Panasonic Lumix S5 II and S5 IIX: The Wait is Over; Panasonic is BACK!

The S5 II is so good that we swapped out our a7 IV for one. It's the first L-Mount camera with performant hybrid phase detect autofocus, but that's far from the whole story: it is so much more than that, though it's still a work in progress. Buy here: geni.us/aTHQt1
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Opening Music: Kodo Remix by Yoshida Brothers
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[@3BMEP]

For all of you wondering about Roger Daltry on MTV or commenting about Sting singing about MTV on a Mark Knopfler song: turns out I was right: Roger Daltry DID do one of those “I want my MTV”promos. But it is not as I remember it (at least the one I’ve found thus far). There’s also one by Pete Townshend!

[@DocBoA]

Even with my a7iv in tow, I still find myself preferring the user experience and image of my gh5ii. This is a no-brainer for me. Top Notch content upload Hugh

[@3BMEP]

😊🖖🏻

[@forgottenamericana]

Hugh, thank for really incorporating photography into your review here...this ain't just a video cam. Glad you embraced this. Great job sir!

[@3BMEP]

🙏🏻😊🖖🏻

[@alexrushes]

This S5 II really seems like everything I wanted the first one to be ! I got the original and have been using it for cinematography. Good years of learning and pushing it to its limits in both low-light and tough environments. Absolutely looking forward to the next iteration of the S1H if this is the kind of upgrade we're getting !

[@gregcorker2193]

Another richly informative, engaging, AND even-handed review. Glad to see Panasonic deliver a stellar hybrid for the L-Mount.

[@3BMEP]

🙏🏻🖖🏻

[@3BMEP]

I’ve spoken with our friends at Panasonic about the rear control wheel being too easy to move; other reviewers have commented on this as well.

[@TheOneMonk]

For me already the camera of the year. Because Panasonic is back. Big time. My only gripe with this: had Panasonic done this 2 years ago, i.e. phase detect AF, I would have never changed to Sony. One thing that is seldomly mentioned but is such an advantage of the Lumix system: the excellent firmware support! My G9 and S1 were upgraded several times, in essence giving me new cameras. Sony on the other hand? My flagship a1 and my FX3 still did not get the essential focus breathe compensation update. This is beyond me and this is the reason why I stop investing in Sony.

[@agenericaccount3935]

Marketing coup from Panasonic on this one, gotta say. A bunch of influencers gets winged out to Tokyo, shown a great time, handed an entire ecosystem (glass included) for "Long term testing" (keeps) and sent home with same. Couldn't have been done more efficiently. Goodwill included. Continental breakfast. And I love it. Panasonic of all the players deserves the best. I hope they get it and I hope they deliver it.

[@AndySnap]

Having watched a few YT videos shot with the S5ii, I'm really liking the colours & image quality, clean, accurate & pleasingly but not overly warm. Good to see Lumix make something of a 'comeback', I hope the goodness & value of the S5ii is an indicator of future FF & MFT Lumix cameras...

[@TheRealRichardWong]

Beautiful review, love hearing you talk all day Hugh! And it was great meeting with you in Japan

[@3BMEP]

Right back at you, Richard!

[@ShellyBHollis]

Lumix gives us everything we need. This camera is amazing

[@WhatsleftofTom]

Amazing! I love my GX9 and it's nice to see them competing and winning at the top of the industry. Great photos of Japan, it's an incredible place for photography. And everything esle come to think of it

[@film_first_productions]

Correct me if I'm wrong but wasn't it Sting who declared "I Want My MTV" from Mark Knopfler's "Brothers in Arms" LP?

[@impulsesystems]

Yup. Sting not Roger Daltrey... See kzbin.info/www/bejne/p561q5WBg8eHqbs

[@3BMEP]

I don’t recall the album name, but otherwise: yes! 👍🏻

[@marcusoutdoors4999]

Greetings from England. The images in the opening sequence are head and shoulders above any others I’ve seen from the launch. Loved the Kodo track.

[@3BMEP]

So glad you enjoy our work (and our choice of music). 🙏🏻🖖🏻

[@jjurii]

"Sony just doesn't stop". Indeed. Panasonic lets go!

[@philipshucet9481]

Tokyo revealed! I enjoyed your enthusiastic and, as always, sincere review.

[@jorgoskatsimitsoulias8918]

thanks for this great review!!!

