Panasonic Lumix S5 II Review (from Tokyo!)

[@stalman]

Jordan's been trying to tell me how great Lumix is for years, they've finally got my attention

[@3BMEP]

We always enjoy your videos - and we love that shot at the six minute mark. 😉 Love to both of you!

[@deanisplemoni]

Fantastic shot. 😏

[@johns997.1]

His left side is his good side, and so is his right... People are still laughing at a joke he told in 1997... Mosquitos refuse to bit him, purely out of respect...

[@Jgatti41]

Jordans run tests are always my favorite. I laugh every time. His facial expressions and how he zigs and zags is hilarious.

[@marcdornbusch3206]

Dedication to the craft.

[@rockmusicvideoreviewer896]

mine too!

[@punkrachmaninoff]

David Attenborough: The Canadian conservative videographer is known to exhibit short bursts of energy - it can be very amusing as they dart to and fro, assured that they are doing what we should all be doing if the rest of us could only manage to understand... This peculiar display of superfluous masculinity is known to researchers as the Jordan Drake auto-focus test.

[@bmeclipse]

I feel the introduction of a wild animal behind Jordon would help.

[@krectus]

amusing yes, but not the best test. Looking directly into the lens all the time isn't a tough test, needs to look away, turn or other actually do other real world sports movements, otherwise these tests don't really tell you much about how it can lose/gain focus for sports.

[@pacheaco727]

Chris tossing the new pride of Panasonic from one hand to another at 1:45. Gotta love the confidence. 😂

[@izmargad]

It's a ff after all. Chris is regular to smaller lighter m43s. :)

[@l.s.11]

Noticed that too - just as he says "gonna talk about handling"! haha

[@Indrakusuma_a]

Well, he was swirling a Leica M10 on a wrist strap before without any care in the world, so this is nothing for him ;D

[@DeeeFoo]

@@izmargad Do you happen to know what his primary camera of choice is?

[@kyspace1024]

Does he ever wear strap?

[@j.6756]

Retired Leica rep here... VERY well done review guys... I liked the straight-up way you told your story and the professionalism of your photographic skills. Your review is a nice find.... indeed.

[@Swiss_Bohemian]

I'm considering an upgrade. I use the S5 mostly for video. The unreliable autofocus drives me nuts sometimes and forces me to switch to my vlogger cam Sony ZV-1, so I'm quite pleased to hear that the S5II has now finally phase detect autofocus.

[@wtfnahmean]

Why did you buy s5 for video if you need auto focus anyway? Doesn't make much sense in this day and age

[@Swiss_Bohemian]

@@wtfnahmean I originally bought it for stills photography and the price in my country with the kit lens was great, so I got it without informing myself about it's autofocus reliability. Mistakes of my youth.

[@wtfnahmean]

That's fair. Panasonic DFDAF works great for photography, it just can't track objects very well.

[@Siegs888]

Try using the S5 on the 1Area+ AF mode and toggling the human/animal detect on. Video AF works much better in this setting

[@edwintam2349]

I think the segment of Jordan running towards the camera in every review has to be a highlight!

[@KarlRock]

Yay! Finally phase detect! I hope it comes to the GH lineup next.

[@AoyagiAichou]

I'd rather hope it comes to the G line-up (which includes the GH series).

[@agenericaccount3935]

@@AoyagiAichou Only GH worth doing.

[@AoyagiAichou]

@@agenericaccount3935 Nah.

[@8bittim]

Wouldn't be surprised if they refresh the gh6 with a slight update to phase detect autofocus in a year or two

[@jijivishant]

lgta hai aap bhi proper research kar rahe ho

[@juliancroot]

Jordan's footage of Chris in this video looks gorgeous....I'm sure its 90% skill, but the S5ii really showing some superb potential in terms of colours, dynamic range and overall image quality. The crop in 4K 50 is an unfortunate deal breaker for me, but it bodes very well for an S1H mark II. Canon & Sony need to watch out.... this thing is gonna sell.

