To see product details, add this item to your cart.
Ships from: Amazon.com Sold by: Amazon.com
To see product details, add this item to your cart.
Ships from: Replay Tech Sold by: Replay Tech
Other Sellers on Amazon
- 9 VIDEOS
Image Unavailable
Color:
-
-
-
- To view this video download Flash Player
Panasonic LUMIX S5 Full Frame Mirrorless Camera, 4K 60P Video Recording with Flip Screen & WiFi, LUMIX S 20-60mm F3.5-5.6 Lens, L-Mount, 5-Axis Dual I.S., DC-S5KK (Black)
-
Receive 1 Panasonic LUMIX S 24-105mm F4 Lens free when you purchase 1 or more Panasonic LUMIX S5 Full Frame Mirrorless Camera offered by Amazon.com. Shop items
Purchase options and add-ons
Brand | Panasonic |
Model Name | Panasonic LUMIX S5|4K Mirrorless Full-Frame |L-Mount Camera| LUMIX S 20-60mm F3.5-5.6 Lens – (DC-S5KK) See more |
Photo Sensor Size | Full Frame (35mm) |
Image Stabilization | Sensor-shift |
Max Shutter Speed | 1/8000 seconds |
Min Shutter Speed | 60 seconds |
Metering Description | Center-Weighted Average, Highlight Weighted, Multi-Zone, Multiple, Spot |
Exposure Control Type | Manual |
Form Factor | Mirrorless |
Effective Still Resolution | 24.2 MP |
About this item
- A LIGHTWEIGHT, POWERFUL HYBRID CAMERA FOR VIBRANT STILL PHOTOGRAPHY AND CINEMATIC VIDEO: Realize your creative vision with extraordinary 4K 60p, 10-bit video, FHD 180fps Slow Motion option as well as 4:3 Anamorphic support.
- DETAILED PHOTO AND VIDEO THAT WILL DELIGHT ENTHUSIASTS AND EXPERTS ALIKE: Capture content in impressive high quality with 96MP High Resolution mode, Dual Native ISO to minimize noise in high sensitivity and V-Log/V-Gamut with 14-plus stop dynamic range.
- IMPROVED, HIGH-PRECISION AUTOFOCUS AND POWERFUL IMAGE STABILIZATION: Improved autofocus includes detection of the head as well as eyes, face and body, to capture subjects with ease and precision. 5-axis Dual I.S. 2 enables 6.5-stop slower shutter speed.
- EXPANDED FEATURES OFFER NEW LEVELS OF CREATIVITY: Use Live View Composite mode to instantly create a stunning image out of several live shots to capture fireworks or a starry sky
Frequently bought together
Similar items that may deliver to you quickly
- Panasonic LUMIX S5II Mirrorless Camera, 24.2MP Full Frame with Phase Hybrid AF, New Active I.S. Technology, Unlimited 4:2:2 10-bit Recording with 20-60mm F3.5-5.6 L Mount Lens - DC-S5M2KK Black13% offBig Spring DealFREE Shipping by AmazonGet it as soon as Monday, Mar 25
- Panasonic LUMIX S5 Full Frame Mirrorless Camera, 4K 60P Video Recording with Flip Screen & WiFi, L-Mount, 5-Axis Dual I.S., DC-S5BODY (Black)FREE Shipping by AmazonGet it as soon as Monday, Mar 25Only 14 left in stock (more on the way).
- Panasonic LUMIX S5II Mirrorless Camera, 24.2MP Full Frame with Phase Hybrid AF, New Active I.S. Technology, Unlimited 4:2:2 10-bit Recording - DC-S5M2BODY BlackFREE Shipping by AmazonGet it as soon as Monday, Mar 25
- Panasonic LUMIX G95D 20.3 Megapixel Mirrorless Camera, 12-60mm F3.5-5.6 Micro Four Thirds Lens, 5-Axis Dual I.S. 2, 4K 24p 30p Video, Pre-Installed V-Log L, 3” OLED Touchscreen - DC-G95DMK(Black)Amazon's Choicein Mirrorless CamerasFREE Shipping by AmazonGet it as soon as Friday, Mar 22Only 9 left in stock - order soon.