[@luxdalet]

Fantastic video overview! Always thorough and informative. Kudos to the Panasonic team on such a great product!

[@3BMEP]

😊🖖🏻

[@jacquesnel8384]

Hi Hugh well done on this excellent and informative video. I love your work.

[@3BMEP]

Glad you enjoyed it!!🙏🏻🖖🏻

[@JoshPostVlogs]

Awesome, Hugh! I saw you in DPReview’s video so I was on the lookout for your review. Great stuff as always.

[@3BMEP]

Thanks so much, Josh! 😊🖖🏻

[@itsoverat6000]

This camera is amazing!

[@VZAAGE]

How you express your views on the current landscape of photography is second to none. It helps me get a clear idea on what gear I should get. Having said that... I wish you had included your thoughts on this camera compared to the FX30 strictly concerning video. The FX30 seems to shoot everything competently up to 4K120 albeit with an APSC crop. The S5II crops at 4K60 and up so that seems to be a wash. If I did want to shoot full frame at 4K30 with the S5II then I'd pretty much be limited to F/1.8 glass which isn't too far off from using the FX30 with a G Master lens. The one feature that the S5II offers over the FX30 for my needs is the open gate 6K which would allow the ability to crop in post even further than I already do. At the end of the day I'm pretty much torn between the two.

[@smalltalk.productions9977]

thanks for the effort and sharing. i am thrilled that Panasonic has found it's way towards reliable AF. yes, the array of upgrades seem worthy but the headline item remains AF. as someone who came up using the DVX100B (game-changer!) to still loving my GX85 (which I used to record our 2018 trip to Tokyo!), as you pointed out, keeping Panasonic on the scene is critical to the continued advancement in our image making tools. (talk about run-on sentences!) BIG thumbs up.

[@3BMEP]

We had that DVX100!

[@Nordbiene]

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

[@3BMEP]

😊🖖🏻

[@Bryan-lu4du]

I'm excited but even more excited about what this means for the rest of the L mount cameras... Bring on a Phase Detect AF Leica Q3 and Leica SL3!

[@TristanLaughton]

Always look forward to your reviews. The future is looking bright for Panasonic!

[@3BMEP]

😊🖖🏻

[@brochg]

Thank you VERY much for covering this amazing hybrid!!!!! It’s the new year, and now I have the new year itch! If I was a hybrid shooter, or cared about shooting video, this would be at the top of the list. Being a photo shooter exclusively, I would love to hear what you and Claudia would say! I’m already in the Nikon system, so the Z7II is a thought for sure! The R6ii is very tempting, save for the issue of Canon’s strangle hold on glass. The A7IV would be the other option, with their glass options. I don’t shoot anything moving fast, just portraits, landscape, and a touch of wildlife.

[@StephanSchramm8771]

And now Wetzlar, please... maybe at Easter 😊 Greetings from Hamburg/ Germany

[@SS-pl4mj]

You are so articulate. I love your videos.

[@3BMEP]

I appreciate your appreciation. 😊🙏🏻🖖🏻

[@kaminobatto]

It is indeed good news for everyone, more competition is better. While I am mostly a Nikon shooter, I use almost all of the other brands and in the Lumix system I use the S1R which is an exceptional camera in terms of functionality, ergonomics, features, and build quality. I am looking forward to seeing what the new upgrades will bring to the S1 lineup! Exciting times to be a photographer/videographer!

[@sebastien6483]

Excellent content as always! I've spent so little time thinking about gear for the last year and change besides maybe a flash for my Q2. Now you may have tossed me back into the abyss of gear aquisition syndrome!

[@3BMEP]

😉🖖🏻

[@shouyili3751]

Donno the magic behind this channel, but I just enjoy your great passion for photography. Thanks for the great thoughts. GN HF.

[@3BMEP]

Glad you enjoy it!

[@eduluizfilho99]

I love Panasonic cameras, but for me the sweet spot is 47-50mp. Still waiting for Nikon Z7III, hope will be as good as the S5II and priced similarly to Z7II! Come on Nikon!

[@Abdul-Amburadul]

😂😂😂

[@Sebastian-dk8rj]

excellent review, as always, awesome photos!! ( I'm still tripping at 6:30 , your head morphs or somehing)

[@Gynra]

Language, Hugh! I was $@#*&"? shocked! I'm excited about the S5 II because I'm hoping for an SL2-S II (or SL3-S) with the same hybrid phase detect autofocus. That is my dream camera.

