Panasonic Lumix S5 II :: Its REALLY good

My NEW film simulation presets are 40% off! theartofphotography.tv/presets/
It's a red letter day! Panasonic have finally incorporated Phase Detection into the new Lumix S5 II! In addition to PDAF, the camera features a new 24MP sensor, a new imaging engine co-designed with Leica in the L2 partnership, a new Active IS mode for boost performance in video image stabilization, internal cooling fan (controllable in the menus), Dual Native ISO, Dual UHS-II card slots, internal recording up to 6K open gate, 4 channel audio and a whole lot more!
0:00 Overview and Sample Images
1:13 Phase Detection Autofocus, AF Modes and Subject Detection
3:41 Active IS / Boost Image Stabilization
5:00 Image Stabilization Comparison to Sony, Canon and Nikon
6:42 Lumix S5 II for Still Photography and Examples
8:56 What is missing?
9:33 Ergonomics and Body Handling
10:18 Video Features - 6k, LUT library
11:16 Lumix S5IIX
11:50 Framerate Options and Cropping
12:54 Observations and Pricing
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On my channel you will find videos about photography, cinematography, post processing tutorials for Capture One, Lightroom and Photoshop, photo assignments that YOU can participate in, the Artist Series and more. The Artist Series is an ongoing set of videos I produce as documentaries on living photographers. I am extremely passionate about photography and video and my goal in making these videos is to share my passion and enthusiasm with you! Don’t forget to subscribe and make sure to hit the like button and share this video if you enjoyed it!
Ted Forbes
The Art of Photography
2830 S. Hulen, Studio 133
Fort Worth, TX 76109
US of A

[@kevinl1492]

This is the first of the first look videos coming out today and it does a great job of describing what is new and why it is important. Great job.

[@Ulrich.Bierwisch]

This is just the first of a new generation of Panasonic cameras and it looks like they did more or less everything right - especially if you consider that this is the small FF camera at a starting price point around $2000.

[@kevinreyes6778]

the unique features outweigh its downsides then you have that price point which easily makes this camera a real bargain

[@TheRealRichardWong]

hey Ted great video and very clear explanation of the new changes. And killer photos from Japan! It was great meeting you in Japan!

[@theartofphotography]

Great meeting you too Richard - such a great time! Hope to see you again soon!

[@KaiManWong]

Beautiful photos, Ted!

[@theartofphotography]

Thanks Kai! Flattering words maestro - was great to finally meet!

[@antcreated]

i’ve watched so many reviews about this camera to decide between s5ii and a74, this is one of the best videos describing the new camera, thank you!!

[@alexitanguay]

What did you end up with?

[@Prabhath_the_Dawn]

Beautifully illustrated/articulated 🙂💯✨💫

[@DarrylUK]

I was genuinely shocked in the handheld selfie video section when you switched from the S5ii to the R5. The clarity, colour, stability and seemingly the focus seemed like night and day between the 2. I am so glad the S5ii is getting some love, I really did love the S5ii but the CAF just didn’t work well for my type of photography. Ergonomics and static photography were amazing. I’m so intrigued to see what Panasonic do with a more photography focussed camera (S1ii / S1Rii).

[@DerekJsongs]

Wow. That photo at 3:35 is really magical! 🤩

[@yoputito]

It looks spectacular, in particular for those of us that have loved Panasonic glasses for a long time. Some years ago, Panasonic bridge cameras felt a bit fragile in our hands in comparison to Nikon or Sony, but this has positively changed over the years.

[@Sk8Wine]

Great video, and my 1,100th new KZbinr I've watched on the S5 II

[@KillerTacos54]

I literally just ordered this camera yesterday (S5IIX technically) and I have zero regrets, can't wait to start using it!

[@AI3Dorinte]

amazing camera, so happy panasonic is back in the game!

[@kentmemories]

great review as always

[@Nordbiene]

Such a FANTASTIC camera. Thanks for video. Best regards Kai the bee filmer 🥰

[@bavideomaker29]

Great video. Thank you for your insights.

[@alifnor]

Panasonic S5 with a rangefinder style body would be a dream camera!

[@emmanuelharbor2350]

Ted, so happy you could visit Japan..👍👍

[@theartofphotography]

Me too!

