Panasonic Lumix S5 II Review: BETTER THAN SONY!

[@brynocerouss]

What you said about the lenses is part of the reason I love panasonic as a camera brand: they're extremely thoughtful with their design. Making all of the primes roughly the same weight so you don't have to rebalance a gimbal, making them all focus breathing corrected - you can tell they really had the end user in mind.

[@kbarrett1844]

As a former LUMIX shooter, I am very happy to see that Panasonic finally listened and delivered. Imagine if PDAF was incorporated in the original S5? Where would they be now? Panasonic has the deep pockets to claw back all of that lost market-share from the past five years, it seems that they now have the will to do so. This is good news.

[@angeloplayforone]

Do you think Panasonic can get the people back?

[@kbarrett1844]

@@angeloplayforone - Some but not all. I think they have a viable position in the marketplace, but (IMO) there isn’t a compelling argument (yet) to ditch an entire system in favor of LUMIX.

[@TheAdventureSchmuck]

@@kbarrett1844 Obviously, you are talking about photography -- because Lumix has been the only one to buy other than Blackmagic cameras for shooting films on Cameras under $2000.

[@raalaa121]

They do it deliberately I'm fairly sure they're a syndicate. This year will be Panasonic's year, next year Sony, then Canon then Fuji they share the profits and fleece us gear heads making us change systems and fork out money.

[@bluecheese20401]

@Angelo PlayforOne they lost me. Shame loved my g9 but it couldn't focus anything like even the a7iii

[@CodyStoner20]

Just a heads up, the Boost I.S. setting is primarily meant for stationary shots, like when you want it to look like it's on a tripod. Moving the camera with Boost I.S. on can cause jumps in the image.

[@ashransaid]

Good to know. Thanks

[@doghouseriley4732]

@@ashransaid Would have been good to know from the "review".

[@DnAPhotographyinBath]

Something I found out not long after getting the s5ii 😂

[@tbfam569]

I’ve been Panasonic user for 10 years and I can tell you one thing, their product lasts! My rice cooker still works like a charm! Okay, will try this s5 ii out!

[@osepvelasquez]

(2)

[@kevindiaz3459]

Been saying a long time that it was so weird that Panasonic was so far behind with their AF. Glad to see they are finally getting it! Happy for the Panasonic users out there.

[@ourtvchannel]

Panasonic will be very uphappy - they own cameras that are goijng to be worth even less now. The discounting has already started on non phase detect models

[@DnAPhotographyinBath]

@@ourtvchannelI own both a S5 and S5ii for video I never had issues with focus on the S5 but my video style isn’t like a typical KZbinr I guess.

[@artistjoh]

I look forward to when the phase update moves to the MFT cameras. Not interested in L-mount, but a GH6 M2, G9 M2, or preferably a GH5 M3. There is going to be lots of Lumix camera updates over the next year or two

[@spyder000069]

I dropped panasonic because of the issues with my GH5 and moved to the R7 and its been great. I would love to find a new use for my MFT lenses but not interested in the OM-1. If panasonic can bring phase detect and animal eye detection to MFT I'd give them another try.

[@adiapte9575]

Tony, why A7iii is being compared with S5… shouldn’t this comparison be A74 vs S5 .. latest tech ? A7iii is almost 4 year old camera

[@skyrunr]

What an exciting camera, but it looks huge next to the Sony. As a (Nikon) hobbyist, I'd really like to see this compared with a Z6II, A74, and R6II. Specifically, each with the best F4 mid-zoom, and a separate video with the best 70-300mm option, and then one on the best/fastest/affordable 20mmf1.x option. This is the market that is IMO feeling a little left out in reviews and options. PS Watching Sony's SOOC colors (from every respected reviewer) is just comical, and having tried 4 bodies under $3,000, including the A7IV, their JPG's are even worse amongst the top three. Nikon still has the nicest JPG's that are the closest match to their RAW images.

[@phillipmaguire4671]

As a mostly video shooter, I have been using Panasonic for quite a while now, and have always liked them. Reliable.

[@ChrisTopheRaz]

It’s important to note that Panasonic has remained consistently dialed in to cinematic video rather than sports or nature. That can be looked at as negative or positive, depending on the buyer. However, it is nice to see that they are moving forward. I still have much admiration for my Lumix S1, originally had no interest in the S5 series but maybe now I do.

