Panasonic LUMIX S5 Camera Review

The Panasonic LUMIX S5 is a versatile full-frame mirrorless camera that caters to both photographers and videographers. As one of Panasonic’s first consumer full-frame cameras, it is designed to offer a comprehensive set of features to hybrid shooters. With internal 10-bit 4:2:2 capture, a wide range of recording formats and codecs, and an impressive in-body image stabilization (IBIS) system, the LUMIX S5 stands out in the crowded market of mirrorless cameras. However, it is not without its drawbacks, including an outdated contrast-based autofocus system and a relatively slow maximum burst rate.

See Price On Amazon

Panasonic LUMIX S5 Camera Review: Specifications and Key Features

The Panasonic LUMIX S5 is a versatile full-frame mirrorless camera designed to cater to both photographers and videographers. Below is a comprehensive overview of its specifications and key features.

Specifications

Body

Dimensions: 132.6 x 97.1 x 81.9 mm (5.22 x 3.82 x 3.22 in)
Weight: 714 g (1.57 lb) including battery and memory card
Construction: Magnesium alloy body with weather-sealing

Sensor

Type: Full-frame CMOS sensor
Resolution: 24.2 megapixels
Aspect Ratio: 3:2
Dual Native ISO: Yes

Image Processor

Venus Engine

Lens Mount

L-Mount

Viewfinder

Type: OLED Live View Finder
Resolution: 2.36 million dots
Magnification: 0.74x

LCD Monitor

Type: Free-angle TFT LCD touchscreen
Size: 3.0 inches
Resolution: 1.84 million dots

Autofocus

Type: Contrast-based with DFD (Depth from Defocus) technology
Points: 225-area
Features: Face/Eye/Head/Body detection

Image Stabilization

Type: 5-axis in-body image stabilization (Dual I.S. 2)
Compensation: Up to 6.5 stops

Shutter

Type: Focal-plane shutter
Speed: 1/8000 to 60 seconds (mechanical), 1/16000 to 1 second (electronic)
Continuous Shooting: Up to 7 fps with continuous AF

Video Recording

Resolution: 4K UHD (3840 x 2160) up to 60 fps
Full HD (1920 x 1080) up to 180 fps
Formats: MP4, MOV
Bit Depth: 10-bit 4:2:2 internal recording
V-Log/V-Gamut: Yes, with 14+ stops dynamic range
RAW Output: 12-bit RAW via HDMI

Audio

Inputs: 3.5mm microphone jack, 3.5mm headphone jack
Internal Microphone: Stereo

Connectivity

Wireless: Wi-Fi 802.11ac, Bluetooth 4.2
Ports: USB 3.1 Type-C, HDMI Type-D (Micro), 2.5mm remote socket
Card Slots: Dual SD UHS-II slots

Battery

Type: DMW-BLK22 lithium-ion battery
Life: Approx. 440 shots (LCD), 470 shots (EVF) per CIPA standards

Key Features

Ergonomic Design

The Panasonic LUMIX S5 features an ergonomic design with a well-contoured grip, making it comfortable to hold during extended shooting sessions. The button layout is intuitive, allowing for easy access to essential controls.

High-Resolution Sensor

The 24.2-megapixel full-frame CMOS sensor delivers exceptional image quality with rich details and dynamic range. The sensor’s Dual Native ISO technology minimizes noise at high sensitivities, ensuring clean images even in low-light conditions.

Versatile Autofocus System

The contrast-based autofocus system with DFD technology offers 225 focus points and includes face, eye, head, and body detection. While not as fast as phase-detection systems, it provides accurate focus for a variety of subjects.

Advanced Image Stabilization

The 5-axis Dual I.S. 2 system provides up to 6.5 stops of stabilization, making it easier to capture sharp images and smooth video footage, even at slower shutter speeds or when shooting handheld.

Impressive Video Capabilities

The LUMIX S5 excels in video recording, offering 4K video at up to 60 fps and Full HD at up to 180 fps for slow-motion effects. It supports 10-bit 4:2:2 internal recording and 12-bit RAW output via HDMI, catering to professional videographers.

Fully Articulated Touchscreen

The 3.0-inch free-angle touchscreen LCD allows for flexible shooting angles and is ideal for vlogging. The high-resolution screen provides a clear and bright display, enhancing the shooting experience.

Dual Native ISO

The Dual Native ISO technology optimizes performance for both low and high ISO settings, reducing noise and expanding the dynamic range, which is especially useful in challenging lighting conditions.

High-Resolution Mode

The camera features a 96MP High-Resolution mode that combines multiple images to create an ultra-high-resolution photo. This mode is perfect for capturing intricate details in landscapes, architecture, and studio work.

