7 Epic Panasonic S5IIX Features Sony & Canon Can't Match

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[@borlach321]

It's amazing how Panasonic gets literally no love from the youtube community. It's all dominated by Canon & Sony. This was a great review!

[@learningcameras]

Appreciate it! Another more comprehensive video is on the way as well

[@LoFiAxolotl]

the GH5 is by far the best value camera you can get to record for youtube and other social media platforms.... the problem is that people think they need a Fullframe sensor.... the S5ii adresses that.... but Sony marketing is stronk.... look at their new camera.... so many features nobody needs or wants with a price tag matching all those features you will never actually use

[@sunlit777]

This is literally the first Panasonic camera that actually can auto-focus. Still not as good as Sony and Canon, but it they finally made it. YEARS after everyone else. Thats partly the reason why to your question. And still it cannot do 4k60 without full crop to APSC

[@avarmadillo]

Yes. A travesty, especially if you shoot video.

[@kentmemories]

S5IIX is very under-rated camera.

[@kaktamdela]

As always with lumix. Need more pr company’s

[@avarmadillo]

Really happy with my S5iiX--just wish it has internal Pro Res. Not a deal breaker. Best camera for the price on the market, especially if you shoot video.

[@SamRichardsonImage]

At this point, there's only 2 things lacking with the S5IIX: 4k50/60 cropped & sensor speed/rolling shutter (which is something like 22ms). Aside from that, it's an absolutely incredible camera (plus I'll bet the S1H mark II will address those)! L-mount is a fast growing system too, give it a few years and I'll bet there'll be a massive increase in options. SSD recording is super useful and BRAW external is a dream to use. It's so versatile and the image is just *chef's kiss*. It's my main camera for everything from weddings to music and corporate video work. Can barely fault it!

[@LoFiAxolotl]

other than sports and wildlife you really got everything covered... and really if you're shooting sports and wildlife you're using a Canon or Nikon.... Sony, Fuji, Olympus and Panasonic are really not even on your radar

[@avarmadillo]

Dan, how do you shoot Pro res internally on the S5IiX? I'm always using San Discs for external recording. But, as a FCPX editor Pro Res is my go too. But I'd prefer to shoot internally.

[@MODESTYXO205]

If you had to recommend a camera for Doc/ vlog content, I occasionally take pics. Would you recommend the r6 Mark 2, fx3, or I've-1? Do you have any other suggestion

[@learningcameras]

The S5IIX would probably be perfect for Docs especially but my choice for vlogging is usually the R6II because autofocus is a bit more reliable. So might depend on which is more important but both work well for the occasional photo. I think 12mp on the FX3 is a bit limiting for photos so you'd probably need 2 cameras for Sony

[@VeganLinked]

well, it depends on what he does with the pics. 12 megapixel is overkill for most digital needs. @@learningcameras

[@poikatiikeri]

i really wish it had more megapixels for stills, i would buy it if it had atleast 33mp

[@learningcameras]

Problem with more MP is that usually is an issue for video leading to more overheating, slower readout speeds, and slower frame rates. 24 is plenty for me though...even high end cameras like the Sony A9III and Canon R3 are 24mp

[@PaulAntonescu]

Can you record braw on atomos?

[@learningcameras]

You have to use a black magic recorder for that because of patent licenses

[@PaulAntonescu]

Thanks

[@ElMundoDuro]

There are other cameras with most all of these great features. They just also happen to be Pansonic cameras with Micro Four Thirds sensors(GH6 & G9II). The G9II which was just released has almost the exact same look and feel as the S5II. While the GH6 lacks PDAF and the G9II lacks active cooling, I really like the 4:3 aspect ratio of MFT sensors for use with Anamorphic lenses. It just happens that when you desqueeze that 4:3 1.33x open gate anamorphic video from those cameras, you end up with 8K video.

[@sunlit777]

all this pro video makers' stuff nobody of common video creators care about - 6K, prores, huge file sizes - we don't need that, we need panasonic colors and 60-120 frames per second UNCROPPED in 4K, thats it.