[@user-ly2ex6sk3x]

I was genuinely shocked in the handheld selfie video section when you switched from the S5ii to the R5. The clarity, colour, stability and seemingly the focus seemed like night and day between the 2. This is just the first of a new generation of Panasonic cameras and it looks like they did more or less everything right - especially if you consider that this is the small FF camera at a starting price point around $2000

[@XploringLight]

Loved your video. Delighted to have met you in Tokyo..

[@theartofphotography]

You too Jassi!!! So much fun!

[@XploringLight]

@@theartofphotography 🙌🏽🙌🏽

[@mediamannaman]

Dang it! I just bought an S5 a couple of months ago (upgrading from the Panny M43 world). Guess I'll have to save a few nickels and trade my S5 in because I REALLY want the phase detection AF system. This will put Panasonic out front because they have always had great stabilization. Now there is one camera that has it ALL!

[@clintnorthwood8058]

Unique having 6.5x2.4 in a FF body I think (well the S5 had it as well) - I love that feature.

[@TheTuscaloosa]

Hey Ted, thanx for the Video. Maybe in your next review of the camera you can say something about the Kit lens and other possible lenses. I am thinking hard on switching from Fuji to Panasonic. Even the Leica Sl2 S is an option but thats another topic. Regards and a happy new year from Germany

[@StanleyKC]

Great video

[@chrissharpefilm]

Thanks!

[@theartofphotography]

Thank YOU!

[@andrewzumbach8151]

First time to Japan! Isn't it great especially for a Photographer. I was actually on my way home from Japan when you wherein your way there. Keep up the good work!

[@theartofphotography]

It was amazing. Definitely planning a trip back!!!

[@andrewzumbach8151]

@@theartofphotography My first trip to Japan was in March of 2020, yes just as COVID was exploding and have been waiting for Japan to open again to go back. I'm planning another trip back too, there is just way to much to do, and see and the food is great!

[@theartofphotography]

The food was maybe the best I’ve ever had. Completely amazing.

[@andrewzumbach8151]

@@theartofphotography Tokyo has 137K restaurants. I think that's more than anywhere in the world, I also think it's more per capita as well. And when you don't feel like a restaurant you can find some surprisingly good food a one of the ubiquitous convince stores! After a long day of walking the streets, I'd often stop a the Lawson on the way from the train station to my Airbnb.

[@calebsteele918]

LETS GO!

[@thomasphillips5850]

Hi, great video. How would you rate it as a still camera? How would you rate it against the R6 and the Z6? I am considering my first full frame mirrorless, your opinion is valuable to me. Thanks in advance

[@thestreets6492]

wow the color science.

[@EdRobles1]

I’ve seen a lot of magenta tint skin tones and comments about it in other reviews. Did you experience this, and if so did some simple adjusting fix it?

[@ChristopherMarshburn]

I know almost nothing about Panasonic cameras so my question is what are recommended lenses for this particular camera. Thanks!

[@wmclt5588]

So how good is this camera for landscape photography? Is it limited by its 24 megapixel Sensor or if you get a really good lens would that offset the sensor size. For this price point, what would be a good landscape camera. Enjoyed the video.

[@tanmoyroy2898]

Please do a street photography vlog type video. I wanna see how it performs in the street in different challenging moments. We'll have everything we need to know about this camera in that kind of video.

[@robmcd]

With a summilux F2 35 ❤️

[@game2572]

This Hybrid stuff is new. Photography goes back to 1802. Movies making 1880 ish. This hybrid stuff goes back to 2008 with the 5Dii. Before that a photographer was a photographer and a videographer was a videographer. Now with the hybrid camera you are expected to be a hybrid shooter. So you have to know photoshop and final cut pro. But a lot of people who want to be a hybrid shooter do not know the basic fundamentals of either. That is why a lot of people are frustrated by their cameras not doing what is in their head.

[@abdoshhilal1914]

Time for the next Video about s5 ii 😮

[@jphoto7582]

Not upgrading Yet, still haven't used my S5 enough and I think they'll have something shortly after the S5iix. Phase isn't as good as it should be. The cripple hammer made me a better shooter though. Want to keep pushing through the issues.