[@CINENIMUS]

Why they comparing it to a73 - a74 is the equivalent camera. Weird

[@KTtv1991]

A7IV is 2500 dollar , not equivalent

[@calincharles]

do you feel it's a fair comparison between a camera just released to a camera that is now almost 5 years old with 5 year old tech? genuine question. I feel like it'd be better to compare to the A7IV and then mention the price difference as a legitimate factor in deciding what to buy.

[@sidvicious3129]

Ah...... That title should have had a question mark instead of an exclamation point. I think that the correct comparison should have been the A7IV, but I understand why you did the A7III, due to the price, but it's an unfair comparison because we are comparing Panasonic's latest tech to Sony's very, very old technology. The question is how this Panasonic would have compared overall to the A7IV, that's what should have been tested if you are comparing from video to stills. I think this is huge for Panasonic and it's customers and it shows that they are committed to their customers and this is very impressive considering that the fought PDAF for so long. I think this is the right move for them and their customers. Panasonic offers so many more features for video than anyone at this price point and that means anyone. Put the fine tune touches on these models with autofocus, which they will, and Panasonic will have an absolute beast on their hands. The comparison to the A7IV, needed to be made as this would have given the viewers a fair sense of where Panasonic stands now and how far they need to go to get there. So based off of your test, this camera isn't there yet and Canon and Sony have nothing to fear at this immediate point, but the S5IIX with its ability to allow for USB C hard drive recording and it's other video features, now that's game changer for this model and I see that model being fully rigged out. brand-new

[@roanlo1213]

Agreed, the S5 ii should've been compared to the A7IV, XH2S, and R6ii. It's really squaring up to be a great camera and will probably take many customers that have been contemplating the A7IV away from Sony and over to Panasonic.

[@AllThingsFilm1]

I might be late to the game. But, I've just picked up the S5ii. But, because I waited, I was able to pick one up for just over $1,300. I am so excited.

[@MrRlaureano]

Just to clarify, the Sony A7iii will only crop in 4K 30fps but not in 4K 24fps.

[@EternalMedia]

I'm still hoping that Nikon will have a "Lumix S5 II X moment" and catapult themselves back to their glory days. I hear they are developing new sensors for themselves.

[@goodvibespromo42069]

they kind of are with their latest mirrorless cameras.

[@thanyawong]

I may not get your point. But I do not understand why you compare Panasonic S5ii to Sony A7iii which is very old model. You should compare it to Sony A7IV or Canon R6ii.

[@davidnorwich3771]

t's the price point thet y said they used.

[@georgehudetz1233]

FWIW, Panasonic has a "AF ON-NEAR" function that can be assigned to a button (including one of the buttons on the Sigma 150-600) that will force the camera to choose the subject in the foreground (i.e., the eagle instead of the trees). Of course, it's better if the camera would just track the eagle using generic AF-ON, but there is a work-around.

[@superstringsbro]

Wow. That’s a pretty big feature that they missed

[@LanceNotHiding]

Can I say, i love that you B/W the out of focus shots, that makes it so much easier to watch through.

[@itsGAMiE]

I'm a lumix shooter and I've been using the GH5S for years now. I think this camera is definitely a step up although I feel this is an unfair comparison especially when there's a more recent camera in this category from Sony. I guess we just wanted to keep our new camera in the spotlight. Anyway great video as usual

[@TonyAndChelsea]

I discussed this, but the newer cameras are 25% more, so it's really not a fair comparison. But yeah, those more expensive cameras are solidly better, which we say in the video.

[@itsGAMiE]

@@TonyAndChelsea True you touched on it towards the end of the video. Would you recommend the S5 mk ii for product videos. I currently use my GH5s and I’m thinking of an upgrade

[@scottslotterbeck3796]

​It's got a larger sensor.

[@amanandapan9635]

Great to see you spend so much time on photograph review. The shortest photograph review on S5M2 is just 30 second.

[@phxpaul]

you need to do a follow up review since the latest Panasonic firmware update

[@csc-photo]

Congrats to Panasonic, nice update! Re: focus breathing, Nikon Z also addresses this optically, without losing pixels. Although I realize we only highlight Nikon’s “negatives” here…

[@phelanwolf6747]

Well they basically said that with this camera Panasonic caught up to the older Z cameras in terms of AF but yes they neglegted to say that the Z glass is also focus breathing corrected. Tamron is also making focus breathing corrected lenses, probably more lensmakers are going that direction as well.

[@skydj100]

I realized that too.

[@NicolasAlexanderOtto]

Seriously this might be one of the best camera reviews for Video shooters I have seen on this platform. I am a regular viewer, but here you really outdid yourselves.

