Review of the Panasonic LUMIX S5: Buying Guide
The Panasonic LUMIX S5 II is a compact and lightweight mirrorless full frame camera that is designed to offer high-quality performance for both still photography and recording videos. Of the cameras on the market this is one to add to your shopping cart. It features a 24.2-megapixel full-frame CMOS sensor, which delivers excellent quality images with accurate color reproduction and impressive dynamic range.
One of the standout features of the Panasonic LUMIX S5 II is its video capabilities. It can shoot 4K video at up to 60 frames per second, and it supports 10-bit internal recording, which allows for greater color depth and more flexibility in post-production. Additionally, the camera includes several advanced video features, such as V-Log recording, high-speed recording, and slow-motion recording.
In terms of autofocus, the Panasonic LUMIX S5 II uses a contrast-detect autofocus system that is fast and accurate. It also includes face and eye detection, which makes it easy to capture sharp portraits and group shots.
Other features of the Panasonic LUMIX S5 II include built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity, a high-resolution electronic viewfinder, and a fully articulating touchscreen LCD. The camera is also weather-sealed, which makes it ideal for outdoor photography and videography.
Overall, the Panasonic LUMIX S5 II is an excellent camera that delivers impressive performance for both still photography and videos. Its compact and lightweight design makes it easy to carry around, and its advanced features make it suitable for a wide range of creative applications. If you’re looking for a high-quality mirrorless camera that can handle both stills and video, the Panasonic LUMIX S5 II is definitely worth considering.
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Lumix s5 Specifications:
- Brand: Panasonic
- Model Name: Panasonic LUMIX S5M2 Full Frame Mirrorless Camera with 20-60mm F3.5-5.6 L Mount Interchangeable Lens
- Form Factor: Mirrorless
- Connectivity: Bluetooth, Wifi, USB, HDMI
- Screen Size: 3 Inches
- Image processor: Venus Engine
- Effective Still Resolution : 24.2MP CMOS full-frame sensor
- Lens mount: L mount interchangeable lens
- AF points: contrast AF
- Video: 4K/60p 10-Bit 4:2:0, FHD 180 fps S&Q mode
- Size: 132.6 x 97.1 x 81.9 mm
- Weight: 714g (body with card and battery)
Key Features:
Sensor and Image Quality:
The Panasonic LUMIX S5 II features a 24.2-megapixel full-frame CMOS sensor that delivers excellent image quality with high-resolution and low noise. The panasonic lumix s5 sensor is capable of capturing images with an ISO range of 100-51200, which can be expanded to ISO 50-204800. The camera also includes a Venus Engine processor that enhances the quality of the images and reduces noise.
Autofocus:
The camera features a contrast-detect autofocus system that uses 225 AF areas for precise focusing. The autofocus system is fast and accurate, and it includes face and eye detection, making it easy to capture sharp portraits and group shots. The camera can also focus in low-light conditions down to -6EV, making it ideal for low-light photography.
Video Capabilities:
The Panasonic LUMIX S5 II is a camera that is designed with videographers in mind. It can shoot 4K video at up to 60 frames per second and offers 10-bit internal recording for greater color depth and flexibility in post-production. Additionally, it supports HDR video recording, which provides a wider dynamic range, and it includes several advanced video features, such as V-Log recording, high-speed recording, and slow-motion recording.
Viewfinder and LCD:
The Panasonic LUMIX S5 II features a high-resolution electronic viewfinder (EVF) with 2.36 million dots that provides a clear and detailed view of the scene. The EVF has a refresh rate of 120 frames per second, which ensures a smooth and lag-free viewfinder experience. Additionally, the lumix s5 camera includes a fully articulating touchscreen LCD with a resolution of 1.84 million dots that can be tilted in various directions, making it easy to shoot from different angles.
Connectivity:
The camera includes built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity, allowing users to transfer photos and videos wirelessly to their smartphones or tablets for easy sharing on social media. The lumix s5 also includes a USB-C port for charging and data transfer and a 3.5mm headphone jack for monitoring audio during video recording.