- Panasonic LUMIX GH5M2, 20.3MP Mirrorless Micro Four Thirds Camera with Live Streaming, 4K 4:2:2 10-Bit Video, 5-Axis Image Stabilizer, 12-60mm F2.8-4.0 Leica Lens DC-GH5M2LK BlackFREE Shipping by AmazonGet it as soon as Monday, Mar 25
Compare with similar items
This Item Panasonic LUMIX S5 Full Frame Mirrorless Camera, 4K 60P Video Recording with Flip Screen & WiFi, LUMIX S 20-60mm F3.5-5.6 Lens, L-Mount, 5-Axis Dual I.S., DC-S5KK (Black) | Recommendations | dummy | dummy | dummy | dummy | |
Try again! Added to Cart | Try again! Added to Cart | Try again! Added to Cart | Try again! Added to Cart | Try again! Added to Cart | Try again! Added to Cart | |
Price | -5% $1,997.99$1,997.99 List: $2,099.99 | -13% $1,997.99$1,997.99 List: $2,299.99 | $1,697.99$1,697.99 | -8% $2,297.99$2,297.99 Typical: $2,497.99 | $1,597.99$1,597.99 | -15% $1,697.99$1,697.99 List: $1,999.99 |
Delivery | Get it as soon as Monday, Mar 25 | Get it as soon as Monday, Mar 25 | Get it as soon as Monday, Mar 25 | Get it as soon as Monday, Mar 25 | Get it as soon as Monday, Mar 25 | Get it as soon as Monday, Mar 25 |
Customer Ratings | ||||||
Picture quality | 4.7 | 5.0 | 4.7 | 4.5 | 5.0 | 5.0 |
Image stabilization | 4.4 | 4.9 | 4.4 | 4.8 | 5.0 | 4.9 |
Auto focus | 3.7 | 4.8 | 3.7 | 4.7 | 4.5 | 4.8 |
Value for money | 4.7 | 4.8 | 4.7 | 5.0 | — | 4.8 |
Sold By | Amazon.com | Amazon.com | Amazon.com | Amazon.com | Amazon.com | Amazon.com |
display type | LCD | LCD | LCD | LCD | LCD | LCD |
display size | 3 inches | 3 inches | 3 inches | 3 inches | 3 inches | 3 inches |
lens type | Zoom | Wide Angle | Wide Angle | Wide Angle | Wide Angle | Wide Angle |
shooting modes | Automatic | Automatic | Automatic | Automatic | Bulb Mode,Aperture Priority, Auto, Manual, Program, Shutter Priority | Automatic |
connectivity tech | Wireless | wired, wireless | HDMI, USB, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth | Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, HDMI, USB | Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, HDMI, USB |
video resolution | 4K UHD 2160p | 4320p | 2160p | 4320p | 2160p | 4320p |
optical zoom | 3 multiplier x | 5 multiplier x | 3 multiplier x | 5 multiplier x | 5 multiplier x | 0 multiplier x |
Videos
Videos for this product
9:37
Click to play video
Panasonic Lumix S5 - Watch Before You Buy
Tech Through The Lens
Videos for this product
4:22
Click to play video
Fashion photography with the Panasonic Lumix DC-S5
DPReview
What's in the box
From the manufacturer
LUMIX S5
Moving Images Forward
Whether you're a content creator, DIY filmmaker, photo hobbyist, or seasoned photographer, the S5 truly has it all: from a 24.2MP CMOS sensor with Dual Native ISO, to 4:2:2 10-bit video, to unlimited recording time in 4K/30p 4:2:0 8-bit and Live Composte mode.
96 MP High Resolution Mode with JPEG
Photos can now be saved directly in the JPEG format for finely detailed, 96-megapixel-equivalent images characteristic of LUMIX.