[@3BMEP]

😉

[@kuzemchik]

Same here. SL3-S/Q3/SL3 - GO - GO - GO!

[@MisterMayhem17]

Your voice is so soothing.

[@3BMEP]

😊🖖🏻

[@SlotCarNewsOfficial]

So this video, is as all the rest, very informative and thought provoking. I got tired of waiting for Fujifilm to get their act together and I've all-but-fully switched to Sony for my video and photo work for my newspaper and baseball team. I would do stand up, direct to camera interviews and the video of the XH1 and (borrowed from Fujifilm) XT3, XT4 I'd tried which would jitter for static objects. I could see this new Panasonic being something that's very interesting especially for hybrid use where you really need better than average video quality. It still seems that Fuji's AF isn't up to Sony's AF even for models like my A7riii and A9, so I'm happy with my switch over. As for this product review, while it's not directly something that I'd buy I do find it VERY helpful to walk into the future with you when you're talking about where other brands probably are going with the changes that Panasonic has made with this new camera. I love when companies edge the "bar" up with each release and we see how other brands then react. Cheers for the video. -Dave K

[@3BMEP]

😊🖖🏻

[@obscur_yoann]

That remix of Yoshida Brother's music was nice. 😉 This camera looks pretty nice too. But will not replace my S1R. 😉

[@jarmokarkkainen7621]

A7 iii has certainly held its value quite well as I got one on offer 3 years back for 2300 euros together with Sony's own 85 mm f1.8 (I suppose this was a pretty good deal back then and the available lenses certainly made it easier to pick one...). And they still ask 2000 euros for it today, although some discounts can get you one for around 1600 euros or so. I still have that one, but after getting the new R5 it certainly shows its age in just about every way except from the look&feel aspect...Anyways, it's great to see Panasonic launching new gear as this is exactly what is needed to keep the market alive and interesting. Maybe a hi-res model comes soon after...Always a pleasure to see your expert reviews, Hugh!

[@3BMEP]

😊🙏🏻🖖🏻

[@asafblasbergvideographer]

As soon as they said "unlimited recording time" I was sold on the S5 II :)

[@asafblasbergvideographer]

Which SONY cameras have no 4K 60 crop in full frame?

[@omnymisa]

Am so glad Panasonic finally is serous with AF, yes am agree we should see a higher res versión the battery life need attention too and higher Fps capture for action photography.

[@RobDTom]

12:57 "Just the way Roger Daltry wanted his MTV, I want my high resolution sensors..." I think that was Sting! 😆

[@3BMEP]

See my pinned comment! 😊🖖🏻

[@evanmcknight2566]

I’m really looking forward to seeing the phase detect autofocus make it into Panasonic MFT gear. OM systems is charging a lot for their OM-1 and the OM-5 seems to be a bit of a joke so hoping to see some solid cameras from Panasonic in the MFT space.

[@EmeraldAudiovisual]

Meike is bringing an EF to L-mount filter adapter in the next 2-3 months. I inquired and they were fairly upfront about it coming. Imagine the options then !

[@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?

[@boyantrifonov]

Thank you for the brief comparisons of the S5 II's competitors. In 2022 I got the S5 Mark I and am still mastering it. (I got an amazing deal: For the price of the camera body alone AND 200 Euro cash back from Panasonic I got the S5 Mark I the kit lens 20-60mm f/3.5-5.6 AND the Panasonic 35mm f/1.8) With this amazing new release I am happy that the Panasonic ecosystem is becoming more popular. Now my dilemma will be whether to wait for the release of the S1 II or the S1H II or wait for a good deal on the S5 II X as I want a 2 camera setup. And one day maybe I can get a Leica body because I can use my L Mount Alliance lenses. It is becoming a good time to be a consumer if you have money set aside for a camera purchase.

[@RamonLinares]

Imagine this camera in a LX100 format... That'd be a dream

[@kriscalderon586]

What battery and battery charger do your recommended for this camera ??