[@learningcameras]

I'm sure that will be their next high end camera. Not sure why but we haven't seen high end cameras from Panasonic in years so nothing in that A7sIII price range. The S5II is priced below the A7IV which also doesn't have 4k60 full frame so I didn't expect it in this camera

[@megahornballssniffershitpost]

300th like

[@ShellyBHollis]

Dan I just got my hands on the X paring it currently with the S1, Lumix just makes incredible products.

[@learningcameras]

That's awesome!!! They really are next level

[@Xploretogether]

I love this cam ….3/2 mode, anamorpgic modes, image stabilization, prores, waveform, import your own lut,… i wish it had 7-10 ms read out speed and internal nd… 4k 120 in ff mode and it would be lying dream cam…. Autofocus is 95% of sony …. But Panasonic updates are insane and it will get bettter and better every year…

[@wakeywarrior]

It’s a good camera and great value- problem is the AF does not match the newer Sonys and that becomes extremely irritating. All cameras have plus and minus points, I’m surprised no one has made the perfect camera yet. For example, this also crops at 4k 60 and is APSC I think at 120fps. My Sony ZVE1 does 4k 60 uncropped, 4k 120 10% crop and excels in low light. It allegedly can overheat but I’ve never had it do that as I don’t use it for hours of shooting.

[@ryszardzokowski812]

But also has only 12mpx. Don't forget that not everyone just using it for filming, but as hybrid photo&video cameram

[@wakeywarrior]

@@ryszardzokowski812 it actually takes really nice photos, and is a low light beast. The lack of mechanical shutter may be an issue for serious photographers, and the resolution for people who like to blow up photos, but I have a Nikon Z50 APSC and this camera takes better photos. The cameras I would chose now are either this Panasonic, or a Sony. I now have 4 Sony full frame lenses so am somewhat locked into the ecosystem now without more huge expense. I did have a Panasonic G9- great camera but Micro four thirds is dead now. This S5ii is a cracking camera, just wish they nailed 4k 120 like Sony as I use that ALL the time and the autofocus like Sony.

[@Xploretogether]

No 24mpx and if you set the af right is 95% of sony …. But Panasonic updates are insane and it will get bettter and better every year…

[@michaelbell75]

Ive used many cameras from Canon, Sony, Fuji, Panasonic, Olympus....mostly shoot Canon and was deciding between the S5II and the R6II. S5II went on sale for $1,700 and I bundled it with the 50 1.8 for an extra $47, sold. Ironically, I just rented a Canon R6II for the week, along with the RF 35 1.8 because the R6 has a faster burst rate which I need for this shoot. Anyhow, I got to compare it with my S5II since Im still within the 30 day return, but Im keeping the S5II. The 6K open gate video is incredible, better quality than the 4K video from the R6II, plus some other reasons I prefer the S5II. Also like I can have 3rd party lenses, grabbed a new Sigma 28-70 2.8 for $645, but I digress. Agree with all your points.

[@learningcameras]

Awesome! Yeah, the sales on these Panasonic's starting around black Friday have been INSANE. I'm surprised some of the other manufactures haven't jumped on open gate yet...seems obvious to just let you record from the entire sensor lol

[@LoFiAxolotl]

literal gate keeping..... but eventually Sony will let you open gate record... give it some weird marketing name and make the camera 1000$ more expensive and everyone will eat it up@@learningcameras

[@ШотаГоголи]

I often watch your reviews and consider you a professional,tell me which Lumix S5-2 or S5-2x to choose, as you indicated, I'm going to take photos on it besides video,I started on panasonic and will continue on it

[@learningcameras]

Thanks! The difference in price is pretty small so I'd say if you can swing for the X, do it. It will probably resale higher anyway. The X can do things no other full frame camera can do at this price. That said I don't often use the big features of the X so they aren't things that are needs for me personally

[@litesoutproduction]

Suffers from high rolling shutter ….nothing is ever perfect

[@learningcameras]