6.5-stop Dual Image Stabilization
5-axis Dual I.S.2 combines control of the Body I.S. and Lens O.I.S. to offer 6.5 stops’ worth of correction* to keep your video clear and steady even when shooting on the go.
Improved Autofocus with Advanced AI Technology
Features high-speed (approx. 0.08 sec*), high precision AF. Improved autofocus includes detection of the head as well as eyes, face, and body, to capture subjects with ease and precision.
Features for Maximum Creativity
Enjoy unlimited recording in 4K/30p 4:2:0 8bit with optimum heat disperson. 14+ stops dynamic range with pre-installed V-Log/V-Gamut, FHD180fps, and 4:3 Anamorphic support for vibrant storytelling.
Dust and Splash Resistant* Body Is Made for Action
The tough body is dust- and splash-resistant* thanks to sealing and other protection for seams, buttons, and other functional parts.
Comparison Chart
S5 | GH5 | S1H | S1 | |
Customer Reviews
|
4.7 out of 5 stars
253
|
4.7 out of 5 stars
407
|
4.2 out of 5 stars
36
|
4.4 out of 5 stars
43
|
Sensor Type
| 35mm Full-Frame CMOS | Micro Four Thirds | 35mm Full-Frame CMOS | 35mm Full-Frame CMOS |
Effective Pixels
| 24.2MP | 20.3MP | 24.2MP | 24.2MP |
Autofocus
| Face/Eye/Head/Body/Animal | Face/Eye | Face/Eye/Body/Animal | Face/Eye/Body/Animal |
No Video Rec Time
| YES in 4K 8-bit 29.97p/FHD | YES in any mode | YES in any mode | YES in 4K 8-bit 29.97p/FHD |
V-Log
| V-Log / 14+ stops | V-Log(*SFU1)/ 12 stops | V-Log / 14+ stops | V-Log(*SFU2)/ 14+ stops |
High resolution mode
| 96M (JPEG / RAW) | — | 96M (RAW) | 96M (RAW) |
VFR/ Slow & Quick
| 4K 1-60fps, FHD 1-180fps | 4K 2-60fps, FHD 2-180fps | C4K/4K 2-60fps, FHD 2-180fps | 4K 48/60fps, FHD 150/180fps |
Headphone/Mic
| 3.5mm headphone, 3.5mm mic | 3.5mm headphone, 3.5mm mic | 3.5mm headphone, 3.5mm mic | 3.5mm headphone, 3.5mm mic |
HDMI Port
| Type D (micro) | Type A | Type A | Type A |
Card Slot
| UHS-II U3 / UHS-I U3 | UHS-II U3 / UHS-I U3 | UHS-II U3 / UHS-I U3 | XQD(CFexpress)/UHS-II U3 |
Weight (Body, Battery, Card)
| 714g | 725g | 1164g | 1017g |
Looking for specific info?
