The latest from Panasonic is the new LUMIX S5, a hybrid full-frame mirrorless camera. With a 24.2-megapixel CMOS sensor, the S5 boasts a number of impressive video capabilities, including 4K 60p 10-bit internal recording and external output via HDMI, full Varicam V-log profile pre-installed in the camera, 4:3 Anamorphic Super 35 mode and up to 180 frames per second Slow Motion shooting. The camera is also compatible with Panasonic’s DMW-XLR1 microphone adaptor, allowing professional audio equipment to be used in video creation. The camera features V-Log/V-Gamut with a wide dynamic range of 14+ stops, in line with the dynamic range of the Panasonic VariCam, to precisely capture everything from dark to bright areas.
When it comes to autofocus, the S5 incorporates an improved Deep Learning autofocus algorithm that detects specific subjects – humans and fast-moving animals – with great accuracy, and the 5-axis Dual I.S. 2 image stabilisation system provides up to 6.5-stops of camera shake correction. Contrast AF with DFD technology allows the S5 to achieve precision AF in as little as approximately 0.08 sec. while in low-light settings the S5 can achieve autofocus in conditions as dim as -6EV in Low Light AF mode.
The camera body is magnesium allow and weather-sealed for splash and dust resistance, making it ideal for working in a variety of environmental conditions. It also features dual SD card slots for greater flexibility when in the field. One slot complies with the high-speed, high-capacity UHS-II (Video Class 90) and the other with UHS-I.
The 96-megapixel High Resolution mode creates highly detailed images that can be turned into enormous prints. Using sensor shift technology, it captures and combines eight consecutive images in-camera for outstanding results achieved when shooting handheld. It produces a 96-megapixel equivalent (12,000 x 8,000-pixel) RAW and/or JPEG image.
The large OLED LVF (Live View Finder) has a resolution of 2,360K-dots, a magnification ratio of approx. 0.74x, and a minimum time lag of less than 0.005 sec. A free-angle 3.0-inch LCD rear monitor (3:2 aspect, approx.1840K-dot) with touch control allows for quick changes to settings.
The camera relies on a new high-capacity battery which is also backwards compatible with the GH5, GH5S, and G9. The battery can be recharged either via AC or USB. Meanwhile content sharing with smartphones is streamlined using Bluetooth 4.2 Low Energy connection, Wi-Fi 5-GHz (IEEE802.11ac) and 2.4-GHz (IEEE 802.11b/g/n). With an always-on Bluetooth connection, a smartphone can act as the camera’s remote control via the LUMIX Sync app.
LUMIX S5 Pricing and Availability
- LUMIX S5: Body only – RRP $3199
- LUMIX S5 kit (DC-S5KGN-K): Kit with LUMIX S 20-60mm F3.5-5.6 lens (S-R2060) – RRP $3699