[@Viewtolove]

Ah, you are the only one telling that the LUTs work in live streaming too! Does that imply that live streaming is possible also with the current S5 mark2 and I wouldn’t have to wait for the S5 mark 2 X version?

[@antoniocc6853]

the hair color with canon comes out more natural at least that's what I think happens with the lumix g80

[@DL-lt5ly]

Is it possible to make a loot from your presets and add it in the camera so the photos are edited right away automatically when you shoot?

[@sdhute]

Your preset pack would make good luts.

[@scottdarvill8132]

I was hoping you could help me decide between the Lumix S5 and the new S5 II. For context, I’m starting out with photography and I’ll be going to film school soon, so I want to buy a hybrid camera that performs great for both stills and video, that will also grow with me as I develop. I’ve found the S5 with a lens for £1400 and the new S5 II is about £2300 once you factor the lens in. The S5 has almost all the functionality I think I’ll need and at this price it’s a great deal but I’m unsure if I should save up a bit longer and get the newer version with all the updates (i.e. better autofocus and unlimited video recording at 4k etc). Which camera would you recommend buying in my situation? Is the S5 at £1400 too good to pass up or should I hold out for the S5 II? Loved the review and thanks in advance!

[@martingreenberg870]

Hard to say. The feature set may be similar. Are you considering doing video? As stated in the video, LUMIX has given up on contrast only Autofocus. I am a M43 LUMIX user and the depth from defocus is pretty good for photography. Yes, there is the in and out while the camera captures focus. This is done pretty quickly and accurately. The DFD is a problem for video. You can see the camera struggling with focus acquisition. Then the focus isn’t sticky. It sometimes decides to loose focus for something in the background. I just purchased the S5ii so I can’t evaluate its performance yet. The colors, as you can see in this video, are vibrant. No one has commented on how light the body and lenses are for a full frame system. I was glad to discover this. There are LUMIX L mount lenses plus 3rd party manufacturers who make lenses for this mount. I can’t comment from experience about the video features. Many of the reviews state they are remarkable for this price point. If you only plan to do photography the question comes down to how important is the PDAF to you? Mask On Nurse Marty(Ret)

[@rdelprin]

Are these your presets at beginning sample images and if so which one so I can buy.

[@Skill_Issue92]

Waiting on the S1R II now I was just about ready to sell my S1 and go back to Nikon haha

[@JaimeDelRio]

Hey there... GREAT VIDEO!!! I am a hybrid wedding shooter and I can't find this specific answer anywhere and hoping someone here can help. What happens when you are in photo mode but hit the RED record button? Will it record using the CURRENT settings in Photo Mode or will it switch to the last VIDEO settings from Video Mode? I hope it pulls from the video settings and even uses the Log format and LUT preview too even though it is still in Photo Mode and then jump back to the Photo settings when I end the video clip. Thanks for any help on this.

[@LanceNotHiding]

Were you able to load your custom film simulations as LUTS directly into the S5ii?

[@johnfrancisdycd7643]

I did after seeing a fix. Rename your VLTs with no characters and 8 character limit.

[@kellyr2681]

How does the evf and lcd screen perform in low light/night photography? With my S5, if l use a ND or shoot at night my evf and lcd lag terribly. Is this happening in the S5ii as well?

[@WhitecatProject]

Maybe I am new to this, but Can we use the LUT in picture mode? Or can we use still picture profiles like your also for video? Although I would expect that it will not be optimal even if it’s technically possible.

[@shableep]

Realtime LUT works on photos, bakes it into the JPEG, but also saves an unmodified RAW.

[@robertsaca3512]

Geez, switching to the Canon and to a lesser extent the Sony was shocking, the footage looked so much better on the Panasonic and slightly less but still good on the Nikon.

[@marinrealestatephotography]

Thanks for the review. I think for a VLOGGING lens, something like an 18mm f/2.8 WITH LENS STABILIZATION would be really good (if priced well). There is actually a significant difference on Panasonic bodies in terms of corner warping when using wide / ultra-wide lenses with LENS stabilization, versus using the same lenses WITHOUT lens stabilization. This is one of the reasons I still use a Canon EF 16-35 f/4 L (with lens IS) instead of the Lumix 16-35 /4 (without lens IS). Kind of bummed that the newly announced Panasonic 14-28mm zoom DOESN'T have lens IS :(

[@castielvargastv7931]

Who does vlogging in 2023?

