Lumix S5 vs Lumix S1 Autofocus Test

[@Hoosier_Cruiser]

Looking light on the feet in those tests G. Keep cranking out the content, awesome work!

[@GeorgeNiksch]

🙌

[@trogdor]

That 5 camera AF test was insane.

[@GeorgeNiksch]

🙌😁

[@numarex27]

Superb video im waiting my s5 to arrive next week :))

[@GeorgeNiksch]

🙌🤘

[@muen1842]

Crazy useful. Really considering the s5!!

[@GeorgeNiksch]

🙌 You won't regret it.

[@brainpope6660]

@@GeorgeNiksch S1 will get the autofocus update aswell + has got better audio and sturdier CFexpress Cards. So considering they are really cheap now second hand, I'd better get a used S1.

[@GeorgeNiksch]

@@brainpope6660 If you don't mind the weight then I definitely recommend the S1. Its my workhorse.

[@brainpope6660]

@@GeorgeNiksch Thanks for the advice. Which one would you prefer for documentary work?

[@GeorgeNiksch]

@@brainpope6660 I would say the S1 just because it has better stabilization, but if you want to be quick and light then go with the S5. I really like the 120fps with autofocus on the S5. I'm not sure if the S1 will be getting that or not.

[@professionalpotato4764]

Thanks for testing them with the m43 bodies as well! Jordan at DPReview says that increased shutter speed improves autofocus. I can only guess that the processor has more frames to sample for a smoother AF. Btw, wouldn't it be more fair if the m43 bodies were tested at equivalent DoF? Panasonic seems to be getting close, but still not quite there yet. I can't wait for the day they finally match up with the latest Sony and Canons. Been comparing cameras for my shopping list for the past few months, and I keep getting drawn back to the G9, or S1 for hybrid shooting. There's just something about the ruggedness, customization etc. that's so tempting. They're 1 step away from my perfect camera.

[@GeorgeNiksch]

Ya. Its not quite fair the way I did it. I really should test with an equivalent DoF, but I don't have the lenses to do so. The S1 is super rugged. Its still my main A camera just because of the ruggedness. I can't wait for the updates they have planned for the S1. Its getting the updated autofocus on November 24th and 5.9k RAW output in January. The S5 is my new hiking camera. I would say go for the S1 or S5 if you are really into video because they have better dynamic range than the G9, even with v-log L on the G9. I actually just posted a video testing this 5 mins ago.

[@professionalpotato4764]

@@GeorgeNiksch Cool! Just saw that new video. Very informative. Yeah, I'm looking to get deeper into the video industry, so I've been looking at either the S1 or G9 (I still like shooting photos as a hobby). Wasn't sure about investing into the L mount yet as I was thinking of waiting to see what Sony brings in the A7iv. The A7S3 is out of my budget, and the older Sony cameras are just frustrating to work with so I don't really want to buy the A7iii, even though it works fine. The upcoming RAW for the S1 sounds super awesome, and also future-proofs the camera for a long time to come. I'm still very new at manual focusing and I'm not confident at it. Also, being a solo run-and-gun shooter, I'm still a little hesitant to let go of autofocus. Should I take the leap? I guess I'll have to master it some day if I want to be a DoP in future.

[@GeorgeNiksch]

@@professionalpotato4764 I say go for it. I honestly almost never use true manual focus. I mostly use the AF-on button to lock my focus. I'm going to make a video about this. The AF-on button will use single autofocus while you are in manual mode. I set the button on the back of the camera to AF-near and the button on the front to AF-far and that covers me for everything. I only use continuous autofocus when I'm filming myself and both the S5 and G9 work good enough for that. If you know how to use it, the autofocus on Panasonic works just fine.

