Panasonic LUMIX S5 Mirrorless Camera Review - Still Worth It?

[@boyantrifonov]

One of the reasons I am NOT selling my S5 Mark I is that it is an amazing camera! No need to lose money on it. I plan a 2 camera setup and I ill get the S5 II X so my S5 I will be used in a studio setting so a "perfect" autofocus is not needed. Here are a few major reasons for the S5 Mark II (don't forget that this is a HYBRID camera and it takes great photos as well) - Phase Detect Auto Focus - The increased buffer for RAW images (200!!!! RAW Images for the Mark II compared to 24 RAW for the Mark I and 9FPS compared to 7FPS for the Mark I) With the Mark II you can comfortably shoot photos for an event. - The ability to preload LUTs (both for photo and video application) - SSD recording (for the Mark II X) There are other minor ones but if the above 4 are not critical for you there is no NEED to upgrade. I am sure there is a want :)

[@boyantrifonov]

Thanks for the pin @GeekyNerdyTechy With the 200 RAW images buffer you can comfortably shoot a wedding or other live event. And you can offer Photo AND Video even if you are a one man show. Or you can 2 people with the same cameras and the same preloaded LUT and you can deliver the photos and video much quicker to the client and build a name for yourself. And event photographers usually have 2 camera bodies on them for redundancy and for having 2 different prime lenses on. 2 Panasonic S II are 4000 USD and 2 Sony A7 RIV are 6000 USD not taking lenses into account.

[@dubscee6472]

Hi, I am considering in getting this camera, would you still recommend this for a beginner who, for the moment, wants to do family pictures and videos and night time city photography (christmas lights ). My concern is that in one video review that the AF was not working "great" but the use case was up close vlogging. Just want to know if I use this to lets say video a family event, would it still be a good option.

[@boyantrifonov]

At the moment the Panasonic S5 Mark I is around 1000-1200 $ There is no better camera for that price. And the 20-60mm kit lens is amazing for a it lens. The AF is good but not great. There are many video about the S5 Mark I AF. You have to decide. Watch the vieos and think of you use case. In my opinion if you are not shooting a sporting event / wildlife / or paparazzi style. If you take the time to learn and practice the AF should not be a big problem. I am a social dancer and I took pictures and videos of a Salsa and Bachata party and had a high percentage of successful ones. Again think of your use case, whether you will be making money from it or will you or a client depend on the AF? There are people that have shot commercials for big companies on the S5 Mark I @@dubscee6472

[@dubscee6472]

@@boyantrifonov thank you for your reply and advise. For the most part I will be using it for personal use , family pictures mostly and would like to do some basic landscape and night time shooting. I am a complete beginner, and would like to grow and learn as well with it is my purpose.

[@boyantrifonov]

@@dubscee6472 I got the camera as a beginner as well. And I paid 2K for it (but got a deal with 2 lenses) Now it is about 1K which is a bargain! I knew the limitations before buying and was very happy with it. They didn’t bother me for my use case. Bear in mind that the S5 Mark II has the same sensor so the images and video will be the same look wise. And with the self vlogging you need to press the AF square with your finger on the screen and it locks to your face and it follows you very well. Think about if you really need the improvements of the S5 Mark II? If not the S5 Mark I is an extremely capable camera at a bargain price.

[@abrworld]

Got a new S5 15 days back with 20-60mm & 50mm kit for the price of Canon R8 Body only! Absolute steal 😅

[@MarioCastillion]

Congratulations, man

[@abrworld]

@@MarioCastillion thanx :)

[@kr8s]

Used ones... Excellent condition. Are at £800 ... So tempting .. for a full frame 😮😮

[@arthurlbn]

Are you liking ?

[@dovydas4295]

How is it?

[@ONEMINUTEPLAY.]

I have an obsession with this camera, and i know the true value of this camera.. I'm a student who has a font of videography but I don't have enough money to live my dream of film-making.. I wish I had one Lumix S5 my dream camera!

