Panasonic Lumix S5 | Full Frame Mirrorless Camera | Review

After using the camera for a week, here are my thoughts on the brand new entry level full frame mirrorless camera from Panasonic.

#Lumix #Panasonic #Leica

@panasonicjapan @Panasonic @ChannelPanasonic

[raksh]

When you think about it, f3.5 to 5.6 gives the same depth of field as a m43 f1.7 to 2.8. A lot of moaners have been talking about how this lens is too slow, but if you're used to shooting m43, it gives shallower depth of field than any other m43 zoom lens apart from the PanaLeica 10-25mm f1.7. In fact, the 20-60 is almost the full frame equivalent of that much more expensive lens.

This camera seems just right for a lot of my intentions. It would be a very decent work camera for video, as I use the G9 and could do with the option for full frame dynamic range and depth of field control. Because the S5 batteries work in the GH5 and G9, a handful of those would keep all these cameras going. The aps-c crop with 4k 50p is also fine, because I often use a Sigma 18-35 with a Speedbooster XL on my G9, so the Sigma would work on the S5, too. With a 24-105, the Sigma 18-35 for low light and a fast 50 and 85 for portraits, all my work needs are met. All I'd want is a compact 28 or 24 for walking around and this camera is the complete package for me.

[AnupamSingh_nz]

That camera looks amazing! Excited to see what you created with.

[davidalanmedia]

Nice review Darryl. Thanks, I've got it on order.

[iammz]

Can you also use APS-C mode for photos as well? I only could use with videos and sometimes would be good to have aps-c crop for photos.

[TheOneMonk]

I look forward to the firmware upgrade for my S1. Thanks for the info!

[garybrown]

Great review
I want to use it for the rest of my life

[nielsnielsen]

Thanks for a great review - and you said it about autofocus which we all hope for.

[Mindartcreativity]

Great video, new space looks great too. I‘m thinking about switching my Fuji X-H1 out for the Panasonic S5 for filmmaking. I‘m really curious for the follow up review, especially battery life while recording 4K video and IBIS while walking and shooting handheld. Could you also talk about adapting vintage glass to the L-mount in your review? I prefer to adapt vintage lenses for my style of filmmaking. Thanks!

[IslandFilmMaker]

Interesting camera! You showed the Battery grip, it that NEW... or is it a GH5 B Grip???

[tom_crookes]

Was excited to see more content with the S5 as i am considering switching... did you not keep it?

[obscur_yoann]

So for using mainly for stills (no video) in manual focus M mount and vintage lenses, better choose the S5, S1, or Sigma fp ? I shoot a lot the streets at night. Thanks

[Chrishopton]

Looking at buying GH6 or S5, which one do you recommend?

[Scott_Graham]

Well that's an interesting camera... I wonder how much I can get for all my Fuji gear 🤔

[DanielBryn]

If I want to know about new gear - this is the place. Thanks Darryl, must admit it looks really tempting, and I still own the S1 + glass, which is amazing for my timelapse photos (not to mention panasonics timelapse menus) But... that AF.... Is this really reliable?! And how is it for focusing with stills photography in low light (like closeups of things in dimly lit places?)? I do miss filming with the GH5 but like you said, AF was a dealbreaker for me as an allrounder camera where you need to rely on good AF for videos.

[Deczkin]

why are those 30 minutes recording limits implemented?

[SinaFarhat]

Nice camera!
Can you not use the USB c connection as a hdmi replacement?

[skinbones]

Darryl, after this, we should forget about a new gh6?

[raksh]

Try using Exiftool to alter the metadata of the S5 raw files to make them S1. Your processing software should recognize them!

[fellowcitizen]

13:17 Bespin!
Great news about the S1R video, too!

[candyartstv]

For those who use speedboosters or complain about the small MFT sensor this camera makes sense. For native MFT shooters like myself Panasonic is starting to piss us off!