Hahaha...nothing is ever perfect. But as a reviewer I try to find faults, limitations, and areas of strength, point it out to you as the viewer, and you get to decide if it matters to you. For example, if your mostly shooting locked off interviews, talking head, or even youtube studio videos, even if rolling shutter was the worst of any camera, you wouldn't care and you should buy the camera anyway but if you shoot sports/action, maybe that's a make or break feature to you

[@arthurkravtsovchannel]

I don’t understand why only now everyone is admiring the characteristics that Panasonic introduced much earlier in the GH6? The GH6 also has an excellent stub and support for anamorphic lenses and a bunch of codecs, including Prores recording, recording to SSD, external RAW, etc. At the same time, the GH6 shoots 120 fps in 4K without cropping or loss of quality. Yes, the GH6 has a smaller sensor, but shallow depth of field is not often needed in video, and there are excellent micro 4/3 lenses for wide-angle shots. I like their full-frame S5IIx, but many reviews admire the characteristics that Panasonic essentially transferred from micro 4/3 to full frame, at the same time changing contrast autofocus to phase detection.

[@learningcameras]

Yeah, I think the S5IIx is a better "hybrid" photo/video camera which is why the latest hype. Many people need to shoot both or they are primarily photographers but need a camera that can also handle video well and that's where the S5IIx beats out the GH6. I used the GH series back when I was mostly shooting video 5+ years ago but once photo became important, I started shooting Sony & Canon full frame cameras more often so the S5IIx goes after that

[@arttiz01]

I wish Canon R6mkII and Sony A7IV could have some of the features of the Lumix. Including the fan! Thanks!

[@learningcameras]

Totally agree! It's crazy Panasonic is really the only one allowing a full sensor readout in native aspect ratios

[@simplelightmedia]

They would if they didn’t have a current cinema line and have to put everything into one or two cameras. If Sony did that then why have a cinema line?

[@tyronnezx]

some of these features are actually patented by Panasonic. So other brands may needto pay or will be barred from using the tech. Just like Panasonic was from PDAF

[@Xploretogether]

S1h ii will come out and i guess it will have 8k / 4k 120 , internal nd, hope the the readout speed will be around 7ms and if it has braw internal …. 🤯 maybe ? I heard some collaborations with blackmagic and also B6k has now L-moint. Check out the Leica q3…. It think the s1hii will have the same sensor ….

[@learningcameras]

That would be insane! Should definitely be 4k120 and I'm hoping they go stacked cmos for the S1H

[@Xploretogether]

@@learningcameras 8k stacked? Cant belive that …. That would be game changer for pannies…. 😄 the new real gh5 successor

[@ElMundoDuro]

It would be nice if Panasonic comes out with 8K, however they announced that they didn't see a demand for 8K and wouldn't prioritize it. However I do like that with the GH6 I can get 8K with an anamorphic lens. They didn't really advertise this, but it can't be a coincidence that when you de-squeeze video from an open gate 1.33x anamorphic lens on that camera that it is exactly 7680 × 4320.

[@learningcameras]

@@ElMundoDuro I have a few cameras that shoot 8k and never use that lol. 6k gives me enough room for a slight crop without going nuts on file size

[@AKprodmedia]

What about moirè effect? Is it big problem?

[@ty-k6708]

This camera is like 90% there for me. The slow-mo crop and the autofocus are kind of dealbreakers for me.

[@coin777]

Does it have h.265 with 422 subsampling?

[@DJBooks1]

Excellent Video. Great tips for the S5iix. I own the GH6 and I'm waiting for my S5iix to be delivered next week.

[@learningcameras]

Appreciate that....awesome! Enjoy the camera

[@avarmadillo]

These Panasonic cameras, from the GH5, to the S1, S1H, S5 and S5iiX have all been fantastic to use. As a video shooter I appreciate all that Panasonic has provided, and I don't understand why so many go after the cameras of other makers, camera that as so pathetic in what they provide for video shooters. Thank you, Dan, for such a forthright review of all the great things Panasonic is doing for their video oriented hybrid cameras. The Panasonic image is just beautiful magic, aided by matchless IBIS. All else pales by comparison. If you don't own the S5IIX you're likely getting ripped off.