[@ruialves_sense8]

Sometimes I just drop in to hear you talk Hugh. Absolutely engaging! Amazing story teller! Now regarding the S5II, I’m on the fence here between that and the XH2

[@3BMEP]

Glad you enjoy what we do! As for your dilemma: both excellent cameras, but we’ve settled on the S5 II for video given our investment in L-mount already. 😊🖖🏻

[@ruialves_sense8]

@@3BMEP if you ever decide to come to Portugal, beep me I can show you around

[@nebopolis]

Definitely waiting for a camera that can match the resolution and compactness of my FP L, but achieves the AF performance discussed here. I know I know, might be waiting a while :). Still, I'm excited to see new camera bodies arriving for the L-mount, since I'm now heavily invested. And I am tempted by the S5 II, AF performance has always been the achiles heel of L-mount and I've mostly gone with manual lenses as a result. Knowing proper AF is out there - especially for video - really changes how I think about my future lens purchases and plans. I do wish it had the pocketability of the FP though... There is something magical about taking a tiny camera with a pancake lens on a trip, without sacrificing the ability to make gorgeous prints or crop in deeply.

[@tamilhoward9708]

I am impressed by the resolution of the FP-L. Does anyone think the FP-L's hybrid phase/contrast detect autofocus system can be improved via firmware?

[@jshanni2066]

Always love your more philosophical take on new cameras , Hugh. I have to ask about a couple of photos - eg , what I assume is a boat captain in a mask. Are the colours and tones in this shot a Panasonic in-camera filter, or your own processing? There is a wonderful "retro" look to the lighting and colour pallette in that shot, dare I say even a little "film like" in overall feel?

[@3BMEP]

Great question! First: this is one of Claudia’s shots! Second, I agree with you about the retro look. This was also ALL Claudia in post. We almost NEVER futz with baking in looks, choosing instead to curate our images down to a very few, and then letting the images whisper to us what they need. 😉🖖🏻

[@TITAOSTEIN]

The S5ii is the perfect b cam to my GH6!

[@bsmukler]

You touched on this, and I think it likely correct that this foreshadows an SL3. My guess is that Leica will abandon the two-body solution (SL2/SL2S) in favor of a multiple resolution 60MP sensor as in the M11 along with the PDAF system, at least one CF Express slot, and either a beefed-up Maestro III processor or an altogether new processor (just as Nikon did in the Z9). For many, the build quality, user experience, and Leica heritage and community make the higher prices acceptable. Witness the excitement around the release of the M11 (not to mention the beautiful M6) as well as the much anticipated Q3 and eventual M11M and other variants. We live in very troubled times (is there any other kind?) and it is great that we have such fascinating new tools/toys/artifacts to consider, learn about, value and use. [Apologies if you covered similar Leica thoughts in your 2023 predictions video, which I have not viewed yet.]

[@tscott6843]

1. I didn’t turn it up nearly loud enough. 2. Great choice. 3. Phase detect yay.

[@3BMEP]

😉👊🏻🖖🏻

[@jaredzzz]

Time to start filling the piggybank for the SL3. I'm guessing summer?

[@tonyzecchinelli]

from what I understand from many tutorials about the Lumix S5 II - there may still be a very serious defect that not many people talk about or consider, and it is that the wheel at the top right, which is used to change exposure times, well it is very easy to move it inadvertently with the palm of the hand, because I repeat it is a defect that is pre-existing on all Lumix cameras, because I repeat the time wheel is too close to the palm of the hand, and it is too sensitive to move and that inadvertently changes the exposure times and you realize it only after you've taken the photo. I believe that this wheel should have a manual analog fixing so to unlock or lock the exposure times you have to voluntarily intervene more forcefully on the wheel that changes them. and another defect that no one talks about is that even if we have the manual and external wheel to change from MS to MC, however, we still have to go inside the menu to make it truly active and so what is the point of having these two settings to get the result of to have a fast speed to switch from AFS to AFC when it would be more than enough to have only the external wheel that quickly lets us switch from AFS to AFC. Since I translated everything I wrote with the Google translator well I hope KZbin does not consider it Spam and does show my comment - I'm Italian and even if I speak good English, but the google translator helps me a lot but when you copy and paste from the google translator and post a comment in a KZbin video well KZbin doesn't show it and this is Such a pity. Great Review.

[@tonyzecchinelli]

@ThreeBlindMenandElephant Dear TreeBlindMenanelephant - thank you for answering me with a thumb up - also if there are no written words from you but you write or wrote "Top Top .... and a blue box picture " I guess it means you liked my considerations about Lumix II so thanks.

