We're going to put a video out featuring the LUMIX S5II once we've been able to thoroughly test it, so make sure you're signed up to our YouTube channel! For now, take a look at all the key specifications for the two models and find out how the Lumix S5IIX differs frm the S5II. The fan means the S5 II can record for unlimited periods in most of its video modes, as tested by Panasonic at temperatures of 40°C (104°F). Panasonic points out that most of its rivals only quote figures for 22–25°C (72–77°F), which is significantly less demanding and less representative of average temperatures across much of the US. Video Motion pictures with 72Mbps or less: SD memory card with SD Speed Class with Class 10 or Video Speed Class 10 or higher There's no separate charger with the S5 II but the Type 3.2 Gen 2 USB port can be used to charge, power or power and charge the camera.

Ultimately, though, the S5 II seems likely to succeed or fail based on its AF performance. There's little reason to doubt it'll be a capable video camera, but the effectiveness of its revised AF system will help define how easy it is to shoot with for both stills and video, and in that department it's squaring up against some very capable competition. The S5 IIX will offer a broader range of video capabilities than any of the other current models, at a lower introductory price than either the Sony or Canon offerings. The Lumix S5IIX’s battery is CIPA rated for 330-shots but, as this is a video-centric camera, we tested battery life for video rather than stills. According to Panasonic, the S5IIX’s battery should last for 90 minutes of continuous recording at 4K/60p with an APS-C crop. In testing, this proved accurate, maybe a little conservative. I shot at 6K/30p full frame for 30 minutes, and then 4K/60p APS-C for 70 minutes, for a total of 100 minutes shooting time. But while that may be slightly better than advertised, battery life is still sub-standard for a camera of this price. The similarly-priced Sony A7IV, for example, has a 580-shot rated battery, while the much, much cheaper Fujifilm X-S20 holds a 750-shot rating. Panasonic Lumix S5IIX review: Verdict As you’d expect, the S5IIX’s screen preview matches the captured image/video well but as usual, it can be hard to see some details in bright conditions. This makes an external monitor with greater brightness and/or a hood an attractive option in some instances.The LUMIX S5IIX is capable of 5.8K Apple ProRes recording to SSD via HDMI or USB, and ALL-Intra Recording. Additionally, the S5iiX can support Apple Pro Res RAW video output to Atomos. It also supports wiredand wireless IP streaming and USB tethering. What the company has said is that its algorithms have been re-worked and that the camera assesses camera motion more precisely. We've been impressed with what we've seen from the S5 II so far, in terms of keeping both stills still and video clips smooth. The Boost IS mode, which tries to cancel all movement for a tripod-like video look, is particularly impressive. Motion pictures with 400Mbps or less: External USB-SSD, SD memory card with Video Speed Class 60 or higher The body of the camera is built around a full magnesium alloy frame, ensuring that it’s tough enough to handle regular professional use. And thanks to its dust and weather resistance, it’s also a camera you can use with confidence in most conditions. What’s most surprising is that the S5II X can be used in direct rain, despite the fact that it has open vents, which form part of its active cooling system. Another remarkable thing about the cooling system is that it doesn’t add a huge amount of size to the body, making the new S5II and S5II X appear similar in size to their predecessor and weighing only 26g more. The added weight and extra millimetres in size are a fair trade for this camera’s capabilities and unlimited video recording times at all resolutions. Panasonic hasn’t made the Lumix S5IIX or S5 quite as small as the original S5, but at 134.3×102.3×90.1mm and 740g (with memory card, hot shoe cover and battery) it’s still significantly smaller and lighter than cameras such as the Panasonic Lumix S1R and S1.

Something the unedited images above demonstrate is the variations in the S5IIX’s internal light metering, an issue I experienced throughout my time testing the camera. Both ISO test shots above were taken in multi-metering mode, using the same setup under fixed artificial lighting with the light meter displaying EV-0, but you can see how dark the first shot is compared to the second. This is problematic where consistency between shots is important. Panasonic Lumix S5IIX review: Video performance There's excellent in-body image stabilization that delivers up to 6.5 stops of compensation whether you're shooting stills or video – and it's definitely among the best in the business for a full-frame camera. Both cameras, the S5II and the S5IIX, are equipped with the same 24.2MP full-frame sensor and processing engine, implying that, all else being equal, the image quality should be identical. There are a host of other video assist features in Lumix cameras, not specific to the S5II X, which is a strength of this system. Including professionally recognized tools such as waveform monitoring, anamorphic lens de-squeezing in camera, luminance spot metering, histogram, and more, make these cameras ideal for video creators. If you’re on the fence about those features and see them more as nice to haves, it may be worth saving your money and putting it towards one of the excellent LUMIX S F1.8 prime lenses. However, I would say it’s better to get a camera you can grow into. Even if it has features you may not feel you need right now, if you can afford it, it could make more sense to get the higher specced model as it will likely serve you in the long term as your filmmaking evolves.