[@skfineshriber]

I recently bought an open box S5 for $1300. I realized that for what I shoot the S5II didn't offer much of an advantage. The S5 seems built like a tank, but still small and not too heavy. I shoot stills of mostly still or fairly slow-moving subjects. Panasonic's DFD is everything they claim-fast and accurate in AFS. The dynamic range and color of the S5 is outstanding. I also love the way the controls are laid out and the way they work. I realize this is aimed at video shooters, but it seems like too many videos about this class of camera are. So, for stills shooters out there-the S5 is outstanding, unless you need the best, fastest AFC for sports or video. The S5II is better in that regard, but I have no regrets.

[@guitaristiz]

Hi if I’m just sitting down filming myself playing guitar will the autofocus be good enough?

[@skfineshriber]

@@guitaristiz I’ll let the videographers answer that question. I am no expert on video. ✌️

[@marin_real_estate_photography]

Thanks, Shane. If I were buying used, I MIGHT look at an S1 (with the V-LOG update) instead of an S5 just because you get 6K recording at 24 / 25 / 30p, and you also get unlimited 4K 10-bit recording, too. You also get a better screen and EVF, but the screen is tilt only , not flip out. Maybe using the Lumix app is OK if you are in front of the camera??? (I am usually behind the camera since I have a face made for radio.) iBIS on the S1 is slightly better , but it is much heavier than the S5. There are a few features the S5 has the s1 doesn't have (vectorscope and live view composite and maybe a few others?). Due to the less weight and flip out screen, I tend to use my S5 on a gimbal and the S1 on sticks when shooting in a two-canera setup. Mark in Marin, CA

[@andreyosipov6153]

Full size HDMI on S1 too.

[@IAMAisak]

That's why I recently got an S1. I didn't care that much for the flip-out screen. Is really built like a tank, IBIS is amazing, and quality of photos and videos are pretty dang good. Autofocus is way better than having nothing like a BMPCC4k and the Lumix G7 which have "AF" but it doesn't really work, and the price goes around the same on both, maybe a little bit more for the S1 with V-Log but is worth it.

[@idgafaboutbs]

Auto focus on S1 is better than S5, is that correct?

[@BarryJohnson]

I hope it is. I bought my first one over a year ago (new). I just picked up a second one this past Friday used like new for less than $1000 USD.

[@alaskalonghunters2990]

Thanks!

[@GeekyNerdyTechy]

Thanks so much for the support 💙🙏

[@onnie1968]

I don't think I've ever seen a lumix over heat :) I also love the colour you get out of Lumix camera's even when I had a G85 and G9.

[@ruff1draft]

I personally see the Panasonic S5 Mark 1 as a full frame version of all the Panasonic Mid Range camera's from the MFT mounts as it has unlimited recording in 4K 8 bit and 1080HD 10bit and 30 minute recording time limit in 4K 10 bit.

[@RayRayTheKing]

Great content Shane! How is this AF vs my GH5ii? In your opinion of course

[@GeekyNerdyTechy]

I've always found the S5 better overall due to the new lens lineup. The S5 and the kit lens works great and if you're happy to stop the full frame lenses down to 2.5-2.8 the autofocus responds really well. At F1.8 it can struggle, but the lens line up makes the DFD a lot more usable.

[@georgescanvas]

Which do enjoy better .. the PRS or the Strat ??

[@Cinnamonicecream-ek6cs]

I will be using it for some time yet. Cheers for your reviews!

[@RJW998]

Keeping my S5, the image quality is stunning, the autofocus is fine for stills photography and (shock horror), I manual focus if need be.

[@lee_pfalmer]

The algorithm read my mind, today I was considering the S5 against the Canon offerings for the same price, and unless you need the video autofocus, there's no comparison at all, especially when considering photography where the autofocus works great.

[@NkProdTV]

Just copped a Lumix s5. Been rocking with Sony A7Riv for a while and wanted to add/change up my videography side of things

[@MrClauried]

Hey, any updates on how you feel about the S5? You must have atleast subconsciously compared your two cameras, how good is the S5 against the A7R4 ?