[@gauntr]

5:40 interestingly to me it seems the jiggle or wobble you mention for the Canon is way more visible on the Panasonic camera? Have a look on the right of the image where the darker room is visible.

[@benja1378]

You would probably need more extensive testing in different situations to come to a good conclusion. Also keep in mind the R5 is way more expensive

[@Nemastic]

They have released a firmware update for the IBIS not everyone has installed yet.

[@sansin6250]

How does it compare to R6 II ?

[@cruzgustavoperezfernandez6075]

Hello, I use Lumix S5II. How can I see the histogram on the screen while recording the video? You can help me.

[@camallenphoto]

Hey there! I just sold all my Fuji gear and purchased the S9, if seemed to check a lot of boxes and now that leaves me with what do I want/need for 2 bodies to shoot weddings with. This camera came straight to mind as the S9 is already L mount and I've heard a lot of good things about the S5II If I'm shooting hybrid, really quickly going back and forth between photos and video and just want clean 4K60 footage with the baked in LUT feature, is it really worth getting the S5II x? The only video I really do are like 8-10 min highlight reels. Is it really worth shooting those in pro res? Or possibly getting 1 S5II and 1 S5II x and have those on each side of me during an event? I'd really like to hear your thoughts on this. Thanks!

[@martingreenberg870]

The S9 is a crippled body with limited appeal in my opinion. I am taking a hard pass. I do street photography and a small amount of video clips. I’m afraid the video features are wasted on me. I purchased the S5ii as a stills camera. I don’t want or need the 40MP files from the newest Fuji cameras. I have lots of Fuji bodies and glass. I am not selling them. I want the PDAF the S5ii offers. I want to try full frame. I like the small and lightweight body. If I expand my interest in videography there are lots of features to exploit in this body. The S5ii has the features the features I wanted that the S9 lack. I hope you enjoy that body. Mask On Nurse Marty (Ret)

[@KeigoMoriyama]

Finally revealed why you came here to Tokyo

[@slows728]

Thank you for the review but the Boost I.S is not the new Active I.S. Boost I.S was introduced in late 2017 by Panasonic on the GH5 with a firmware update, since then, the G9 (and S1, S5 etc) got this feature. The Boost I.S is indeed designed for static shots. The new Active I.S is the name of the new IBIS system, there is no way to assign it to a button because this is just the new IBIS with better algorithms. According to Panasonic this "new" IBIS is better than before for shooting while walking. Where it's become confusing it's that Sony has a feature called "Active" which crop the picture to get better stabilization, a bit like Electronic-Stabilization on the Panasonic cameras.

[@TITAOSTEIN]

It looks like the perfect B Cam for my GH6. It will be used in low light situations or when more bokeh is needed. Well done Panasonic!!

[@whyiswhy123]

Good focus for moving object?

[@billjohnstonjr.1037]

Question: Does Panasonic's move to phase detection auto focus mean that Leica will follow suit?

[@owenrodgers8020]

You would think so. Particularly with the announcement a couple of months ago of a redoubled effort to collaborate. We could reasonably expect either an SL3 or maybe some other new SL model from Leica. I think the sharing of the imaging engine with lettuce in this camera is a give away.

[@Mettyunuabona_]

S% II is slowly sounding like a slight upgrade to the Xh1

[@DL-lt5ly]

how to shoot opengate on this camera? I don't understand. Do you know?

[@Zayoch]

Hello I need a lil help, just got the new s5ii but when i try to open the raw file on my mac, it says that its not supported, do You know what to do? I use the newest macos and my adobe is Up to date :(😢

[@johnnysparkleface3096]

Excellent review. If I go for it, It'll be the X model. I'm a stills shooter, but what the heck, for an extra $200 you get great extra value. Better to have these capabilities on hand if I get into video. Which is entirely possible.

[@jijivishant]

I was going to buy bmpcc 6k g2 but this camera might just work for me.