[@adds5361]

Well done Panasonic, you're back in the game and at a great price point giving your competitors a run for their money. Huge thanks to Chelsea and Tony, fab video!

[@scottslotterbeck3796]

I love do documentaries and interviews. I've been happy with my GH5. An improvement in autofocus would be welcome. I just usually do static shots.

[@coachoflife8436]

As much as i want to love this camera... it was a HUGE dissapointment hearing about huge crop in 60p.... Autofocus is all great and dendi, but it is not an innovation, they just caught up to aready basic standart technology, nothing special. Aslo as i understand 1080p is not oversampled, it is skipping or binning? Also i cant understand, and i mean REALLY cant understand 5iix model, all this features should have been in s5ii from the start, if i pay panasonic for 200$ upgrade, price will be the same, but i will not get streaming, ssd recording etc??? SO price for s5ii and s5iiX will be identical but with less features even after 200$ upgrade? Also i have to wait for may and couple more month for retail? P.S. in my country i can get a7siii brand new for 500$ more than panasonic s5 mark one... and a7iV cost the same as panasonic s5 mark one... to get first version for 2.000$ i must buy it only second hand... so i am torn apart and little if not largly dissapointed... do not know how to behave, as much as i want to buy s5ii, but i want X model features and i do not want to wait, also for 500$ more i can get a7siii with 4k 120 without so large crop and autofocus in 240 fps... Damn, Panasonic, why!?...

[@DynamixWarePro]

My prediction is after this camera is released, at some point Panasonic might bring out a firmware update in future to improve the AF. It is much better than Panasonic has had, but since this is the first time Panasonic has used PDAF, I could tell they might be behind in how good it is compared to Sony and Canon and it will take time for Panasonic to catch up. I am thinking of upgrading my GH6 to one of these. I like the features of the GH6, but I need better low light and better 4K video quality than I am getting with the GH6. I also want to take more photos, mostly of static subjects like buildings, plants, landscapes etc... so super accurate AF isn't a priority for me at the moment.

[@spritual_enlightenment]

>Panasonic might bring out a firmware update in future to improve the AF. I'm pretty sure they will come up a firmware update at the end of this year for improved AF performance.

[@davidrehm9681]

You have a GH6 and... You need better 4k video quality? What is better? And better low light? The GH6 does really well in low light. Sure it's not a SONY in low light, but I can crank up the ISO pretty high and still have superb results.

[@DynamixWarePro]

@@davidrehm9681 I found the image quality from the GH6 looks a bit soft, like its in camera noise reduction that can't be lowered below 0, is smoothing out fine details too much. I use 3 lenses a Panasonic 9mm f/1.7, Olympus 12-40mm f/2.8 PRO and Olympus 60mm f/2.8 Macro and never noticed any issues with softness on them before with the Olympus lenses until I put them on my GH6 but I know the 12-40 is an older lens and can suffer diffraction sooner at narrower apertures. My GH5 has sharper video, but it does not have as color and dynamic range compared to GH6. Even exposed properly (42 IRE midtone grey on V-Log) with dynamic range boost on, you get more highlight detail but more noise. Photo quality is sharper but I can't get consistently low noise photos like I can with my GH5.

[@SewTubular]

Take a look at Richard Wong's "Who is the New King of Autofocus?" review. I would say that the new S5II AF is behind Sony, but slightly ahead of Canon. You should also check out Richard Wong's "Gimbal like IBIS?" review. S5II is the front-runner with walking movement and "tripod like" stability. ( beats everything )

[@YaYousef5]

I SUPER appreciate you showing portrait shots with files on the computer! That way we can actually see if the camera gets the eye in focus. I bought an S5 but ended up returning it because it notoriously front focused on eye lashes, eye brows and glasses rims. It looks like the S5 II is better at this, but is still missing focus. Based on your results in the portrait section, it looks like I'll be happier with Sony or Canon because I mainly do portraits.

[@unbroken1010]

You obsess too much

[@YaYousef5]

@@unbroken1010 How so? I want in focus photos. My Fujifilm X-T3 and X-T4 give me that. I wanted to move to full frame, so I bought an S5 and returned it because it wouldn't get the eye in focus.

[@chcomes]

@@YaYousef5 I think it is you who should decide what you want. On the other hand, basing purchasing decisions on videos of pre-releases is quite hurried. I will wait a few months.

[@YaYousef5]

@@chcomes TRUE! I'm also going to watch to see what cameras KZbinrs are using in the 6-12 months. Will Sony shooters switch to Panasonic? That will tell me all I need to know.