[@sunlit777]

yeah, yeah, and it can't do 4K60 without full drop-crop to APSC and has humungous rolling shutter. Its just another no-frills hybrid cam with desperate attempt to woo video makers.

[@learningcameras]

Sony A7IV also has a crop in 4k60, has the same rolling shutter, and has less video features so not sure what you're comparing this too. The Canon R6II has 4k60 full frame but is definitely lacking with video features and the Panasonic is significantly less than both. Nikon's Z6II is also 4k60 cropped and missing the big video features. But this is definitely more of a hybrid camera than a pure video camera like the GH6 but that's intentional. Panasonic typically has the S1 series for higher end features under $3k so my guess is whenever we see that camera, it will have full frame 4k60 or 4k120

[@ivanfeher464]

4:06

[@parmanduke]

Panasonic released their version of the Sony A7 iii in the S5ii line. Great things to come. I've switched and love it.

[@quang5DCameras]

Why Panasonic Lumix S5II is so Underrated compare to Sony A7IV? the S5II has almost same feature and some better feature such as shooting at 6K24fps no crop factor. Whereas Sony A7IV can't shot 6K yet. S5II has much more Cheaper price. Price is more important than buying a brand such as Apple and Sony ripped off...

[@Kryzvlogs]

Is the 4k 60p crop just crop but still 4k resolution?

[@learningcameras]

Exactly...it's a crop but still 4k and the quality is still amazing

[@saucebosspl]

I have the OG S5. It's insanely good for photo and video. I absolutely adore it. It's my second real camera, as I started with the Sony A6000. Was looking at A7III as an upgrade, but Lumix price to feature ratio was insane.

[@legniak1]

How does this camera work with Vintage lenses like Canon FD and Helios

[@LoFiAxolotl]

I don't care about the resolution, all intra, open gate, high frame rate..... really doesn't matter to me.... that Panasonic is still the only consumer brand that offers Vector Scopes and waveforms makes it to me the only viable option for recording video period....

[@julienajarry]

I love the S5iiX but I don’t love how you said you can’t hand hold a Sony without it looking horrible. That’s an operator issue. I handhold the FX6, which doesn’t IBIS, all the time with great results. I’m not trying to hate. I just feel that comment may be a bit dramatic. This feels paid by Lumix.

[@learningcameras]

I agree with operator issue haha...I'm pretty sure I made fun of how shaky my hands are! That's definitely my problem which is why I use some form of stabilization for most of my shoots. With Sony if I use active stabilization, I can pull off a decent shot but with standard IBIS, it's not effective enough. That said, the FX6 gives you a little more grip and weight which helps me as well. It's smaller cameras combined with my shaky hands and Sony's less than amazing IBIS system that's an issue. I do shoot Sony though...I use the A7SIII quite a bit and bought an FX3 to replace it last week. But IBIS is WAY better on Panasonic as is quite a few other features I mentioned in this video and you can't argue that. Even if Sony's IBIS is "good enough" for some people, Panasonic's is still better. I think it's that Sony's lens mount is too small so there isn't much room for them to move the sensor with IBIS hence why active stabilization crops

[@devinchaganis8017]

Great video! Seriously considering going with the S5iix. Heard some users complaining about moiré. Have you experienced this?

[@learningcameras]

Thanks! I personally haven't seen moire issues but this is I think one of the first sensors from Panasonic to get rid of the low pass AA filter typically used to control moire...but most high resolution cameras from other brands have long gotten rid of these filters because they take away detail. I'm wondering if this is just people not used to higher resolution cameras without an AA filter. But most new high resolution cameras DON'T have low pass AA filters anymore because getting rid of them allowed greater detail which you need for 6k+ video and high resolution images. So if you're worried about moire, might want to see what cameras even still have low pass filters because the issue is likely related to that and not a "problem" with the camera. Just remember, getting rid of the filter improved detail so there is a trade off!