Product information
Auto Focus Technology | Eye Detection |
---|---|
Aspect Ratio | 16:9, 1:1, 2:1, 3:2, 65:24, 4:3 |
Display Resolution Maximum | 1840000 Dots |
Photo Sensor Size | Full Frame (35mm) |
Photo Sensor Technology | CMOS |
Effective Still Resolution | 24.2 MP |
White balance settings | Auto, Incandescent, Daylight, Color Temperature, Cloudy, Shade, Flash torch |
Self Timer Duration | 2 seconds, 10 seconds |
JPEG quality level | Basic, Fine, Normal |
Camera Flash | Hotshoe |
Image Stabilization | Sensor-shift |
Flash Modes Description | Auto, Auto/Red-Eye Reduction, Forced On, Forced On/Red-Eye Reduction, Off, Slow Sync, Slow Sync/Red-Eye Reduction |
Flash Sync Speed | 1/250 Second |
Supported Image Format | JPEG, Raw |
Video Capture Format | MP4, MOV, H.265, AVC |
Video Capture Resolution | 4K UHD 2160p |
Video Input Format | NTSC/PAL |
Video Standard | MPEG 4 |
Color Depth | 14 Bits |
Viewfinder Magnification | 0.74x |
---|---|
Viewfinder Type | Electronic |
Screen Size | 3 Inches |
Display Type | LCD |
Display Fixture Type | Articulating |
Mfg Warranty Description Labor | 1 Year |
---|---|
Manufacturer Warranty Description Parts | 1 Year |
Model Name | Panasonic LUMIX S5|4K Mirrorless Full-Frame |L-Mount Camera| LUMIX S 20-60mm F3.5-5.6 Lens – (DC-S5KK) |
---|---|
Brand | Panasonic |
Model Number | DC-S5KK |
Customer Reviews |
4.7 out of 5 stars |
Best Sellers Rank | #136,799 in Electronics (See Top 100 in Electronics) #286 in Mirrorless Cameras |
ASIN | B08FCYFL42 |
Number of Items | 1 |
Color | Black |
Included Components | Camera Body & Lens |
Lower Temperature Rating | 32 Degrees Fahrenheit |
Upper Temperature Rating | 40 Degrees Celsius |
Item Dimensions LxWxH | 9.1 x 9.1 x 9.1 inches |
---|---|
Item Weight | 1.7 Kilograms |
Warranty & Support
Feedback
Lens Type | Zoom |
---|---|
Aperture Modes | F3.5–F5.6 |
Optical Zoom | 3 x |
Digital Zoom | 2 x |
Maximum Aperture | 3.5 f |
Minimum Aperture | 22 f |
Autofocus Points | 225 |
Compatible Mountings | Leica L |
Focus Type | manual-and-auto |
Maximum Focal Length | 60 Millimeters |
Minimum Focal Length | 20 Millimeters |
Photo Filter Thread Size | 67 Millimeters |
Expanded ISO Maximum | 204800 |
---|---|
Expanded ISO Minimum | 50 |
Max Shutter Speed | 1/8000 seconds |
Min Shutter Speed | 60 seconds |
Exposure Control Type | Manual |
Metering Description | Center-Weighted Average, Highlight Weighted, Multi-Zone, Multiple, Spot |
Shooting Modes | Automatic |
Batteries Required? | Yes |
---|---|
Number of Batteries | 1 Lithium Ion batteries required. (included) |
Are Batteries Included | Yes |
Rechargeable Battery Included | Yes |
Battery Cell Composition | Lithium Ion |
Battery Description | Lithium Ion |
Battery Weight | 1 Grams |
Target Gender | Unisex |
Connectivity Technology | Wireless |
Continuous Shooting Speed | 7 fps |
Controller Type | Remote |
Wireless Communication Technology | Bluetooth, Wi-Fi |
Flash Memory Type | Slot 1: SD/SDHC/SDXC (UHS-II)Slot 2: SD/SDHC/SDXC (UHS-I) |
Memory Slots Available | 2 |
Special Feature | 5-Axis Sensor-Shift Image Stabilization; Contrast-Detect 225-Area DFD AF System; V-Log, HDR, and Dual Native ISO |
Water Resistance Level | Water Resistant |
Skill Level | Professional |
Form Factor | Mirrorless |
Hardware Interface | Bluetooth, HDMI |
Audio Recording | Yes |
Diaphragm Blades | 9 |
Audio Output Type | Headphones |
Photo Sensor Technology | CMOS |
GPS | No GPS |
Operating Humidity | 10 to 80% |
Product guides and documents
Product Description
LUMIX S5 is a hybrid full-frame mirrorless camera that achieves both excellent performance in photo/video in a compact body designed for aspirational content creators. At the heart of the camera, the LUMIX S5 contains a 24.2-megapixel 35mm full-frame CMOS sensor that boasts a wide dynamic range and high sensitivity performance made possible by sufficient light condensation. The LUMIX S5 further realizes recording maximum ISO51200 crystal-clear high sensitivity video with the adoption of the Dual Native ISO technology. The LUMIX S5 is capable of 4K 60p/50p 4:2:0 10-bit, and 4K 30p/25p 4:2:2 10-bit internal recording. It is also capable of 4K 60p/50p 4:2:2 10-bit HDMI output. For 4K 30p/25p 4:2:0 8-bit internal