[@8bittim]

Panasonic is my favorite camera company. I have extensively used their s5 and I'm so happy they added phase detect into their s5 ii. Way better value than canon or Nikon imo. For people who want nothing but the best I'm sure canon still offers more for more money but for the average Joe like me, this beats what Sony and Nikon are offering. This thing is built like a tank too

[@MyLifeFrAiurGaming]

glad that panasonic finally made the leap, now we can compete with the big boys! it's basically an A7IV on a budget with some features in addition even!

[@DeepteshLovesTECH]

It's an A7III with 10 bit video. A7III better for sports photography, S5II much better for video.

[@MicroFourNerds]

Amazing review!! Especially “dfd wibbly wobblies” 😂 So impressed with the s5ii so far! - Emily 📸

[@daveoum8586]

Looking forward to your S5ii videos!

[@GodIsOneNotThree]

Huge upgrade. I am hoping a Panasonic G9II is coming. Great video as always, very thorough and useful info to help us make better purchases.

[@ChatteringApe]

Really nice upgrade. Not just the improved autofocus and stabilization, but the higher resolution viewfinder and full size HDMI port, too. Panasonic is clearly paying attention to customer feedback. And they managed to add active cooling while keeping the same size and price? Didn't expect that at all.

[@PavSZ]

Great and very, very thorough review guys! Superb job, as always! It was great meeting you in person in Tokyo!!

[@ValueTech]

It was a pleasure meeting you :)

[@ohwhoaitzjoe]

The scenes you provided gave me such a DigitalRev vibe for some reason. I miss the Hong Kong scenery that Kai and Lok used to shoot. Excited to see Lumix taking a step in the right direction. I just got a GH5ii because of my m43 eco system but I can now see myself moving into the full frame lineup for Lumix.

[@ZachAshcraft]

Those early days of camera reviews are definitely fun to look back on!

[@Durio_zibethinus]

Yo, Chris. Your photos in this video are very vibrant, contrasty, and nicely composed. Plus you get a good, natural moment which is separating you from snappy shooters with an expensive gears. The lady with her shiba inu, tired man wiping his face are my favourites. Hope you get a peaceful treaty with 'karasu' tho.

[@driverv86]

This footage just looks great. Nice color work Jordan.

[@FinalManaTrigger]

I don't shoot video, but this camera is so good it makes me want to! Super impressed with the stabilization and video features!

[@cyrfung]

The color and details in this video is sooooo good

[@alimzazaz]

Panasonic really hit a home run with this one. It feels like the a7iii launch event all over again.

[@wtfnahmean]

For Panasonic yes it's a huge deal they're finally doing phase AF. The rest of the world? not so much. A73 drew so much attention because it was the first entry level full frame camera that could do pretty much EVERYTHING with no particular weakness. They fixed their previous gen issues (like shit batteries, bad ergonomics and sub-par AF), slapped a bsi sensor that kills in low light, and jam-packed with latest features in a 2grand body. It was a no brainer at that time

[@michaelbell75]

@@wtfnahmean The S5II kills the a7III in everything and beats out the a7S III for video, especially in low light and IBIS. It's the same price as the a7III was FIVE years ago and a whopping $1,500 cheaper than the a7S III. It's insane that the S5II is the same price and that the a7III price has not dropped at all, but thats typical for Sony, who has overpriced everything. So yes, the S5II is a big deal, especially priced at only $1,700 for the holidays and you can bundle it with a lens for practically nothing extra. It's an absolute steal and the best bang for the buck by far.

[@DanC]

Man I could definitely go for one of these if I was needed a hybrid full frame, it's a really compelling package.

[@tyronnezx]

Just do it man

[@DanC]

@@tyronnezx tempting but I'm very invested in m43 glass and am planning on picking up the OM-1 later this year.

[@teddyroosevelt8870]

How refreshing, a camera reviewer who can actually shoot some decent pictures... Well done!

[@JoshPostVlogs]

Shout out to Hugh at 6:00. Great review as always!

