Panasonic is bringing an updated version of one of our top-rated full-frame cameras to CES this year. The Lumix DC-S5 II is the first update to the S5 and while you might not notice a huge difference in spec sheets, there are innovations inside—phase detection focus for action photography and an active cooling fan for long-form video—that make it a compelling upgrade for existing system owners and a good-looking entry-level option for creators interested in the L-Mount Alliance lens system.
Lumix S5 II Adds Phase Detection Focus
The S5 II addresses one of our (few) real complaints about its predecessor head-on. Panasonic is finally moving away from its DFD Contrast focus system. The original S5's DFD focus was speedy enough, and effectively suppressed focus flutter in the viewfinder, but meant the camera couldn't track moving subjects as quickly as competitors that leaned on phase detection methods. The practical upside is a brisker burst capture rate: The S5 II manages 9fps with focus at every frame, versus 6fps for the original.
Like most cameras these days, the focus system is boosted by deadly smart subject recognition. The S5 II is able to identify people, pets, and many types of wildlife. The autofocus algorithms are able to do this without any handholding, so you can concentrate on snapping photos, not diving into menus to change focus settings from people to animals or vice versa.
If you swap to the fully electronic shutter the S5 II can focus and fire at 30fps. Panasonic tells us that the 24MP full-frame sensor is not a Stacked CMOS design, but scans through its pixels in about half the time as the original S5. In addition, the camera firmware processes images in order to additionally suppress rolling shutter motion distortion at the firmware level, so Raw format photos benefit from the feature; it works for compressed JPG and HEIF formats too.
A rep from Panasonic who has had hands-on time with the camera tells us that it's able to pan along with motorbikes moving laterally at 40mph with "little signs of skew in the background." If that rings true in practice, the S5 II should be effective for many types of action. We'll test the e-shutter performance independently once the camera is available for review.
The pixel count stays the same, but the 24MP sensor is a newer design than the similar chip in the original S5. The 779 masked on-sensor phase detection pixels are one notable change, and the sensor also promises to deliver up to 14 stops of dynamic range. It is mounted on a five-axis stabilization system, and the 96MP multi-shot feature from the S5 carries over. You'll need to use a tripod and find a mostly static subject, but you won't have to deal with desktop stitching software—the S5 II saves its 96MP photos to the card in a ready-to-edit format.
Despite its mid-entry position (there are more basic full-frame options out there, just not from Panasonic), the S5 II promises to be a capable camera for demanding photogs. It sports a magnesium alloy chassis, weather protection, and dual SDXC memory card slots. The viewfinder is also updated—the S5 II has a 0.78x EVF with 3.68 million dots, putting it on even footing with slightly upmarket competitors like the Sony a7 IV ($2,499). The S5's viewfinder was decent for the time, but the 0.74x/2.6 million dot panel feels a little out of date when viewed against fresher competitors.
Lumix Cameras Are Beloved for Video
Panasonic may not be the first brand that photographers think of when it comes to cameras. But its Lumix series of Micro Four Thirds and full-frame L-mount cameras is the darling of video creatives working at all levels—from vlogs and social posts to Slamdance-destined indie films. The S5 II promises to carry on the tradition.
For video, an active cooling fan means you won't have to worry about overheating in most conditions. The fan is located up top, inside the raised hump that houses the EVF, so the addition doesn't make the camera bulky like others that put the fan in the camera body itself, close by the image sensor it's meant to keep cool. The S5 II's fan kicks in when the sensor gets hot, offering unlimited record times in balmy conditions, up to 104°F.
The S5 II supports 6K30 at 3:2 or 17:9 ratios, and drops down to 5.9K at 16:9 with 10-bit 4:2:0 color sampling. At 4K the frame rate can go up to 60fps with 10-bit 4:2:2 sampling. Slow-motion options are available too, with HFR (with sound) capture at up to 4K48, and silent, already slow-down video at up to 4K120.
Video specialists will appreciate a full-size HDMI port, which offers a stronger physical connection to external recorders than notoriously fragile micro HDMI connectors. The S5 II also includes waveforms, a vector scope, dual zebras, and LUT tools to make it easier for cinematographers to nail exposure and visualize a color grade. The flat V-Log profile is included with the baseline S5 II.
If you want more, you can pay to have the camera upgraded for Raw HDMI output. You can already connect an Atomos Ninja V+ or similar recorder to the S5 II and enjoy ProRes recording, but with a $199 upgrade you'll also be able to save ProRes Raw video. Panasonic has secured support from Atomos, and told us it's working with other platforms for Raw support. The other platform in question is certainly BlackMagic B-Raw, as there aren't other mainstream recorders to consider.
Cinema users may want to skip the upgrade option, though. Panasonic also bringing out a pre-upgraded version with blacked-out logo aesthetics, the S5 IIx. In addition to Raw support via HDMI, the S5 IIx can record compressed ProRes 422 video, though you'll need to attach an external SSD drive to save the video; SDXC cards aren't fast enough for anything beyond 1080p. The S5 IIx carries a $200 premium over the standard edition, the same cost as a video firmware upgrade for the S5 II, so it's a better pick if you want the functionality and don't mind waiting a few months for a camera.
Pricing and Availability
The Panasonic Lumix DC-S5 II comes in at $1,999.99 as a body only. Panasonic is also selling it in a kit along with the Lumix S 20-60mm zoom for $2,299.99. The body and kit configs are available for order today, with customer shipments slated for February. The S5 IIx will follow in May for $2,199.99 as body or $2,499.99 with the 20-60mm zoom, and can be pre-ordered today as well.
In addition to the cameras, Panasonic is also rolling out a new lens, a wide-angle Lumix S 14-28mm F4-5.6 Macro zoom. The lens comes in at $799.99, supports 77mm front filters, and is weather protected. It's also coming in February.