[@karlbratby4349]

2 months on a new with the S1 with firmware 1.6 have you re ran the test now it has AF to match the s5. S5 won quite convincingly on this test. I’m an S1 owner and even with the new firmware I’m still not convinced that the jump from canon was a good move... I’m a stills shooter not video but really miss AF-c being top notch on the canon compared to S1 being a bit hit and miss.... thanks 😊

[@GeorgeNiksch]

I plan to do more tests with the S1, S5, and G9 now that I got my 12-60mm back working again. I'll do an updated autofocus video. The autofocus seems to be exactly the same on both now. Canon definitely has better autofocus. I find the photo autofocus to be pretty good on the S1, especially with Panasonic brand lenses. But I don't do sports or fast moving subjects. I use AFC for all of my recent videos in the studio with the microphone in front of me. I use the S5 with the Panasonic 24-105mm for that stuff. It hasn't missed focus yet for that. I do speed -1 and responsiveness +1.

[@KwasnikPictures]

Nice one bro! S5 smashing it 💯💯💯

[@GeorgeNiksch]

🙌 S5 rocks! 💪🎥

[@ruff1draft]

Both the Panasonic gh5s and Panasonic S5 are on my shopping list

[@GeorgeNiksch]

Both are amazing cameras, but I do find myself using the GH5s less and less now that I have the S1 and S5. The main use case for the GH5s for me is when I need good low light in a small package. The 100-400mm Panasonic lens for m43 has an insane zoom range.

[@vladislavihl]

Like many other non-commercial G9 owners I was considering to “upgrade” to S5 (not that I wasn’t happy with my G9 but because I have serious concerns about the mft future) and your comparison seems to confirm that I made correct decision not to switch (by now). I don’t see any real advantage in S5 (FOR ME): I like the typical DoF of mft more (a very shallow DOF is rather odd, especially in videos; my eyes don’t see like this); having f1.4 lenses I hardly ever need to go above ISO800, the DR of S5 is not significantly better for my eyes (that in V-Log; in Standard it is even the same). The dual IBIS at G9 is superior (I got crispy images at 180mm ff equivalent at 1sec.! Try this with a S- camera!). And the autofocus of G9 is a little bit better than at S5 (but also not really reliable). Certainly the S5 is a (little bit) better camera but it doesn’t evoke a WOW effect on me...

[@GeorgeNiksch]

The G9 really is an amazing camera. I mainly use it for wildlife photography with the 100-400mm because of the size. The autofocus is very good on the G9, but I do think the S5 is better. Its tough to compare mft and ff autofocus because the depth of field is very different at equivalent exposures. The S5 and S1 do have significantly better performance in highlight recovery. You may not notice in this video, but as a user I really appreciate being able to bring back clipped highlights on the S series. Low light performance is also way better on S series, which I like because I can use the 24-105 for almost everything. I shoot entire weddings on the 24-105. I found the G9 to be insufficient for some weddings even at f1.1 with Sigma 18-35 and 0.64x speedbooster. That being said, I honestly think the G9 is one of the most underrated cameras. With sufficient light, it is my go-to lightweight camera. Its all about having the right tool for the job. I do a huge variety of shooting scenarios, so thats why I have so many different cameras.

[@vladislavihl]

Hi George! Talking about a better capability to recover highlights, did you mean stills or videos? I’m pretty happy with the DR of my G9 in photos, but the highlights could be better in videos. I wrote above that I couldn’t see any benefits of a larger sensor in the S5 footages I could see on KZbin by now (at least when Standard profile is applied, and in my experience this is the profile with the worst DR but the best color accuracy which is more important for me; the V-Log is a quite different story: I’m fully aware of the +2 stops advantage of the S5 here, the problem for me is however I always lose some colors when I transform the footage into Rec.709 in post, regardless which approach I choose: Color Space Transform in Davinci Resolve, different LUTs, ColorChecker,... always some yellow colors become green in post)

[@GeorgeNiksch]

@@vladislavihl I was talking about video. I mostly shoot video. The G9 is probably a more capable photo camera. I would go with the S1R for photos if thats the main thing you shoot. I personally love the Nicest 709 LUT provided by Panasonic on the Varicam website. I haven't noticed the color shift you are talking about. I shoot everything in 10-bit v-log(except for 120fps). Just don't try to shoot v-log in 8bit because the colors definitely fall apart on that. I actually really like the Cinelike-D2 profile for 120fps. It looks amazing straight out of camera. All the video shot on the S5 just looks higher end than the G9 to me. However, I think its really only worth the upgrade if you are mainly a video shooter and you do a lot of run and gun stuff. You can make the G9 video look great when you have time to dial in the settings and lighting, but the S5 will give you more latitude to correct things in post. S5 is also better in low light and will give you a shallower depth of field. I use the 24-105 f4 for almost everything on professional shoots. The 12-60 f2.8 on the G9 is not quite there with the DoF for me.