recording, there is no time limit. Panasonic’s exceptional heat dispersion technology realizes stable, long time video recording. The LUMIX S5 provides 14+ stops of dynamic range, which is as wide as those of cinema cameras, and V-Log / V-Gamut compatibility with popular colorimetry called “VariCam Look”. A variety of recording formats and modes including 4:3 Anamorphic mode, Slow & Quick Motion, 4K/60p interval shooting and 4K HDR are also provided. The LUMIX S5 boasts high-speed, high-precision AF in both photo shooting and video recording that are made possible with advanced deep-learning technology featuring real-time detection of the subject’s type and parts such as human eye, face, head and body. Combining the Body I.S. (5-axis) in the camera and the O.I.S. (Optical Image Stabilizer, 2-axis) in the LUMIX S Series lens, the 5-axis Dual I.S.2 compensates for blurring even powerfully, allowing the use of a 6.5-stop*3 slower shutter speed. The splash/dust-resistant rugged design provides professional photographers with high reliability. To enhance the photographic experience, the 96-megapixel High Resolution Mode (JPEG/RAW), Live View Composite function and HLG Photo mode are available. LUMIX S 20-60mm F3.5-5.6 Lens included.
Read about our customers' top-rated cameras and lenses on our review pages: Compact System Cameras, Lenses
Customer reviews
Customer Reviews, including Product Star Ratings help customers to learn more about the product and decide whether it is the right product for them.
To calculate the overall star rating and percentage breakdown by star, we don’t use a simple average. Instead, our system considers things like how recent a review is and if the reviewer bought the item on Amazon. It also analyzed reviews to verify trustworthiness.
Learn more how customers reviews work on AmazonCustomers say
Customers like the quality, color, and features of the camera. For example, they say it's an excellent full-frame camera, with a beautiful fully articulated screen. Customers are also impresseded with the image stabilization, noise, and ease of use. However, some customers have mixed opinions about the autofocus.
AI-generated from the text of customer reviews
Customers like the image quality of the camera. They say that it can shoot amazing stills and top-notch video. They also appreciate the v-log and full-frame output. Overall, customers say that the GH5 is the best full- frame camera on the market right now.
"...The stand out features of this is the video quality, and IBIS. I primarily use this for video in 10 bit.The good..." Read more
"...Happy with the image quality, and the lightweight 20-60mm lens...." Read more
"I love my Gh5. It's made a lot of great videos and it's made me a LOT of money over the years. My only gripe was the M4/3 format for several reasons...." Read more
"Camera has a great 4k video quality. Great low light paired with a fast lens like a f1.8Auto focus is not the best, but we all know...." Read more
Customers are satisfied with the quality of the camera. They mention it's an excellent full frame camera, an amazing all-rounder, and a solid photography camera. The optics are pristine and the camera looks and works equally fantastic. The viewfinder is good and the ability to place the LCD screen implements well. Overall, customers are happy with their purchase and recommend it to others.
"...The Lumix won out because of its better menu system, jpeg colors, build quality, ergonomics, IBIS, and hi-res shot mode...." Read more
"...Fun with manual focus lenses with focus peaking enabled along with IBIS.The not so great..." Read more
"Excellent camera. It wont repplace professional video cameras, but gets pretty close. As for stills, no reservations at all." Read more
"...Good viewfinder, and ability to place the LCD screen implements well also. Connectivity and ports are ample...." Read more
Customers are satisfied with the color of the digital camera. They mention that the color is amazing, the image looks professional, and the pictures are incredible. They also appreciate the fully articulated screen and the standard picture profile. Customers also mention that they like the optics are pristine and the camera looks and works well.