[@R8135003]

Yet another beautiful camera from Panasonic. Loving both sides of the story, photo & video. Be lucky stay safe.

[@CsiklosMiklos]

I just want to say thank you. Kicking off 2023 with the S5 Mk2 is the greatest news so far, and I hope firmware updates will bring some more polish to the AF system. Now I'll have to upgrade from my poor old Lumix G7

[@boyantrifonov]

I am watching a lot of Panasonic Lumix S5 II reviews at the moment. Yours is on another level!

[@olegtigai]

Yes😊. Finally ☺️. So many years I am waited from panasonic camera like this. My first camera was lumix-fz50. And it was great for those times, but after I used many other cameras, because panasonic doesn't have full frame and auto focus was not good, compare even to dslr. And now I feel inspiration. Thank you for the good news and review 😊

[@romanpul]

Very impressive that Panasonic managed to pull off such an improvement to their AF system. And for the price it’s almost a nobrainer. Also nice portrait of Huge Brownstone (3 blind man and an elephant) you got there

[@philipsutton2316]

Yes old Hugh - the king of waffle!

[@gomichaeldo]

I have to say, the video quality on this is incredible. Been watching you two for too many years and this is the first time I remember where I've really been taken aback by the video quality and color. Great stuff @dpreviwTV and @PanasonicLumix

[@Democratiser]

I thought the same and it is interesting I’m not alone. There seems to be something quite special about it. I’d be interested in the views of Jordan and Chris. Maybe it is some secret colour grading sauce that Jordan has been cooking up?!?

[@sliceofmymind]

The video quality has always been great on the S line of cameras and the S5 II footage looks identical to what the S5/S1 delivers. The only real improvement (which I am not complaining about at all) is the PD AF.

[@thatjordandrake]

@@Democratiser V-Log is my favourite log profile to work with, and I've been using it for years. No secret sauce, I'm just very used to how it responds. My starting point is Panasonic's 'NICEST' LUT, really takes advantage of the DR.

[@Crypto1337]

That is what im looking for in reviews ... I want the WHOLE video been shot on the camera in review. Finally ! Thanks for this review

[@HarryPowerColt]

Finally! I'm gonna enjoy those sick and beautiful Sigma lenses for L-Mount and the Lumix S Pro lenses so much. What a gem of a camera!

[@qbgabe12]

Cant wait for GH6 IIX with PDAF sensor 🤤

[@NeonShores]

My S1R has been great for stills, but been hesitant to fully buy into the L Mount system and spend money on lenses. Also having unreliable AF for self filming and run and gun situations also kept me from buying a second body. Luckily I was patient and Panasonic is rewarding that patience with some rad new cameras. Very interested in seeing the mark II line of the S1 too.

[@bardofhighrenown]

Jordan saying Genshin Impact with a Japanese accent was something I never knew that I needed to hear.

[@Localtraveler2376]

Thanks for the full disclosure at the beginning of the video. Full disclosure makes a big difference.

[@davidoeberto]

First time seeing Chris and Jordan in the wild. Excellent work. Clear, concise and they nail the key points. Would love to see some cinematic footage examples (cine profiles, cine style lenses) in future videos

[@stevenqirkle]

I love the filming locations in this review. And as I sit here freezing my butt off, I’m really jealous of the temperate weather in Tokyo!

[@Mathew-vlogs]

When will we get the full review???? I need this video, please!!!!

[@simonwilliams2109]

Thanks Chris and Jordan.

[@mattmaddox9367]

Super cool. Can’t wait to see the review for the X when it comes out! Thx

[@safemode8598]

Wow, this video looks amazing, is it the camera or is it just beautiful Japan? This is the best looking video DP ever done.

[@danweiss6580]

Glad to see the L-mount is still alive though I wish it were more photo-centric…Great work as usual!

[@danweiss6580]

@sasuntidictousrhoireiphapo4053 Obviously can be used for photography...but IQ not much (if at all?) improved from S5. So, any of the standard stuff would be great: Improved dynamic range, more megapixels (24 is fine mostly...but landscape for example would benefit from the option of having more...especially w/o a tripod), low light, etc.