[@vladislavihl]

George, thank you for your response! I wouldn’t call the result of the V-Gamut-To-Rec709-transition as a color shift, it‘s just so that if I film in Standard, all colors are reproduced in the footage, but when I use the V-Log L or HLG, I have less colors in the end... You may not notice that if you film people but if you film landscapes (especially in this beautiful time), you’ll see that! A question about your favorite lenses for FF Lumix cameras. What would you prefer: a 24-105 f4.0 lens plus some fast prime lenses or a 24-70f 2.8 plus a 70-200mm f2.8?

[@GeorgeNiksch]

@@vladislavihl I mostly shoot everything handheld with the 24-105 and the I have the Sigma 50mm f1.4 and the Sigma 70-200mm f2.8. I like the 24-105 because it is stabilized and I really like the look of f4 for b-roll because it shows a little context of where you are. I just use the 50mm f1.4 when it’s really dark. I might get the 85mm f1.8 when it comes out next month. The 70-200mm is a must for when I shoot weddings and conferences. That’s probably the only time I use it. I also have the Sigma 14-24mm f2.8 for Astrophotography and for extremely tight spaces. And then the 20-60mm is perfect for vlogging. I thought about getting the 24-70mm f2.8, but I would definitely miss the stabilization that the 24-105 has.

[@StoryDrivenFilmmaking]

Grea video. Thanks for sharing!

[@GeorgeNiksch]

🙌

The G9 af was the best. I've fast lenses, iso 800 enough for me, and the neat video nosie reduction from G9 made an s5.

[@GeorgeNiksch]

I love my G9. It’s still a great camera. Thanks for stopping by!

[@DTUFINOPhotography]

S1 is an amazing camera, i love mine, wish Panasonic would come out with some budget lenses like a 50mm 1.8, i wont be holding my breath! The sigma lenses are TANKS!

[@GeorgeNiksch]

Panasonic is releasing a 24, 35, 50, and 85 f1.8 this year. The 85mm is available for pre-order now and should start shipping any day. It is $600.

[@brendenlisi2302]

JJ seems like a rad dog!

[@GeorgeNiksch]

🐶🤘😎

[@505NP]

Between the S1 and the S5, which one do you like more for their color? It looks a lottle bit different, I expected them to look exactly the same!

[@GeorgeNiksch]

When you shoot under the same settings they actually look identical to me. If they look different it might be because I accidentally left it in auto white balance for the 60fps. I did the same white balance on both for 24fps and those shots look the same to me.

[@photomoods-mariobolz8801]

Hello, a question back then in the test was yes the S5 clearly better. How is it today as of 2022 after the latest firmware update ? Has the S1 become better again? Thanks Mario

[@GeorgeNiksch]

The S1 and S5 are the same now. I never have issues with the autofocus on either of them as long as I am using Panasonic lenses. I also find the G9 and GH5s to be about the same as the S1 and S5 when using Panasonic lenses. The GH5s is probably the slowest, but I rarely have issues with it. I don’t shoot sports. I mostly do weddings and corporate events.

[@solfernus1000]

Did the S1 still have the original firmware or was it already updated to the new one?

[@GeorgeNiksch]

Honestly I have no idea at this point. I filmed this like a year and a half ago. The S1 and S5 autofocus performs exactly the same to me with current firmware. It’s about on par with the G9 with the 12-60mm Leica. The GH5S has slightly worse autofocus than the rest. The GH4 autofocus is unusable.

