Panasonic G9II vs. S5IIX - The Best LUMIX Camera for Video!

What is the best Panasonic LUMIX camera for Video? The Panasonic G9II or S5IIX? This video will discuss the pros and cons of these two excellent cameras from Panasonic.
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Video Chapters:
00:00 - About (Not Sponsored)
00:29 - Sensor Size
00:43 - Autofocus Overview
01:59 - Dynamic Range
02:57 - Low Light Performance
03:40 - Color Science
04:23 - Recording Modes and Codecs
05:40 - Shooting RAW
06:04 - Zero Recording Limits
06:18 - IBIS/Active IS (Stabilization)
07:47 - Rolling Shutter
08:30 - Overheating / Active Cooling
09:21 - Is the S5IIX or G9II better for video?
10:35 - Important Information!
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►Sony FX3 - bhpho.to/2XdAKOd
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#camera #contentcreator #filmmaking

[@SMGJohn]

People saying M43 shoots bad images because its crop sensor, its the same kind of people who think throwing more money at their gear means better results. And yes I actually used to be one of those guys like 10 years ago anyway. I really REALLY hope that M43 never goes away, its a fantastic system, lots of good interesting lenses, amazing ability to adapt any lenses you wish for, Canon EF excellent lenses, the G9 II with the Metabones seem to perform outstanding thanks to the new autofocus system, better than Canon 5DM4 in my experience which is shocking considering AFC was useless on the G9 with adapted lenses. Hope more people see that sensor size is irrelevant, Panasonic has feature list that never ends, and the lenses are half the price of their full frame equivalent.

[@gordon3988]

You had so much fun with this…so does everyone who watches. Nicely done!

[@GeekyNerdyTechy]

Thank you Gordon!

[@andrewp1513]

It really is amazing how succinctly you summarise the topics. Cheers Shane

[@GeekyNerdyTechy]

Thanks, Andrew!

[@itsGAMiE]

Another great video. G9ii is beginning to look tempting. Lately I have been shooting interviews with both my S5IIX and GH5S as my B cam. When editing I noticed that the footage from my GH5S isn't bad at all. I sometimes prefer it to the S5IIX footage. The colors are a little different though and I have to match them in post. Rolling shutter is almost non existence in GH5S and very obvious in S5IIX.

[@GeekyNerdyTechy]

Thanks for the kind words. Agreed, the GH5S is a great camera, it was one of my all time favourites. The G9II is very similar to the S5 colour science overall so it might save you some editing time. The GH5s always has a bit of a reddish look to it which I don’t mind but it’s quite a bit different. Great stuff. 😊👍

[@itsGAMiE]

@@GeekyNerdyTechy Yes, that's very true. This is why I love your channel. The information you share is always spot on. I may consider buying a G9ii in the future but for now, I'll continue using what I have. I live in Nigeria by the way and your channel has been a huge blessing to my growth as a filmmaker.

[@nabilahmedkhan8052]

Amazing video as always! Thank you Shane!

[@DoQuangAnh1988]

Very helpful information, thank you.

[@Ronbc000]

Nice work, Shane 👍

[@draysax]

Let's see what the GH7 or GH6II will bring. I'm really curious.

[@marinrealestatephotography]

Thanks for the video, Shane. Haven't had any coffee yet this morning so I am going to keep my comments brief.

[@filipmichalsaffray441]

Hi Shane Love your Lumix boxes in the background!!!! Anyway both great cameras...if you need AF...still rocking with 3 S5 org but will probably go for S5iiX if something better in S line doesn't appear above it...I have time till July So wait and see and happy new year...

[@mattisulanto]

Super nice comparison. I've been wondering about this and now I know the answer😀

[@GeekyNerdyTechy]

Thanks for the kind words!

[@GDFilmsLondon]

Thanks for the great comparison video. One question: does either camera can do direct live streaming like the GH5ll ?

[@onnie1968]

Thanx Shane awesome content as always, I really miss my G9 was a great camera. If the MKII was out I would have grabbed one instead of the Sony 6700 but I'll buy a G9MKII for sure.

[@ravebrave8866]

great information.... earlier i used to make videos using my mobile, after doing research last year I bought a used Panasonic G85 which is really great help for me... later I will buy another used Panasonic camera in future.. I always watch your videos (Y) let me know which are the great lenses that can be used on the G85 for making excellent videos.

