The Panasonic Lumix S5 II: A Game-Changer for Hybrid Photographers?
Panasonic has finally delivered what many photographers have been craving – a full-frame mirrorless camera with a hybrid autofocus system. The Lumix S5 II boasts a plethora of features, including a 24.2-megapixel full-frame CMOS sensor, 6K video recording, and 5-axis in-body stabilisation, making it a compelling choice for both stills and video enthusiasts. But does this new addition to the S Series lineup offer enough to stand out in a crowded market? This hands-on first look explores the Lumix S5 II’s design, key features, and performance to give you an early impression.
A Sturdy and Ergonomic Design
The Lumix S5 II is a well-built camera with a matte-finished metal chassis that feels robust and dependable. The extended grip makes it comfortable to hold, even for extended shooting sessions, and contributes to the camera’s overall sense of quality. The layout of the buttons and dials is intuitive, with dedicated controls for common functions like white balance, ISO, exposure, and video recording.
The layout includes:
- Top Panel: Shutter button, single dial, mode dial with integrated power switch, white balance button, ISO button, exposure compensation dial, and video record button.
- Back Panel: Menu button, selector dial, focus mode dial, joystick, back button, display button, and a customizable button for assigning specific tasks.
The camera’s design prioritizes accessibility and functionality, placing controls in easily reachable positions for quick adjustments.
Built-In Connectivity and Weather-Sealing
The Lumix S5 II is equipped with a comprehensive set of ports and connections:
- Left Side: Microphone input jack, headphone jack, HDMI port, and USB Type-C port.
- Right Side: Twin SD card slots.
This extensive connectivity provides flexibility for attaching external microphones, headphones, and accessories. The inclusion of two SD card slots allows for increased storage capacity and the option for backup or separate recording formats.
The camera boasts weather-sealing, protecting against the elements and allowing you to shoot in challenging conditions.
A Powerful Sensor and Impressive Autofocus
The Lumix S5 II features a 24.2-megapixel full-frame CMOS sensor capable of capturing high-resolution images with impressive detail. This sensor is paired with a hybrid autofocus system that combines phase detection and contrast detection, resulting in fast and accurate focusing. The system boasts 779 phase detection autofocus points, covering a significant portion of the sensor for reliable subject tracking.
The camera can shoot at a maximum burst rate of 30 frames per second, allowing you to capture fleeting moments with ease. The 5-axis in-body stabilisation provides up to 6.5 stops of compensation, mitigating camera shake and ensuring sharp images, especially in low-light conditions.
High ISO Performance and Still Photography
The Lumix S5 II boasts an impressive ISO range of 100-51,200, expandable to 50-204,800. The initial image samples show excellent detail and pleasing colors, indicating its potential for capturing stunning stills even in challenging lighting situations.
The camera’s autofocus performance in stills photography is impressive, offering:
- Fast and accurate focus acquisition: Quickly and reliably locks onto subjects, whether static or moving.
- Subject tracking capabilities: Maintains focus on moving subjects, ensuring sharp images even during action-packed scenes.
- Predictive focus: Anticipates subject movement and adjusts focus proactively, increasing the chance of capturing the perfect moment.
Video Capabilities and 6K Recording
The Lumix S5 II is a powerhouse for video recording, offering a range of features that cater to professional videographers and content creators:
- 6K 30fps video: Captures stunning footage with exceptional detail and resolution.
- 4K 120fps video recording: Supports slow-motion playback and provides more creative options for filmmaking.
- Internal recording: Records footage directly to the camera’s SD card without the need for an external recorder.
- 4:2:2 10-bit color: Offers a wider color space and greater flexibility during post-production.
- V-Log: Provides a wider dynamic range for greater creative control over color grading and image manipulation.
- Hybrid Log Gamma (HLG): Offers a wider dynamic range for viewing in HDR.
- Cinematic V-Log: Offers a wider dynamic range with a more cinematic look.
The 6K video recording capabilities showcase the camera’s potential for capturing breathtaking footage with incredible clarity. The 5-axis in-body stabilisation plays a key role in video recording, providing smooth, shake-free shots, even when shooting handheld. Coupled with the fast and accurate autofocus, the Lumix S5 II delivers exceptional video performance, making it a versatile tool for capturing professional-quality footage.
Key Features and Enhancements
Beyond the core features discussed above, the Lumix S5 II also boasts several notable enhancements:
- New Live View Boost Technology: Improves low-light visibility in the electronic viewfinder and on the rear screen.
- Improved AF algorithms: Enhance focus accuracy and tracking performance, especially for fast-moving subjects.
- Better audio recording: Improved microphone performance for cleaner audio in videos and better overall sound capture.
- Enhanced menu system: More intuitive and streamlined navigation for efficient access to camera settings.
These enhancements further bolster the camera’s appeal by addressing common user feedback and delivering a more refined and user-friendly shooting experience.
Competition and Price Point
The Lumix S5 II enters the market in a highly competitive segment, facing stiff competition from other full-frame mirrorless cameras from Sony, Nikon, and Canon. Here’s a brief overview of the competition and the camera’s pricing:
Price:
- Body Only: Rs. 1,94,990
- Kit Lens Combo (20-60mm): Rs. 2,24,990
- Dual Lens Kit (20-60mm + 50mm F1.8): Rs. 2,44,990
Competitors:
- Sony Alpha 7 IV: Offers a similar feature set, including hybrid autofocus, 4K video recording, and 33-megapixel sensor.
- Nikon Z6 II: A popular choice for stills and video, boasting a 24.5-megapixel sensor, 4K video recording, and hybrid autofocus.
- Canon EOS R6 Mark II: Known for its impressive image quality and video capabilities, featuring a 20.1-megapixel sensor, 4K video recording, and hybrid autofocus.
The Lumix S5 II holds its own in terms of features and price point, offering a compelling alternative to established players in the full-frame market.
Final Thoughts
The Panasonic Lumix S5 II is undeniably a formidable camera with a powerful feature set and a design that prioritizes ergonomics and functionality. The addition of the hybrid autofocus system is a significant improvement, unlocking a wider range of shooting possibilities and making it a more versatile tool for photographers and videographers. While it will face stiff competition from established rivals, the Lumix S5 II delivers a unique blend of image quality, video capabilities, and user-friendliness, positioning it as a strong contender in the full-frame mirrorless camera market. Its long-awaited hybrid autofocus system makes it a compelling option for those looking for a camera that excels in both stills and video.
