Panasonic LUMIX S5II and S5IIX - finally with phase autofocus to the class leader?
[16:04 Wed,4.January 2023 by Rudi Schmidts]
As always, there were already some rumors in the run-up, but now the cat is officially out of the bag: Panasonic brings with the S5II and the S5IIX two successors to its smallest L-mount camera, which should be particularly exciting for filmmakers.
Shape, weight and switch layout remain largely unchanged: The 134 x 102 x 90 mm at 740g weight incl. battery remain remarkably compact for Panasonic&s S series, although active ventilation slots have now been added. There should no longer be any time limits on recording.
The Panasonic LUMIX S5II
Furthermore, the new cameras have two SD card slots, which also allow extra long recording times via hotswap. Via the now PD-capable USB-C port, the good internal battery life can also be significantly extended via a power bank while recording.
Internally, the Panasonic S5II records at full sensor readout in 6K resolution 10 bit 4:2:0 up to max. 30p. 10 bit 4:2:2 is possible in 4K up to max 60p, switching to APS-C crop above 30p. All these formats are "only" available as GOP formats on the S5II.
The Panasonic LUMIX S5IIX
LUMIX S5IIX is additionally capable of outputting both 5.8K/C4K/3.3K Apple ProRes and 4K ALL-Intra recordings at up to 800 Mbps to an external SSD via the USB output (internally "only" 400/600 Mbps). In addition, the S5IIX supports ProRes RAW video output to Atomos recorders, wired2 and wireless live streaming, and USB tethering recording.
There should be an optional firmware update for HDMI RAW output for the S5II in the future, but it may come at a cost like the earlier V-Log updates (SFU2).
Both camera models also support internal HFR (High Frame Rate) recording in FullHD at up to 120 frames per second and even up to 180 frames per second in Slow&Quick mode.
The OLED viewfinder now resolves with 3.6M pixels (previously 2.3M), while the resolution of the foldable display has remained the same at 1.8M.
The Panasonic LUMIX S5II(X) from behind
Exposure monitoring tools include a waveform monitor, zebra, and a classic light meter that displays aperture values in 1/3 stops plus and minus.
Also very pleasing for filmmakers: both new Panasonic S5II models now have a full-size HDMI port.
As with the current GH6, there&s also 4-channel audio, for which you can use the Panasonic XLR adapter (DWM-XLR1), among others. 48kHz/24-bit audio can be recorded using the built-in or an external microphone. High-resolution 96kHz/24-bit audio recording is possible via the XLR adapter.
Like its predecessor, both cameras& full-frame, articulating sensor resolves at 24.2 MP, remains a Dual Native ISO design, and features 779 phase AF sensors. With the integration of a phase hybrid system, Panasonic now relies on phase detection AF for the first time, making the camera a huge leap in AF system reliability with all AF optics available for the L-mount system. We could already convince ourselves of this LINK (in a test of the pre-series model).
For 2,199 euros, the Panasonic LUMIX S5II should land on the shelves this month. The LUMIX S5IIX will be available later in spring 2023 at a price of 2,499 euros.
;)
;)
;)