[@danweiss6580]

@mipmipmipmipmip The point at which they released an updated version that cost 2k.

[@CarlosVS]

Love these 2 guys.

[@YaYousef5]

17:18 it looks like it focused on his eyebrows/eyeglasses rim. Can you confirm? That's the reason I returned my S5. It would focus on eyebrows and eyeglasses rims more than actual eyes.

[@niccollsvideo]

No it was quite accurate on his eye. When a subject is moving, even a moderate amount is another story.

[@YaYousef5]

@@niccollsvideo thank you for clarifying! 😁 Yeah, then it's a no go for me. I do a lot of outdoor portraits and people move around naturally. I want to go full frame and it looks like Sony is a better option for my use case. If one only needs a video camera, this is probably the best option for the money.

[@AnahatNaad]

3:57 this frame looks amazing 🤩. Wow simply wow. AF is locked on to his face without any hunting. Colours are good. Will definitely buy this camera after couple of firmware updates.

[@fredriksvard2603]

My thoughts too, judging by review videos the af still misses too often in it's current state. I think it needs to rival canon and sony to be tempting given how limited the lens range is compared to those systems.

[@JoeS5263]

Excellent review! I own a G9 ... waiting for a micro 4/3 camera with PDAF. But even so the S5 II is tempting. I just hope Panasonic brings this improved autofocus to m4/3.

[@timog7358]

I love the video quality and the sample photos too

[@jacobmitchener]

Love the presentation of this video!

[@thefruit]

appreciate the honesty about the watchtime, i watched longer than i would have and of course liked the video. +i clicked through the video a bunch of times more

[@radialmonster]

thank you for shooting the video of the camera you're reviewing with the camera you're reviewing

[@Gadgetsjon]

Great work guys, lovely to see you in Tokyo. Catch you at the next one.

[@ScottJWaldron]

Great video as always! I'm glad Panasonic decided to join the PDAF party. 😄 14:02 those background lights look good with AF on! (no jitter)

[@toutsen]

I shared this story on Potato Jet's review, but I thought I'd share it again. I recently had to sell my A7IV due to a family medical emergency and I was devastated. I loved my Sony as it was a replacement for my first camera, a Panasonic GX85. I was a huge fan of Panasonic, but the AF on my Sony was untouchable. After learning about the S5II, I don't feel so depressed about not having my Sony anymore. I now have an excuse to go back to my first love, Panasonic, and now have similar AF performance. There truly is a light at the end of every tunnel and things aren't so bad! I still have to overcome some financial struggles to buy a new setup, but I have something to look forward to. Life is 👍!

[@nikoolix]

As a photography and Genshin impact fan, great review!

[@villemononen5303]

PHASE DETECTION! FINALLY! Good job Panasonic. This one is VERY tempting. Although i wasn't 100% convinced on the accuracy of the phase detection, especially when Jordan was being filmed. But still, nice improvement over contrast based. This look very tempting indeed...

[@SMGJohn]

For the price they are asking the S5II is a killer body, the only thing I find a bit of a shame is the lack of 4k60 with no crop, but considering they use the same God sensor of the S5 which is an immaculate sensor that produces Godly organic image, yeah maybe they were RIGHT in keeping it, looking forward to S1 mark 2 and its 4k 240fps.

[@guitaristiz]

Just wondering if the auto focus would the detect someone playing guitar well since I’m self recording what type of focus should I use 🧐

[@ThePhotographyHobbyist]

7:01 Eggslut? That dirty bird! :) Oh yeah, glad to see Panasonic adding PDAF. I enjoyed my old GH2, GH5, G9 and a few others in the past. Even the old G2.

