Panasonic LUMIX DC S5 II Review | 108 Data compared

The Panasonic Lumix DC-S5II is a mid-range, 24-megapixel full-frame camera featuring significant upgrades, including phase-detection autofocus (PDAF) for reliable subject tracking and an integrated cooling fan for unrestricted 6K video recording. It is praised for excellent image quality, effective in-body image stabilization (IBIS), and extensive video capabilities, such as full-sized HDMI and Frame.io integration. Despite the improvements, the autofocus system falls short of competitors like Sony and Canon for fast-paced action, and the mechanical shutter is limited to a slow 7 frames per second. Additionally, high-speed electronic shooting suffers from significant rolling shutter distortion, and the camera relies on average-resolution screens.

The Panasonic Lumix S5 II represents a landmark shift for the brand by introducing a 779-point phase hybrid autofocus system, addressing a long-standing criticism of its older contrast-based setups. Housed in a tough, weather-sealed magnesium alloy frame, this full-frame mirrorless camera features a 24.2MP CMOS sensor and a Leica-co-developed image processor. It is highly optimized for video creators, offering unconstrained 4K/60p 10-bit internal recording, up to 6K full-sensor "Open Gate" capture, and an advanced "Active I.S." stabilization algorithm that dynamically counters unwanted camera motion. Additionally, it features "Real-Time LUT" capabilities to bake color profiles directly into image and video files, saving valuable post-processing time.

The Panasonic Lumix DC-S5 II ($1,999.99, body only) is a highly capable full-frame mirrorless camera that shines primarily as a video powerhouse but falls short for action photography. Built with a durable, weather-sealed magnesium alloy chassis, it inherits the compact handling of its predecessor while introducing a larger handgrip and a vastly improved 3.7-million-dot EVF. On the video front, the camera is practically peerless for its price, offering unlimited 4K recording thanks to an active cooling fan, and capturing up to 6K30 video with 10-bit color using an open-gate 3:2 aspect ratio. Furthermore, its 24MP full-frame BSI CMOS sensor delivers excellent high-ISO still image quality up to ISO 6400 and includes a 5-axis in-body image stabilization (IBIS) system that aids both handheld shooting and high-resolution 96MP tripod-mounted captures. Despite these significant strengths, the camera's notable drawbacks limit its appeal as a true hybrid device. The most critical con is its new hybrid phase-detection autofocus system; while it performs well for static subjects and vlogging, it struggles significantly with continuous tracking (AF-C) for fast-moving wildlife or sports, often driving telephoto lenses...

The Panasonic Lumix S5 II is a highly capable full-frame mirrorless camera that stands out for introducing distance-aware phase detection autofocus and AI-trained subject recognition to the Lumix lineup. Priced at $1,997.99 for the body only, it features a 24.2MP CMOS sensor, 5-axis image stabilization, dual UHS-II SD card slots, and an improved 3.68 m-dot OLED electronic viewfinder. Tested extensively for travel and street photography in Vancouver using both native and adapted manual-focus lenses, the camera delivers impressive image quality, natural color rendering, and an intuitive menu system that allows for quick and seamless setup. Pros and Cons of the Lumix S5 II The review highlights several key strengths, particularly its superior EVF compared to competitors like the Sony A7 IV, excellent ergonomic grip, and highly functional automated features like an in-camera processed 96MP Pixel Shift mode and Focus Stacking. It is also highly praised as an affordable, lightweight alternative to luxury options like the Leica SL2-S, making it an excellent platform for adapting vintage glass. On the downside, the 24-megapixel resolution may feel limiting to dedicated still photographers who...

The Panasonic Lumix S5 II, featured in DPReview’s studio test scene, stands out as a highly competitive, mid-range full-frame hybrid camera, primarily due to the introduction of phase-detection autofocus. Key strengths include excellent JPEG processing, a 96MP high-resolution mode, and a robust video toolkit, such as 6K open-gate recording with a built-in cooling fan. However, the analysis reveals limitations, including notable rolling shutter distortion due to a slow sensor readout, and a forced APS-C/Super 35 crop when shooting 4K/60p video. Additionally, the new phase-detect pixels introduce slight high-ISO noise, with autofocus performance, while vastly improved, still trailing top competitors in fast-action scenarios.

