data output included in-body.
For professionals, the upgrade to the S5IIX will be well-received, especially for pro videographers. It offers ProRes and ALL-Intra video, as well as wired or wireless streaming and USB-SSD recording. The needs of a professional content creator are certainly met in this impressive camera body. Live streamers will love the option to use real-time LUT. LUT files can be saved to an SD card and registered in the LUT Library, which can then be applied to eliminate the need for post processing, or even used during live streaming.
Comparable Products
The Lumix S5II and S5IIX mirrorless cameras are the updated version of the original S5. In this year’s version, the S5II and S5IIX are offered to better accommodate the needs of all kinds of photographers and videographers — from hobbyists to professionals, and anything in between. The most notable new features in the second edition of the S5 include unlimited video recording, and a much-improved in-camera image stabilization. This is also the first time Lumix has offered two different options on a full-frame camera. The L-Mount series now has 61 lenses, including 14 Lumix S series lenses.
Lumix S 14-28mm F4-5.6 MACRO Lens
In addition to these two impressive camera bodies, Lumix is also announcing a brand new, ultra wide macro lens to pair with the new camera bodies: the Lumix S 14-28mm F4-5.6 Lens. Let’s review some of its best features…
14-28mm Focal Range
A flexible ultra wide zoom is something every photographer needs in their bag. Having the ability to zoom from a very wide 14mm, to a more natural 28mm gives the photographer versatility in the field. Compared to a traditional wide angle lens — which usually offers a focal range of 16mm — the Lumix 14-28mm offers more dynamic shooting with a 14mm ultra wide perspective.
Macro Lens
For photographers that love to get up-close and personal with their subjects, this Lumix lens has a closest focusing distance of just 0.15m. When combined with the ultra-wide 14mm, the possibility for depth of field in your photos is virtually unlimited. Half-macro photography at 28mm utilizes a maximum magnification of 0.5x, which is perfect for tabletop or flower photography. You can also achieve a beautiful bokeh effect thanks to the close focusing distance combined with the maximum magnification of 0.5x.
High Image/Video Quality and Lens Durability
This compact, lightweight, and high performance lens offers excellent photo and video quality. For videographers, focus breathing inhibition allows the capture of smooth video. Meanwhile, its high-speed, silent autofocus will ensure your subject stays sharp and in-focus at all times. A 77mm filter can be attached for situations where a filter is necessary. Lastly, the fluorine coating applied to the front of the lens prevents oil-based dirt from sticking, and the construction of the lens protects it from sand and rain. The lens is rated down to environments of -10 degrees (C).
Who Should Buy This Lens?
This lens is the third Lumix S zoom lens. It’s ideal for all kinds of photographers and videographers that want the highest quality out of their captures. The 14-28mm lens joins the Lumix S 20-60mm F3.5-5.6 and Lumix S 70-300mm F4.5-5.6 Lenses. Adding an ultra wide angle truly completes the kit, allowing photographers to own these three lenses to cover nearly any focal distance necessary.
The new Panasonic Lumix S5II camera, S5IIX camera, and new lens will certainly be useful to many kinds of content creators — both amateur and professional. The L-mount series continues to grow and offer impressive specs for all kinds of video and photo takers. Whether you’re looking for a brand new camera, or just hoping to find an ultra-wide lens, these new products should not be off the radar.