[@GonzTheRealtorGA]

I’ve owned several Sony’s and several Panasonic cameras. I currently own a Sony A7CII, but man I’m so tempted to switch back for good. My only concern is the AF. Sony’s newer AF just doesn’t miss and when I take group photos it recognizes everyone’s face or eye. I’m not sure S5II/X can do this yet (Dan do you know how it handles groups?). If they can update their AF system with a firmware update to their newer G9II AF algorithm and features, I’d change today. Either way, I’m super excited for what Lumix is bringing to this space, we all know that competition is great for all of us!

[@learningcameras]

It's probably going to be better than you would think for groups. It seems to be good with understanding a subject and sticking to it and you can change between people reletively easy. My only hesitation with the S5IIX AF system is with video where it HAS to lock and nail autofocus consistently every time. So for example, I'll usually leave autofocus on when recording my youtube videos with Sony because in 30 minutes of recording, it will literally never go off but with Panasonic, I tend to lock it because there will be a few times it will try and adjust focus

[@GonzTheRealtorGA]

@@learningcameras that’s good to know!! I really love the image that comes out of Lumix cameras. I may make the move sooner than later!

[@astoldby3863]

Do I spy a GL2 on your shelf?

[@learningcameras]

Right on! It's actually the original GL1 which was my first "pro" camera I ever purchased and I still have it. Shortly after picking this up I got the XL1 and the GL1 became my B cam

[@astoldby3863]

@@learningcameras same for me. I should have recognized it right away. Mine next cam was a VX2100, and the GL1 became the secondary. Cool to see it.

[@learningcameras]

@@astoldby3863 I remember that one! Awesome

[@tom_nuyts]

thx for this evaluation ... interestingly most hybrid-shooters, even with focus on film, don't realize this stuff - otherwise it can't be explained that Panasonic gains a marketshare of only 4-5%.... (The real reason could be that they are too slow with their developments, and particularly the late arrive of PDAF after years costs them their success...)

[@tyronnezx]

Their Marketing department needs to be fired. its criminal that they dont advertise and promote the brand

[@learningcameras]

Yeah, I think Panasonic has always tried to play on a different field...going all in on M43 while everyone else was APSC and Full Frame for example. Panasonic just launched full frame mirrorless a few years ago. Same thing with autofocus. Looks like things are changing though so I'm glad to have them competing!

[@tom_nuyts]

@@learningcameras indeed they did - but they rarely spoke about it, and their profund broadcast heritage...-(

[@Filmmaker809]

EVF could be much better like S1 or S1H.

[@learningcameras]

Technically this is a cheaper camera...the S1 line is the step up. I'm sure when we see the S1 mark II it will have a better viewfinder and probably uncropped 4k60. Plus the viewfinder is still higher resolution than Sony's A7IV which is actually more expensive

[@KBmediaOnline]

EVF is perfectly fine on the S5ii. Way better than the S5

[@swanvictor887]

The only thing that stopped me buying the original S5, was the autofocus system! Now they have finally, Finally...upgraded to a proper AF...Does it work or does it still 'hunt'? Shooting any commercial video, you simply cannot have time wasted doing retakes because of hunting AF! Have Panasonic finally produced a camera, one can Trust?!

[@learningcameras]

I wouldn't say it never hunts but it is definitely a night and day difference from before. It does feel like the algorithms still prioritize contrast focus detection too much and don't rely on phase detection to the degree Sony does. My guess is these will keep improving with firmware but it's not quite as reliable as Sony and Canon yet

[@77dris]

That cropped 4K though... in 2023? LOL. Same with the A7IV... wtf. I got the R6 Mark II because I wanted full frame oversampled 4K in all modes... plus it's much faster for photos...

[@learningcameras]

Yep... Cropped 4k60 but full frame 6k and multiple aspect ratios and codecs so depends on what's most important. The Panasonic is cheaper though

[@VeganLinked]

At least ff 4k60 crop still probably keeps it like an apsc. Can't be too bad, just step back otherwise $1,600 more for fx3 i guess?

