Panasonic Lumix S5II & S5IIx Full-Frame Mirrorless Photo-Video Cameras
01/04/2023Venture into the video and photo sides of creative storytelling with the powerful, new hybrid mirrorless camera offerings from Panasonic, the Lumix S5II and Lumix S5IIx full-frame mirrorless cameras. The new releases include the Lumix S5II and Lumix S5IIx camera bodies, kits with the S5II and S5IIx cameras and a 20-60mm zoom lens, and a new 14-28mm ultra-wide L-mount half-macro zoom lens, perfect for those in search of a camera with photo and video applications.
The S5II maintains many of the great features of its predecessor, the S5, and adds numerous enhancements, including:
- A new L2 technology image engine
- New 24.2MP CMOS sensor with PDAF
- 6K30 Opengate video
- 14+ stop V-Log/V-Gamut dynamic range
- New Phase Hybrid AF
- New Active I.S. technology
- 30 fps electronic burst shooting
- Real-time LUT application
- High frame rate, 10-bit 4:2:2 C4K/4K video
- RAW video recording output upgrade option
- Enhanced 4-channel audio
- Enhanced Dual-Native ISO
Meanwhile, the S5IIx features everything above and adds numerous professional video and streaming enhancements, including:
- RAW video recording output upgrade
- USB-SSD recording
- ALL-Intra and ProRes recording
- Wireless/Wired IP streaming
- The first all-black Lumix body design
New Features, Many Enhancements
On both cameras, the new L2 image engine features 2x faster processing than the S5, and it enables 10-bit 4:2:0 6K30 recording, 10-bit 4:2:2 4K60 recording, and lower rolling shutter distortion. Many Lumix S5 features were retained and improved upon in the S5II/S5IIx, including the compact form factor, 5-axis image stabilization, 96MP RAW and JPEG capture, dual SD card slots, dual-native ISO, LUT support, 14+ stops of dynamic range, and Phase Detection AF.
In the S5II/S5IIx, 5-axis I.S. has been enhanced to the new Active I.S. to reduce shake and keep your footage rock steady as you perform motion shots. It also supports PDAF within its new Phase Hybrid AF system, which greatly improves subject tracking and increases focus points to 779 for better accuracy. Real-time color grading using built-in or custom LUTs can now be applied in real time on the camera while recording. Burst photo has also been enhanced to shoot 30 fps RAW shots using the electronic shutter.
Pro Video Enhancements
High-resolution 6K30 and C4K/4K60 recording isn’t the only professional video enhancement on the S5II and S5IIx. The cameras also feature high-frame-rate recording for slow-motion and effects up to 4K120 and 1080p180. They additionally support unlimited video recording. Audio has also been enhanced with built-in 24-bit / 48 KHz audio, external mic support for 24-bit / 96 KHz audio, and 4-channel capture with the DMW-XLR1 for crisp, clear recordings.
While you can add an optional upgrade license to allow RAW video to output via its full-size HDMI port on the S5II, the S5IIx includes this license, a welcome feature for professional production. Additional pre-installed features on the S5IIx allow you to record onto an external USB SSD drive and capture high-bitrate video in the ALL-Intra and ProRes formats. The 5IIx also allows you to livestream directly from the camera using wireless connectivity, wired Ethernet options, or by tethering the camera to a smartphone.
Additional Features
Even more enhanced features include the ability to power each camera via a USB-PD power source for faster charging of the inserted battery. There are many enhancements to the controls, joystick, and form factor for ease of use in a multitude of setups. And, if you do decide to challenge that unlimited recording feature, a built-in cooling fan will keep your camera running in warm temperatures. The newly available kits include a reliable stock 20-60mm lens to get you started with full-frame shooting, featuring an f/3.5 to f/22 aperture, an AF motor, and AF/MF switch.
Ultra-Wide 14-28mm Half-Macro Zoom Lens
An ideal L-mount lens for photo or video, the new 14-28mm zoom provides options for landscape or portrait shots, including macro closeups in an ultra-lightweight form for use with gimbals. It features minimal focus breathing and smooth adjustments, which are needed for smooth, stable video.
Visit the product pages on bhphotovideo.com to learn more about Panasonic Lumix products, and let us know in the Comments section, below, what you think of Panasonic’s new offerings.
Comments
23 Comments
Hi! I've used a full-frame Canon 6D for years, but had a Lumix as one of my first digital cameras. I'm looking for something lighter, so have been reviewing mirrorless bodies for about a year, and this one sounds like the one. I'm just wondering if there is an adaptor for my large collection of Canon and Tamron lenses? Thanks!
The Sigma MC-21 Mount Converter/Lens Adapter (Sigma EF-Mount Lenses to L-Mount Camera), B&H # SIMC21C, would be my recommendation for a compatible lens mount adapter that would allow you to connect lenses designed for the Canon EF lens mount onto the Leica L-mount lens mount used on the Panasonic Lumix S5 II Mirrorless Camera and the Panasonic Lumix S5 IIX Mirrorless Camera. For more information, you can see the following link by either clicking directly on it or by copying and pasting the link into your internet browser's address bar:
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https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1463159-REG/sigma_sigma_mc_21_mount_converter_lens.html
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hi.. does it come with an international warranty?