[@William305-k6q]

You need a Canon bro

[@alexanderje8336]

I really do not understand why you'd make this comparison instead of with the A7IV. There are plenty of discounts on that, making it just slightly more expensive. The new S5II won't get discounts for a long time, a year at least. So why this comparison? Getting the a7iii will be wayyy cheaper in practice.

[@suchanderreddy]

It can’t shoot full frame 4K @ 60 fps. What is the workaround, Firmware update?

[@MrJapanforce]

YES. Perfect. Proud Lumix user since 2008. Never looked back. Panasonic re the leaders on video.

[@Vedrajrm]

Why was it compared to the a73? Not 4?

[@YanFries]

You forgot to add the fact s5 ii can use imported LUTS in photo mode too. Meaning you basically have Fuji film sims in a full frame camera!

[@Florida4Kchannel]

Why compare a 2018 Sony with the 2023 s5ii? You should compare it with the Sony a7cii.

[@michaeld5888]

The best news of all is the hint that Panasonic are still thinking about the lower end user and considering getting cheap stuff out. This is the first sign after a long bleak time with no new issues that there may be hope for people who do not have endless money to throw at the hobby. These are by the way usually called beginner's cameras and often the sole perfectly adequate equipment for people who were using cameras before a lot of high end users were even born.

[@marcel9568]

A warning at 7:10 would have been nice. Also, your audio levels seem to go up and down during te video.

[@80-80.]

At 5:32, Tony closes his eyes and the autofocus system get confused. Not convincing.

[@TonyAndChelsea]

Wow good catch! In fairness our Canon & Sony cameras sometimes have little glitches like that.

[@2warwick]

Thanks for your review. One unique feature this camera has, that Nikon, Canon, Sony, Fujifilm, Olympus don't have, is aperture bracketing (depth-of-field bracketing). The camera can bracket 3 or 5 shots, with one-stop variation each side of your selected aperture. I think this is great when you're aiming for the shallowest possible depth-of-field but want to automatically take a slightly stopped-down photo for 'insurance', just in case the selected depth of field is too shallow.

[@flagger2020]

Ek, I brought a very discounted S5 November.. I thought Pana was unhappy with the S5 vs S1 etc should have checked rumor websites.. Anyway I got it as a backup to my Sigma fp and fp/L ie L mount camera.. took it out after 2am on a snowy night to get scenic shots and it's ibis worked well down to between 1/5 to 1/4 second compared to my my Oly M1. So if Ibis is improved there should be no complaints. Also high ISO stills were good, again if the newer camera is improved even better. I know they were lent gear by Panasonic, but they still tested a Canon lens, it's a shame they didn't test any Sigma lens (other than 150-600?). My S5 shines with the Sigma primes on contrast focus, I hope the new camera PD focus works well with Sigma lens too, if so people should consider the full range of lens available.

[@workingwiththelight3119]

You should compare to Sony a7IV. I know the price is different but I would either go for the new a7IV instead of old model.

[@TonyAndChelsea]

Yeah it's an easy choice if you're willing to spend the extra $500; the a7 IV is an all-around better camera.

[@GaryBox]

Yes hardly a proper comparison to compare to a 4 year old Sony that can be purchased new far cheaper than the Panasonic. The a7iv is more expensive than the Panasonic but not by much and by time you start buying lenses the Sony system will probably be cheaper.

[@fouuladvand48]

@@TonyAndChelsea So you did it to make the Panasonic look good. That looks like a paid review! You can also compare the new A9III coming out in February with a Canon Analog Camera and tell everybody to buy it. Doesn't make sense. Panasonic has to be keeping up with the recent models of all brands. If they can't, so it is their problem!

[@alanartme1]

Excuse me...I must've missed something....So....why the Sony A7III and not the Sony A7IV??

[@willie3528]

I was about to pull the trigger on the Nikon z 6ii and then, yesterday I saw an ad for this camera. The ad said this was the best video camera in its class. So I started doing my research and I was on the fence between the two cameras. I found this video on KZbin by chance and after watching it, I was sold. So I will be giving myself a nice present and will also be subscribing to your channel. Thank you.

[@ChannelWright]

After all these years you’re still on target, digging deep - you’ve spotted stuff the very through Mr Undone missed! That’s why you’re still on top and I’m still watching - thanks!

[@ronphillips7952]

And didn't mention several things Mr. Undone covered. I suppose this is why we watch more than one source.