[@kokesjohn]

I really like the color science of a tiny bit pink tone to the video which makes people, events, etc. more pleasing as compared to the sony which has a tiny bit of blue to its color science. So many great video features too. Panasonic has always been famous for their camcorders and I believe they are pushing hard now to get to that level again. Bravo Panasonic in this price point ! 🙂

[@THESUPERNATURALFILES]

I've been backwards, forwards. For hours in the last 3 weeks looking at getting a couple of new cameras for my documentary film work. I ran across no recording limits. with less features or most features with recording limits and overheating. It seems I have now found. The perfect solution. 2 of these will suit all my production's needs and eventually to be joined with the S1H Great review as always. guys KUDOS🙂

[@MECamping]

Really lovin to see Jordan running, maybe its time for a "Best of Jordan´s running sequences" 😂 Once again, thanks for a great and honest review.

[@synura8086]

The contrast of the Sigma 105mm Macro is outstanding.

[@dpreview]

Chris and I both fell in love with that lens. -Jordan

[@AguilaDeOnix85]

This is great, though what I really want is a G9II with phase detect and the GH6 sensor so I can use the lenses I already have. Also, I wouldn't be surprised if there's an S1RII for people wanting hi res FF shooting.

[@asecretboss]

I’m liking the color grading in this video.

[@johndc7446]

Readout speed/ rolling shutter performance score should be a standard when looking at cameras online or on a shelf that are specifically selling a video focus camera. That way it would be easier forconsumers to know what they are buying on a store.

[@hendrixg]

Love seeing them in new locations. Send them to the ends of the Earth with the latest gear!

[@joits]

Not even interested in the camera itself but watching because Tokyo! How awesome that they flew you out there!

[@vintehindecembre1607]

Great review as always ! I'm very interested by this S5II and I have a little question : with S5 mark I when you use different ratio like 2:1 or 21:9 autofocus is limited at single point AFS. How is working PDAF with exotic aspect ratio ? Can we still use AFC ? Face detection ?

[@richardbutler8532]

It's still limited to AF-S and single AF point in 2:1 and 65:24, I'm afraid. The Human, Face/Eye and Human + Animal detection modes do work, though.

[@vintehindecembre1607]

@@richardbutler8532 thanks a lot for this quick and precise answer !

[@AndySnap]

The picture quality & colours look really pleasing in this video shot on the S5ii. Amazing stabilization too. Interesting to wonder if the S5ii shares the same sensor as the Nikon Z6ii, yet has better AF? All down to Panasonic algorithms then? Well done Lumix.

[@hoangtamvo1831]

Really? Panasonic S5 ii use sensor of Nikon Z6 ii? Both use sensor Sony made for them?

[@cosyspeed1441]

The wait is finally over😍

[@nikoforu]

Cool of Panasonic to finally get with the program with PDF. I also like the improvements with IBIS and the cooling system looks intriguing, although mostly useless to me as a photocentric camera user. I find it interesting that all those features are on an entry-level body FIRST. The S1, S1R and S1H are older models with no updates in sight... yet. With the totally average sensor and EVF of the S5, I am looking forward to these updates of these higher-end models. PDF is one of those welcomed features that sounds like it could definitely be improved upon So, not bad.

[@cmxpiipl]

It's because they are making their higher end lineup to a bit more compact size. This was just to give the first taste of the new autofocus and air out glitches for the higher end models.

[@Democratiser]

I agree. I thought the DPAF would first arrive in the S1 etc tier cameras. So it will be trickle up and trickle down. I imagine the next S1 level cameras will be RAW video beasts though!

[@NeonShores]

All rumors and leaks point to a Q3 launch for the S1 mk2 series. So very much in sight, and my hope is Panasonic is putting everything they've got into these mk2 bodies.

[@andrevvve]

Such a great review!!

[@trym2121]

Panny pony of hope is no longer blurry! Congratulations Panny and Panny boys!

[@Ulrich.Bierwisch]

This seems to be the best camera for Vlogger who move a lot with the camera in the hand and show product close ups. The camera and the lenses are perfect and have everything needed. Nobody has to switch system immediately but I see a number of those "Why I switched system ..." videos incoming.

[@tomd4748]

Or maybe even a real…photographer. Ya know?