"...The Lumix won out because of its better menu system, jpeg colors, build quality, ergonomics, IBIS, and hi-res shot mode...." Read more
"...I'm overall happy with the purchase.The standard picture profile is the best. lot of settings for video, build quality felt great in the hands...." Read more
"...5.9k recording, Vlog, CineD, every dime of settings, beautiful fully articulated screen, pretty much everything the bigger brother S1H have...." Read more
"...It seems like the optics are pristine and the camera looked and worked equally fantastic, but when you pay for a new product..." Read more
Customers are satisfied with the features of the digital camera. They mention that it has a lot of settings for video, and the build quality feels great in the hands. They appreciate the multiple profiles and the ability to tweak most of them. They also mention that the LCD screen can be customized to their liking with multiple options.
"...There are several profiles to choose from, and you can additionally tweak most of them...." Read more
"...The standard picture profile is the best. lot of settings for video, build quality felt great in the hands. No complaints at all..." Read more
"...wants, 4k 10 bit 4:2:2, external 5.9k recording, Vlog, CineD, every dime of settings, beautiful fully articulated screen, pretty much everything the..." Read more
"Definitely a great camera with loads of options! Internal 6k at 30p sold me. 422 10bit is awesome to work with...." Read more
Customers are satisfied with the image stabilization of the camera. They mention that it has a magical effect, and is far superior to the a7siii.
"...me the S5 had much better motion interpretation, and again way way better stabilization. The S5 to me was a clearly better choice for my work...." Read more
"...definitely see the nice depth and HD to the videos the image stabilization work really great I've tested this camera with and without a gimbal you..." Read more
"...Magical image stabilizationGreat ergonomics, far superior to the a7siii..." Read more
"Very strong camera at this price rance..." Read more
Customers like the noise of the digital camera. They say it has beautiful noise at high ISO, they love the multicam record beep sound, and the built in sound pre-amps are good enough. However, some customers feel external recorders will be cleaner.
"...The built in sound pre-amps are good enough, but external recorders will be cleaner. I never use the built-in microphones...." Read more
"...the video shows 8 S5 cameras in full record sync, I love that multicam record beep sound." Read more
"Excellent raw images in terms of dynamic range and noise profile. Cleans up really well upto ISO 25600. Great JPEG colors upto ISO 800...." Read more
"...Great ergonomics, far superior to the a7siiiBeautiful noise at high ISO because you can nearly turn noise reduction off...." Read more
Customers find the digital camera easy to use. They mention that it has a great image resolution and an easy-to-use menu system. Some say that the Lumix won out because of its better menu system, jpeg colors, and build quality.
"...The Lumix won out because of its better menu system, jpeg colors, build quality, ergonomics, IBIS, and hi-res shot mode...." Read more
"...-24MP video images give you great image resolving-easy to use menu just like the Gh5..." Read more
"Love the camera. Easy to use and pics are incredible" Read more
Customers are mixed about the autofocus of the digital camera. Some mention that it's fantastic, works fine when taking photographs, and has a great interface for focusing accurately. However, others say that it lags behind Sony and that the focus switch might get changed.
"...The focus switch might get changed, or your burst mode selector type (leftmost dial) might switch to a different burst mode without realizing it...." Read more
"...I'm primarily a stills photographer and I've found the autofocus to be fantastic. It's great at grabbing onto eyes and faces...." Read more
"...CONS:-auto focus still lags behind Sony (but I almost never use it, so not a concern for me)-..." Read more
"...The S5 has better autofocus performance compared to the G85 but it still won’t beat an iPhone...." Read more
Reviews with images
-
Top reviews
Top reviews from the United States
There was a problem filtering reviews right now. Please try again later.
The only other mirrorless system that has extensive third-party lenses is Sony and I considered the A7III. The Lumix won out because of its better menu system, jpeg colors, build quality, ergonomics, IBIS, and hi-res shot mode.