Extensive Connectivity Options

The LUMIX S5 includes built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth for easy wireless transfer of images and remote control via smart devices. It also features a range of physical connectivity options, including USB-C, HDMI, and audio jacks.

Live View Composite Mode

This mode allows photographers to capture stunning composite images by combining several live shots. It’s particularly useful for creative photography, such as capturing fireworks or star trails.

V-Log/V-Gamut

The inclusion of V-Log/V-Gamut with 14+ stops of dynamic range provides videographers with greater flexibility in post-production, enabling more precise color grading and a wider tonal range.

Robust Build Quality

The magnesium alloy body with full weather-sealing ensures that the LUMIX S5 can withstand harsh environments, making it a reliable choice for outdoor and travel photography.

Dual SD Card Slots

The dual SD UHS-II card slots offer flexibility and security for recording media, supporting relay recording, backup recording, and allocation of different file types to separate cards.

In summary, the Panasonic LUMIX S5 is a highly capable and versatile full-frame mirrorless camera that excels in both photography and videography. Its combination of high-quality image capture, advanced video features, and robust build makes it an excellent choice for hybrid shooters. However, potential buyers should consider their specific needs, especially regarding autofocus performance and burst shooting capabilities, to determine if the LUMIX S5 is the right fit for them.

See Price On Amazon

Design and Build Quality

The Panasonic LUMIX S5 is built with a robust magnesium alloy body that provides durability and a premium feel. The camera is also weather-sealed, which means it can handle various environmental conditions, making it suitable for outdoor shoots in different weather scenarios. Despite being a full-frame camera, the LUMIX S5 is relatively compact and lightweight, weighing around 714 grams (including battery and memory card). This makes it a practical option for photographers and videographers who need to carry their gear for extended periods.

Comfort and Ergonomics

Comfort is crucial for a camera that is intended for both photography and videography. The Panasonic LUMIX S5 scores well in this regard with its ergonomic design. The grip is well-contoured, providing a secure hold, which is essential for handheld shooting. The button layout is intuitive, and the controls are easily accessible, allowing for quick adjustments on the fly. Additionally, the camera features a fully articulated touchscreen LCD, making it convenient to shoot from various angles and for vlogging purposes.

Image Quality

The image quality produced by the Panasonic LUMIX S5 is outstanding. The camera boasts a 24.2-megapixel full-frame CMOS sensor that delivers high-resolution images with excellent detail and dynamic range. The colors are vibrant, and the camera performs exceptionally well in low-light conditions, thanks to its Dual Native ISO technology, which minimizes noise even at higher sensitivities. For landscape and studio photographers, the 96MP High-Resolution mode is a significant advantage, allowing for incredibly detailed and large prints.

Autofocus System

One of the notable aspects of the Panasonic LUMIX S5 is its autofocus system. The camera employs a contrast-based autofocus system, which, while accurate, is not as fast or reliable as the phase-detection systems found in some of its competitors. This can be particularly noticeable when tracking moving subjects or in low-light conditions, where the autofocus may struggle to keep up. The camera does include face, eye, head, and body detection, which helps improve the accuracy of focus on people, but the overall performance still lags behind more advanced systems.

Video Capabilities

The Panasonic LUMIX S5 shines in its video capabilities, making it an excellent choice for videographers. It can record 4K video at up to 60 frames per second (fps), though 60 fps recording is only available with an APS-C crop. The camera supports a variety of recording formats and codecs, including 10-bit 4:2:2 video internally and 12-bit RAW video output via HDMI, providing flexibility for post-production. Additionally, the LUMIX S5 offers V-Log/V-Gamut with a 14+ stop dynamic range, enabling cinematic video capture with rich color grading options.

In-Body Image Stabilization (IBIS)

The IBIS system in the Panasonic LUMIX S5 is another strong feature, particularly for handheld shooting. The 5-axis Dual I.S. 2 system enables up to 6.5 stops of stabilization, which helps reduce camera shake and produce smoother video footage and sharper images, even at slower shutter speeds. This is particularly beneficial for video recording and low-light photography, where stabilization is critical to achieving high-quality results.

Battery Life

Battery life is an important consideration for any camera, and the Panasonic LUMIX S5 performs admirably in this area. The camera uses a DMW-BLK22 lithium-ion battery, which provides a respectable amount of shooting time. On a full charge, the battery can last for approximately 440 shots using the LCD or 470 shots using the EVF (electronic viewfinder), based on CIPA standards. For video recording, the battery life is also satisfactory, allowing for extended shooting sessions without frequent recharges.

