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New Cameras from Panasonic: The Lumix S5 II and S5 IIx
New Cameras from Panasonic: The Lumix S5 II and S5 IIx
by Keenan Hursh
Panasonic recently announced the addition of two exciting new mirrorless cameras. The Lumix S5 II and Lumix S5 IIx are the latest additions to their lineup of full-frame, mirrorless cameras, and so far, they’re making quite the splash. These cameras are currently available for preorder and they’re definitely worth checking out if you’re looking for an upgrade or a new mirrorless, full-frame body.
The S5 II and S5 IIx have many high-performance features and can deliver not only crisp and high-resolution stills but also high-quality video. In addition, Panasonic has finally addressed some longstanding concerns with their cameras primarily improving their autofocus system making this a very competitive and attractive camera in today’s market.
So, let’s get into the details and figure out why these cameras have garnered so much excitement and why they’re a drastic improvement over their predecessors.
The S5 II and S5 IIx have many high-performance features and can deliver not only crisp and high-resolution stills but also high-quality video. In addition, Panasonic has finally addressed some longstanding concerns with their cameras primarily improving their autofocus system making this a very competitive and attractive camera in today’s market.
So, let’s get into the details and figure out why these cameras have garnered so much excitement and why they’re a drastic improvement over their predecessors.
Panasonic Lumix S5 II Specs:
Price: $1,998
Coming Soon
24MP Full-Frame BSI CMOS sensor
Up to 30 fps with electronic shutter
96MP multi-shot high-resolution mode
6K 3:2 open-gate video capture up to 30p (4:20:0 10-bit)
6K or DCI/UHD 4K from full sensor width up to 30p
DCI/UHD 4K up to 60P, unlimited record times
Internal cooling fan
Twin UHS-II card slots
Optional upgrade for Raw video output in the future
Price: $1,998
Coming Soon
24MP Full-Frame BSI CMOS sensor
Up to 30 fps with electronic shutter
96MP multi-shot high-resolution mode
6K 3:2 open-gate video capture up to 30p (4:20:0 10-bit)
6K or DCI/UHD 4K from full sensor width up to 30p
DCI/UHD 4K up to 60P, unlimited record times
Internal cooling fan
Twin UHS-II card slots
Optional upgrade for Raw video output in the future
Additional Features in the S5 IIx:
Price: $2,200
Shipping: May 31, 2023
Raw video output
Video recording to SSD over USB
All-I compression modes
Internal ProRes capture
Wired/wireless IP streaming
Price: $2,200
Shipping: May 31, 2023
Raw video output
Video recording to SSD over USB
All-I compression modes
Internal ProRes capture
Wired/wireless IP streaming
Now that we’ve gone over some specs, let’s discuss the main differences between the S5 II and S5 IIx. After all, these cameras come with the exact same 24.2 full-frame CMOS sensor and they both utilize the updated phase detect AF system. For the most part, they share all the same specs but there are a few key differences.
What really differentiates these cameras from one another is their capabilities when it comes to recording video. The S5 IIx allows you to record at a much higher maximum bitrate of up to 800Mbps compared to a maximum of 200Mbps on the S5 II. In addition, the S5 IIx can capture S&Q (slow and quick) videos with 4:2:2 color sampling whereas the S5 II is limited to 4:2:0 color and greater compression. And the S5 IIx is a much better option if you’re looking to record externally to a solid-state drive or Atomos recorder and allows you to capture Apple ProRes.
If your primary focus is shooting high-quality video then the S5 IIx is the camera for you, especially at a price point of only $200 above the S5 II. Oh, and the nicer S5 IIx comes with a sleek matte black logo and lettering.
What really differentiates these cameras from one another is their capabilities when it comes to recording video. The S5 IIx allows you to record at a much higher maximum bitrate of up to 800Mbps compared to a maximum of 200Mbps on the S5 II. In addition, the S5 IIx can capture S&Q (slow and quick) videos with 4:2:2 color sampling whereas the S5 II is limited to 4:2:0 color and greater compression. And the S5 IIx is a much better option if you’re looking to record externally to a solid-state drive or Atomos recorder and allows you to capture Apple ProRes.
If your primary focus is shooting high-quality video then the S5 IIx is the camera for you, especially at a price point of only $200 above the S5 II. Oh, and the nicer S5 IIx comes with a sleek matte black logo and lettering.
Now that we’ve discussed the key differences between these two models let’s get into the similarities they share and the key features that have generated all the excitement.
I think the biggest upgrade from their predecessors, and one of the features making them truly competitive, is that Panasonic has switched from their not-so-great contrast-detect AF to a new phase-detect AF which is what all the best cameras from other manufacturers are currently using.
Phase-detect is by far a superior method for autofocusing and takes place on the camera's sensor dividing an image into two parts. By looking through the right portion and the left portion of the lens separately, similar to human vision through two eyes, the camera generates a better sense of depth allowing it to focus more accurately. Perhaps Panasonic is a bit late to the game, but this was definitely the right move and will drastically improve the performance and reliability of their autofocusing.
As I mentioned before these cameras come with a large 24.2-megapixel full-frame sensor that will allow you to capture very high-resolution images. This sensor is very competitive with other cameras around this price point and is one of the reasons the S5 II and S5 IIx are making a splash.
Not only are these cameras excellent when it comes to still photography, but they truly excel when it comes to videography. Obviously, the S5 IIx has an advantage but the S5 II still holds its own and for non-professional videographers, it is an excellent option. Both of these cameras can shoot 6K at 30 frames per second and most of us will never need anything more than that. Between this and the wide variety of recording and compression options, these cameras are really solid when it comes to video.