[@jumpingman6612]

Might pick this up, that AF looks bonkers compared to the G9!

[@martingreenberg870]

The G9 only has the contrast detect depth from defocus (DFD) autofocus. DFD is more than adequate for photography but lacking for video use. I have had the G9 for two years and love it. The G9 is a powerful video camera despite being the flagship photography centric flagship M43 body that is replaced by the G9ii. Shockingly the S5ii and G9ii are basically priced the same. For me, the advantage of the G9ii is I have a lot of LUMIX and LUMIX-Leica lenses. Mask On Nurse Marty (Ret)

[@2BeLikeChrist]

I would have loved to see the tilting/rotating screen from the gh6.

[@martingreenberg870]

That would have been ill advised. The GH bodies are designed as video centric bodies. Videographers want the flip out screens. I’m hoping for an updated GX8 body soon. In other words, a miniature S5ii with a tilting screen. Mask On Nurse Marty (Ret)

[@1970nikkisixx]

I liked the 4K and 6K photo burst mode, I really wished I had seen your video prior to upgrading from the S5 to the S5ii

[@nobimathew9092]

Auto focus for vehicle should add....

[@sixties00]

As a lover of SLR viewfinders, how do likeminded people handle the mirrorless digital viewfinders? I want to convert to mirrorless, but that is my only concern! I cannot stand them basically

[@martingreenberg870]

The advantage of mirrorless cameras is the WYSIWYG feature. That is what you get with a mirrorless viewfinder. I’m afraid mirrorless cameras did to DSLRs what cellphone cameras did to point and shoot cameras except the GR, X100, and Q bodies. Mask On Nurse Marty (Ret)

[@drthompson65]

So it does decent for stills? I wish to dabble in video but I plan mostly to do street photography with it. Thx!

[@martingreenberg870]

I’m a street photographer that occasionally does video clips. I use LUMIX M43 bodies and lenses. This body vastly favors the video features though it appears to be more than competent as a photography camera. I suppose ai could grow into the video features. The PDAF makes this a good choice for photographers. I was pleasantly surprised to feel that the body and lenses are surprisingly small and lightweight for a full frame body. I just purchased the S5ii along with the 50/1.8 & 85/1.8. Mask On Nurse Marty (Ret)

[@PANAFRAZER]

Hey Ted, This is Matt from Panasonic LUMIX. I’d love to know a little more about your film simulations and what LUMIX photo style (Standard, Natural, VIVID etc.) works best as a starting point for your film simulations? I really want to “kodakify” my sample since Real Time LUT and LUT pack works in the the “My Photo Style” picture profiles. This would allow me to have a JPEG that has your simulation, while the RAW is still there for me for post. In Theory, I should be able to just download all of your simulation into Adobe and then kick out .cube LUTs from Lightroom or Photoshop to make this work. I hope that one of our picture profiles can work as a base for these awesome simulations!

[@theartofphotography]

Matt that's a wicked idea! I'm going to experiment with that today ;-)

[@DanceCommander]

I think people still sleeping on that Real Time LUT Feature for photography. People buy Fuji´s just for their JPEG colors and Film simulations and share "recipes" where they tweak the limited in camera picture settings to simulate their favorite vintage film. This takes this to a whole other level With this, I can basically simulate the color science of any camera without having to bother with Lightroom etc. I can shout JPEGs sooc that simulate my favorite vintage camera or my favorite KZbinrs preset etc... I would love a small photographic centered m4/3 camera with this feature.

[@enshongmiranda]

Can you use LUTs for photo?

[@YanFries]

Yes

[@nafizhaq4554]

no matter how stable the camera is without gimbal it wouldn't be a good result, although its better than its competitor.

[@poikatiikeri]

please panasonic give us this camera with 40+ megapixels and a flip screen ❤️

[@workingwiththelight3119]

I have old Canon M50 and I would like to upgrade to full frame camera and Lumix S5II seems like almost perfect choice but ... I am solo content creator and I set camera 📸 away and use wireless remote to start recording. I checked, Panasonic doesn't have wireless remote control! Only via mobile which is not great. I often hold equipment in both hands and press remote control with my feet. I can't do it with mobile. Quite sad. It could be perfect camera for a solo content creator!