[@kenslyder]

As a GH5 KZbinr I would maybe upgrade to the G9ii. But I don't need it yet. My GH5 still works and it does the Job perfectly. :) Thanks for the video and the work you put into it. Cheers

[@sebastienblanchetiere1323]

I have both and the GH5 is still a great camera (I used both on set recently). G9îi has very nice features (Good autofocus, Full vlog, 4k 120p, real time lut, advanced customization, improved low light, ...) but if you don't have them, you can still shoot great videos.

[@adimatis]

Excellent, thank you!

[@GeekyNerdyTechy]

Thanks for watching.

[@user-kp4vm6mu7k]

Great vid as always! SUBBED.

[@GeekyNerdyTechy]

Thank you! :)

[@michelesiniscalchi8695]

hi, in the g9 ii synchronized scanning is present in the first screen dedicated to video quality under the ISO sensitivity menu. I looked for it just yesterday because I could use it. See you soon :)

[@GeekyNerdyTechy]

Thanks for that. I had the pre release version at the time of testing it out. Thanks for the update 😀👍

[@jessecumberledge4530]

Great edit Shane! G92 vs fx30 is what alot of new creators need to be looking at imo

[@mipmipmipmipmip]

Sony's push via gear influencers is sadly immense. Interesting to see the g9ii is in fact so close in performance to fx30.

[@nightdonutstudio]

At least 70-80% people that starting doing short video content create are buying Sony camera. That is the current situation. I do not see anyone that I bump into use Nikon, Panasonic and Olympus for shooting video. Most are Sony, a few of Canon, and once a while Fuji. I might be the only one as far as people I have met that use m4/3. But I also have sony cameras. I use both.

[@elzafir]

​@@nightdonutstudio because amateurs copy the professionals, and the professionals get endorsed by the biggest brands. Also amateurs argue about the most minute things in specifications, as if with those features they'll be a better photographer.

[@explorer9239]

For me the dealbreaker was the low light performance. Got the S5m2. Very happy with it.

[@GeekyNerdyTechy]

Makes sense for that situation, nice!

[@zaddy6960]

I have been enjoying all of your videos on the new G9 II. I will probably buy it. It’d be great if you did a full video on manual focusing options in video. I’ve never trusted Fuji’s auto focus. Thankfully, they have a manual focus option that shows a focus range using feet or meters. Does the new G9 have that? Also, Sony new cameras have the ability to track a specific person in a scene by selecting them? In a crowded situation, like a soccer game trying to track a single player, how does the G9 track (as in a player gets in front of the player I am focused on, how do you make it sticky for the player you are tracking?)

[@GeekyNerdyTechy]

I have an AF video coming up soon :)

[@S.visual]

Hi Shane, thank you for this video! A quick question, i did notice the magenta is improved when shooting in natural profile, you say it's been fixed in a firmware update, do you know which version? Right now my S5ii is on version 2.3, none of the previous updates refer specifically to the magenta tint, could it be under the improved operational stability? Thank you

[@GeekyNerdyTechy]

I noticed a difference between the pre-release version and the most recent just by looking at some old footage in the studio. It almost feels like auto white balance was fine but the manual white balance was fixed. Either way it looks good now whatever they did to fix it.

[@EcoBossWater]

Super!

[@shaananwalsh7513]

I will eventually get the gII. I have the g9 and the cost and variety of lenses is a lot better and more affordable than the L mount

[@mipmipmipmipmip]

After back and forth bought into Panasonic L for hybrid use. Stabilisation + very good low light means 1/40-1/60 works great even at difficult light. This has been impossible for me before (shaky hands)

[@mipmipmipmipmip]

3:42 I don't do grading, would you recommend shooting in natural picture profile or cinev (on an S1)?

[@GeekyNerdyTechy]

The natural profile is an easy way to get great results for normal shooting situations. Cine D is great for shooting a short film and modifying the footage in editing.

[@JimLeonard]

Are you sure about the lack of synchro scan in the G9 II? The promotional materials and manual claim that it is there, along with single degree shutter angle...

[@GeekyNerdyTechy]

It may have changed. My version was the pre-release one at the time I reviewed it. :)

[@sebastienblanchetiere1323]

I saw the feature in the menu. I didn't try it yet

[@teaching-learning]

Have you tried using the pixel by pixel capture mode to eliminate rolling shutter?

[@GeekyNerdyTechy]

It’s not that bad unless your whip panning around. APSC mode helps quite a lot but I haven’t tested pixel mode yet.

