Panasonic LUMIX S5II - Nobody Puts L Mount in the Corner (anymore)

[@ravenfallsphotography6254]

All I will say is that it’s refreshing to see a review of the S5ii/x from the point of a photographer instead of a videographer. Looking at most reviews or tutorials, you'd think that this camera is entirely for video, and still photography is merely an afterthought.

[@LensForgotten]

Great job Leigh and Raymond! Nice to see a balanced review of this camera. Many reviewers seem to treat this camera as a video camera only. Nice to see the photography side of this camera. Kudos!

[@agileleadership]

interesting to hear how you emphasise the mount and lenses more rather than the body like other reviewers. This changed my mind about the S5ii. 👍

[@kaminobatto]

Good to see you back Leigh, I hope you're feeling better! Ray did great in your absence and kept the flag flying high! I own the S1R and there is something that no other brand delivers in similar sized bodies that I love about these full frame Lumix bodies, they feel just as rugged and sturdy as DSLRs, and the ergos are to die for. I'm more on the slow photography side, so I have no issues with the old DFD AF; however, I am very happy that Panasonic is now competing as they should in the market. The specs and the price on this thing are a winning combination, and I look forward to seeing what they will do with the other S bodies!

[@quite1enough]

Found some DPReview forum discussions on some shenanigans that happen with RAW files, people claim that there's only lossy compression RAW option or something like this. And it's not like I've been trying to search something, it's just I've checked files from S5 and S5II and noticed some oddities to my eye, like in certain scenes images from my X-T3 were much sharper despite having more noise. For a person who often do sometimes major cropping, that wasn't good news. Then I remembered my odd experience with Sony A6400 12-bit raw and it's rather poor microcontrast (images was usually lacking of some contrast depth, hard to explain but you can see it), and checked whether it's an issue with Lumix cameras. I didn't found direct evidence that it's a lossy format in their full-frame cameras, but I'd be nice of Panasonic to make a honest statement on what's going on. Since I'm a hybrid shooter I though to switch to S5 IIx, but now I honestly don't know and there's virtually not a single youtube video on the issue of Lumix FF cameras RAW compression.

[@martingreenberg870]

Thank you for this review. As noted above, in particular, thank you for the even coverage between stills and video. I just purchased the S5ii along with the 50/1.8 and 85/1.8mm lenses. One thing no reviewer has mentioned is the body and the two lenses I purchased are lightweight. A pleasant surprise. I’m setting the camera up right now and there are a ridiculous amount of video options available. I’m primarily a photographer who takes video clips. I won’t use many of the video features due to ignorance. Yes, a major selling point of the S5ii is the PDAF. It is long past due for LUMIX to enter the race. Depth from defocus (DFD) works pretty well for photography. I use M43 bodies and never had any problems with DFD. The focus is relatively slow but more than adequate for my needs. DFD isn’t so good for video. Besides the zooming in and out to obtain focus the DFD wasn’t sticky. Sometimes it’s attention would be captured by the background for no apparently no reason. From my extremely brief use of the PDAF this problem is eliminated. Focus is snappy and sticky. IBIS has always been something LUMIX has been good at. Happily this continues with the S5ii. That is good as my lenses aren’t stabilized so I’m not getting dual lens stabilization. Looks like the IBIS is sufficient. The colors are vibrant and pleasing. I haven't Tried the B&W jpegs yet. The L monochrome D in the G/GX9 is very contrasty and I love it. I don’t know if LUMIX has given me the new Leica Monochrome. This is my first full frame camera. I wonder if I’ll see any difference from M43 images. I’m looking forward to putting the S5ii through its paces this weekend at a parade. I’m hoping this isn’t too much camera for me to handle. Mask On Nurse Marty (Ret)

Miałem S5 i byłem z niego bardzo zadowolony. Tylko czasem przy "szybkich" obiektach nie nadążał z AF. Teraz zamieniłem na S5II i jestem w niebo wzięty.

[@karikaru]

Got mine this week with the 24-105 and it's absolutely everything I wanted and more. It's my first Panasonic, and I'm loving the colors. I feel like the 24-105 is as sharp as my canon 50 1.4 was. Rumor has it the update in June will improve the AF even further. I'm coming from a 6d mk ii and Olympus em5mkii, so the upgrade is nuts for me.

[@LeighAndRaymond]

I'm glad you're loving it!

[@MrJapanforce]

Perfect. Once a Panasonic, always Panasonic. Proud user of Lumix cameras since 2008! Never looked back...

