Panasonic S5 II review: The full-frame vlogging camera you’ve been waiting for

Panasonic’s mirrorless cameras have been held back from greatness by the lack of phase-detect autofocus, but that’s finally arrived with the Lumix S5 II. The AF works very well for video where it will be used the most, putting it nearly on par with rival Canon and Sony models. It also has a new stabilization system borrowed from the GH6 that’s better for vlogging than any on the market. With powerful features and a low $2,000 price tag, it’s now the best vlogging camera on the market.

[VespertiliKildem]

I don't understand why a lot of people, when speaking about the new Lumix, only view her as a vlogging camera, or mainly for vlogging.
This camera is a beast, you can literally shoot anything with it, documentaries, movies, interviews.
I can't wait for the X.

[jameshenry]

Pre-ordered the Lumix S5II X so can't wait for that.

[timrodierides]

I've been waiting for Steve's take on this - thinking of (say it quietly) jumping ship from Fuji...

[i_soumyabanerjee]

“Dynamic range in vlog is slightly below Sony and Nikon” that statement is new I heard. Everybody else is saying pretty much it’s on par with Sony a7iv and Nikonz6ii.

[Robinicat]

Hello! Thank you for your review. I am at the point where I am pretty convinced I want to buy the Lumix S52 mainly for amateur, quality videos/vlogging but also for amateur travel photography. Therefore I need as lightweight a camera as possible. My question is: is the kit lens worth buying or would it be better to buy another lens? And if so, which one? What are the specs on the kit lens? Any help would be greatly appreciated.

[gurugamer]

Can you record to external SSD on S5ii like you can on the GH6?😊

[StevesRealWorld]

What budget lens for Vlogging? That 50mm was WAY too close. Thanks

[PS-ysyg]

maybe a little bit heavy for vlogging?

[samsuh]

is this the same camera as one called panasonic DC-gh5ii?

[kayjaylin]

Oh how long have I been waiting since the GH series.

[MayurMahapatraFilms]

It does not perform PDAF in HD more than 50 fps.. this is a real shame. So many quirks. Be careful guys..

[otm]

2:23 "The batteries are borrowed from the S5 II" Buddy, this is the S5 II...

[ruffdraft]

Can the Panasonic S5 Mark ii film in both 8 bit and 10 bit like with the Panasonic S5 Mark 1

[goingfurther]

“Up there with nikon and Fuji film af systems” I think you meant “down there” lol Nikons is trash compared to Sony or canon

[andersistbesser]

Lol s5 has a sony sensor and danamic range is every bit as good

[panelsandbars]

It's a real shame there's not much of a focus on photography, but this does look like a great solution of vloggers on a budget.

[harryvlogs]

Not really vegging camera more a hybrid photo video shooting