[@goodeggproductions]

So.... it's a GH5 with ProRes recording and a full frame sensor. For more than twice the price. Check. And yes, I know it's a bit more than that, but the open gate and anamorphic and 6K (5.8K) recording isn't exactly revolutionary if it was on a camera they released 6 years ago. The GH5 has the same customization and LCD screen control. And L-Mount??!! For real? Somewhat limiting and dangerous if you ever plan to move to a different camera system. I'll agree that the S5iix is a lot of camera for the price point, but the features you list here aren't what I'd consider epic.

[@Wildridefilms]

On a sub $2k FF, it is. The GH5 was launched at the same price.

[@learningcameras]

So keep in mind doing 6k on a full frame camera is much harder than a micro 4/3. Even a Samsung phone can shoot 8k...but it's a small sensor. Neither Sony or Canon pull off 6k video until you get up to $3500 cameras

[@SlavGuns]

You forgot the massive difference, autofocus you can actually rely on.

[@diversityandcomicsbear2625]

This camera is on sale for like $1800, and it has phase detect autofocus.

[@michaelbell75]

@@SlavGuns The vast majority of filmmakers manual focus....

[@jaywbus]

meh. It's a good start but hats off to sony.

[@learningcameras]

I think the A7IV could have been better. Panasonic is showing that Sony is missing quite a bit of video features and the A7IV definitely should have had 4k60 full frame. Right now, Sony's hybrid camera game has been lacking in everything that doesn't cost $6000

[@tyronnezx]

F Sony. The most toxic brand out of them all.

[@VeganLinked]

but the A7IV is years older, why do you keep referencing it? @@learningcameras

[@ourtvchannel]

1000 gimmicks but a crop in 60fps 4k , less accurate autofocus (still, as Sony have AI autofocus now) and the Sony Lens ecosystem is vast. Should have had phase detect 10 years ago. You don't enter a race 10 years late and expect to win. I can't imagine any Sony user switching IMO. Reminds me of cars when the model becomes difficult to sell, add lots of features and cut the price. It's a great camera if this was 2018.

[@Lu-sj6ni]

you fanboys are something else. funny how you only point out AF and a stupid crop lol majority of filmmakers adapt lenses anyways. the S5iix shoots 6K, open gate, records Prores INTERNALLY and BRAW externally, records to SSDs for stills and video, has better IBIS, internal fans for cooling, way more video assist tools and is much better for photography and is significantly cheaper. I switched to it from the A7SIII because it was the right tool. just because you don't use them, doesn't mean they're "gimmicks".

[@Lu-sj6ni]

and if you need to rely on AF and AI to take a photo, you don't belong near a camera.

[@learningcameras]

Sony crops in 4k60 too on the A7IV which also costs more so not sure what you're talking about

[@ourtvchannel]

So Sony aren't massively out selling Panasonic despite costing more?

[@learningcameras]

@@ourtvchannelFirst of all, I never said Sony's don't sell more. Also, the analogy doesn't work because best selling products aren't always the best products...those are not mutually exclusive. The best SUV right now is the Tesla Model Y by that standard...and I own one and love it but most people wouldn't call it the "best". But no, internal prores, raw, ssd recording, not overheating, 6k open gate, higher resolution screens, and anamorphic support are not gimmicks. Sony definitely has way more gimmick features like AI auto framing. But I actually use Sony cameras so I'm not trying to be anti Sony...it's just your comment was way off. I agree Sony's autofocus is currently better and I think EVERY Panasonic video I made since the GH5 I pushed Panasonic to add phase detection which if they had listened to me, would probably be just as good as Sony by now. And, Sony's A7IV cropped 4k so not sure why you mentioned that either. In fact, the only fullframe Sony has that doesn't crop 4k60 is either $6000 A1 or 12MP and basically unusable for stills so if anything, Sony has the disadvantage. For some reason Sony hasn't been able to make a normal resolution camera with 4k60 uncropped for under $6000 even though Canon, Nikon, and Panasonic do

[@brianwolf3990]

Soothing music