[@johnbernhardtsen3008]

using the old trusty GH4 with Nikon adapter!fun things to buy for it on ebay, got 35mm f0.95 is fun to shoot with, only thing I miss is the image stabilizator!

[@jtes1442]

I hope Lumix releases an update to the S1R. I’ve had the S5II for just over a month, and I’m loving, and I’m a Nikon Z user.

[@zickiea172]

I love, love, love the S5II. I was a Nikon D70, D90, Dxxxx and then went to M4/3 with the GX8 (still a brilliant camera .. still use it as my third camera on video shoots) .. went to the G9 and was looking for that one perfect camera ... I loved the GX8 and G9 for their weather sealing for a lot of outdoor, all weather photography and video .. and needed 'that" camera that could multi-task between both roles ... I even briefly looked at Sony earlier this year ... when the S5II came out I leaped on it and have not looked back since .. over 100 hours of video shot, and an equal amount of hours in the field doing photography ... my fav camera ever .... oooohhh and that pricepoint .....

[@martingreenberg870]

I’m so glad this is your favorite camera. I too come to the S5ii from the G9 and GX8/85/9. Cracking cameras. I too found DFD more than adequate for my street photography needs. I’m hoping the next LUMIX body will be a S5ii in a S9 body. One can hope. I just purchased a S5ii. I mostly do photography but also do video clips. The S5ii is a video monster and won’t use the video features very much. I’m setting it up now for a parade this weekend. Like the M43 bodies the S5ii along with the two lenses I purchased are lighter than I thought for a full frame camera & lenses. Mask On Nurse Marty (Ret)

[@Rob_F8F]

Enjoying the subtle humor with the graphics "rocks, rocks, rocks" and the dream bubble with the camera. 👍

[@RichardBO9]

I spent some days debating between the S5ii and the Panasonic G9. Ultimately, I went with the G9 because the longer lenses are so much lighter. I can cover FF equivalent of 24-400 with two lenses. Entire kit weighs 1500 grams. In this day, all of the unique photos are off the beaten path. The world doesn't need any additional photos of Mesa Arch or the Moulton Barn. This kit will help me get to those out-of-the-way places. Great video!!

[@Yupthereitism]

The quality won’t be as good though

[@RichardBO9]

@@Yupthereitism It depends on how you capture and process the image. Secret to shooting MFT is to not under exposure the shadows. If you bracket and blend exposures it will compete with FF be.

[@martingreenberg870]

@@RichardBO9 I’ve owned the G9 plus GX8/85/9 for years. It is more than good enough for my needs. Hope you are enjoy the G9. Besides being small and lightweight, the secret to M43 is the glass. LUMIX, Olympus, and 3rd part lenses overcomes some of the M43 shortcomings. This is especially true with fast glass. I just purchased the S5ii and setting it up now. What a lot of video choices. I’m hoping to have fun with it and create some nice images. Mask On Nurse Marty (Ret)

[@tonytech5520]

11:00 Hahaha!!!...The best way to tell them apart is to look at the strap attachments: ring style vs bracket/slot style; or just look at the front badge.😉

[@keithnisbet]

I've been a G9 MFT owner for 4 years now. I love Panasonics committment to firmware improvements, build quality and feature set. I would like to add FF and the new S5ii/iiX are my answer to low light needs and greater sensor real estate. I am a bit torn between the 2 models as I'm sure there are way more video features than I will ever use in iiX but for such a small price differential it may be better to go with the iiX for either future proofing or resale value down the road. Ah well...first world problem :)

[@DubYaJsWorld]

My canon R5 with the 24-70 RF was $6200 that's expensive. I got the s5ii with a 5he sigma 24-70 for half the price. Although still expensive, the s5ii was so much easier to pull the trigger on.

[@sdhute]

The Normal s5 is amazing for 1497 with the 85mm. People love the Leica sl2s and that’s contrast based af too. I’m excited to see what Panasonic does on the m43 side.

[@cesarm8811]

I am hobbyist photographer and do most of my photography while traveling, family events and chasing the grandkids. I currently own the Nikon Z50 with it's kit lenses (great travel camera). I wish it had the same AF as the Canon R7 for times when I am taken video or photos of the grandkids playing sports or just running around. No plans of switching brands at this point, but it great to see Panasonic compete with better AF.

[@aviatorman8]

I own several Panasonic S1R’s, LX100 II and even the ZS200. Panasonic die hard fan here. I hope to see the S1R getting a refresh soon. Thanks for the review.

