Wildlife Photography with the Panasonic S5? / Comparison with the OM-1

I borrowed the 150-600mm f/5.6-6.3 SPORT L-Mount lens from Sigma for the weekend to test out the Panasonic S5 for wildlife photography. I wasn't expecting it to be brilliant, but hopefully a good indicator of whether the S5II will work for me before I consider swapping.
If you're in the UK you too can rent Sigma gear for a weekend (for only the cost of postage!) from www.sigma-select-uk.com. hashtagnotsponsoredetc
Apologies for the extra crispy audio at points, forgot to record internally on the mics sometimes and the OM-1 has noisy preamps. The video quality out of the OM-1 was really nice though!
Buy the Panasonic S5 from:
- Adorama (USA): adorama.rfvk.net/XYo7vo
00:00 - Rental lens arrived
00:54 - Testing, Day 1: In the garden
01:22 - Why I'm doing this test
03:20 - The Sigma 150-600mm
03:53 - Some points of comparison between the OM-1 and S5
05:01 - Testing Day 2: Nature Reserve
05:37 - Talking about the weather
07:19 - Technical differences in colours
10:04 - S5 Object Detection
11:41 - Trying some video on the S5 with the 150-600
12:29 - Image Stabilisation
13:27 - Compared to OM-1 video shooting
15:07 - Summary & Conclusion
#photography #wildlifephotography #camera #panasonic #review #wildlife

[@robert_may]

Top tip for S5 AF: turn off "Quick AF", which was the reason why I was having quite so much trouble with it for most of this video 😅 It does some sort of always-on AF and keeps drifting to infinity. With that disabled, the AF is merely meh, not extremely bad.

[@peteroehmig845]

Maybe that is why my rate of sharp photos with CAF is below 20 % on animals, lol. But I have the S5 II incoming today anyways. The I can also decide if or not the OM-1 needs a new owner. Regarding the high ISO colours I am completely with you on the OM-1

[@robert_may]

@@peteroehmig845 Yeah it took me a while to figure out what it was doing and why it was struggling so much to pull focus 😆 Keeper rate definitely went up after that, although it did still like focusing on the background a lot. Ooh that's exciting! My S5II isn't due for a couple of weeks (went for one of the kits which are slower to appear). I'm definitely interested in hearing how you get on with it - there's not many wildlife shooters using the system.

[@peteroehmig845]

@Robert May I picked it up this afternoon, tomorrow morning will be the first test. Will shoot my two dogs on my morning walk in the Black Forrest.

[@peteroehmig845]

So today, I could finally do some proper testing with three dogs. The results are very promising, I used the 24-105 in CAF mode, which is my longest telephoto lens on L-Mount as of today. So no birds for the time being because I rarely go outside without my dogs anyway. Birds hold some distance to me because of the dogs. 80-90% in focus on fast-moving dogs! The old S5 was only 20% keepers. You will be very happy with this camera and the 60-600 I think.

[@robert_may]

@@peteroehmig845 That sounds like a great result, thanks for updating me! 😄I'm getting more impatient waiting for mine now 😆

[@RuhkcusTV]

@Robert May in the S5 settings, did you enable the extended range of the "Luminance Levels" ? also, how did you manage to gauge exposure/high light clipping when photographing with S5, did you use the histogram or zebras? and if so what percentage did you set the Zebras too in order to retain the most highlight detail? thanks!

[@robert_may]

I must admit I never even noticed that Luminance Levels option! I shoot in v-log for video which disables that option, I believe. I don’t think it’s used in the photo mode but I had it set to 64-1023 in my photo custom profile, apparently. When it comes to exposure I don’t use any of the tools, I must admit - I tend to do it by eye and adjust the exposure compensation if needed 😀 I find the S5 tends to be pretty good at exposing for the highlights. If I were to choose a tool though I would use the zebras as they don’t obscure part of the screen 👍

[@AguilaDeOnix85]

Does the S5 have the Pre-burst feature that the G9 has (similar to pro capture on the OM-1)?

[@robert_may]

It does but only in the 6K photo mode, which is different to the OM-1. It’s also unfortunately a missing feature on the S5II, curiously!

[@Sanjmaghera]

Some seriously high ISOs being used, yet some very nice images. Did you use any in camera noise reduction/or noise reduction in post?

[@robert_may]

For these shots I put them all through DXO PureRAW, which does a really nice job without clobbering all the detail 😀 I find the photos tend to look quite natural after processing through that. I do have Topaz Photo AI as well, which is also really good, but I tend to find DXO more consistent. I'm planning to do a video sometime soon to compare them and how they work on different degrees of noise.

[@LexTNeville]

You reckon it's the full frame camera manufacturers out in those all-white, untrackable jets who's contrails mysteriously never dissipate nearly every morning? I've got a Nikon Z6ii that's making way for the arrival of an S5ii tomorrow (see the absolute bargain prices on Panasonic UK right now). It's duties will be to take over from my OM-1 during extreme low light event photography. I find the OM-1 such a pleasure to shoot with. I can't see it being supplanted as my #1 camera most of the time. And it's pretty handy at the wildlife stuff on days off.