[@ChannelWright]

@@ronphillips7952 Yes indeed

[@maxkitaev3524]

That pulsing at 6:35 stops me from buying this camera. I saw it in someone else’s test. Hoping they’ll fix it

[@Snappydadshoes]

I'm one of those "boomer" people talk about now...I guess? I want my camera to take only photos. I'd kill for a camera that did just photography, without video, and a reduced price.

[@aidennymes6335]

would you buy a cordless drill for only drilling holes and buy the exact same one again for only driving screws?

[@tangibleplanetvisualmedia1138]

This is a hybrid, but is primarily a video focused camera. That's the point of this camera. Think about this as a video camera that also has a full set of photo features, all for $2k? Not really much to complain about.

[@justinsphotographyrochestermn]

It’s why I went Fuji, they at least focus on photos for professionals at a better cost.

[@jmackultra]

Shoot film.

[@hyl0ne]

Buy Nikon DF/D750/D850

[@onlyonecannoli3952]

It's remarkable that it beat the 2018 Sony A7III. 🤔

[@TheAdventureSchmuck]

It's even more remarkable that people are dumb enough to still buy outdated cameras from 2018, brand new today.

[@ShashankKatiyar0]

More remarkably, 2018 Sony A7iii still costs the same as much advanced S5ii.

[@tokelahti]

Most amazing is, that Sony still sells the 5-year-old product with the same price as then! Which also means that every model is more expensive than the one before. And they are gaining market from left to right. Well done, Sony!

[@TheAdventureSchmuck]

@@tokelahti Sony is only gaining market share because Canon has been making a bunch of garbage lately. Sony has great autofocus, the best out there actually. But the rest of their cameras are crippled compared to what you can get from Blackmagic or Lumix.

[@kilobitti]

The right price for any product is where supply and demand meet, nothing else. Also, there’s a lot more to a product than age and some isolated specs. Having switched brands before, I’m aware of the hassle and how expensive it gets. Thus, when choosing my next camera, I’m considering how likely is it that I’m going to be happy with that brand for decades to come.

[@fansofER]

Panasonic is back! Im hoping for a new m43 cam with PDAF. GH6X please!

[@BarryMaskell]

I wouldn’t be surprised if there was an agreement Sony and Pany - Pany had so many advantages over Sony but crippled their AF for video - each had a market share - Pany adopting a better AF is like saying all bets are off - Sony knows that Pany cameras are superior and lower price point - the market is so tough - all bets are off now - Everyman for themselves - will Sony pull their sensors from Pany - will Pany have to find another sensor manufacturer ?

[@baesick_nrre]

no mention of the s5iix in the future with more video options? seems misleading to recommend this to 'video' leaning hybrid shooters with a better option for only $200(US) more in a few months coming out

[@ValueTech]

8:12 "The background makes a few awkward jumps" Maybe that's because you activated Boost I.S. at 7:47 where Panasonic explicitly noticed, that you should _Turn it off when moving the camera to shoot_ ;) The name "Boost I.S." is a bit misleading, because that's the new "tripod alike" stabilizer mode where the S5 II tries to freeze the frame.

[@TonyAndChelsea]

Yeah, you know that's my bad, but I really need to make a video about usability. These features should turn themselves on and off automatically depending on how you use it, because at some point every creator is going to forget to change a setting when moving between different scenarios. But also, the name itself should be more descriptive.

[@avarmadillo]

Why do you have to have a full frame 4k 60? I never see you using that mode.

[@scottdarvill8132]

I was hoping you could help me decide between the Lumix S5 and the new S5 II. For context, I’m starting out with photography and I’ll be going to film school soon, so I want to buy a hybrid camera that performs great for both stills and video, that will also grow with me as I develop. I’ve found the S5 with a lens for £1400 and the new S5 II is about £2300 once you factor the lens in. The S5 has almost all the functionality I think I’ll need and at this price it’s a great deal but I’m unsure if I should save up a bit longer and get the newer version with all the updates (i.e. better autofocus and unlimited video recording at 4k etc). Which camera would you recommend buying in my situation? Is the S5 at £1400 too good to pass up or should I hold out for the S5 II? Loved the review and thanks in advance!

[@ranierip99]

Hey Tony. You mention that the A7M3 doesn’t track in video, that is completely false. Yes, it does track. You just have to change the focus mode to wide and touch the screen. And it will definitely track 100%

[@grahamcorley8156]

To be honest, I'm getting ultra sharp eyes with my canon rp and adapted EF85 1.8 at a fraction of the cost.

[@williebravousa]

A Canon is a Canon bro

[@RzaNaziri]

A7iii as a 5 years old camera held up pretty well.