[@lumixS5M2]

Here other one, LX15 LX90 and now S5ii

[@DaneBrammage]

As a Leica and Sigma camera user I am thrilled that there’s another L mount camera that’s competing with the Sony without the menu headaches and has the ability to use all of my existing Leica SL, M & Sigma glass. Now I’m just going to have to be patient until my X ships in a couple weeks.

[@marcusbeasley3212]

If I wasn't already earlobe deep into Z mount I'd probably mess around with the S5II, since it feels like a very capable camera. Good ecosystem, probably the most affordable to get open gate if you need it. I also I love the camera death montage 🤣

[@miba8303]

You and Raymond....some kinda guru this fella

[@marvinspates924]

Awesome video Liegh and Ray! So glad to see you doing so much better Liegh, please don't over do it! You look great with longer hair, please don't cut it! I have been so amazed by Ray and his awesome presents in front of the camera! I can't wait to see more adventures from you both!!!👍👍👍

[@prastikokhalifah]

Finaly a phase detect lumix. Now, just need to wait for Sigma to release the 500mm f4 with L mount. #damn that's going to be a long time

[@NeonSparks]

I moved to lumix from canon. The main thing letting newcomers down it's the lack of budget lenses. There needs to be more cheaper lenses for people just coming to Lumix.

[@jasoneldridgephotography]

So glad to see you back at it!

[@wilkbor]

I've always been impressed with availability of alternatives in the L mount alliance. I have both Sigma and Tamron (for Nikon) and would not hesitate to buy a Sigma L mount if I owned the S5 or S5 ii. However, I have the perception that Panasonic's known image stabilization technology works best with Panasonic lenses, but not as well as the Sigma or Leica L mount lenses. This is not a perception based on any firsthand knowledge, just repeating tidbits of information I pick up elsewhere. So, my question for Leigh, Raymond or (anyone else who has firsthand experience): optics aside, does the image stabilization for the S5 or S5 ii work equally well with lenses from all members of the L mount alliance? Thanks for the video....

[@LeighAndRaymond]

I haven't noticed a difference.

[@mickeystine3100]

glad to see you bouncing back. Thanks for the info on this camera

[@Nocturnal_Mind]

L-Mount needs more telephoto options as well as more 1.2 and 1.4 primes. Panasonic has a lot of catching up to do. Plus the phase detection only works in certain video modes.

[@DubYaJsWorld]

Although I agree with you, the main reason I went with the s5ii was sigma lenses. I have the R5 and just getting decent CJ reaper glass as been fantastic. L mount glass will still be RF glass price, but Panasonic allows 3rd part lenses and that was the main deciding factor to get me.

[@NikonDave]

Absolutely love my L mount lenses but the SL2 as Raymond said is not the most convenient to travel with. Was wondering about this camera as a travel alternative. Thanks for the honest assesment.

[@janfrosty3392]

Same sentiment here.

[@martingreenberg870]

I just purchased the S5ii along with the 50/1.8 and 85/1.8. I haven’t used it much as I’m setting it up now. A big and pleasant surprise is the body and lenses are lightweight for a full frame camera. Same for the lenses. I was especially surprised about the lightness of the 85. Apparently the 1.8 lenses are designed to be about the same size and weight. Neither lens is stabilized though. Read good things about the unstablized 20-60 lens. I don’t know about the Sigma lenses. Mask On Nurse Marty (Ret)

[@renev6919]

Great video. For me the best one out right now. i´m struggeling between the S5II and the Leica SL2-S. I like my Leica Camera (M10) a lot and want a second Camera that works perfectly with my M lenses. I don´t know if im happy with the Panasonic or if i should wait untill Leica anounces the SL-3, maybe also with a better Autofocus system. I think i dont need the autofokus to be the new Panasonic version. I shoot mostly Portraits and Cars, and maybe a few concerts. But im also interested to shoot a little bit of wildlife in the future. So i dont know what im doing now xD

[@thomasphillips5850]

I agree with both of you this camera is very desirable. I as well like the L mount and of course the Leica SL's. Keep up the good work, your videos are always appreciated.

[@brainpope6660]

I have the S5II (and the S1 + Gh5, Gh4, Gh2, Gh1) and love them. My only complaint is the price tag. Yes, I know, it's much less than Sony, Canon or Nikon. But I complain about their price tags too. And why? When I bought my Canon 5D Mark II back then, it cost me 1600 euros. 1600!!! And at the time it was top notch (and felt like a big, solid, tank-like camera you could use forever, whereas the slim S5II feels more like a compromise for someone saving up for a proper body (even though it's already near perfect))). So what has happened to photography? Should we stop buying a house for our families and spend it all in equipment? ;-)

[@chevypowertogo-9070]

Brainpop Just Curious if You have BOTH TAhe S1 + Gh5, ((( Why do you still have => THE Much Much Older Gh4, Gh2, Gh1 ) without Selling these while They may still bring a few Dollars? Toward Your Newer Gear?