[@i_soumyabanerjee]

There is a “near shift” and “far shift” auto focus feature in lumix s cameras which shud help with the foreground and background focus respectively.

[@robert_may]

This is a very useful feature! I'm surprised I've never seen it on other brands' cameras I've had in the past. I did experiment with it a bit during the filming of this video but any effects were most likely overshadowed by "Quick AF" constantly ruining my autofocus 😅

[@i_soumyabanerjee]

@@robert_may yes I agree. Quick AF is not good. I always have to switch it off.

[@leerothman7570]

Too bad you were not able to do this test with the new S5MkII which does have the phase detection. I'll have to assume it would be that much better yet

[@aap2684]

Thank you so much :)

[@J-Young_photography]

S5II may be better suited. + the new sigma 500mm f5.6 L mount. will you be making an updated review?

[@robert_may]

Ooh yes, I have actually tested the S5II with a similar lens and I have some thoughts to put in a video at some point soon. Haven't had a chance to play with the 500mm f/5.6 yet though (aside from at a trade show), and I'd love to give that a proper go!

[@paulf3353]

I actually went back from 150-600mm+panasonic to Olympus +300mm, getting so much better result. I hate extending zooms

[@user-mx2qq5oy6f]

Just going through your videos and I must note that the retention of color and details in the S5ii at high ISOs is simply...incredible, now I must disclaim I've never used full frame until this camera and I've used a Sony 6400 and I still use my Fuji X-T4. I mainly shoot landscape, but I appreiciate the wildlife around me and I'm currently using the Sigma 100-400 lens on the S5ii and I'm quite happy with the IQ and I set up the joystick to do AF near shift and far shift to push the AF if the birds are in tricky situations and it's very helpful. Like I've mentioned in other comments, the pre-burst and 30fps to track a bird taking off and initial flight for me has been quite a laggy challenge and it's far from consistent success. I'm wondering if Panasonic would update the firmware to have pre-burst at lower frame rates like 15-20 if that could help aleviate some of the pains of not only lagginess, but almost instant buffer filling and the slow write out speed to the SD card.

[@robert_may]

It really is! I think Fujifilm do a pretty good job of preserving colours too, but their cameras seldom go up to a very high ISO so it's kind of a moot point. That near/far shift feature on Panasonic cameras is surprisingly useful and quite unique - I'm surprised nobody else has implemented that yet (that I've seen)!

[@stephenedmunds207]

Look forward to your near future video "why im switching from the panassonic S5 to the fuji,sony or whatever camera" it should be interesting.

[@martineldridge1319]

Hi Robert, I'm looking forward to hearing your thoughts on the S5 II as a wildlife photography/Video contender. I currently have a Canon R5 with 100-500mm Lens but the video always looks quite jittery. It will be good to hear how will the Auto Focus works in both stills and video on flying birds or Ducks swimming in the water. Also the IBIS in the S5 II looks anazing compared to my R5.

[@robert_may]

Thanks Martin! I'm hoping to get a better chance to try it out at an event this week before my preorder is due to arrive. The IBIS really does look very impressive. I find the video from my OM-1 surprisingly jittery too, usually because the IBIS is unreliable in activating correctly (turning off the Auto setting for it helps a bit, as I think it detects the direction of movement wrong). I've had some success stabilising it in post using Davinci Resolve, but that is a bit of a faff compared to getting it right straight out of camera 😀

[@martineldridge1319]

@@robert_may The funny thing is, I was also considering the OM-1 but the Video let’s that camera down as well as the poor low light performance. I was on Safari last year and the R5 over heated just as I was about to film a group of elephants crossing the river. I was so annoyed. For the past couple of years, I’m finding myself doing more filming than stills.

[@robert_may]

@@martineldridge1319 Argh I've had a few experiences like that, with unreliable cameras. The R5C could be a potential option for you too, as they've resolved the overheating in that (it is pretty bulky though). I tend to shoot a mix of video and photos, which can be a bit of a pain on a lot of cameras, but it seems to be getting better with good hybrid cameras like the S5II, R5C, X-H2/S etc coming out 🤔

[@martineldridge1319]

@@robert_may I don’t think the R5C has very good Animal Tracking in Video mode, it only uses the Dual Pixel AF1 rather than the AF2 that it uses in Photot mode, which is crazy as its a dedicated Video Camera.. Plus it’s very bulky as you say, and eats through Batteries and has no IBIS.

[@robert_may]

@@martineldridge1319 Oh yeah I forgot about the battery life 🤔 The S5/II is good in that regard. Hopefully I’ll be able to post some opinions on how well it’ll work soon!

[@karlrichards]

Surely you should be comparing the S5ii with the om-1? Both have phase autofocus.