[@ErikKSwanson]

Do you know if the DMW-XLR1 XLR adapter works on the G9II? Also does the G9II have shutter angle? Thanks

[@GeekyNerdyTechy]

Yes and yes 😎👍 I’ve tested it and use shutter angle all the time on the g9ii

[@ErikKSwanson]

@@GeekyNerdyTechy Awesome, thank you for the quick reply. I saw a different review that claimed it didn't have shutter angle, but couldn't find anything about the XLR adapter. This seems like it would be perfect for my style of documentary shooting. I tried out the GH6 last year, but streaking issue in the unit I tested was a no go. I also wasn't a hug fan of the increased size it had over the GH5S - having as small a set up as possible definitely puts interview subjects at ease.

[@GeekyNerdyTechy]

@ErikKSwanson yeah a lot of people seem to misunderstand the menu by the looks of it. 😊

[@serhii_yuz]

Hi! Panasonic Lumix S DC-S5 IIX - Does Phase Detection AF works on FullHD 1080 60p?

[@GeekyNerdyTechy]

It works in 4k50/60p but not in HD1080p. 1080p 30 has PDAF.

[@GeekyNerdyTechy]

Hi everyone, I hope you find this comparison helpful. Both cameras are excellent in their own ways, and I hope this demystifies each camera's strengths and weaknesses from my hands-on experience. Which one do you like best? Buy a G9II or S5IIX here: 🛒 B&H - bhpho.to/3S1Dbw7 🛒 Amazon AU - amzn.to/3vgKWq1 🛒 Amazon UK - amzn.to/3REYhQt 🛒 Amazon Canada - amzn.to/48CeXiE 🛒 Amazon Germany - amzn.to/3RFxnIq (affiliate links)

[@Michael-fw5ef]

The G9 II with my Olympus 60mm f2.8 macro would allow me to take some amazingly bright insect macro shots in the forest, considering I could get 8 stops of stabilization and really gather more light than normal. Insects, to many people's surprise, do remain stationary longer than expected because too much movement draws the attention of predators.

[@mdturnerinoz]

Note: please do NOT consider the Small Rig cage for the G9II; it fits the S5II just fine but did NOT fit my G9II! I have told Small Rig about this as well.

[@videosuperhero100]

How do you rank these vs tmr don't fx30?

[@GeekyNerdyTechy]

what is TMR sorry?

[@haploguy]

4k60 with a crop means you have to reframe (and usually that means a different lens whenever you change framerate) - dealbreaker.

[@GeekyNerdyTechy]

It really depends on your situation. If you need to shoot a b-roll and want a different field of view, the crop can save you from switching lenses. I get it, though; it's not ideal for everyone, for sure.

[@DarkTrapStudio]

Notes for me : S5IIX Pros : -Love the all black design -Better dynamic range -Prefer the look over the G9II -Has a fan (but doesn't means I would need it) S5IIX Cons : -It's full frame with all the cons it goes with it -Stabilisation is better on G9II -More video capabilities on G9II -Better rolling shutter on G9II -Better weather sealing on the G9II ?

[@explorer9239]

Many thanks for that as always Shane! I like to film the nightlife in cities with my gh5m2. Sometimes get a bit of grain though. Which one of these would you recommend for these low light situations? Do you think the GH9II would suffice and already make a difference? I’d prefer to stay on MFT. Many thanks!

[@GeekyNerdyTechy]

The G9II is definitely a little better in low light than the gh5ii but the S5II is way better. The full frame sensor makes all the difference in those situations. I covered the low light in my original G9II review and compared it to the fx30 so you can see if it’s good enough.

[@stefangranlund]

😂😊 c😂😂😢the 😢😮🎉po😂🎉l😂

[@cheeeeezewizzz]