Weather-sealing:
The Panasonic LUMIX S5 II is weather-sealed, which means it is dust and splash resistant. It makes panasonic lumix an ideal camera for outdoor photography and videography, as it can withstand harsh weather conditions.
Features to Note:
Dual native iso: This Dual Native ISO a Panasonic feature that basically allows you to have two film stock in one image. Check out the link provided to learn more.
Full frame sensor: A full-frame sensor is a camera that has a historically standard film format of 35 mm. Read more about this here.
Professional Video Quality: Read the Digital Camera World review to learn about the things that the camera can do in terms of video.
Kit Lens: The kit lens for the lumix s5 camera is a Wide Angle and is compatible with Leica L.
Electronic shutter: electronic shutter vs Mechanical shutter, learn more here.
Build and Handling
In terms of handling, the Panasonic LUMIX S5II Mirrorless Camera is designed to be intuitive and easy to use, even for photographers and videographers who are new to the Panasonic ecosystem. The camera body is relatively compact and lightweight, making it easy to carry around and use for extended periods of time.
The grip on the S5II is well-designed and comfortable, providing a secure and stable hold on the camera even when shooting handheld. The layout of the controls is also well thought-out, with the most frequently used buttons and dials easily accessible without having to fumble around or take your eye away from the viewfinder.
The S5II also features a high-resolution electronic viewfinder (EVF) that provides a clear and detailed view of the scene, even in bright sunlight. The EVF is responsive and easy to use, with a wide range of customization options that allow you to tailor the display to your specific needs and preferences.
The rear LCD screen on the S5II is also impressive, with a large 3-inch touchscreen display that provides a clear and bright view of your images and videos. The touchscreen functionality is responsive and intuitive, allowing you to quickly and easily navigate through menus and adjust settings with a simple touch.
Overall, the handling of the Panasonic LUMIX S5II Mirrorless Camera is excellent, with a well-designed and intuitive layout of controls and a comfortable and secure grip that makes it easy to use for extended periods of time. Whether you’re a professional photographer or videographer, or a hobbyist looking for a high-performance camera that’s easy to use, the S5II is definitely worth considering.
Performance
The Panasonic LUMIX S5II Mirrorless Camera offers exceptional performance across a range of shooting situations, thanks to its advanced features and cutting-edge technology.
At the heart of the S5II is a 24.2-megapixel full-frame sensor that delivers stunning image quality with exceptional detail and clarity. The sensor is paired with an advanced Venus Engine image processor, which provides fast and accurate performance and excellent noise reduction, even at high ISO settings.
One of the standout features of the S5II is its Phase Hybrid AF system, which uses both contrast-detection and phase-detection autofocus to deliver fast and accurate focusing performance in a wide range of lighting conditions. The AF system is highly responsive and accurate, making it easy to capture sharp and detailed images, even when shooting fast-moving subjects or in low light.
The S5II also features advanced image stabilization technology, including new Active I.S. technology, which provides exceptional stabilization that minimizes camera shake and ensures sharp images, even when shooting handheld. This feature is particularly useful for video recording, as it allows you to capture smooth and steady footage without the need for a tripod or stabilizer.
In addition to its advanced still imaging capabilities, the S5II also offers exceptional video performance, with the ability to record unlimited 4:2:2 10-bit video at up to 60 frames per second. This makes it an excellent choice for professional videographers who demand the highest level of quality and flexibility from their equipment.
Overall, the performance of the Panasonic LUMIX S5II Mirrorless Camera is exceptional, with advanced features and cutting-edge technology that deliver exceptional image quality, fast and accurate autofocus, and outstanding image stabilization. Whether you’re a professional photographer or videographer, or a hobbyist looking for a high-performance camera that can handle any situation, the S5II is definitely worth considering.
N CONCLUSION
The Panasonic LUMIX S5 II is a versatile and high-performance mirrorless camera that delivers excellent image and quality of video. Its advanced features and compact design make it an excellent choice for photographers and videographers who want a camera that can handle both stills and video. Additionally, its weather-sealed construction makes it suitable for use in various outdoor environments.
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