THE ICE DAY | LUMIX S5II

A stylised, filmic short piece from a winter's day last month, here in the UK.
Shot on the new LUMIX S5 mark II, I decided to take a heavily stylised approach to this little piece, in terms of the overall filmic look and heavy film grain emulation. Dare I say, "cinematic"? I also shot it all with one single lens, the vintage 35mm f/2 FD, which is a real beauty and probably my favourite lens that I personally own. Beautifully imperfect! All in all I’ve used a combination of things here that create a look that I personally love.
Putting this piece together really helped me test out the new Panasonic camera fully, properly push it around a bit, and see what it's really capable of.
I feel like with any new camera, it takes you a while to really get to know it. For me, I find I need to get out and shoot with it, numerous times, in the real world, and in a range of different conditions, before I can really pass judgement. That actually happens to be my only problem with many traditional "reviews", many of which are often limited to studios, with very limited time hands on, and yet findings are often presented as conclusive. That's just not the reality of my experience.
Personally I feel like I've got to know the S5II quite well now, and what a great camera it is. Genuinely a fantastic all rounder. The images are beautiful, and so versatile. You really can push it around big time, as I have done in this film, and it holds up beautifully. The images are extremely clean, even in low light, so much so that I find myself actually wanting to rough it up a bit. But that's often the way with me!
Anyway I hope you enjoy this little piece. Myself and my mate Mr Toze decided to take some time out and make the most of the wintry conditions by hitting Dartmoor for a hike. One of my favourite things to do. Also happened to provide great conditions to test the camera. Specifically dynamic range, as it was super harsh light and the light/colour changed literally every 30 seconds.
Some info below. And as always, feel free to smash any questions in the comments.
Camera: Panasonic LUMIX S5 Mark 2
Lens: Canon FD 35mm f/2
Settings: 4K DCI 24p & 60p 10 bit 422, VLog picture profile
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© Rowe Films 2022

[@RoweFilms]

What do you think of this stylised, grainy film look and grade? May be a video coming on it shortly...

[@darylkotze548]

So glad I found your channel! Great work as usual. Keep em coming!

[@Arkadiusz4321]

looks cool! :)

[@trinimedia19]

I love the grade and the music. What's the name of that song and where can I find it?

[@TopshelfJunior]

I think it looks cool ! You definitely gave it a lane and edge for sure. Overall, how much of an upgrade is the S5ii over the GH6 ? I feel like it's close but, I dunno...this film you just put out seems like the S5ii is just a more robust / stronger / "beefier" image so to speak. I can't explain what I'm trying to say but...I might have to upgrade lol.

[@RoweFilms]

@@TopshelfJunior I wouldn't call it an "upgrade" to be honest. More of a Segway, different tools for different jobs. I'd say the decision comes down to what you personally need from your tool. For me, the GH6 is still my main camera. The main difference as I see it; GH6 for higher frame rates ( I can't live without 4K120p now I have it), more choice/combinations of codecs, bit rates, resolutions etc. More lens choice (also cheaper) and better mount for adapting wider range of glass. Faster sensor readout. S5II for extreme low light situations because of the bigger sensor, it does produce a noticeably cleaner image in the more challenging conditions, although the GH6 is hardly bad and perfectly good enough for 99% of real world situations. S5II also if you're someone that wants/needs that solid Phase Detect AF, of course. Bizarrely the S5II is also smaller. In terms of the image, I can't say there's much in it to be honest. Both produce incredible images which, at the end of the day, is all that really matters. I've got a video to post soon to show how well they cut together, as I shot a project using both cameras side by side. Let's just say it's a struggle to see which was which.

[@JWS1968]

Films like this are so inspiring. All you need is a great location and one actor.

[@erniepach]

Awesome footage man I can’t wait for mine to get in

[@MrFreddGG]

wooooow. amazing as always..!!!!

[@RoweFilms]

Thanks mate!

[@wavesoffun]

Amazing work - love the sense of atmosphere. Would love to see a behind the scenes of how you do your titles too! Fantastic work

[@RoweFilms]

Thanks very much! Glad you enjoyed it mate. I'll see what I can do

[@antonioinfedele2286]

I saw the first 10 seconds, an idea came to my mind, for a short film, which has nothing to do with the video, but something aroused me, I started writing with the background of the video, I lift my head and it was finished, I'll have to watch it again, but thank you for inspiring me

[@RoweFilms]

Welcome bro!