[@willmax95]

Which one do you like better? I think the s5 is doin it for me

[@GeorgeNiksch]

I love the 120fps with autofocus on the S5. The autofocus seems faster in the S5, but the S1 will have the same autofocus in the next firmware update later this month. The S1 does seem more stable, especially when you have the battery grip because it makes it extra heavy. For hiking I will choose the S5 every time. But for professional gigs I'll probably stick with the S1 on all my handheld shots unless I want 120fps. I plan to use the S5 as my b-cam for interviews to match the S1 as my a-cam.

[@viniciusyeungyvn]

Always wanted to have a lumix, but never had one. G7 was the one got me into it. So if I am about to buy which would you recommend? Or maybe in order?

[@GeorgeNiksch]

Depends on your use case. Thats why I have all of them. I have many different use cases because I run a videography/photography business. What do you want to do with the camera?

[@viniciusyeungyvn]

@@GeorgeNiksch I would also focus on videography as well, I love their stabilization so I don't need a gimble. I have a Canon 5d mkii, I love it so much which I used for photography, But I want a camera with better focusing wether video or photography. So actually I'm struggling between S5, g95 and Canon R6

[@GeorgeNiksch]

@@viniciusyeungyvn If you want a camera with good autofocus then go with Canon or Sony. The autofocus is ok with Panasonic lenses on the S1 and S5, but its no where near how good Sony and Canon are. I'd say go for the R6 or R5 if you already have a bunch of Canon glass.

[@adrianfiddy2161]

S1 has a major firmware update to address some autofocus issues early next year. Plus add features that stand it well above the S5. nofilmschool.com/panasonics-massive-s-series-firmware-updates

[@GeorgeNiksch]

Hell ya! I love my S1. Its still my A-cam. The S5 makes a great B-cam for it.

[@ExploreThroughMe]

I'm looking for upgrade from my Canon 5D mark IV to Panasonic ... Which 1 you recommend Panasonic S1 or S5 I do Travel Nature and indoor studio recording

[@GeorgeNiksch]

If you do nature and travel stuff then I'd say to get the S5. The S1 is really heavy. I would never be able to hike with it. The S5 is a breeze to hike with(especially with the 20-60mm lens). They both have the same sensor. The S1 is a little more stable and can withstand more extreme temperatures, but the S5 can hold its own for sure. I think the S5 actually has more video features than the S1...at least for now. The S1 is getting a big update in January.

[@DoubleGauss]

I upgraded from 5D mk III to S1. Best upgrade I ever did ! S1 feels more like a DSLR. Solidly built. and I much prefer its size and heft over tiny toy sized cameras.

[@valentinrubtov]

I don't know guys but from my shoes, the G9 has the best AF, not perfect but better than the other. Am I wrong?

[@GeorgeNiksch]

There's a few times that the G9 takes longer than the S5. Also, this isn't really a fair test because the S5 has a shallower depth of field. I need a faster lens for the G9 to make it fair.

[@Aviciiz]

Can you compare skintones and dynamic range between the s5 and G9?

[@GeorgeNiksch]

I will be doing that in next week's video. I'll show the S5, S1, GH5s, G9, and GH4.

[@Aviciiz]

@@GeorgeNiksch Nice, it will be interesting to see how Vlog L holds up to the varicam log in the S line

[@GeorgeNiksch]

@@Aviciiz I can tell you from experience, the S5 and S1 have a lot more information in the highlights than the G9 and GH5s. You can recover blown highlights really well on the S5 and S1. I always over expose at least one stop.

[@NeroMC]

Are you sponsored by Panasonic???😄

[@GeorgeNiksch]

😂😂 I wish! I bought all these cameras with my own money. I run a video production company.

[@NeroMC]

@@GeorgeNiksch you lucky man.hope everything os going well

[@kanepesfilms]

Have you ever filmed anything other than yourself and a dog?

[@GeorgeNiksch]

🤣🤣 Ya. I run a video production business. Look up LakeshoreStudio4 on KZbin. My last two videos(Artist Underground Series) are shot on the S5 and S1. I just don't always have time for camera tests and stuff on this channel.

[@simonemacchia]

too many cameras ! can't notice differences.

[@GeorgeNiksch]

😂😂