[@NkProdTV]

@@MrClauried The A7RIV is a beast at photography with the 60+ MP sensor it has but with that high mp of a sensor (and for my purposes) the video performance under low light was very grainy. I picked up the S5 cuz I felt like it was a very good hybrid camera at the time with 10 bit video, and VLOG instead of fighting slog’s unnatural highlights. Also The S5 photography side of things suited my needs for the time being. but now since the a7iv is out I would’ve gotten that. But you cannot beat Lumix prices for the quality you receive🔥😮‍💨

[@MrClauried]

@@NkProdTV Thank you for the input. I'm researching for my first Interchangeable lens camera and after 2 months for searching I'm pretty much set on getting Lumix S5 (Jumped ships so many times starting from EOS RP - EOS R - A7C - A7 - Nikon Z5 - Finally S5 )

[@suvrajyoti18]

I am looking for a mirrorless camera. Confused between s5, a7c and a7mark 3. Any suggestions? Hobbyist photographer who will use the camera for travel photo and videos

[@brompterdam]

Your reviews of the Lumix S5 helped me with my decision to buy one to partner with my Leica T (which use the same L-Mount) as well as my GX8. Yesterday, I sold my last Fujifilm X-T1 and my XF35mm f2 to fund a brand new Lumix S5 with 20-60 Kit Lens set for 1199 euros. I will say oh my, the Camera is feature packed and it can detect my Leica Elmarit-T 18mm lens automatically. I can also use the 20-60 with my Leica T. I had been happy with my 2nd hand GX8 with Leica DG 12-60 and this S5 is a step-up. I am looking forward to learn more from this cameras. I just completely move to Lumix and Leica this year and made my goodbye to Fujifilm.

[@PanHydraulik]

Hey Shane. I shoot youtube videos on a Lumix GH5m2, I wanted to buy a GH6 but I think I will consider the S5. I think all the time about switching to Sony, but I will rather stay with Panasonic. I usually record a talking head, I also take the camera outdoors from time to time, like you do. Currently, I record audio directly to the camera through a RODE VideoMic GO II microphone and as a backup on a ZOOM F2 recorder in 32 bit. When I bought the S5 I wanted to add something to record XLR shotgun or podcast microphone. I am considering whether to buy the original DMW-XLR1 microphone adapter or the ZOOM F3 recorder, which has 2 inputs and records in 32 bit. The Zoom is about $50 cheaper. I am always able to mount the F3 on the camera and connect it to the camera via line in, or put it in my pocket and use a lav or handheld shotgun mic connected. And if I change to another system, the F3 recorder will stay with me. It takes me 10 seconds to sync the audio, so I wonder if the DMW-XLR1 microphone adapter would be a better choice. Does this make sense? :)

[@milanjani]

Good video. I wonder does this camera has aspect ratio frame guides? Like for 2.35:1 or 4:3 markers?

[@GeekyNerdyTechy]

Yes, I am pretty sure it does. Even the GH5II has it.

[@aiseurnae5976]

The S5 is better with the standard profiles, the S5II has bad details rendering with these profiles. If you plan to use the standard profiles and don't need fast AF, the S5 is great.

[@reflexfilms]

Got 2 s5s and love the sensor and image. I use them all day long for work on multicam shoots, gimbals and tripod. I only have one client (real estate) that wants 4k 50. For that I use a gh6 + laowa 7.5. I am a manual focus guy which simplifies things a lot. Having s pro lenses with linear focus action makes it a”proper” camera for focus action. I want the mk2s but can’t justify the expense right now.

[@BootStrapTurnerVideography]

Keeping my S5 as well. Works great with my Atomos Ninja V, especially with AtomOS11 upgrade.

[@DJDelGrande]

I’ve been itching to grab this camera and finally did! Found a great sale on B&H that includes a $500 lens. So stokt ‼️

[@TheCmcyclist]

I bought a S5 right before the followup was released and got a great deal. The price was lowered and they through in a groovy camera bag and 85mm lens. It’s been a great camera for the low light shooting i needed and paired with my G9. Am i bummed about the focus? I’m not bothered particularly given the quality and the price. And I’m no pro.

[@tony_anton_visuals]

Hello...kindly reply... I bought holyland wireless transmitter to use with my lumix S5 (which I bought after watching your review) to use for live streaming in multiple camera set up...the problem is after connecting the transmitters with my camera they don't work....even after swapping the hdmi converters...

[@alexced3923]

Your videos a very informative and Enjoyable...

[@GeekyNerdyTechy]

Thanks for the kind words!