[@scottfineshriber5051]

I have a ton of MFT gear and used to own Canon gear as well. I had Rebels, a 7D and a 5D III. I’ve been tempted to go back to Canon for larger sensor cameras, but because of the lack of third party lenses, I’m now considering an S5II. And I don’t shoot video. As for resolution, there are still the S1 variants to be updated.

[@3BMEP]

I have a feeling Canon just may be hit harder by the S5 II and what comes next than any other major brand.

[@caiminjacob2798]

ah yes, the only camera review we need.

[@zaphodbeeblebrox4574]

Panasonic G9 with PDAF and 24Mp sensor ... Please.

[@diamond_absolute]

You cured me of a headache❤️

[@3BMEP]

Happy to be of service. 😊🖖🏻

[@andresgonzalezcerda7635]

About your review timing. Somebody says: “no hay que llegar primero, pero hay que saber llegar”. Great job.👍🏼

[@3BMEP]

Muchas gracias!

[@jongaruman3753]

Is there any feedback on the shutter button on the S5 mkii? I had the original S5, which I sold recently but I didn’t like the complete lack of feedback click when depressing the shutter. I much prefer the shutter on the A7iv, but the mkii seems the better all round package. I’m weighing up both bodies. Thanks.

[@charliemcgrain]

Not sure about everyone else, but I "always" use a decent size monitor when shooting video, for framing and focusing. I use the Ninja V. In "stealth mode, without cages, etc, it is really light and no bother at all, and I get 5.9k Full Frame RAW "Prores" at 422 12 bit on relatively cheap and easy to swap out 1TB hard drives. I need that Ninja for monitoring, but also for all of the other tools on it, false colors, etc. But those RAW Prores files, while they are big, edit really easy in my 2019 Macbook in Premier. The image is stellar...startlingly good.

[@coolangatta1000]

As a GH5 user for 5 years I was considering an upgrade to the GH6, particularly when the price in Australia started to DROP signifcantly over the past 6 weeks. Could this be a 'sell off' of GH6 stock prior to the release of a GH6 II or perhaps a GH7 with Phase Detect and other improvements included in the S5 II ? Worth waiting to see what happens I believe.

[@OutRAjious]

HNY!! Now put this focus power in M4/3

[@martingreenberg870]

Thank you for your review Hugh. As you said, good on Panasonic for giving their audience what they wanted, phase detection on the sensor. Yeah! DFD works well enough for photography but isn’t great for video. As some of your posters suggest, they are photographers not videographers. As other posters suggest, photographers use the technology based on videography. It looks like Panasonic has been spanked enough and is doing what the other companies have been doing for years. Welcome to 2023 Panasonic. Camera manufacturers don’t produce bad cameras. Some are better than others. Sony and Canon are very good with their focus. You love the Nikon glass for the Z9. Fuji has their strength in the user experience with knobs and buttons. I love their film simulations. This is a wonderful time to be a photographer. As you have suggested in previous vids Hugh, one of the manufacturers is going to be smart and use the AI used in cellphone cameras. Watch out then. Watching your vid is like photography pornography for me. Very exciting stuff. It is amazing how the camera manufacturers are making new cameras with exciting improvements. My GAS is being stimulated. As Dirty Harry said, “ A man (or a woman) has got to know his (or her) limitations.” As I demonstrated, I am way beyond my limitations. I can dream of producing nice or good images with these new light gathering machines but evidence suggests I would muck things up with even more sophisticated machines. In addition, I’ve been assaulted one last time and am hanging up my stethoscope at the end of the month. So purchasing a full frame system or even a Leica is beyond my means. I know what my limitations are. Thank you for a great and interesting introduction to the Panasonic S5 II. This looks like a winner. Give people what they want and they will come. I also want to thank you for the referral to Ernst Haas. Purchased the new Haas and Leiter books. Haas has some achingly beautiful images in this book. I saw them and knew I had to own them. Took the books to work to share the images. The response was underwhelming, like my images. I’m not comparing my work with theirs. As you suggested, my coworkers are not part of my tribe. Still looking. I will continue with the gear I have. At this point, for me, good enough is good enough. I need to learn how to use what I already have. Sorry Panasonic and Fuji. I wonder what HCB, Haas, or Leiter would do with the gear we have available to us now. Probably use the gear to make more great images. I enjoy your videos and will continue watching. It is amazing that even when you talk about gear I have no interest in I am entertained and learn. Mask On Nurse Marty

[@logtothebase2]

The one thing I would dispute is that it's going to be an interesting year for new Cameras, The reason is that everyone has a more than usable hybrid now. the big usability hurdles have been leaped Future development is incremental.