[@JohnAvantiBK]

Very good review. Why are you saying Panasonic when its a Lumix? I know its a Panasonic brand but its a lumix on the front of it.

[@gingerespinoza5015]

Whats the difference between the S5 II and the S5 IIX?

[@williebravousa]

more features video

[@Ydkoll]

Tony and Chelsea, thank you for an amazing review! Your summary was very useful. And for a camera priced sub 2k this is definitely a first time buyer's pick. Ok so there are a couple nit picking things that turn me down on this camera but thats ok. I personally like stills for fast moving objects. Is there any word on the Nikon Z8 or the Z7iii?

[@Ydkoll]

@@bbasleigh6149 The fact that anyone has access to 3rd party lens is a big +. However I'm a little hesitant about their "all new phase detect AF." The question for me is does one go for the new s5ii or should one settle for the Canon R6 for the same price? Or you could spend five hundred more for the R6ii. I guess people should wait a month or two and wait for what Nikon will announce. Supposedly Nikon has the Z8 and Z6iii hiding.Being that I am more of a stills kinda guy I think I'll wait and see until spring.

[@Ydkoll]

@@bbasleigh6149 what do you mean?

[@tor2919]

Open gate is huge. Not only for shooting vertical video but also for less common aspect ratios like for example Stanley Kubricks.

[@JohnDrummondPhoto]

When Tony held the Canon lens near his face at 3:21 and said "I'm going to try this out and see how it handles autofocus", the S5 II jumped focus to the lens even though Tony's eyes and most of his face were still visible. I don't think that was intentional.

[@gregorynp]

Your Amazon link does not go to S5ii, rather the S5

[@JamesDaviesPhotography]

Why compare it to the A7iii (which is years old and not the current model) and not the a74 when they are pretty much the same price?

[@ElfTaleFilms]

Exciting but the fact A7III has the cheap and lightweight Tamron 2.8 lenses, it makes a much more affordable option. It's not about the body but the entire system, you can get Sony with two tamrons for 4000 eur (3000 when used) where the Panasonic version with similar equivalents would cost 6000e. And because today for video DSLRs, autofocus is the only relevant feature, Panasonic probably has to use native lenses. If you don't need autofocus, get used GH, viltrox and used EF lenses (2500e)...

[@lukepn6420]

Very impressed about this camera. Just ordered S5 II and Iam waiting for my one. Currently I am switching from Fuji x-s10 / Viltrox 75mm/85mm to this camera. Saw a lot of reviews/image samples and this is really amazing product which can deliver outstading quality for my photography portraits! I do not regret this order I just cant wait to get it and start creating new images:)

[@michaeltorpy3366]

Hi guys greetings from Thailand great show as usual you are probably the best a camera and photography currently on u tube you clearly know cameras and photography inside out 😊

[@itsoverat6000]

Great video Tony and Chelsea

[@sclogse1]

"Pin point accuracy" What happened to stopping down? You can always blur the background in "post". And by the way, Topaz Photo AI can raise the stakes considerably. But the fun of simply shooting single frames and looking at each to figure out why you missed the shot is still the way to go. And that means for me, 1/500th of a sec. minimum in hand held even with IBIS. To start. And try vintage glass in manual mode and don't be afraid of high ISO grain. That's another thing Topaz can fix. But "grain" can add character to certain subjects.

[@camerasutra247]

This is a great review. I am going to make a video today hopefully it is OK to reference your video for folks to come back to as there is some great information about the Panasonic achievements they have actually showcased in this new body.

[@TonyAndChelsea]

Go ahead!

[@camerasutra247]

Thank you guys and great job.

[@hervebellenger7092]

Hello Tony, regarding the pricing it is ok to compare this new camera with the Alpha III but I think it would have been even more interesting to make a comparison with the Alpha IV more expensive but with an up to date technology.

[@dimakor5914]

Only 2000$? Nikon Z5 till new year was selling for 1000$, same 24 megapixels. Maybe bloggers care about video, the majority is not.

[@wakeywarrior]

Looks like they took the fight to Sony. I loved my Lumix but the autofocus was crap so I sold it. This looks very good, hopefully the few niggles such as the focus breathing and exposure can be sorted in firmware.

[@ChevaughnHibbert]

My lumix cameras have focusing issues but overtime I got used to it and developed work arounds and for the last 5 years I've been using mainly Lumix primarily.Always reliable.

[@fondfarewell2]

Took the fight to sonys 5 year old model.

[@wakeywarrior]

@@fondfarewell2 true but seems decent £ for £.

[@Valerossi0]

@@fondfarewell2 Sony never delivered features...