Connectivity

The Panasonic LUMIX S5 offers a range of connectivity options that enhance its versatility. The camera includes built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, enabling easy wireless transfer of images and remote control via a smartphone or tablet. This is particularly useful for on-the-go photographers who need to share their work quickly or control the camera from a distance. The camera also features various inputs and outputs, including a microphone jack, headphone jack, and USB-C port. However, it lacks a full-sized HDMI port, which may be a drawback for some professional videographers who prefer this connection for external monitors or recorders.

Durability and Weather Sealing

For photographers and videographers who frequently shoot outdoors or in challenging environments, the durability and weather sealing of the Panasonic LUMIX S5 are significant advantages. The camera’s magnesium alloy body is not only robust but also fully weather-sealed to protect against dust and moisture. This means that users can confidently take the camera into adverse conditions without worrying about damage, making it a reliable companion for travel and adventure photography.

Low-Light Performance

The Panasonic LUMIX S5 excels in low-light performance, thanks to its Dual Native ISO technology. This feature allows the camera to switch between two native ISO settings, optimizing performance for both low and high sensitivity. As a result, the LUMIX S5 can capture clean and detailed images in various lighting conditions, with minimal noise even at higher ISO levels. This makes it an excellent choice for night photography, indoor shoots, and other low-light situations.

Burst Rate and Buffer

While the Panasonic LUMIX S5 offers many advanced features, its burst rate and buffer capacity are areas where it falls short compared to some competitors. The camera can shoot at a maximum burst rate of 7 frames per second (fps) with continuous autofocus, which is adequate for many situations but not ideal for fast-action photography. Additionally, the buffer capacity is limited, meaning that the camera may slow down after a few seconds of continuous shooting. This limitation makes the LUMIX S5 less suitable for sports and wildlife photographers who require higher burst rates and larger buffer capacities.

User Interface and Menu System

The user interface and menu system of the Panasonic LUMIX S5 are well-designed and user-friendly. The camera features a clear and intuitive menu structure that makes it easy to navigate and find settings. The fully articulated touchscreen further enhances the user experience, allowing for quick and convenient adjustments. Customizable function buttons and an intuitive control layout contribute to a seamless shooting experience, catering to both novice and experienced users.

L-Mount System

The Panasonic LUMIX S5 uses the L-Mount system, which is a collaboration between Panasonic, Leica, and Sigma. This mount system provides users with a wide range of lens options, including high-quality lenses from all three manufacturers. The flexibility of the L-Mount system allows photographers and videographers to choose from a variety of lenses to suit their specific needs, whether it’s for portrait, landscape, macro, or telephoto photography. Additionally, the L-Mount Alliance ensures ongoing support and development of new lenses, expanding the possibilities for creative expression.

Additional Features

The Panasonic LUMIX S5 comes equipped with several additional features that enhance its functionality and creative potential. The camera includes a Live View Composite mode, which allows users to create stunning composite images from multiple exposures, perfect for capturing fireworks or starry skies. Another notable feature is the 180fps Full HD slow-motion recording option, enabling the creation of dramatic slow-motion footage. These features, combined with the camera’s robust performance and versatility, make the LUMIX S5 a powerful tool for creative professionals.

Recommendations

After a thorough review of the Panasonic LUMIX S5, it is clear that this camera offers a compelling combination of features for hybrid shooters who need both excellent photo and video capabilities. Its robust build quality, outstanding image stabilization, and impressive video features make it a strong contender in the full-frame mirrorless market.

Who Should Buy the Panasonic LUMIX S5?

Videographers and Filmmakers: The camera’s 4K 60fps recording, 10-bit 4:2:2 internal capture, and V-Log/V-Gamut support make it an excellent choice for video production. The additional features like the 180fps slow-motion and Live View Composite mode further enhance its appeal for creative videography.
Travel Photographers: Despite being on the heavier side for a mirrorless camera, the LUMIX S5’s weather-sealing, IBIS, and excellent image quality make it a reliable choice for travel photography.
Studio Photographers: The high-resolution mode, Dual Native ISO, and impressive dynamic range make it suitable for studio work where image quality is paramount.

Who Might Want to Look Elsewhere?

Sports and Wildlife Photographers: Due to its slower burst rate and limited autofocus performance, those who primarily shoot fast-moving subjects might find better options in other cameras with faster and more reliable autofocus systems.
On-the-go Vloggers: While the LUMIX S5 has a fully articulated screen and good video quality, its weight and size might be cumbersome for vloggers who need a more compact and lightweight setup for handheld shooting.

In conclusion, the Panasonic LUMIX S5 is a versatile and powerful camera that caters to a wide range of photographic and videographic needs. Its robust set of features, combined with excellent build quality and ease of use, make it a valuable tool for creative professionals.

See Price On Amazon