[@Wave_Drop]

Excellent stuff. Let's go Pana!! 👊🏻🙌🏻

[@ShawnPBruce]

I’ve loved my S5. Definitely picking up the S5IIX later this year.

[@KONAMAN100]

Nice portrait of Hugh at 17:23

[@johnnysimandjuntak]

@10:00 , Jordan, You just spoke out the name of the dopest game ever created 🎉

[@MgarrKid]

Love your reviews guys, considering it was a fully paid trip and a brand exclusive, you were quite fair and impartial. Your biggest fan from the tiny island of Malta and even tinier village of Mgarr....

[@jlwilliams]

16:20 cue the film-noir music for soulful Chris montage. Love it!

[@niltons.spagnuolo]

I like the DPreview reviews. The fanboys only show the qualities of the products, but for those who intend to buy a camera, what matters is to know its defects before making the purchase, because the worst thing is to buy a product and discover its defects on the first day of use.

[@edwin_ac]

Excellent review!

[@raalaa121]

Picked up two of these bad boys and traded in my a7r3 ... The video features are a game changer for me.

[@chiquita683]

Stunning

[@geoffreybassett6741]

Thank you for confirming the punch in while recording! Placed my order.

[@bdssoaz]

What a great camera! PDAF finally!!! Hands down, the best FF camera for the price.

[@DGBomber]

I feel like Panasonic is 1 generation away to have the definitive hybrid camera. I also hope they will bring the innovations to a smaller and cheaper M4/3, compromising the build quality and the Pro features.

[@JeanV1986]

I didn't think I'd live long enough to see Panasonic finally turn to phase detection autofocus ! Yay :) For the record, I'm 36 :D

[@AdminTechnopedia]

Agree, For same age of 36, tired of adapting new mount or lens to choose, seeking camera can do most of all (bridge cam) that uses APSC sensor, with best lens onboard. Weather sealed the most. But camera company just don't want we to have single gear dude.

[@insideshots23]

I was interested so - "Eggslut" is a chef-driven, gourmet food concept founded in 2011. It's inspired by a true love for eggs. Great review as always, as a Panasonic user turned Sony user I would still like to see Panasonic use their video-centric cameras to project a top all-around unit to lead the market.

[@jlwilliams]

07:02 oh, so THAT'S what it is. I was going to ask if Jordan shot that sequence using the eggs LUT...

[@tyronnezx]

WOOHOOO! Phaase Detect!!!!!

[@CS90]

I have to say this camera is very tempting. I'm a Nikon shooter and I've loved it but depending on what they do this year, I might be switching over to this.

[@Estirvana]

Those colours, wow.

[@skfineshriber]

Since Canon won't allow third party lenses and there is now an S5II with PDAF with great Sigma lenses available, I'm not nearly as tempted by a Canon mirrorless.

[@mrcinemagrouppy]

Thanks for this in depth review. I have the S5 and like it alot, will be getting this (or the "X") just for the full hdmi port and improved AF. PS..wanted to see you taking glam shots and Jordan in a Banff blizzard with s5mk2.

[@GameProgrammer79]

The picture and Video quality are just awesome.. probably you can continue to shoot your videos on S5 II. I wanted to see how it performs on Sigma L mount lenses especially the best budget option Sigma 24-70 f2.8 DG DN L. The Panasonic S5 II + Sigma 24-70 f2.8 just awesome combination

[@yawningmarmot]

After 5 years on the East Coast, it was time to add phase detect. Finally!

[@edjefferson9175]

I thought maybe Future Jordan would have a new jacket. This is huge for Panasonic. PDAF long overdue and combined with DFD may be something special. No front tally light? I would turn it off anyways. For me the most missed feature is time code port like the GH6, GH5 II, and S1H have. A Tentacle Sync box can be fed to the audio input but it involves extra steps and sync software in post. No problem if you own a Tentacle box the app is free, but it could be troublesome for editors who have to buy the app and deal with the extra process. Will we actually be able to buy these? Hoping the supply chain issues are sorted out! BIG CON: My S5 value decreased significantly over night.

[@haploguy]

G9II please