[@ExploreThroughMe]

Hello what gear should I buy for Photo and video Canon R6 II Panasonic S5 II X Sony A7 IV Sony A7R V Sony FX3 My work flow is Commercial, Interview, Studio Recording, Portrait family pictures, nature, wildlife, birthday, graduation pictures

[@GeekyNerdyTechy]

I don't know much about Canon, but the S5II or X are both awesome. The FX3 is a video camera mostly that can also take decent photos, and the A7IV is a good mix of both minus the overheating and bad rolling shutter. I haven't used the A7R V before but it's probably the best photo camera of the bunch.

[@ExploreThroughMe]

@@GeekyNerdyTechy I’m in between FX3 or S5 II X I notice Panasonic Color looks more natural to me

[@DineshBhadwal]

@@ExploreThroughMe FX 3 is not a still photography camera. Period. But, it's the best low light cinema camera from Sony in that price bracket which was used on a recent Hollywood film. The best photo video combo from Sony is the A1 and Sony A7 RV is second to the best.

[@Northern_Rockhopper]

Hi, I have the canon 250d at the moment, and was thinking of the Sony a7iii, but read their build quality is pretty flimsy. So this is an alternative option. Would you recommend this for landscape photography? Would never use it for video.

[@GeekyNerdyTechy]

The S5 is a great camera for landscape photography (or any photography). It's also way better value than most of the Sony cameras as well. The Panasonic lenses are awesome, but they are more expensive so just double check the focal lengths you need before hand.

[@mamumonkan]

Hello there :) is there a way to set up the EVF so you see nothing but black borders around the image ? ( while having all the information on the LCD when needed ??? )

[@hedydd2]

The camera is certainly worth it in June 2024 in the UK with 12-60 lens for UK £999 or if you are lucky, direct from Panasonic on their web site at a further 10% off, so £900 including 20VAT

[@xURBEXx]

Yea exactly especially if your look at similar cameras like a Sony a7iii or a canon r6 wich are way mor expensive

[@andersistbesser]

Where i live the old s5 is 1000 euros cheaper than the new one. Thats why i will buy it

[@filipmichalsaffray441]

Hey Shane nice Video, Yeap S5 Multicam is great except micro HDMI and Vlog 422 with 30 minutes limitation own 2 of them. You forgot to say that you can shoot Braw Proresraw with S5 and Ninja V,Blackmagic Video Assist 12G and it is for free vs S5ii you must pay for it...and you got exactly the same footage raw out...even S5iiX don't do it better. But myself lately I am experimenting Handheld with bmcc4K and Cine Lens. I don't know what they did with Resolve 18.5 beta but the gyro stabilisation is working much better now in comparaison to last year. Still not Panasonic Stab but not bad at all specially in 50 fps. I am curious are you using Mr Tech Zoom V3 Plugin for resolve?for you punch in and out for more dynamic footage? Have nice weekend Fil from CH

[@bradleyjpaolucci]

You mentioned you use manual focus in studio and showed clips of you playing guitar. How do know where to focus before you record?

[@GeekyNerdyTechy]

I put my chair in place and then use a soft toy to focus on where I sit 😊

[@boyantrifonov]

@@GeekyNerdyTechy Thanks for the idea!

[@kiyashko86]

Does 5s need paid upgrade for external 12 bit raw recording as 5sii or it can be get in free firmware? I'm a bit confused with this.

[@NkProdTV]

The S5 and the S5IIX come ready out the box with those features; the S5ii is the only one that needs an upgrade key for external raw recording 🤙🏽

[@Causticub]

Love This

[@AtticusKellyMusic]

Great video! I'm considering purchasing this camera to make music gear/guitar tutorial videos, and I'm wondering if you could link your other channel here so I can check it out. Many thanks!

[@GeekyNerdyTechy]

Here you go mate - kzbin.info/www/bejne/nmi1oI2Fa5WnjsU I have since added a few S5II cameras into my arsenal but I shot probably 500 videos on that channel with my S5 setup.

[@AtticusKellyMusic]

Thank you! @@GeekyNerdyTechy

[@AtticusKellyMusic]

@@GeekyNerdyTechy would you say that the S5 is still a solid buy in 2024?

[@AoyagiAichou]

So you moved fully to FF for work?

[@joestrahl6980]

Yes please answer this Shane!

[@GeekyNerdyTechy]

Pretty much minus the GH6 and FX30 which are awesome. I want to get a second GH6 down the track. My GH5S had some dead pixels so I sent them back and got a FX30.

