Panasonic has just announced a few major updates coming to the Panasonic LUMIX S5II and S5IIX Mirrorless Cameras. These two cameras, already known for offering excellent in-camera features, are adding to their impressive specs with a few new features coming in this brand new update.
About the Panasonic S5II and S5IIX
The Panasonic S5II and S5IIX were both released in January of 2023. They were brought to market as an upgrade to the original Panasonic S5. These two full-frame cameras use an L-mount, offering 61 total lenses and 14 Lumix S series lenses.
Both the Panasonic S5II and S5IIX utilize a 24.2-megapixel image sensor with 6.5 stops of in-camera image stabilization. The cameras can capture up to 30fps in RAW burst shooting, with unlimited 4K 60p recording. Videographers will love the 14+ stop V-Log/V-Gamut video and a double SD card slot for even more storage. The build quality of the camera is very impressive, with a well-thought out menu design and an 8-directional joystick.
Combining the 6.5-stop image stabilization with a fast and accurate phase detection autofocus will make sure that your subject stays sharp and in focus when shooting on the move, whether you’re taking photos or video. For beginner or amateur creators, the S5II and S5IIX also offer real-time LUTs, allowing you to capture the perfect image in the field. If you don’t know how to edit, or just want to avoid spending your time in front of the computer, this is the perfect feature for you.
S5II vs S5IIX
While both are very similar in look and feel, the S5IIX has access to a few features that may be advantageous for professional photographers or serious hobbyists. Most importantly, the S5IIX now offers wired or wireless streaming to YouTube, Twitch, Facebook, and more. You can even use the real-time LUTs to eliminate the need for editing, or even to use during live streaming to produce an even better live video.
You can learn more about the cameras at: Panasonic Launches New Lumix S5II and S5IIX Camera, Plus 14-28mm Lens
What’s New About the Lumix S5II and S5IIX?
BlackMagic RAW Compatibility
The new Panasonic LUMIX S5IIX camera and S5II camera will be able to capture ProRes RAW and BlackMagic RAW footage. BlackMagic RAW footage is a RAW format used for videos that allow much faster processing of your RAW footage. This was a feature of the original S5, so this is a much-welcomed addition to the new S5IIX. If you use BlackMagic’s DaVinci Resolve for video editing, this new feature will greatly improve your workflow.
This feature will be available in the LUMIX S5II with the firmware update on June 13th, 2023, and will be pre-installed in the LUMIX S5IIX.
Live View Composite Available in Camera
Real-time LUTs aren’t the only way this camera helps you to capture the perfect photo in the field. In the latest update, Live View Composite now becomes available in camera. This mode allows you to create composite images in camera. Multiple exposures will be taken, then only the changing light will be picked up in subsequent photos. This is incredibly useful for things like light painting, night photography, lightning, and fireworks.
This feature will be available in the LUMIX S5II with the firmware update on June 13th, 2023, and will be pre-installed in the LUMIX S5IIX.
Compatible with Atomos Ninja V and Shogun Connect
The Atomos Ninja V and Atomos Shogun Connect are both external video monitors and recording devices. Panasonic’s latest model adds compatibility with these two devices. Whether you’re a videographer who wants to view their footage on a larger screen in the field, a content creator wanting to screen record your camera’s screen, or just a creator who wants a larger monitoring screen, this update will be well received.
This feature will be available with the Panasonic LUMIX S5IIX Camera.
Wired/Wireless Streaming to YouTube, Facebook, Twitch, etc.
For users with the S5IIX, wired and wireless streaming directly to YouTube, Facebook, Twitch, and more. Live streaming is possible in FHD (1920×1080 60p/50p) wirelessly, or in 4K (3840×2160, 30p/25p) when tethered. On top of those impressive specs, you can of course utilize the real-time LUTs to create excellent live video for your audience. This camera is certain to be an absolute beast for all live content creators.
This feature will be available with the Panasonic LUMIX S5IIX Camera.
Who Should Use the Lumix S5II/IIX?
Photographers
The Panasonic LUMIX S5II and S5 IIX are both excellent cameras for creators who want to capture impressive photo and video footage. If you’re a creator who wants to spend as little time editing as possible, both cameras have access to some incredible features to help you capture the perfect footage in camera. The new update introduces a great new feature in Live View Composite mode, allowing you to capture exactly the image you want in-camera. Combined with the real-time LUTs, you can capture some creative photos without the use of any editing software.
Videographers
Content creators will also find the new compatibility with Atomos Ninja V and Shogun Connect to be beneficial for their workflow. Whether you need to screen record the back of the camera screen or want a bigger monitor to see the footage as you film, this new update will be welcomed with open arms. Any creator that uses an external monitor will appreciate the ability to use two of the most popular monitors on the market today.
Streamers
Lastly, streamers and other live content creators will love how easy it is to stream to YouTube, Twitch, Facebook, and more. The LUMIX S5IIX uses USB-tethering to offer 4K tethered streaming. If you need to stream wireless, you can capture FHD footage while streaming. Again, when paired with the real-time LUTs, your live stream footage will look fantastic. The S5IIX makes it easy to stream high quality footage that looks excellent with ease.
You can learn more about the cameras in our AdoramaTV video with Aidin Robbins from January 2023 (when the cameras were first announced):
Monitors to Consider
With this new update, the new LUMIX model is now compatible with two excellent accessories. First, the Atomos Ninja V is a compact and lightweight external monitor that is capable of monitoring and recording. A battery run time of up to three hours is plenty for most shoots. Also, its brightness of 1000 nits is perfect even in the bright daylight sun.
The Atomos Shogun Connect is also compatible. The Shogun is Atomos’s most powerful device for monitoring and recording. Featuring a 7-inch 2000 nit touchscreen, this monitor is stunning. This external monitor is compact, yet very versatile. The Shogun Connect also has Wi-Fi compatibility, allowing you to wirelessly connect and control the Shogun.
This update is certainly going to make an already powerful camera even more versatile. If the Panasonic LUMIX S5II and S5IIX wasn’t already on your list, it certainly should be now after this impressive update. Whether you’re a photographer, videographer, or live streamer, these cameras are loaded with impressive features to help you create your best content.