[@castielvargastv7931]

Panasonic has one of the best camera apps out there. You can do everything with it on your phone. I use it all the time i am a solo creator also. Start filming with mobile is easy and for fotos just juse the timer you dont have to use feet😝

[@LumberjackFrog]

That looks sm like the Sony A7 it's unreal

[@rogerwest1207]

No idea what open gate is?

[@heartajack]

Dang it, I just bought an S5!

[@avocado-notem421]

same haha

[@ashley5130]

Same! I'm selling it immediately

[@zeballos5757]

@5:01 whatever lens you were using on that Lumix, made your head and face look longer. The rest of the cameras were okay. Your filming camera/lens at your desk were the best. Even though I shoot Sony, that hand held Sony was pretty bad. Okay back to the video!

[@rogerwest1207]

I feel I need a crash course in video jargon.

[@martingreenberg870]

Though the S5ii is a hybrid camera, it vastly favors the video features. Mask On Nurse Marty (Ret)

[@Hodenkat]

Good first try. I think Sony still beats them in AF from other reviews I've seen on the A7III (also $1999) which is already 5 years old! LOL! Even if you say the Panasonic is better than the A7III you're saying it's better than a 5 year old camera. Shooting video at 4K when most people watch what you are shooting on a smartphone or a computer with a standard HD monitor (not 4K) makes no sense to me. I think it's great for a future film director or documentary creator though. Not sure why Panasonic has two choices for either face&eye or body. The camera should know to switch automatically as a subject gets closer or further. I look forward to an S5III two years from now.

[@robmcd]

I pray the X has the 5.76 m dot EVF of the S1

[@codynpatterson]

It doesn't but the EVF has been improved a ton, plenty in my opinion.

[@jtes1442]

They need a new high res Lumix!

[@jphoto7582]

Ou got sony's a7iii original price wrong.

[@juanQuedo]

I like better its price in dollars 😮‍💨. The 5s was already very appealing, now this Mrk II would be hard to not consider if at some point I could afford it.

[@martingreenberg870]

This is a one year old camera. I just Craigslisted it for $1250. Cheaper than a new G9ii. Mask On Nurse Marty (Ret)

[@BilBrown]

Whoo Hooo! Time to retire the S1!

[@SD_Alias]

Because of that fan. Is there no weatherprotection anymore?

[@AlphaCentauri24]

@@RJ-dv5mg Thank you for clarifying this. Was a major point of concern for me too.

[@jasonm9182]

You start to keep beard,😂

[@galacticboy2009]

*It's I think?

[@soholingo]

Ted you look thinner and even with the salt and pepper beard look younger.

[@user-ik3bk4fj8w]

Anyone interested in a lightly used Sony a7iv?

[@saurabhmourya7271]

i am seeing the S1-H dead body in the hole

[@castielvargastv7931]

Not for pros and its aimed to pros not kids who think af is the only imortant thing

[@saurabhmourya7271]

@@castielvargastv7931 pros aren't carrying the market, hobbyists are!! and to them autofocus matters more than the timecode lol

[@2BeLikeChrist]

Now all the L-Mount lenses are going to increase in price on ebay.... NOOOOOO!!! LOL

[@Philtho]

I'm still confused who all these video bloggers are who are driving more sales than actual photographers for these cameras are. There are maybe a few dozen decent channels on KZbin that are using these cameras, the vast majority are gopros and just screencaps with people talking over the content. All the tiktok people use phones.. Twitch streamers exist, but again, maybe a few hundred people there. Unlesss this industry is just fueled by people dumping several grand for failed KZbin and Twitch streamers by the tens of thousands? It makes no sense to me.

[@naeemalmalek3925]

Eye tracking is more good Autofocus...hahaha😁😁 @Penasonic

[@Mellowmacnack]

The collors from the sony s74 is more sharper and cinamatic

[@castielvargastv7931]

Ja sony is oversharpend and look cheap

[@Vadimkatashid]

the monitor is better at GH6!!!!!!

[@rcrthemysterybox9849]

i am your subscriber. i have a dream of film making will you help me to fullfil my dream by gifting me a suitable used camera?

[@raisingbarssince1978]

24 mp...no thanks