[@charles4863]

You mentioned L mount Summicron lenses, but it was not clear if you've tried Lumix S5II with Leica APO Summicron, in 50 F2, 35 F2. If so how is balance/handling compared to SL2? You provide so much, please offer transcripts.

[@jimcausey1674]

The S5 II and the Sigma 16-28 produce a very useful image handheld at a half-second with the lens wide open.

[@3BMEP]

Nice feedback, thank you!

[@Benet211]

Excellent presentation as always, however I would like your thoughts on the following question...what does this launch mean for ...GH7? That will be something.

[@3BMEP]

I can’t tell you with certainty, but I can’t imagine PDAF won’t be part of every Lumix camera from here on out.

[@angeloplayforone]

Great video. I like how the camera you review compared to others in the same price with their ecosystems. An example was comparing the 1.8 lenses from Nikon and Panasonic. The biggest plus for Nikon is their excellent lenses but their bodies are behind the competition. I think the issue of Canon not letting third parties is overblown. Canon is the manufacture that is releasing lenses faster then any other brands, so they will release affordable lenses soon. But I think Canon is aiming at their high end professional users and not high end enthusiast that are more price oriented. Most Canon profesionales are there for Canons 1.2 portrait focal lengths primes and high end telezooms 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 800 and 1200mm who cost 5000 USD till 20.000 USD. Canon does not want to lose this market to Sony, which is entering. After that Canon can focus on the low end professionals and enthusiasts.

[@samclarke8149]

G9 Mark ii please!!!

[@rjkral]

"What happens next?" is always the question. What happens today is the reality. Sure, plan ahead. But how far? Huge Panasonic fan here, formerly Canon. This is a sweet moment indeed. Today.

[@nellekebmn]

I only need a good photo camera. I see enough moving creatures when a do my photo walkabouts. But im glad that Panasonic is future proof now because i love the Pana's, the colours, the menu's, the weight, the hold, that most are weathersealed. the ibis so everything. And with photography also the AF is nothing to complain about. I need a new camera now and im thinking about buying the first S5. I think its good enough for my needs

[@kowabundant]

For our agency, the only real option now is full frame as we are snobs for content looking just right for clients. That means the real option is a new S1H II or S2H full frame vs a GH7. We just cant see us going back to M43 now after doing full frame sorry. The question is does Panasonic compete with whatever Sony has coming since A7s III has beaten our expectations as a client cam and our go-to for client work for small quick local commercial work? Love your videos and analysis as always, I bet going to Japan was fun too (besides the flight!)

[@kaneclements7761]

It is really great to see more competition in the market. This looks like an absolute cracker. If I was in the market for a FF system with that size of sensor and a great lens line up it would really attract my attention. As it is pixels are all for a fair amount of what I do so the A7R IV and the XT5 ain't going nowhere. It will be interesting to see what Panasonic come out with in the high mp sector. If all that lovely glass can resolve big sensors then they could well be onto something.

[@iankelly4008]

How is it for low light?

[@AdamMuise]

How was the AF with the Leica APO-Summicron-SL lenses you have?

[@3BMEP]

Left our APO SummicronSL 35 at home - weight and space were at a premium (we don’t check bags) and I already knew what it could don- which is why I was so impressed with IQ with the OTHER lenses!

[@allenkoz]

Thank you for this review! After doing some additional research, think I’m going to buy the Lumix S5 ii camera body. I’m headed on a 10-day Colorado trip where I will be vlogging, photographing the topography/landscapes, elk etc. along with the interior of a mountain lodge. If you were me, what would be a good all-around lens option for this- say under $1000? I’m looking for something relatively compact. I appreciate any advice. Thank you so much in advance!

[@3BMEP]

My pleasure! Enjoy!

[@allenkoz]

I went with the Panasonic Lumix S Pro 16-35mm F4

[@macgregormt]

Does the S5II have the live view composite feature that the original S5 had?