[@csoresto]

Once again, a great video ! Nice job 👏

[@RoweFilms]

Thank you!

[@Cooperct]

Great job brother!!!

[@RoweFilms]

Cheers mate :)

[@foggymossstudio]

Beautiful Work! Love it!

[@RoweFilms]

Thanks very much!

[@travel_nature_and_life]

I love this special atmosphere. 💛💛

[@RoweFilms]

Thanks very much :)

[@JISHNU0137]

Great work!

[@kanepesfilms]

Lovely, as always! 🖤🖤

[@RoweFilms]

Thanks!

[@burn4ever]

Love it Bro!

[@mk_cinema9363]

I was waiting for your video!

[@RoweFilms]

I've posted a couple shot on this camera now bro haha

[@haulfilms]

Brilliant work!

[@RoweFilms]

Thanks!

[@shaileshjadhav8432]

The intro reminds me of a murder mystery or thriller movie, crazy look.

[@harlemwoodstudios]

Awesome work!

[@RoweFilms]

Thanks very much!

[@dronetubeAUT]

Wonderful Video. 🤩

[@RoweFilms]

Thank you !

[@spec-productions5733]

That was interesting, and a sort of an unintended tease. Felt like an opening scene to a feature; develops mood, has good pacing, etc. Forgot it was camera test footage and drifted into suspension of disbelief as though was watching a movie (short or otherwise). But then the next beat in the story never really happened (i.e., the tease) but still enjoyed all the scenes. As a critique, there were some missed focus shots but I'm guessing no camera person on some of the takes? Made sense when I read the blurb afterwards and saw you're using vintage lenses, which I'm a huge fan of. Have a lot of Contax, Zeiss classic, and too many Leica Rs, but still looking forward to try FDs again (again because I bought a Canon AE-1 brand new back in the day). Nicely done.

[@RoweFilms]

Thanks very much mate. Yeah I get what you mean about it being a bit of a tease. Ultimately it is just a camera test from a little day out, but I wanted to try and make it a little bit more than that, so decided to shoot an intro sequence to give it a bit more of something. An opening to a feature is very much the feel I was trying to create, so it's nice that you picked up on that. But yes you are right, it ultimately can't really go anywhere else, because of the limitation of what it is, so it does end up feeling like a bit of a tease! And yeh focus is slightly out in places. Shooting alone, with manual vintage lens, that's pretty much why. To be honest I'm not a big stickler for focus. Or noise. Or any of the many other things that aren't always bang on in every shot. It happens. Provided the visuals still work, that's fine with me. Perfection is an impossible pursuit. Funny example, have a watch of the video of James Cameron breaking down his movies. Titanic, the famous sunset scene on the bow of the ship. They planned it for a different time, and they were shooting something else at the time, but the sky exploded. So they dropped everything, ran down the set, racing against the setting sun (an all too familiar experience for us all am I right?). Anyway, they got two takes. One was completely out of focus, the second was slightly out of focus, but still made the final cut. I can only presume they decided it still worked, despite being slightly off and very much imperfect. If you watch the movie, you won't be able to un-see it now lol. One of the largest productions in history, $200m budget, and one of the key scenes is soft. So yeh, I don't ever beat myself up if focus is missed slightly here and there. Nothing is ever perfect and there's so much that goes into creating images, it's all a balance. Yet we are so accustomed to picking out anything that's not perfect, we can get bogged down in nit picking. Personally, provided the shot still works as a whole, that's good enough for me. Cheers for the comment man appreciate the feedback!

[@BenZrealty]

🥶🥶🔥

[@CHILLINWITHISUPPOSE]

S5 Mark ii or GH6? (coming from GH5) What should be the move?

[@RoweFilms]

Very good question. Depends on your needs. If you’re already invested in the m43 system, the GH6 perhaps. GH6 if you want the higher frame rates, and more options settings/resolution/codec wise. If you’re someone that needs/wants solid AF then S5ii, or if you’re someone that does a lot of extreme low light shooting.

[@CHILLINWITHISUPPOSE]

@@RoweFilms Manual Focus Boys!!! 🥳 Thanks bro! GH6 it is!!! Your GH6 videos are still unmatched on KZbin! 🔥🔥🔥🔥

[@RoweFilms]

@@CHILLINWITHISUPPOSE yes mate good choice 👌 Thanks very much bud!