[@robert_may]

Yep that's ultimately the plan! What I wanted to test was whether everything else about the S5II will work out better (as much of the camera is the same) - I have a fairly good idea of how the AF will work based on videos other people have done, but I didn't want to go out and buy one without first seeing whether it will actually be an upgrade in low-light performance :)

[@karlrichards]

@@robert_may I'm a G9 shooter and very tempted by the S5iix, but I love all my Leica lenses 😭

[@robert_may]

@@karlrichards I'm really hoping they bring out a PDAF G9 successor soon - it's the most overdue of their cameras for an update!

[@karlrichards]

@@robert_may me too, I've had my fingers crossed for a while now.

[@laurentyarp514]

I had never thought at the S5 II as a potential wildlife photography. I've heard only good of the S5 IQ. And of course it has the excellent Panasonic ergonomics and picture profiles. This is tempting. But I am will stick with M43. I've got a G9 and an OM-1. And I am hoping for a G9 mk II.

[@robert_may]

Great combo! A G9II would be really cool, especially if they could give it a resolution bump and PDAF (maybe the sensor from the GH6?). There's a lot to be said for the M43 form factor and I think the G9 is up there in terms of examples of why the system is cool. And yeah I was honestly pretty blown away by the S5 when I bought it last year. I was expecting it to be a bit chunky and awkward like most cameras these days, but it's weirdly nice to hold and extremely logically laid out. I ended up liking it so much more than I thought I would (I bought it just for video, originally).

[@laurentyarp514]

@@robert_may And the S5 II has noticeable better IBIS, this will make a better video camera. I mostly shoot in early morning conditions like you. For wildlife it is a challenge. I am shooting deers and wild ducks, so they are easier target than robins but probably farher away :)

[@robert_may]

@@laurentyarp514 Lovely! I see mammals so rarely around here, sadly - I'd love to photograph some deer 😄

[@laurentyarp514]

@@robert_may There is some kind of natural reserve in the surrondings of the city where I live (western France). Matter of luck of course.

[@robert_may]

@@laurentyarp514 Sounds great 😄 We have a lot of reserves around here but they're mostly best for birds. I have been to France many times but not yet for wildlife photography - hopefully soon!

[@_Chris390]

1:20 Why did you say the S5 is terrible for wildlife? Seems great from this video. Some suggestions: Sound is a bit muffled a quiet, and would be good to show more of your photos and video clips while you are talking.

[@robert_may]

Thanks Chris! I’ve improved my audio and include more clips and such in recent videos 😀 In terms of the S5 for wildlife, it really just has two issues: AF that can’t keep up with moving subjects, and a slow burst rate. They fixed the AF on the S5II but sadly it still has the slow mechanical burst speed. I’m hopeful that Panasonic will chuck a faster shutter in something like the S1II, whenever that appears.

[@paulf3353]

Problem with L mount there are just no good telephoto lenses for it... I hope it will change...

[@robert_may]

I'd love to try out the new 60-600mm from Sigma - might try a weekend rental of it at some point for a video! There is a bit of a lack of 70-200 options at the moment, though I think Sigma are about to release one (if I remember correctly).

[@paulf3353]

@@robert_may From what I saw 60-600 even worse in terms of performance than 150-600mm, which is good, but not great. They really need something like 200-500 or 200-600 pro or semi pro zoom. I think Panasonic is going to release something, but it is not in pro S series, so quality might be so-so.

[@robert_may]

@@paulf3353 Yeah I’ll be interested to see what Panasonic come out with. They’ve somewhat neglected the photo side of the S range of cameras so far so it might indicate a bit of a shift there.

[@furiousdoe7779]

What are you complaining about the light .. there is enough light in the pics that you have taken even for using the OM-1 ...

[@robert_may]

On the first day, yeah, and I did take some comparison shots where it performed very similarly. But on the second day those light levels were very problematic, especially under the cover of trees, which is why some of the shots were up at ISO 51200 - and that's where the OM-1 struggles for me.

[@richardfink7666]

I thiink you will regret it.On the other hand, I don´t know what you do with your photos. I had a Nikon Z6II and I don`t find the differences that extreme. It`s also a matter of personal preference.What use is the lowlight performance if the autofocus is not there.

[@robert_may]

Yeah I wouldn't make the swap to the first-gen S5, but with the new PDAF system in the S5II I should get the best of both worlds - good AF and good low light performance. In theory! I will evaluate the S5II when it arrives before making any trade-ins.

[@richardfink7666]

@@robert_may Then the perfect camera would be the R6II.

[@robert_may]

@@richardfink7666 That looks like a very solid camera, but it's extremely expensive compared to the S5II in the UK. R6II + 100-500mm RF lens is £5,758 compared to £3998 for the S5II + Sigma 60-600mm lens. I'm not quite sure why the R6II is so expensive in the UK compared to the USA right now, considering other cameras aren't being marked up anywhere near as much 🤔 Such a weird gap in the Canon lineup between the R7 and the R6 in terms of price and capabilities.

[@richardfink7666]

@@robert_may I agree with you. I wouldn`t see paying more than 2000 Euros for a camera.

[@pedrocamposnl]

i only very very nice shots