[@onlynb947]

Do u Antonio Cesaro ???

[@daingfaisal]

Has anyone experience rubber grip peeling off near the shutter release?

[@Sagiomhza]

I have experienced this on my GH5

[@andersistbesser]

Me too ​@@Sagiomhza

[@JonackFilm]

i still like my s5... my b cam after my s1h

[@Princeton_James]

I havee 3 of these and 2 s5iis. My favorite FF cameras.

[@EdEditz]

I still have a GH2 LOL!

[@nikkoBcool]

I still have my GH2 a well, got it back in 2013

[@EdEditz]

@@nikkoBcool It's still a great camera in my opinion :)

[@Markplaats-x1h]

why people insist on 4K 50p uncropped...... I was about to say I don't know..... but.... perhaps professionals who do weddings would need that.... for every, EVERY, other case, I would not know.

[@Timmyaguilar]

Just bought one $700 🎉

[@GeekyNerdyTechy]

Very nice! That's a great buy for this!

[@toddflowers8052]

Always great info Shane ! Thank you !

[@pawenowak4676]

I have mixed feelings about the product made in China. Given my previous nikkor lenses made in China, frequent failures and went to services.

[@pabloferrer1839]

Gracias

[@MarioCastillion]

I would be very glad to get one of your four S5's as a gift 🤣😂🤣😂🤣😂🤣😂🤣

[@joestrahl6980]

Me too with a well taken care of S5! But seriously Shane: thanks for the excellent video as always, your positivity is contagious, your style is engaging and as I wrote in a comment in another video of yours, you are quite pedagogical in your approach. At the moment I am emersed in lumix mft system (although I have two non Lumix lenses) and to have two systems at the same time for something which does not earn me money is just not viable I am afraid. So waiting for hy rid focus on a GH5 III or a successor to the G9 or G90 with some of the features that are in say a S5 ii. Greetings from Sweden

[@marekharder]

Me too🙈 I hope I can afford me one of this cameras one day

[@MarioCastillion]

@@joestrahl6980 I fully agree!!!! I am so glad that I stumbled upon Shane's channel a few years ago and he enlightened and convinced me to embrace the Lumix system. I have some Canon dSLRs and a small Sony a6300, but I'm definitely going for a Lumix cam. For my job I'm currently working with the S5 and this cam totally won my heart when it comes to ease of use, image quality, battery life, color rendition and the build quality.

[@GeekyNerdyTechy]

I sold 3 cameras to make that happen 😂

[@dedskin1]

Jesus Christ man , i would make a longer video about my tooth brush , these are complex systems and what you said is it has IBIS and its Full Frame , that is about it . And yeah Balanced Audio inputs add on , but what about screen , what about ovf , what about focus , what about DR , noise , button layout , battery life and i can go on and on . And not even a single picture . You made this just to make a YT video , because you have to , probably live off of it . And that is ok , but give me something , you talked more about sun and your self then about camera . At the end of the video you said FF , but not how many pixels . Color quality , highlight roll off , shadow recovery , and i wont even ask you about Full well capacity , because you don't know what Full Well capacity is let alone the number . But it was a nice YT short video , hope you get a lot of money from it .

[@2kime]

Spot on, Shane does not do reviews, he is an influencer. That all, Frans 😜

[@nm1978]

i have this crap camera, has bad quality of video and pictures with horrible Auto focus, and so its ridiculously high price for this scam

[@GeekyNerdyTechy]

The Autofocus is not great. If you did some research, you'd know it's contrast DFD. if you can't get decent image quality out of this sensor, the problem is not the camera. This sensor is fantastic for video and photographs.

[@nm1978]

@GeekyNerdyTechy I guess I need a special computer program to get the best images, what computer program/s do you recommend? and how much are they? if you know.

[@pianopotato]

This camera is right now in Australia $899AUD at Digidirect. That is insane and just wrong, in a good way!

[@GeekyNerdyTechy]

Thats awesome! Thanks for the heads up.

[@pianopotato]

@@GeekyNerdyTechy apparently it was an error that lasted for a few hours and orders were taken but then had to be cancelled. Nonetheless, these cameras are still excellent value at the *correct* discount prices, haha!