[@CarterCreativeContent]

Really nice work 🙌

[@RoweFilms]

Thank you

[@carloselvir2492]

I have been going over your content and it looks so good, I love the grading of your videos. I have a question as I'm deciding to buy a camera for short films from Panasonic. With your experience, have you preferred the work with the GH6 or the s5ii so far, which one would you recommenf buying?

[@RoweFilms]

Thanks! That's such a tough question to answer because it depends on so much mate. In a nutshell, for me its GH6 for higher frame rates, better codecs, resolution settings etc, and a more versatile lens mount. S5II for low light environments, or if you're someone that needs solid AF. Other than that, personally I'd struggle to choose between them because they both produce amazing images, which is all that actually matters to me really. It could well come down to the overall form factor and system itself - m43 or L Mount full frame, and which is more suitable for you.

[@carloselvir2492]

@@RoweFilms Thanks, I think I'll go with the GH6 since I'm planning on doing more film projects!

[@RoweFilms]

@@carloselvir2492 good shout. If it helps, now I have 4K 120p in 10 bit, I couldn’t be without it. Therefore the GH6 is still my main camera

[@giarrizzomauro]

Ciao, io ho prenotato la lumix S5IIX e ho pensato di acquistare gli obiettivi Irix cine. Cosa ne pensi? Credi siano di un bell'aspetto? Grazie dall'Italia.

[@CallumVandenberg]

Very beautiful video!

[@RoweFilms]

Thanks Callum

[@turbophat]

This is really stellar work. Incredibly cinematic. I'm curious how much of the look is the lens and how much is your emulation/grading. What did you use btw, doesn't look like Kodak 2383... something else? The way you captured the light is perfection too. Dude, teach me. 🙌

[@RoweFilms]

Thanks very much mate that's kind. Both play a significant part for sure. Lens choice means you're baking those vintage vibes into the image in camera, which really sells the look. Vintage lenses have such a characteristic look that's hard to achieve with modern glass. Grading and film emulation contributes a lot too though. It's amazing what you can do in post now with the right tools. I used Dehancer Pro to grade this. If you check my latest two uploads on my channel, I've done a couple of videos covering the plugin. It really is magic. By far the best film emulation tool I've ever used!

[@WEDraskaz]

Om namaste. Camera: Panasonic LUMIX S5 Mark 2 Lens: Canon FD 35mm f/2 What adapter did you use?

[@RoweFilms]

Just a cheap L to Fd adapter on Amazon! Nothing special

[@TheFaustianMan]

ANOTHER BANGER! LOVE THE GRADE, LOOK, and EVERYTHING!

[@RoweFilms]

Cheers man pleased to hear it

[@ruff1draft]

I might purchase this alongside the Panasonic S5 Mark 2 X

[@RoweFilms]

Go for it

[@eh-ym3ws]

So you said you used a FD Canon 35mm f/2 lens. I am assuming you used a converter adapter. If so, which adapter did you use? BTW excellent video. You have new subscriber.

[@RoweFilms]

Thanks very much and welcome! It was just a cheap Canon FD to L Mount adapter. Can't recall exactly which one, but I think it was from Amazon. There are loads on there, and they will all do the job 👍

[@staceysims7270]

What editing software did you use? And what comparable lens do you recommend for s5ii without using an adapter?

[@RoweFilms]

Edited in FCPX. In the digital age, vintage lenses such as Canon FD are desirable for their unique attributes and 'character'. Their flaws, even. Modern lenses whilst optically superior, tend to me more clinical. Too 'perfect', if you like. L Mount is still a relatively new lens mount so you'll struggle to find a native L Mount lens that will give you these characteristics. That's not to say there aren't great lenses in the range because there are (The 50mm f/1.4 is a personal favourite of mine), but any native lens will give you a more modern, contemporary look when compared with vintage glass.

[@josemiguelherrerapalacin2816]

Do you recommend the camera?

[@RoweFilms]

Absolutely I do. Very much so 👍🏻

[@josemiguelherrerapalacin2816]

@@RoweFilms I have s5(1) and I need another camera. I am specting something like s1h 2. But it is hard to wait :(

[@jesuscaserofotografia]

Nice work 🙏

[@RoweFilms]

Cheers mate 👍

[@Naumachia]

Great video! I just got my S5 II too and there’s plenty to love about this camera. But I’d love to invest in some cine-lenses, any tips for that would be greatly appreciated! 😅

[@RoweFilms]

Thanks! Depends how far you want to go with it. The Samyang/Rokinon cine lenses are surprisingly decent and superb value. The Meike lenses are good too. But for me, I'm all about the vintage glass. If vintage vibes is your thing, that's definitely worth looking into.