[@reinhardbecker284]

Not yet, but it should be included by firmware update next time. No official timeline, but expected together with the release of the S5IIx

[@ronbaselice7839]

So I take it you liked it.I agree the Panasonic menu system is very easy & intuitive, especially their iPhone app. Still waiting on a rangefinder L mount body……

[@3BMEP]

Yep - and yep!

[@YanFries]

One of the few camera apps with more than a 2 star on the store 😅

[@akvariumistas]

WHAT... was that? I first time see You. Even with this, to I'm not english-speaker, and very fast talking sometimes need pausing... I feel, like just was in the Theater. Cool! Best camera review ever ;)))

[@3BMEP]

😉🖖🏻

[@hayjayready3765]

Such a great production, thank you. Wasn't it Mark Knopfler who wanted his MTV tho? 11:59 😝

[@3BMEP]

I looked it up: Mark Knopfler co-wrote a song in which the lyrics include “I want my MTV.” I was thinking of the promo spots, but maybe it was Pete Townsend?

[@gracenotes5379]

That sequence of stills from 0:45 to 2:21 amply justifies the mic drop moment at 2:22 "that's what I'm talking about!"

[@3BMEP]

😊🖖🏻

[@mr.meowmeow505]

You didn't mention any of the sigma lenses in your comparison with the Z lineup. You do mention superzooms vs. L mount alliance but I am curious what you think about the options for sigma standard zooms and their "i" primes versus the z ecosystem.

[@noopynnus]

Hold that thought

[@stevevansak7324]

Roger Daltry? 🤔 Great review as always!!

[@markking9778]

If NPR did camera reviews, this would be it lol, great informative video 👍

[@3BMEP]

😊🖖🏻

[@drthompson65]

Been looking at this camera for a while to expand my video talents but yet have a camera that has decent street cred with weather sealing. I admit I'm still concerned at shooting my Sony gear on the street or outside when the weather is bad. I have a number of Sigma Art lenses I could re-mount through Sigma (~230 USD per lens) but the Panasonic primes don't look bad either. S5 II, battery grip, a prime and a rock and roll strap and I'm ready to hit the streets!

[@residenttouristprod]

I have to say the S1 and baby S5s AF GUI needs icons to coincide the Modes at least to simplify the variables and customization of these engineered beasts. Once I went into AF Modes 1-4, then successfully shot Goalkeeper practice air-dives and more on the S5 Mk1. So yah, I'll embrace an upgrade; but want to see my favorite S1 and S1R get GUI upgrade dresses for Sunday too. I think these are the best cameras made and I dare venture to the S1H for low-light video given the price drop. S series needs some love with a "software update" if ya know what I mean. Thank you Hugh for your excellent casts and Peace Out.

[@3BMEP]

🤟🏻🖖🏻😊

[@I5H78]

Will the S5II also get the All-i codecs after the V-log upgrade? Or is that reserved for the x model?

[@3BMEP]

Not sure; I believe it will be available on the X.

[@rogerwest1207]

The rear dial on my Panasonic GX80 (GX85) has failed and this dial is no longer usable. The shutter button is sticky and needs to be given a hard push to free it for a photographic session. I do hope the quality control and reliability of the S5ll is worth the purchase price.

[@UrsuIonelPhotography]

i've pre-ordered mine but i heard that if you want to use the full frame and shoot in 1080p50 or 1080p100 (yes, some people still shoot in HD), you are restricted to using the contract base AF. if you want to use PDAF, you have to use crop mode. is that a hardware limitation or something that can be fixed in future FW? that's a bit dissapointing for a camera with this much hype.

[@mipmipmipmipmip]

Agree with Fuji being the closest system from consumer point. I bet quite a few Fuji hybrid users will consider the jump.

[@jaegerschtulmann]

The Fuji base is more focused on photography and like their kits as small as possible, the s5 mark 2 is nice but the lenses are huge. Only the sigma i-series are compact enough and I am sure sigma will bring those to the x mount. Panasonic has a huge opportunity to take market share from both Nikon, Canon and to a lesser extent Sony.

[@rumporridge1]

I shoot Leica SL2, S1R and Fuji XH2S and XT5. Ain’t getting rid of anything anytime soon. The SL2’ focus system is definitely good enough for me including sports. The S1R is wonky. Ridiculous IQ but not at all happy with the DfD. That I may sell off and replace with the S5II. Maybe?