[@osta2288]

Btw if u look at comments b4 7:07 Epilepsy warning

[@gaetanomaximus8650]

Too late for me now. I bought a Nikon z6ii back in November and I'm stuck with it... but it's awesome. I have no complaints.

[@bruceman007]

i understand this is not a fair comparison, but you mentioned how when recording video, and then playing it back--that sony doesn't do that-- i still keep my sony RX10ii for that reason. i feel the video out of the RX10ii is much more useful than my a7ii and my a7iii. thank you

[@paulbechea1067]

What's happening with the whole range of S cameras released so far, they will be updated with the new Phase Hybrid AF firmware, or we really have to buy new cameras with this future?

[@van94weightlossjourney]

A more amazing camera… Panasonic FZ1000. 4K, 20mp, 25-400 2.8-4, optical stabilization, wifi nfc, clean hdmi out. Bought it used 4yrs ago for $360 in excellent shape. Today it’s worth $450-550. Appreciating asset.

[@TonyAndChelsea]

The FZ1000 has a 9.1-146mm f/2.8 - f/4 lens. In 35mm equivalent terms it is 25-400mm f/8-f/11. The reason someone would choose a full-frame camera like this is to acheive the bokeh and low-light capabilities you can get with something like a 24mm f/1.4 prime, which is a full 5 stops faster than the FZ1000 25mm f/8 equivalent at that focal length. The difference is really striking. My iPhone is equivalent to 24mm f/6.3, so my smartphone gathers almost a full stop more light and has shallower depth-of-field than the FZ1000 does at 24mm. Certainly the FZ1000 is capable, but please do understand that there is value in these more expensive camera and lens systems. For more information, visit sdp.io/crop.

[@van94weightlossjourney]

@@TonyAndChelsea I feel honored that you guys replied. I agree with everything you said (formerly had the old full frame canon 5d mk2). I mention the FZ1000 because it’s such a great all around beater/b-roll cam. From 150mm+ with a close subject, the bokeh isn’t too shabby. PS. Your channel has gotten so good that I swear it’s professional broadcast level - way above the usual KZbin channels.

[@kostasssss]

Excellent review! 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?

[@stevestruthers6180]

I'm thinking about upgrading from my current Sony a6600. I also own a Canon XC15. My aim is to have one camera that can handle video as well as it does stills. I'd go with a Sony full-frame camera, but I don't like the viewfinder. I wear glasses and can't see all four corners of the viewfinder easily. Years ago I had a Panasonic G7, which had a big, bright viewfinder and didn't cause any issues. So perhaps the Panasonic S5II is a possible answer.

[@zolwikwkurwik]

They should test it with A7IV, not A7III. I know the price is different but comparing it to a 5-6 year old camera is just bad and make S5II look better in AF than it really should be.

[@ronphillips7952]

And yet Sony *still* has crap for stabilization. I love my A7iv, but my S5 blows it away for video work. There's no perfect system, including Sony's.

[@rodbrittain6772]

I wish you had made the comparison with the Sony a7iv so as to compare the capabilities of the latest models instead models around the same price. Thanks

[@MichaelWTurner]

Good video. The 6k segment was enlightening. I didn't understand the what ratio it shoots in. Thank you.

[@MikeeRogers]

I still remember the Panasonic GF1, one of my favorite cameras I’ve owned. The good thing about Sony is they’re testing their 5 year old camera against a 2023 Panasonic. On that note, I love when other companies one up Sony. Hopefully it pushes them because I’m invested in their ecosystem and too lazy to research and switch 🤣 As a past wedding photographer turned wanna be vlogger, my priorities have changed and stabilization is now the most important thing along with small form factor. Which Sony is still fantastic for but could be better.

[@dirkbasendigros]

They compare it against Sony their 5 year old camera because of the price point. I think its amazing to get a camera in 2023 with better / or on par AF but way more features packed in to it. I would even say this S5II is even cheaper than the a7iii when it was released if you factor in the cost of materials/staff that has been increasing for the last 5 years and inflation on top of that. Good job Panasonic.

[@MikeeRogers]

@@dirkbasendigros that’s fair but it’s still a 5 year old camera that holds up decent. Probably be more impact comparing with a brands latest offering to show how much you get for me. Either way great for tech

[@ronphillips7952]

Sony's stabilization is actually quite bad. This is where they fall very short of the competition. I shoot an A7iv, A6600 and Lumix S5. The S5 wins the stabilization category running away. Looking forward to getting the S5ii.