[@Naumachia]

@@RoweFilms Thank you! I use some FD glass and I love them even if they’re on the cheap end of the spectrum! Maybe I need to buy some more FD 🤤 Thanks for the tips!

[@Naumachia]

@@RoweFilms Thank you! I use some FD glass and I love them even if they’re on the cheap end of the spectrum! Maybe I need to buy some more FD 🤤 Thanks for the tips!

[@Naumachia]

@@RoweFilms Thank you! I use some FD glass and I love them even if they’re on the cheap end of the spectrum! Maybe I need to buy some more FD 🤤 Thanks for the tips!

[@gurugamer8632]

Hi Are the camera like Panasonic LUMIX DC-S5 II X better than Sony A7S III ? Thanks

[@RoweFilms]

I can't answer that question I'm afraid mate because it's subjective and there's not really any such thing as "better". Totally depends on what you need, want, and prioritise.

[@kbfilmsandphotography6816]

Great video 👍

[@RoweFilms]

Thanks 👍

[@valentinschoeffel448]

Great video, but is it water proof?

[@RoweFilms]

Thanks. Is what waterproof?

[@valentinschoeffel448]

The Lumix s5 II? @@RoweFilms

[@RoweFilms]

@@valentinschoeffel448 it’s weather sealed when paired with the appropriate lenses, yes. But that doesn’t mean water proof!

[@Sebba85]

Hope to grow good as you are in film making. I ordered the s5iix, but I'm new in the system. What lenses do you recommend for it? I am looking for good quality lenses with a beautiful creamy bokeh. I'm not addicted to bokeh but I love a creamy out of focus zone. Please help 🙏

[@CFB-zn1bg]

You want it with AF or MF? With AF you should look more for Sigma Lenses. For MF check out some old Pentax SMC or some Helios Lenses Like 44-2. Cheers

[@Sebba85]

@@CFB-zn1bg yes i'd love to use botta AF and MF lenses...but I'm so indecided. Wich sigma lenses are you talking about, the art dg dn series or the contemporary series? For MF i'm so fashinated by voigtlander 😍

[@RoweFilms]

You can do it! Lens recommendations I always find difficult because it depends entirely on your needs. Especially so without knowing anything about what you do. It's also a very personal, subjective thing. Personally, I'm all about the vintage glass. If a stylised look with vintage vibes is your thing, that might be worth looking into. For me it's all about the character you get with vintage lenses that just can't be achieved in the same way with modern glass. Otherwise, some cine primes might do the job for you. The Samyang/Rokinon and Meike primes are surprisingly good for the money. As are the DZO Vespids.

[@Sebba85]

@@RoweFilms Thank you 🤩❤

[@youfollow_]

loved this but which iso above 4000 was it shot at?

[@RoweFilms]

It’s film grain emulation, not digital noise

[@youfollow_]

@@RoweFilms hmm DFD , it's great though

[@aman681]

Great work. Did you use any Luts to grade?

[@RoweFilms]

Thanks! No Graded with Dehancer Pro for Final Cut. Got a video coming on it!

[@aman681]

@@RoweFilms Thanks

[@hunterh9502]

the noise is absolutely insane. or is that film grain added in post?

[@RoweFilms]

There’s a difference between film grain emulation, and digital noise. This isn't noise

[@hhankx]

@@RoweFilms so which is it lol? I’m watching on a hi res monitor and it doesn’t look great. Your composition and everything is is great. Image quality is either noise or emulation?

[@hhankx]

And to my eye, I just don’t like heavy grain/ noise. Just personal preference. Please take no offense!

[@FrankJoseph911]

Wow. Can I do that? Don't tell me I can do something like that with this camera. Don't you lie to me!!

[@RoweFilms]

Why not I say

[@FrankJoseph911]

@@RoweFilms Well, alright then!

[@albertos3636]

Please tell me this is true, Panasonic s5 mark2 -1080p 4.2.2 10 bit 24/25/30fps FF (Full-Frame) use PDAF. 1080p 4.2.2. 10 bit 50/60fps FF use DFD (old contrast method). 1080p 50/60fps APS-C mode use PDAF.

[@RoweFilms]

I'm not the person to ask I'm afraid man. I don't use AF so I'm no expert on that side of things!

[@rizkiabadi8441]

Is this autofocus?

[@RoweFilms]

Vintage lens, manual.