The Panasonic Lumix S5 II is an exceptional hybrid mirrorless camera that offers unbeatable value for content creators who balance photography and filmmaking. It introduces an upgraded 24MP full-frame sensor featuring a 779-point hybrid phase-detection autofocus system, marking a critical and long-awaited shift away from Panasonic’s traditional contrast-only autofocus. This system delivers creamy-smooth, customizable focus transitions during video capture. Filmmakers will particularly appreciate its uncropped 6K "open gate" video recording at a 3:2 aspect ratio, which provides massive flexibility for cropping vertical social media formats like 9:16 without losing resolution. Additionally, the camera boasts excellent 5-axis in-body image stabilization—further enhanced by Active IS for smooth handheld run-and-gun vlogging—alongside built-in cooling vents that provide unlimited recording times, dual UHS-II SD card slots, and a full-size HDMI port. Despite its strengths, the camera has some operational limitations. Slow-motion shooters will face a restrictive 1.5x Super 35 crop when recording video in 4K at 60p, which can hamper wide-angle handheld shots. Physically, its boxy, DSLR-style chassis prioritizes rugged build quality over aesthetics. It lacks a tally light to indicate recording status, and its...

The Trusted Reviews evaluation of the Panasonic Lumix S5II highlights the camera as a highly capable and affordable mid-range full-frame option, praised for its beautiful image quality and exceptional video production tools. Key advantages include competitive pricing, robust image stabilization, and a new Phase Hybrid autofocus system, although the autofocus is not quite as polished as top Sony and Canon rivals. Specific drawbacks noted in the review include the absence of front and back tally lamps to indicate recording status and a somewhat angular casing. Despite these limitations, the S5II is deemed an incredibly complete hybrid model.

The Panasonic Lumix S5 Mark II is a highly recommended 24-megapixel full-frame mirrorless camera that offers exceptional value, comfortably undercutting rivals like the Sony A7 IV and Canon R6 II by around $500 while serving as an excellent hybrid option for both photos and video. Its biggest upgrade is the long-awaited inclusion of a phase-detect hybrid autofocus system, which eliminates the distracting background pulsing that plagued earlier contrast-based Lumix models. Key advantages of the S5 II include a high-resolution pixel shift mode that processes 96MP images directly in-camera, open-gate 6k video capabilities, built-in active cooling via an inaudible fan to prevent overheating, dual UHS-II SD card slots, a full-size HDMI port, and access to affordable third-party Sigma L-mount lenses. Additionally, its 5-axis sensor stabilisation provides an outstanding six stops of compensation, vastly outperforming the competition in hand-held testing. Despite these strengths, the camera has notable limitations when stacked against its higher-priced competitors. Its subject-recognition tracking is less confident than Canon's system, struggles to maintain eye-lock on profile views, and features a confusing menu layout that separates human recognition into multiple...

The Panasonic Lumix S5II is a full-frame hybrid camera praised for its Phase Hybrid AF system, which provides excellent subject tracking and continuous autofocus. Key strengths include effective Active I.S. image stabilization, 30fps shooting, high-quality raw output, and robust 6K video capabilities supported by an integrated cooling fan. However, the camera is considered a "raw shooter's tool" due to disappointing in-camera JPEG processing that produces dull images, which affects both the electronic viewfinder display and the initial raw previews. While offering strong competition to rival models, achieving optimal results requires heavy reliance on post-processing to overcome these JPEG shortcomings.

The Panasonic Lumix S5II is a 24-megapixel full-frame mirrorless camera featuring a significant upgrade to a Phase Hybrid AF system, which resolves previous contrast-detect autofocus issues. The camera offers excellent image quality, a robust weather-sealed body, and effective in-body image stabilization (IBIS). For video, the S5II supports 6K 30p and 4K 60p recording, enhanced by an active cooling fan for unlimited recording times. However, users should note that 4K 60p recording incurs an APS-C crop and the autofocus, while greatly improved, still trails top-tier competition.