[@CryptoJones]

I hope you are recovered!!

[@DubYaJsWorld]

The SD cards are hot swappable while recording video too.

[@jfjoubertquebec]

I have been looking at the S5 for a long time now... sometimes I wait too long for a camera and they just don't age well. In this case... and because the price between the two (old and new) is not so different, I'm as confused as ever.

[@sardanapalos]

dont know where are you located but where i live i find the s5 half the price of the s5ii ofcourse used but in like new condition...thats a steal in my opinion ...on the s5 af is great for photos ...

[@LeighAndRaymond]

They're both great cameras. If you feel that you need tip-top autofocus or the ability to create long videos, go for the S5 II. Otherwise, the S5 is still a fantastic body!

[@truckloadoftruth4772]

Thank you for putting your opinions in layman’s terms, and also for reflecting on the lens options. In your opinion, is there any better camera in this price range with video abilities (4 or 6 K), but used mainly for landscape photography? (Liked and subscribed :)

[@kostasssss]

Excellent video! Did you notice moire patterns on the s5ii due to the lack of AA filter to the sensor?And if so is it going to be a problem on professional work?

[@PixelGuy22]

Thanks so much for another great video. I’ve been watching you guys for a while and really respect your opinions. I am a committed amateur photographer. My setup is a Sony A7R5…a great camera. After watching many S5ii reviews my interest is sky high. The Sony is quite capable but very complex. Also, some of the lenses can be very expensive. I feel that the S5ii is very capable and “speaks “ to me. So my first question is am I crazy? Secondly, how do you find the menus/complexity? I originally thought that the 61 megapixels of the Sony would be great but in reality I don’t think that I really need them and 24 ( or high resolution mode) would be enough. Selling my Sony to KEH would allow for several more lenses too. I would love to hear your thoughts. Good luck with your back issues. I would be happy to support your efforts with a contribution. Thanks again!!

[@martingreenberg870]

I hope this isn’t a GAS attack. I bought the S5ii due to GAS and a good price for the body & lenses. As you know, selling gear is expensive. Sometime, if what you have serves your needs, it is best to keep what you have. You’re right, the Sony A7RV is a great bit of kit. The S5ii is reputed to be the most competent body for the $2k price. It has video features, which I won’t be using, galore. It is lightweight. The PDAF may not be as capable as Sony but it is very good. Panasonic IBIS is very good. Being a LUMIX body, there are video features galore. For me as a photographer, too many features I’ll never use. For most people, 24MP is more than adequate. The 96MG high resolution feature isn’t something I will ever use. This feature requires the camera to be locked down on a tripod and doesn’t work well if there is more ent within the frame. Mask On Nurse Marty (Ret)

[@lumixS5M2]

thank you, did you use a convert for use sony lenses on the Lumix S5ii?

[@agork]

You might want to consider getting some sort of room treatment for less sonic reflexions. Good video, thanks

[@ruff1draft]

I want to adapt Nikon F mount lenses to the Panasonic S5 Mark ii and Panasonic S5 Mark ii X and Panasonic S1H Mark 1

[@JJHula]

3:36 were those camera drops on purpose WTF 😖🫣😩

[@martingreenberg870]

Painful to watch. Mask On Nurse Marty (Ret)

[@chevypowertogo-9070]

Does Panasonic LUMIX S5 II have in Camera Copyright Protection Settings ? This Something Sony & Olympus M4/3 & Everyone ELSE has included But Never Panasonic? Which i Always Found Vary disappointing

[@kqharvey]

If you were to get one lens for the S5ii, would you get the 20-60 kit lens or put that $300 towards a better zoom lens such as the Sigma 28-70 2.8?

[@angeloplayforone]

Video was enjoying to watch.

[@applecinemedia7530]

hi sir I am india Sigma 105mm f/1.4 DG HSM Art Lens for Leica L purchase to lens worthly for my photograpy

[@pfv3462]

Wonderful review! But what brand is this F to L adapter? I still have a few Nikon lenses left!