It depends on how you shoot. If you are OK having very shallow dof you could use the s5ii. In this video he notes "You can shoot up to 12800 and get good results with the s5ii" while he says he wouldn't usually push past 3200 with the g9ii. He doesn't mention if he is using any high quality noise reduction software in his edits though, that could change the tolerable ISOs for him. Considering that, 3200 seems a lot lower than 12800. That's a 2 stop difference. But think about your subjects. Say for instance you are filming in a dark jazz club or bar. At 50mm ff you could open up to f1.4 and shoot with a 50mm prime and get some footage. But at f1.4 with a headshot the majority of the image will be obliterated by bokeh. Even a half body full body will have some degree of blurring. so say instead of 3200 f1.4 you choose to shoot at f2.8 to get more of the image in focus and a better performance from the lens, and you crank the iso to 12800. Well, you still have a decent image! But, the g9ii you could have left your 25mm lens at f1.4 and just shot at iso 3200 and gotten very similar end results because of the dof differences between the formats. Ultimate, if you ever need to stop down the full frame camera to get more of your image in focus you will get almost the same end image quality by shooting with a m43 camera and just keeping the aperture 2 stops wider. M43 has a variety of f1.2 primes with AF. A 17mm 25mm, 42.5mm and 45mm. There are also about 20 different manual focus f0.95 lenses. This means that, with AF enabled, the M43 format will more or less match full frame low light performance until you shoot at f2 or faster on the full frame, and without AF they are more or less able to match eachother down to f1.8. So to actually get the full 2 stops of noise performance out of your new s5ii, you really should buy full frame f1.2 lenses. Otherwise your noise performance, in practice, will NEVER actually be 2 stops over your m43 kit. So you should rent the full frame and compare directly side by side with the m43 in an actual shooting situation. Try it with a few lenses and shots. Try equivalent settings for the subjects you normally shoot, then try the full frame in the larger apertures where it finally pulls away from m43 and see how that feels too. Then decide if the added cost and weight of that kit is worth the about 1 stop difference you would actually get over the g9ii and a f1.2 prime kit.

[@SpaceyZee]

I needed the S5 II X to have the G9 II specs 😭

[@omererdim]

İ have gh6 s5ii g9 inşallah g9ii alacağım yakında.

[@JustAaronJoshua]

I have both hehe

[@GeekyNerdyTechy]

Nice!

[@kellbranch3213]

Man, don’t look left 😂

[@uncleanAlibertine1]

4.10, dynamic range in g9 isnt so great. I wonder how much latitude does s5ii has in vlog. thnx

[@SavantAutomation]

I've heard about moire and aliasing issues with the S5II and S5IIx. This might be enough to tilt me towards the G9ii. Thoughts?

[@GeekyNerdyTechy]

Never noticed it. I have 4 S5II's in my multi-camera setup, the image quality looks great.

[@BensBreakdown]

Bit of a guess but I have been getting Panasonic advertising way more in the last 2 weeks seemingly out of nowhere from content creators who haven't posted a lot of panasonic stuff of late. Does anyone think Panasonic are getting their ambassadors to ramp up content because they will release something new at the start of the year? 🎉

[@GeekyNerdyTechy]

I’m pretty sure ambassadors are a thing of the past now. I review a bunch of brands gear on here but the LUMIX stuff is my favourite to use personally. I’m not sure what other channels are posting, but I do a range of gear here. 😊👍

[@BensBreakdown]

@GeekyNerdyTechy ah, I might be behind the game there :) didn't realise they stopped doing that. I'm not suggesting you aren't sharing your genuine opinion. I just noticed Chris Hau posted some content after a long time silent on the panasonic. Thought it might indicate something exciting coming early this year 🙂

[@MrHombre]

It’s even more difficult now

[@GeekyNerdyTechy]

S9 choice?

[@HuiNie]

GH7

[@chrisdkim8951]

so you have to pay the extra $200 to get external ssd recording on the s5ii but they just gave it to the g9ii lol

[@VCG243]

The Panasonic G9II is the worst camera, from Panasonic. I've ever seen. EF lens adapters don't work, the motor just doesn't pull, not enough voltage. Does not work focus, by touching the sensor with your finger. No 4k h265 10 bit 422. No 4k h264 8 bit 420. If I'd known all that, I never would have bought it. Also you can't turn off the 4 channel sound in MOV.

[@GeekyNerdyTechy]

It’s sounds like the EF adapter is the issue. All of the native lenses work great. There’s a ton of codecs in this camera. 4:2:0 10 bit should be enough to get it done. I’m pretty sure that’s H265. The G9II is a great camera overall in my experience with it.

[@dopravnivideacz]

What is a usecase where you need 4K 10 bit 422 especially in H265 and H264 would not be acceptable? Why so? Also if you prefer H265 why are you asking for 8 bit 420 in H264? And by the way G9II can do 4K 8 bit 420 in H264 in MP4 format, you've just overlooked it. 🙂

[@robtheaccountant]

Suuuuup Mr. Shane,