[@JackaHeineken]

Greetings from Finland. Excellent review. Photos at the beginning. Details of the camera and comparison for other brands. + I liked of your presentation and the view, when watching this review. About the camera, it seems to have almost every properties I need my video works. I have Panasonic S1H which I like very much in video and photo workings. And I have a bit older Fuji x system which is really great in photographing and good in videographing, but lacks some properties i need in video works. Now I`m thinking to switch Fuji to Panasonic S5 II or S5 Iix model. If you can, I`m really interested to see reviews about the Lumix 14-28mm macro lens. Specially how it performs in macro-photograph and macro-videography. And in general how it performs.

[@3BMEP]

No longer have access to the 14-28 and didn’t spend enough time with it to draw any conclusions, sorry!

[@game2572]

Hugh I bought the S5ii almost bought the x-h2 because i like the top panel lcd But since i traded in a G9 i had a pansonic flash would have had to buy one for fuji. would have needed a cf express large size to shoot 8K plus the kit was $200 more with all the other things i needed and i got a 50mm 1.8 for 50 more dollar and the camera was on sale

[@3BMEP]

I understand; good call! We use an S5 II as our daily driver and it is essentially perfect in that role for us.

[@Ulrich.Bierwisch]

It's obvious that this is first but not the last Panasonic with PDAF. Just like when IBIS in 4k video was shown in the GX85 it is obvious that everybody want this in more or less all the new cameras. I expect new S1 cameras with up the 8k in an S1R-II and slow motion like the GH6 in an S1H-II. I also expect this AF in M43 cameras. I'm using a GH6 and don't plan to switch to FF but if I had to, the S5-II would be my sweet spot. I need a camera that fits into my bicycle bags and the S5-II with the 20-60 and the new 14-28 would perfectly match. I also like the F1.8 primes and would probably add the 24mm and the 85mm. For me features like IBIS and the video modes are more important than the best AF but of course I always said that I would love to have the AF from Sony. This is now changing to "I would love to have the AF from the S5-II" and this is much more likely to happen in the next year or two.

[@TomOhle1]

I think it’s very important to note that when comparing the Panasonic S 1.8 against the Nikon… according to dxo quite a few S lenses like the s 35 1.8 are indeed sharper when measured against the z 35 1.8 on high resolution sensors. Where the S 1.8s are let down in my opinion are with higher chromatic aberration however with the benefit of similar size, weight and filter size as well as focus breathing corrected. Panasonics 50 1.4 is also probably the most optically corrected for stills and video where compared with the Nikon 50 1.2 albeit with an even greater left than the nikkor. Panasonic needs to fill out their s Pro 1.4 /1.2 lineup for L mount. Other than that, I gotta say, as a Fuji shooter, it’s great to see more competition!

[@Mowikan]

Hey Panasonic, an S1RII please! And call elinchrom to make the pro remote compatible. I use the s1r in my studio for portraits and to my humble opinion: you made the best and underrated portrait camera ever. Only the eye-af misses some times. Did I mention to call elinchrom to make ttl work with the S5, s1 and the s1r? 😅 Thx great video! Minor critic: bit more front light. Just a little bit to have a bit more light in the eyes 🎉

[@keithspurlock4732]

I wonder if they will create S1Rii but doubt it. I think Panasonic is focused on the video centric. It's my understanding that the S1R didn't sell well. I love mine but hate the AF. Focuses on the eyelashes and creates soft focuses irises/eyeballs.

[@reinhardbecker284]

@@keithspurlock4732 They need a high end model in the line, so my bet there will be a high MP model in the future I also do a lot of portrait/fashion work in the studio and my S1R is doing the job well! With 1.4 aperture and available light I have a hit rate from better 8 out of 10. That is ok for me. With flash and apertures 2.8 and smaller the hit rate is nearly 10. There is only one problem: Getting focus with strong backlight and using flash for the face only (without flash the face is dark). In such situation sometimes I need manual focus.

[@pyroBlastM]

But panados S series didn’t phase detect?

[@Hodenkat]

Not a professional photographer here, but Panasonic seems to have pulled off a good value for a full frame mirrorless body. I need a good super zoom, so I don't think I would consider the S5 II for my hobby purposes. For that I may turn to Sony since Canon is bent on not allowing 3rd parties in on lens production. Nikon is off my list as well with their body pricing as well as 3rd party lens options. Keep up the good work, Panasonic. There may be hope for you yet. Perhaps when they come out with the S5 III.