Unfortunately, the Panasonic S5 II and S5 II X only include a 1 year Panasonic USA warranty with the option for a 2 year extension only. For international warranty coverage, you may wish to consider purchasing one of the Allstate plans. Those plans can be seen and compared by adding one of those cameras to your online cart.
A all-white body design would be even greater.
Wow, amazing if the auto-focus works with an ef adaptor on the camera as stated in the video. Can you tell me what ef adaptor you used for the test, and if the image stabilization also still worked with the adapter present?
Hello BH team,
You have written above that:
"The cameras also feature high-frame-rate recording for slow-motion and effects up to 4K120"
But in the specs I see upto 60p and with a crop.
What did I miss?
Do any of these two models do 4k slowmo? (Internally or externally)
Hi! Thanks for pointing that out, it is not 4K120 it is up to 1080p180 - will correct. They do HFR 4:2:2 10-bit 4K 48p
I think it would be great to have another option other than Sony or Canon, but the S5II and S5IIX don't offer 4K 60fps. That's a deal breaker for me.
Then you're in luck, because it does in fact do 60FPS in 4K, albeit with a crop. Check out 6 minutes and 20 seconds into the video for this article.
Even the original S5 has 4k 60fps. I use it every week. Yes, at APS-C crop though still.
FINALLY!!!! Phase-Detect AF! Also, unlimited record in 10bit! I love the image on the S5; glad the new models have an active cooling fan and other heat dissipation, for even better image quality! So glad the DMW-XLR1 audio module works with the S5ii/iiX! Perfect for events and indie B-cam. I'm glad Panasonic Lumix is still in the camera game; they always provide controls and functions we need for pro video. We need more competition and more choices other than Sony & Canon. I don't see Canon continuing to offer only limited features, when the brand cameras at similar prices offer so much more. I don't need crazy fast insect eye detect autofocus, but it is nice to have a reliable autofocus system when I occasionally need it, especially for events, when I may have otherwise missed the shot.
I'm not sure what a "half macro" lens means. Many lenses are branded as "macro," but really they are close-focusing lenses; maybe that's what they mean.
Can't wait to test the S5iiX! (Does B&H offer weekly rentals/ Try before you buy? If I use it for a week, I may just keep it! Gonna PayBoo that mofo.).
A "true" maro lens has a maximum magnification of 1x with a reproduction ratio of 1:1. This means that when the lens is focused at its minimum focus distance, the size of the item you are photographing will be the same size on the camera's sensor as it is in real life. A "half-macro" lens would have a maximum magnification of 0.5x and a reproduction ration of 1:2, meaning when the lens is focused at its minimum focus distance, the size of the item on the sensor is half the size of the item in real life. It will appear smaller in the final image as it is only a half-macro lens, not a true macro lens.
The Panasonic Lumix 14-28mm f/4-5.6 MACRO Lens (Leica L) has a 1:2 reproduction ratio and 0.5x maximum magnification (half-macro) when set to the 28mm focal length at the lens' minimum focus distance, and it has a 1:4 reproduction ratio and 0.25x maximum magnification (quarter-macro) when set to the 14mm focal length at the lens' minimum focus distance.
Is the 6k open gate recording cropped?
generally, open gate means recording of the entire sensor.
Hi Victor -
6K open-gate recording is uncropped.
Been with Panasonic from GH1 - GH5: great video features, nice image, terrible AF – many ruined shots. I've been waiting for a camera company to release a full frame with the right features and Sony did it with the A7 IV. Frankly I didn't see Panasonic in the camera biz past mid-2024, there are just too many good options with significantly better focusing systems. I've been looking to buy the Sony A7 IV and may still go that route – but not until I see the S5 II.
Same! I love my Panasonic for its excellent features vs price ratio, but the AF leaves a LOT to be desired. Hopefully this new phase detect AF solves that problem. I'm very eager to see some real world reviews.
I'm not a Lumix owner but from what I can surmise from this presentation it seems to be a very solid release by Panasonic and the L Mount alliance. I also enjoy this straight forward presentation with an excellent example of no Hype, No frills presentation. A job done well indeed.
Way to go, Panasonic!!! Now maybe with the Mark III if we could only get built-in variable ND... Question: how long does the battery last? Only thing about these hybrid cameras (besides typically not having as good a zoom ratio with most lenses *and* simultaneous low maximum aperture) is that the battery is typically internally-mounted, unlike cinema cameras like the Canon C70, where the battery is mounted on the outside so you can always have a higher-capacity battery. Any battery grip extension available for the S5 Mark II/Mark II X?
While we do not have real-world data from a final production model as the cameras have not yet been released, according to CIPA testing, the battery life of the Panasonic Lumix S5 II Mirrorless Camera and the Panasonic Lumix S5 IIX Mirrorless Camera is approximately 370 images per full charge.
I contacted Panasonic concerning your battery grip inquiry. According to Panasonic, the DMW-BGS5 is set to be compatible with all S5 models, but at this time, they would not be able to guarantee completely at the moment that it would be compatible for use with the new Panasonic Lumix S5 II Mirrorless Camera and the Panasonic Lumix S5 IIX Mirrorless Camera as there isn't much information available to us either regarding units that are not yet launched. They may have more information on compatible accessories closer to to the launch/arrival of the cameras in May 2023.
Does it have an AA filter?
The Panasonic S5 II /S5 II X would lack an anti-aliasing filter.