The S5 II builds on the video capabilities of the S5, despite using a chip with similar ~21ms readout times for its 16:9 footage. With a new imaging engine developed within the L 2 Technology partnership formed by LEICA and LUMIX, and a new 24-megapixel sensor, the LUMIX S5II and S5IIX are the first LUMIX cameras to offer Hybrid Phase Detection Auto-Focus (PDAF). Panasonic Lumix S5IIX: full-sensor internal 4:2:0 10-bit 6K (3:2) and 5.9K (16:9) footage at 30fps, 4:2:2 C4K and 4K at up to 60fps

Key full frame video resolutions: [6K] 5952×3968 (3:2): 29.97p, 200Mbps (4:2:0 10-bit LongGOP) (H.265/HEVC, LPCM), 23.98p, 200Mbps (4:2:0 10-bit LongGOP) (H.265/HEVC, LPCM), [6K] 5952×3136 (17:9: 29.97p, 200Mbps (4:2:0 10-bit LongGOP) (H.265/HEVC, LPCM), 23.98p, 200Mbps (4:2:0 10-bit LongGOP) (H.265/HEVC, LPCM), [5.9K] 5888×3312 (16:9): 29.97p, 200Mbps (4:2:0 10-bit LongGOP) (H.265/HEVC, LPCM), 23.98p, 200Mbps (4:2:0 10-bit LongGOP) (H.265/HEVC, LPCM), [C4K] 4096×2160: 29.97p, 400Mbps (4:2:2 10-bit ALL-Intra) (H.264/MPEG-4 AVC, LPCM), 29.97p, 150Mbps (4:2:2 10-bit LongGOP) (H.264/MPEG-4 AVC, LPCM), 29.97p, 150Mbps (4:2:0 10-bit LongGOP) (H.265/HEVC, LPCM), 23.98p, 400Mbps (4:2:2 10-bit ALL-Intra) (H.264/MPEG-4 AVC, LPCM), 23.98p, 150Mbps (4:2:2 10-bit LongGOP) (H.264/MPEG-4 AVC, LPCM), 23.98p, 150Mbps (4:2:0 10-bit LongGOP) (H.265/HEVC, LPCM), [4K] 3840×2160: 29.97p, 400Mbps (4:2:2 10-bit ALL-Intra) (H.264/MPEG-4 AVC, LPCM), 29.97p, 150Mbps (4:2:2 10-bit LongGOP) (H.264/MPEG-4 AVC, LPCM), 29.97p, 150Mbps (4:2:0 10-bit LongGOP) (H.265/HEVC, LPCM), 23.98p, 400Mbps (4:2:2 10-bit ALL-Intra) (H.264/MPEG-4 AVC, LPCM), 23.98p, 150Mbps (4:2:2 10-bit LongGOP) (H.264/MPEG-4 AVC, LPCM), 23.98p, 150Mbps (4:2:0 10-bit LongGOP) (H.265/HEVC, LPCM) The camera delivers up to 6.5 stops of in-body image stabilization meaning you can shoot stills and video in lower light without a tripod. (Image credit: James Artaius) At the heart of the S5 II is a new processing engine that is the first product of Panasonic's L² co-development project with Leica. The two companies shared know-how and resources to develop the new processor, which we'd expect to see in future Leica models, too. The sensor, while not new, has been further developed to include phase-detection pixels as part of the hybrid focusing system. This makes the S5II and S5IIX the first Panasonic Lumix cameras to incorporate phase detection focusing. Video The cards that can be used for recording vary depending on the motion pictures bit rate and format type.

To output motion pictures with 4K or higher, use a Premium High Speed HDMI cable (Type A - Type A plug). Like the original S5, the S5IIX is far from small and fiddly. It’s grip is reasonably chunky and it feels comfortable in the hand. It’s also good to know that the camera body frame is made from die-cast magnesium alloy and it’s sealed against dust and moisture ingress. However, it will be interesting to see how the fan vents cope with rain. The S5IIX is also pretty snappy at spotting an animal in the frame, but it doesn’t target the eyes so you don’t always get the focus where you want it. In some cases you may need to switch to using a small AF point. The original LUMIX S5 was one of the best mirrorless cameras around, and gained a reputation for being an outstanding video production tool. Both S5II models continue that legacy, featuring similarly powerful specs to appeal to the firmly video-oriented side of the ‘hybrid’ (meaning photo and video capable) mirrorless market. These two cameras, the S5IIX in particular, are not playing around — while many of today’s video-focused hybrids are geared towards vloggers and social media creators, you need only look at the number of resolutions and formats the S5II models offer to realize they’re aimed squarely at filmmakers and hardcore videographers, not TikTokers.