Panasonic Details Lumix S5 IIx Raw Support Ahead of Release

Panasonic announced a pair of full-frame sequels to its entry-level S5 at CES 2023—the Lumix S55 II and the upgraded S5 IIx. The two cameras share most features in common, including: a stabilized 24MP full-frame sensor, phase detection focus, a superlative video toolkit, and compatibility with the L-mount lens system. But while the regular S5 II is limited to recording H.264 and H.265 (HEVC) video formats, the S5 IIx adds ProRes and Raw video support.

The S5 IIx costs a little bit more, around $2,200 to start versus $2,000 for the standard S5 II, but cinematographers and other video-first creators will find plenty of reason to spend a little bit more. ProRes is a much more efficient compression format than H.265; the practical upside is more room to edit color and exposure in post, something you'll want if you're looking to give your video a creative finish.

The S5 II is already shipping (you can read our full review for all the detail on its performance), and Panasonic was up front that the S5 IIx would come later; orders are set to start going out on May 31. At the time, we praised the decision to announce both cameras simultaneously, especially given their proximity in price; it put the decision to get an S5 II or wait for an S5 IIx in the hands of the customer.

Panasonic Lumix DC-S5 IIx, front view with lens removed

We already know the S5 IIx support Apple ProRes 422 recording with one additional accessory, a fast USB-C SSD, as its SDXC memory card format isn't fast enough to handle the high bit rate footage. Today we find out that the Raw support extends beyond the already-announced ProRes Raw. The S5 Iix is also getting Blackmagic Raw, which is good news for editors who work in DaVinci Resolve. Raw video requires an external recorder, an Atomos for ProRes Raw or Blackmagic Video Assist for B-Raw.

Panasonic also finalized details on a paid firmware upgrade for S5 II owners. Starting on June 13, S5 II owners can add the ProRes Raw and Blackmagic Raw features from the S5 IIx. However, it does not add support for ProRes 422, that feature is exclusive to the S5 IIx.

About Our Expert

Jim Fisher

Principal Writer, Cameras

My Experience

Images, and the devices that capture them, are my focus. I've covered cameras at PCMag for the past 14 years, which has given me a front row seat for the changeover from DSLRs to mirrorless cameras, the smartphone camera revolution, and the emergence of drones for aerial imaging. I have extensive experience with every major mirrorless and SLR system, and am also comfortable using point-and-shoot and action cameras. As a Part 107 Certified drone pilot, I’m licensed to fly unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) for commercial and editorial purposes, and am knowledgeable about federal rules and regulations regarding drones.

The Technology I Use

I use all of the major camera systems on a regular basis, swapping between Canon, Fujifilm, L-Mount, Micro Four Thirds, Nikon, and Sony systems. I still find time to use Leica M rangefinders and Pentax SLRs on occasion, too. I keep an iPhone 13 in my pocket for the rare occasions I'm not carrying a camera.

I'm not a brand-specific photographer. For product review photos, I swap between a Canon EOS R5 and a Sony a7R IV. I use Flashpoint and Godox TTL lights and Peak Design tripods, and I most often reach for a Think Tank or Peak Design backpack to carry equipment.

When it comes to computers, I'm an unapologetic Mac person and have been for the past 20 years. I write in Pages and use Numbers for spreadsheets. I currently swap between an Intel i9 MacBook Pro and an Apple Silicon Mac Studio for writing and use a calibrated BenQ 32.5-inch with the Studio for photo and video editing. I rely on a LaCie 6big RAID for media storage. I also keep a PC around for gaming, but please don't tell my Macs about it; they'll get jealous.

I split time between several different software apps depending on the type of editing I'm doing. For Raw image processing, Adobe Photoshop Lightroom Classic is my standard. I pair it with a LoupeDeck CT console to supplement my keyboard and trackpad, and I lean on RNI All Films 5 presets when I want to give an image a film look. I use Apple Final Cut Pro for video editing.

My first digital camera was the Canon PowerShot Elph S200, and my first DSLR was the Pentax *ist DL. I have a soft spot for antique film gear. I still use a 1950 vintage Rolleiflex Automat TLR and love trying mid-century Leica lenses on film and digital alike. I mainly use whatever's in front of me for review for digital snaps, but I pick up either my Leica M Typ 240 or Pentax K-3 III Monochrome when I want to step away from review work. In my downtime, I enjoy bird watching, reading, video games, and both good and bad movies, especially in the sci-fi and horror genres.

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