I'm primarily a stills photographer and I've found the autofocus to be fantastic. It's great at grabbing onto eyes and faces. When subjects turn, it's still able to track their head movements. I've experimented with old manual focus Canon FD lenses and it has a great interface for focusing accurately with those as well.
I highly recommend this camera. It makes photography fun and a broad lens selection affordable.
Reviewed in the United States on March 23, 2021
The only other mirrorless system that has extensive third-party lenses is Sony and I considered the A7III. The Lumix won out because of its better menu system, jpeg colors, build quality, ergonomics, IBIS, and hi-res shot mode.
I'm primarily a stills photographer and I've found the autofocus to be fantastic. It's great at grabbing onto eyes and faces. When subjects turn, it's still able to track their head movements. I've experimented with old manual focus Canon FD lenses and it has a great interface for focusing accurately with those as well.
I highly recommend this camera. It makes photography fun and a broad lens selection affordable.
The good
I do not have overheating issues when shooting in 10 bit mode, though in 90F heat I do feel it get noticeably warm after an hour. I have not had it shut down on me.
The battery is typically safe for 1:30 of 10 bit footage (1:45 or 1:50 total possibly) when using the LCD. Using 3rd party batteries there is at least 15% less run time on average.
When comparing against the Sony A7, there is the light weight construction (sony is no different) control ergonomics (something sony lacks) and control options (way better than sony).
The video quality is better than my D850. I have at least four video profiles set up on my camera depending on the situation, but you can have more under C3 by going through the menu. I have shot it in (almost) complete darkness and was able to get usable footage after some light cleaning (flat profile).
For sound, the auto limit works and keeps things from clipping.
The 20-60mm lens is pretty good as a kit video lens for most things. It has a sharpness falloff after 35mm or so, but most of my use is at 20mm.
The LCD screen can be customized to your liking with multiple options. There are several profiles to choose from, and you can additionally tweak most of them. I use Cine-D for outside, Natural for indoors, Flat for low light and the last one is the 8 bit mode in 709 for long shooting. Lots of control here.
No issues with Auto-focus when shooting pictures. Having the options to choose either e-shutter or mechanical is an advantage when you want to shoot silently.
Fun with manual focus lenses with focus peaking enabled along with IBIS.
The not so great
Battery life indicator does not have % indication. This makes it difficult to tell if you have 5 more minites of video life left or 30 seconds, when running thr battery down. Though normally getting the battery that low to begin with is bad practice.
The supplied charger is no good. It takes too long, costs too much and takes up more space than needed. I use the XTAR 4 bay charger to charge multiple batteries.
So the auto focus can hunt some times, which typically happens when there is low light (when you're at iso 12800). This can happen with rapid subject changes too. This isn't news. It's typically not an issue most of the time in normal light with subject tracking enabled.
The built in sound pre-amps are good enough, but external recorders will be cleaner. I never use the built-in microphones.
When taking pictures, the D850 is clearly better. The Nikon has a better grip, even if bigger and heavier, for my hands. The grip on the S5 hurts my hand after extensive shooting. Buffer depth is not high enough on the S5 for my liking, though it's fine once you put a V90 card in. My biggest annoyance is that the Nikon gives me all of the options that I need to tune the Jpeg output where it's perfect out of the camera, but this isn't the case with the Panasonic. What the Panasonic is missing is a separate brightness option, that allows me to pull down shadows in a specific way while boosting highlights without clipping everything. In Raw, I more or less can get there - obviously slightly different due to being different brands.
Exposure drift on static objects. When using auto-iso in video on a static scene the camera will sometimes start to overexpose by two stops for some reason. Switching to manual iso drops you all the way to the base, which ruins the footage. Dialing in exposure compensation while this starts to happen is an experience of chasing your own tail. This is with the latest firmware.