[@rw3452]

Are you telling me it auto focuses with EF lenses????? 😇😇

[@dannoringer]

As always I appreciate your truthful throughtful analytical reviews. Thank you !!!

[@mateuszmrowiec4265]

Amazing review. Thank you for your hard work creating this video!!

[@thehobnob]

Looks like a great all-rounder! I wonder if it falls back to contrast AF over certain ISOs (or under certain lux levels of light). Might explain the high-ISO bokeh pulsing.

[@AllThingsFilm1]

I think you made a good point. I noticed there wasn't really noticeable pulsing until 12,800 ISO. Which, as a filmmaker, I would rarely if ever shoot at such a high ISO. The S5ii is looking like a game changer. Especially for the price point and for Panasonic in general.

[@mediamannaman]

@@AllThingsFilm1 ... And if you ARE a filmmaker, Panasonic will introduce the S5 IIx in a few months that has even more video features and is only about $200 more than the S5II.

[@loudmotion5639]

It seems to be a mixture of both but is using more the DFD in darker situations, I guest because dfd is rated at lower EV compared to PDAF since pdaf uses a metric of how light touches the sensor to know if things are in focus or not.

[@CO8848_2]

Well if I were starting this year, this may have convinced me to go Panasonic, but am already in Sony

[@g1981c]

when Panasonic sent you all those lens was it their condition that you have to compare their camera to something that is many years old to make the Panasonic look competitive ? did you forget about Canon R6 MK2 ?

[@datdudeinred]

For a first try at phase detect. It's quite good. 👏 I can't even imagine what they can do with s1h mk2. With cfexpress type b cards, faster processor, faster scanning sensor & improved af it can easily compete with Sony. Maybe not a1 speed but af speed could be there.

[@avarmadillo]

I agree. Think---most people are comparing it to the A7iv--which has the AF capability of Sony's flagship A1--the best AF they have. I think the S5II compares very well. Very well!!!

[@adrielcosta2509]

I'm going to invest in my first full frame and I'm completely undecided between the Sony A7SIII and the Lumix S5IIX. Sony seems very reliable to me, but I have doubts mainly due to the lack of updates and also because it is an older camera. On the other hand, I have an amazing recent camera with a great price, but which raises questions about Rolling Shutter and 60 fps cropping. What would I recommend? I've been in this cruel doubt for months! 😅

[@MrNyuntshwe]

I think you should compare against Sony Fx30. Please do it next time.

[@bottledwaterprod]

I'm so torn. The Fuji X-H2s and this are throwing a lot of the same punches. I'm a true 50/50 hybrid shooter and lover of vintage and/or weird lenses, so I love that they're both capable of open gate full sensor video. I just can't decide. Even though I'm already on the Fuji system, this camera is a game changer... BUT, Fuji just upgraded the X-H2s auto focus in an update... *sigh* Decisions 🤔

[@YetiOnGuitar]

Thanks for all the work on this review! Boost IS is intended for locked off style "tripod-like" shots only where the frame isn't intended to change. Should not be on for moving IBIS tests.

[@avarmadillo]

Exactly!

[@valerio_c]

How is AF In slowmotion mode 120p ? How it works?

[@soumiksen]

@4:35 , one needs to enable tracking first in Sony. Not sure why you did not enabled that in the menu options. And slow tracking you complaining about, you should check the sony menu for focus modes. one can customize the focus speed.

[@chevypowertogo-9070]

Tony..Since This VIDEO..Has Panasonic Made Any NEW Correction Firmware?? & if So What FW Version are we On Now? THANK TONY ..Great Vary interesting Review as Always, 🙂

[@renestaempfli1071]

My first impression, it's a nice video centric camera at a low price point and 5 year old technology.

[@jukeboxjohnnie]

All I care is that this autofocus finds it’s way onto the Leica SL3!

[@allena3430]

Hell yea! sl3s too!

[@Horrrrrrrrst]

They pretty much do, since they make the Sensors that Leica cameras use.

[@allena3430]

@@Horrrrrrrrst The Autofocus system is likely to be from Panasonic, sensor is made by Sony and software by Leica themselves

[@spritual_enlightenment]

Leica buys a lot of technology from Panasonic as well. So it is possible to happen. 😀

[@mattmosminaj2515]

Probably going to be best of all worlds, tbh!

[@ajbid805]

I’m not sure why the title says better than Sony because I didnt see a lot of areas where I’d say “yes, lets get the Panasonic over the Sony” I understand some areas but overall…NAW. But I appreciate the attempt by Panasonic.

[@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, 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!