[@LeighAndRaymond]

We have a couple of these... amzn.to/3FZ3OfC

[@tjsound1258]

Anyone willing to recommend three zooms? Covering wide to 300mm+? I currently use mine for pics (JPEG + RAW), and vids (currently HD 720p and 1080p). I spend time outside in nature (landscape to up close) and indoor; music related: individual performance, clinics, rehearsals, and group/band performances/rehearsals. I am moving from Nikon DSLR, w/ 10-20mm & 18-140mm zooms, and 50mm prime. As you can see, I want to extend my reach significantly, in addition to resolution. Thanks!! The S5 II is my opportunity to go up significantly in quality ...

[@game2572]

Do you like the sigma 28-70mm i am really thinking about getting one for my S5ii

[@LeighAndRaymond]

I borrowed it and used it on my Leica SL2 when the lens was announced! You can see my thoughts here... kzbin.info/www/bejne/rqDOg4KBgKyJmtU

[@iankelly4008]

How is it for low light vs a7iv?

[@thegixlad27]

Love Panasonic, but Sony is just much more optimised along with more lens better support

[@martingreenberg870]

There are no bad cameras. You get to choose what features are important to you. The PDAF on the S5ii is very good. Maybe Sony and Canon are better but not by much. Panasonic has super IBIS. Better than Sony. There is the inbody fan for video. Unlimited recording without overheating. Since this is a LUMIX body you know there is a lot of video goodness. Make your choice. There are no bad choices. Mask On Nurse Marty (Ret)

[@mikelikavec4329]

Welcome back. I enjoy the thoughtful comments and professional presentation. Raymond, if you are concerned about camera damage buy insurance. It has paid off for me over the years both financially and in peace of mind. All the best. Mike

[@Pelikan91]

Fantastic !!!

[@tomd4260]

Have you had an issues with the S5 with evf and rear display lag in extremely low light

[@LeighAndRaymond]

No. I've been in low light with both cameras but I never noticed lag.

[@tomd4260]

@@LeighAndRaymond then I most of gotten a defect. Because in low light I can't use the evf or the rear display in extremely low light

[@hingng9772]

Can nikon lenses be use on is?

[@LeighAndRaymond]

We have adapted Nikon F lenses to L mount but you cannot adapt Nikon Z lenses to L mount.

[@ngsh007]

What about s1h ii? Are u beta testing those too?

[@Lifetogo]

Would be great to know, but if yes, they wouldnt be allowed to tell us 😛

[@dontech4713]

Nice video

[@ArcticRc]

Hi and thank for your great videos. I bought the S5II about to months ago together with the Sigma 24-70 F2.8. I have two channels here on youtube. One for nature and travel and one for Rc airplanes. We where out flying the other day and filming and i noticed something strange. My friend is not using zoom when he filmes me but im using it a lot cause im used to filming. When i zoom in on an plane the light shifts. it almost like i add a stop. This is strange cause it is a pure f2.8. I wil share a clip with you. i start filming at 4:58. kzbin.info/www/bejne/j32zhK2Id7Kcaq8 Im using a Nisi variable ND filter 1-5 and im filming in 4K 50 APC. Just to say im not a pro in any way. but i have used the GH5 for about 6 years and this is my first full frame. Hope you or others can help me figure out this. Perhaps it is a faulty lense. Or me just doing something wrong. Worth mention is when i zoom i hear this clicking sound in the lense. never heard this on my 100-300 on the MFT system.

[@jaimeduncan6167]

You play chess.

[@Photojouralist123]

I have to disagree with you guys, owning a entire Leica SL1 and SL2 the SL2 is hmm what's another word for junk? I took the camera to Western Mongolia the temperature was -25c and the SL2 with half battery would stop completely ! Therefore lose the shot of migratory birds. My Nikon Z9 was amazing 20FPs or 120fps jpg not a problem and a never ending buffer. Fast forward to today in 32c weather the SL2 if with a half battery also fails to perform giving error messages. I contacted Leica with no response complete silence. Due to the frustration I dropped kicked the Leica SL2 and bought a complete Hassy X2D and now that's killer!! Of course My Z9 is like a M1Tank.

[@MrPetebuster1]

rubbish your not going you use pany for bird photography, far better and more logical options. Not least because of the lack of wildlife lenses for Panasonic

[@janwedek]

True but it’s nice that it’s becoming at least viable to also use it for occasional wildlife. There are too 600mm Sigma zooms that can do the job. But it’s heavy and, as you point out, no long primes. So if wildlife is the #1 prio, it’s not the logical choice

[@sijilo]

😊

[@ashutoshsharma328]

Sony Zv e1 killed this camera

[@champagnesumo]

offtopic: When Raymond said "L Mount Alliance", I pictureD Jared Colin doing his version of the "L Mount Alliance" voice