Panasonic Lumix S5II & S5IIx Full-Frame Mirrorless Photo-Video Cameras

Venture 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.