Both the S5 II and S5 IIx come with 5-axis in-body image stabilization which works great and will help reduce the chances of motion blur or camera shake ruining the sharpness of your images. This feature also allows you to shoot handheld at slower shutter speeds when there’s not much light reaching your sensor. This can also be combined with in-lens stabilization on compatible lenses for even better results.
And if there’s even less available light these cameras come with a Dual Native ISO feature that allows users to shoot at a higher ISO with less noise. This ultimately creates cleaner images and videos and gives you more flexibility and leeway when cropping.
And finally, both of these cameras are equipped with really solid weather sealing creating great resistance to moisture and dust. This allows you to shoot in a wider range of conditions. Some light rain or fog should never prevent you from capturing great images or videos.
I think the biggest upgrade from their predecessors, and one of the features making them truly competitive, is that Panasonic has switched from their not-so-great contrast-detect AF to a new phase-detect AF which is what all the best cameras from other manufacturers are currently using.
Phase-detect is by far a superior method for autofocusing and takes place on the camera's sensor dividing an image into two parts. By looking through the right portion and the left portion of the lens separately, similar to human vision through two eyes, the camera generates a better sense of depth allowing it to focus more accurately. Perhaps Panasonic is a bit late to the game, but this was definitely the right move and will drastically improve the performance and reliability of their autofocusing.
As I mentioned before these cameras come with a large 24.2-megapixel full-frame sensor that will allow you to capture very high-resolution images. This sensor is very competitive with other cameras around this price point and is one of the reasons the S5 II and S5 IIx are making a splash.
Not only are these cameras excellent when it comes to still photography, but they truly excel when it comes to videography. Obviously, the S5 IIx has an advantage but the S5 II still holds its own and for non-professional videographers, it is an excellent option. Both of these cameras can shoot 6K at 30 frames per second and most of us will never need anything more than that. Between this and the wide variety of recording and compression options, these cameras are really solid when it comes to video.
Both the S5 II and S5 IIx come with 5-axis in-body image stabilization which works great and will help reduce the chances of motion blur or camera shake ruining the sharpness of your images. This feature also allows you to shoot handheld at slower shutter speeds when there’s not much light reaching your sensor. This can also be combined with in-lens stabilization on compatible lenses for even better results.
And if there’s even less available light these cameras come with a Dual Native ISO feature that allows users to shoot at a higher ISO with less noise. This ultimately creates cleaner images and videos and gives you more flexibility and leeway when cropping.
And finally, both of these cameras are equipped with really solid weather sealing creating great resistance to moisture and dust. This allows you to shoot in a wider range of conditions. Some light rain or fog should never prevent you from capturing great images or videos.
Both the S5 II and S5 IIx are truly awesome cameras that stack up very well against the competition. We’re very excited about both of these great options here at Backcountry Journeys and we can’t wait to see some of the images and videos they produce.
To recap, These cameras are great for both still photography and videography. They share almost all the same features but the S5 IIx definitely has an advantage for those of us who are more serious about high-quality video recording and prioritize that over photography.
Let us know your thoughts or if you’re thinking about purchasing either of these cameras. As always, thanks for reading, and best of luck on your next photography adventure.
To recap, These cameras are great for both still photography and videography. They share almost all the same features but the S5 IIx definitely has an advantage for those of us who are more serious about high-quality video recording and prioritize that over photography.
Let us know your thoughts or if you’re thinking about purchasing either of these cameras. As always, thanks for reading, and best of luck on your next photography adventure.
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AUTHOR
AUTHOR
Keenan Hursh is a Photographer, visual designer, and creative story teller based out of Bozeman, Montana. He draws inspiration from his frequent excursions into the natural world and always brings his camera along to capture whatever adventures he finds himself in. Keenan is passionate about documenting and sharing fleeting moments from the natural world and focuses primarily on wildlife, landscape, and adventure photography.
When it comes to gear, he primarily shoots digital with his Canon EOS R5 and EOS 6D mark ii but also has several 35mm film cameras that get out every now and then.
At a very young age, Keenan started bringing a camera along on his excursions and immediately fell in love with the art of photography. He started out with his parent’s cheap point and shoot and has continuously improved his craft and gear refining his shooting style and producing more compelling and intriguing images.
Growing up in the foothills of Boulder, Colorado, surrounded by mountains and wilderness, Keenan has developed a deep passion for many outdoor activities. When he’s not out on a shoot or using his camera, Keenan enjoys skiing, climbing, hiking, backpacking, cycling, whitewater rafting, and paragliding. If he’s outside, away from the distractions of society and civilization, he’s in his happy place.
Keenan studied Emergent Digital Practices at the University of Denver while minoring in Marketing and Entrepreneurship. Since earning his degree in 2019 he was worked with a wide range of clients, companies, and organizations throughout his career. Apart from photography he specializes in content creation, writing, brand development, and graphic design.
You can view Keenan’s portfolio on his website at www.keenanhurshphoto.com
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"Backcountry Journeys offers guests the unique opportunity to explore our natural world from behind their own lens. We run a selection of hand-crafted Photo Tours, Workshops & Safaris connecting passionate people to exceptional experiences. Locations worldwide.
- Russ Nordstrand, Backcountry Journeys Founder & Director
- Russ Nordstrand, Backcountry Journeys Founder & Director
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All Images & Content are property of Backcountry Photography Tours, Workshops & Safaris LLCs - Copyright 2024
BACKCOUNTRY JOURNEYS
"Backcountry Journeys offers guests the unique opportunity to explore our natural world from behind their own lens. We run a selection of hand-crafted Photo Tours, Workshops & Safaris connecting passionate people to exceptional experiences. Locations worldwide.
All Images & Content are property of Backcountry Journeys Photography Tours, Workshops & Safaris LLC - Copyright 2024
TRIP CATALOG
Download our Trip Catalog for detailed information on our many destinations for photography tours, workshops, and safaris.