Panasonic’s latest camera is finally here. I’ve been testing this new filmmaking tool for the last month.
These are just my initial tests with the Panasonic Lumix DC-S5 camera and the Sigma 24-70mm F2.8 lens.
You can order the camera from B&H and Adorama
I will be releasing my full review of this new Panasonic camera very soon. I will also show you a lot more footage in different lighting conditions. If you are wondering what my thoughts are so far, then all I can say is this… the Panasonic Lumix S5 is a much smaller (smaller than GH5), lighter and cheaper version of the Panasonic S1H. Otherwise the two cameras are almost identical. At least when it comes to the video features.
The camera produces identically beautiful video as the S1H. It’s got the same full frame sensor with the same colors and dynamic range. The autofocus has also been improved over the S1H but some of the higher end video assist tools and features of the S1H did not make it into the S5. Overall it is a great addition to the already amazing Panasonic S1H. The only limitation I find with the Panasonic S5 is that in 4K 60p it switches to a S35 image sensor. You will have to lower the frame rate to 30p to be able to use the full frame sensor.
Here are the specs of the camera so far:
- 24.2MP image sensor that can take 96MP JPEG photos. (I’ll explain how in the full review)
- 4K up to 60 frames per second (30min max in S35 sensor or 30p no limit but in 8-bit)
- Slow motion up to 180 frames per second in Full HD
- 10-bit Recording / Output
- 14+ stop V-Log / V-Gamut
- Anamorphic Video
- HDR 4K 60P Time Lapse functions
- Mic / Headphone Socket
- Vastly improved focus performance with face, eye, head and body recognition
- 5-stop 5-axis B.I.S. Image Stabilizer (6.5-stop Dual I.S. 2)
- 2,360K 0.74x OLED LVF
- ISO 100-51200 (Extended 50-204800)
Panasonic has already told me they will add some exciting new features via firmware before the end of the year:
- RAW video output over HDMI with compatibility with the Atomos Ninja V.
RAW Resolutions – Full Frame 5.9K RAW (5888×3312) 29.97p, 25p, 23.98p, Super 35 DCI 4K (4128×2176) 59.94p, 50p, 29.97p, 25p, 23.98p and Academy Anamorphic 3.5K (3536×2656) 50p, 29.97p,25p, 23.98p - Internal recording of C4K files (4096×2160)
- Support for additional Video Assist functions
Vector Scope Display, Master Pedestal Function, Shutter Angle support - New Photo picture styles
L. MonochromeS, L.ClassicNeo
Panasonic also announced that the S1, S1H and S1R cameras will get an update to add the AF improvements from the S5. The S1R will also get 5K video support.