Panasonic S5 II Review - FINALLY Good Video Auto Focus!

GEAR MENTIONED

VIDEO CHAPTERS
0:00 Introduction and Disclaimer
1:15 Panasonic S5 II VS Sony A7 IV Auto Focus Test
3:48 Body Design
4:14 Card Slots and HDMI
4:36 HDMI Info Display Limitation
5:09 USB-C Capabilities
5:23 Battery Life
5:46 Fan and Cooling System
5:55 Recording Options
7:00 S&Q Mode
7:31 Image Comparison
8:01 Crop Modes
8:17 Dual Native ISO and Rolling Shutter
8:59 Auto Focus Issues
10:33 Focus Limitations
11:32 Video Auto Focus Conclusion
12:26 Stabilization
13:10 Color and V-Log
13:42 Audio
14:06 Other Assist Features
14:20 LUMIX S5 II X
14:50 S5 II X Feature Upgrades
15:31 My 3 Issues with the S5 II
17:56 Final Thoughts in 1 Minute

DISCLAIMERS & AFFILIATIONS
This video was not paid for by outside persons or manufacturers. No gear was supplied to me for this video.
The content of this video and my opinions were not reviewed or paid for by any outside persons.

[musadays]

Sony indeed perfected their autofocus over the years so it's quite understandable for Panasonic to struggle autofocus wise. I'm so excited about Panasonic as they're now on the road to rule the camera world as they should have long ago 💯

[cinematools]

I was never really interested in Panasonic cameras but this is the first one that I would like to try.

[PossumReviews]

Kai W's review showed that it actually works really well with adapted Canon EF lenses, so lens selection shouldn't be a problem.

[TechLineHD]

Wow, it finally happened after all those years! Unfortunately, I'm deeply invested in the Sony system. I kept the GH5s for the good old love and memories of Panasonic (also, I couldn't sell it for at least a respectable price on the second-hand market).

[Gerald_G]

Phase detect! This is the one thing that stifled Panasonic from competing with Sony and Canon for video. I feel like they were ahead of everyone with 4K 60, no record limits, 10-bit video, & industry-leading IBIS with the GH5. And after taking so long to finally change, they’re now playing catch-up. But I think they are the leaders in video innovation and have an opportunity to really compete again. I have been rooting for them and after the GH6 still with the old contrast-based auto-focus wondered if they were just stubborn to their own demise. Very glad to see they finally adjusted!

[tuzuharurakutu]

Youtubers : "Panasonic has the best video features out there, with good autofocus they will destroy the competition". The moment they come up with a great value camera with good video features and good autofocus : "I'm torn..." I personally don't thing Panasonic ever needed autofocus but that's what the competition (and Youtubers) force them to do. Will be interesting to see what'll happen next.

[EdProsser]

I've been a Panasonic shooter for over a decade, started with the GH series and currently own an EVA1 and S5 mk1. I love their cameras and esp. their colours - for me they've always seemed to have a strong video-first approach which has kept me shooting with them.

I've never been too fussed about auto-focus which is probably why I've stuck with Panasonic over the years. Early reviews seem to show big improvements in their AF but it's still not at the level of Sony and Canon - so I don't know whether it'll be enough to tempt these shooters over - although the price point really is aggressive!

I wish Panasonic would update their compact cine cam line - we need a successor to the EVA1 - hopefully LUMIX have plans for an L-mount cine cam...

[Aviciiz]

I don't really understand your comments about all the many things you can't and can not do, and not knowing what can be done and what not? In my experience with both Sony Canon and Panasonic, Pana is the brand that gives you the moest features and the most possibilities. 
There's very little things this camera can not do, while there's been many times I've been surprised with certain features a Sony didn't let me do. 
For example, lack of amount of aspect ratio markers, using aspect ratio markers and frame guides at the same time, not being able to monitor your own lut, poor IBIS, etc.

[TheAaronalden]

The S5 IIX is definitely the way! Great start for lumix! Hopefully the can fix most of the autofocus problems with firmware.

[JARIVISUALS]

Impressive! Ive been using the original S5 since release as a B-cam next the BMPCC4K (later the 6KPRO) end ended up getting a second S5 in 2021. These are some very welcome upgrades!
Might have to think about upgrading :)

[summarity]

I love what this means for future Leica cameras. The Q3 maybe? The Q2 has hilariously overpowered video features (internal 10bit C4K recording) but no usable AF-C at all. If this tech makes it into the full frame cameras of the alliance, this will be awesome.

[David.gmes]

would love to see a auto focus test with the mc-21 adapter for sigma EF lenses 😉

[marinrealestatephotography]

Thanks for the review, Caleb! A few other side notes: S5 II now has TRUE 24fps (in addition to 23.98fps). Also line level audio input, and the MC-21 now provides CONTINUOUS autofocs with Canon EF / Sigma EF-mount lenses (whether it is usable or not kind of depends on the eye of the beholder). I think you mentioned the improved EVF. I am DEFINITELY going to get the S5 II X when it comes out... probably two of them.

[phaselead_dj]

I got interested in video production when the GH5 was the best in the industry and all the people are waiting for PDAF in panasonic bodies. Now, finally, we see that 😄

Considering what Panasonic has achieved with contrast-based detection only for the past decade, I think they can resolve the issues you have found fairly quickly.

[duhduh]

Woah with the Panasonic colors and workable autofocus, this is going to be a BEAST

[joeaddison]

I sell cameras for a living and the one hooks back for me recommending the Panasonic cameras has been folks asking for reliable video autofocus. I'm really excited for this new direction from the Lumix folks. Thanks Caleb for the slick or "dank" as you say, video!

[cobymarcum]

This is the best review of this camera that I’ve seen thus far of this camera. 👍 To be fair to the other reviewers, it isn’t their full time job to review gear, give tutorials etc. as they’re out shooting for clients as well, but perspectives from both parties are much appreciated. 👍

[InventiveImagery]

This is a historic video. We've waited for this for so long!

[JohnSoh]

His last points digging panasonic for not having apsc compatible lenses sounds personal for some reason. Pana not having as much "panasonic" lenses...It's part of the L mount alliance, which is apsc compatible for the dozens of people who need full frame and apsc compatible systems. so it doesn't make sense considering canon r lenses have no third party manufacturer and is perhaps even more limited. That part makes him sound like a Sony elitist coping to a degree. Bc it's not like fuji makes ff cameras but he would make a dig against fuji for not having ff compatible lenses.

[LukeTaylorPhotography]

I really wish they had included the tilting/rotating screen from the GH6... it would have been an almost perfect camera.