The USB-C port on my camera does not work off external power when recording. I verified this with a USB power meter. I use a dummy battery with a USB-C connector in to a battery. This runs without issue except when the battery gets depleted, which causes an abrupt end to the video corrupting it - Panasonic provides a software tool to rescue your footage and it does work.
Battery grip tax. Some brands charge obscene amounts of money for battery grips, which is mainly plastic and some wires, and Panasonic is no different.
Other
The electronic image stabilization can introduce artifacts in to your footage, but this is expected behavior. While the IBIS does work, it's not magic and shaky footage will still be ruined.
I like controls to be lockable against accidental changes, this is a feature of typically expensive DSLRs for pro's. One thing that can happen is that the switches might move. The focus switch might get changed, or your burst mode selector type (leftmost dial) might switch to a different burst mode without realizing it. This is typically a risk when you have the camera hanging off while you walk around - from repeated brushing up against clothes.
Versus the S5 II and X
Looking at the specifications, the main stand out feature for me is the ability to record 10 bit without a time limit. I have lost some moments because I was not paying enough attention, granted that is ultimately my fault.
The second attractive feature is the larger buffer for taking images. With this I would not need to keep V90 cards just for pictures and keep the large capacity V30 cards for video in the camera.
The better auto focus comes with a cost, mainly reduced ability to pull up shadows due to banding. This S5 does not have banding. But I suspect for most this will be the main desired feature.
I'm a SOC (Society Of Camera Ops member), and enjoy using it for handheld work also. Good viewfinder, and ability to place the LCD screen implements well also. Connectivity and ports are ample. Pair it with a fast lens for very low light shooting. Typical night lighting, it images fine.
Basically like I mentioned, it can record 4K 10bit onto pretty standard SDXC cards. Yes you can go down the higher bitrate road to wherever with the Sony and others, but this one can go there too, externally to a Ninja V, in 6K. Personally if I need 6K in 12 bit, I would rather buy regular useable recording memory, ie SDXC cards and SSD drives, instead of proprietary or expensive memory.
The power options are excellent, the single battery last a long time, and it can take external power through USB-C.
So I started this whole rig with building it with Sony A7SIII's. I quickly changed that when looking at a side by side sequence shot with both cameras (A7SIII and S5). The test was at night. To me the S5 had much better motion interpretation, and again way way better stabilization. The S5 to me was a clearly better choice for my work.
One last thing, the video shows 8 S5 cameras in full record sync, I love that multicam record beep sound.
Reviewed in the United States on February 11, 2021
I'm a SOC (Society Of Camera Ops member), and enjoy using it for handheld work also. Good viewfinder, and ability to place the LCD screen implements well also. Connectivity and ports are ample. Pair it with a fast lens for very low light shooting. Typical night lighting, it images fine.
Basically like I mentioned, it can record 4K 10bit onto pretty standard SDXC cards. Yes you can go down the higher bitrate road to wherever with the Sony and others, but this one can go there too, externally to a Ninja V, in 6K. Personally if I need 6K in 12 bit, I would rather buy regular useable recording memory, ie SDXC cards and SSD drives, instead of proprietary or expensive memory.
The power options are excellent, the single battery last a long time, and it can take external power through USB-C.
So I started this whole rig with building it with Sony A7SIII's. I quickly changed that when looking at a side by side sequence shot with both cameras (A7SIII and S5). The test was at night. To me the S5 had much better motion interpretation, and again way way better stabilization. The S5 to me was a clearly better choice for my work.
One last thing, the video shows 8 S5 cameras in full record sync, I love that multicam record beep sound.
Top reviews from other countries
No le doy 5 estrellas por que el manual es incomprensible; hay ajustes que no se explican y se necesita guía para poder hacerlos. Tuve que preguntar en foros de usuarios en Internet.
El peor manual de cámara que he tenido. Todavía hay dos ajustes que no entiendo.
Por lo demás la cámara es buena, enfoca rápido y tiene buen sensor. No me gusta su ergonomía y distribución de los controles.