Today’s announcement of the Panasonic Lumix S5 II camera marks an important shift to what many consider to be a more effective form of autofocus based on phase detection. Up to now, all Lumix cameras, including those in the micro four-thirds range, have relied on Panasonic’s proprietary DFD (Depth from Defocus) technology.
According to Panasonic, the DFD system ‘calculates the direction and the amount to move the focus lens at a single movement by predicting it with two images that have different depth of field’. See this article on DPReview for a full explanation of the differences between DFD and hybrid phase-detect.
The new hybrid phase-detect system is now likely to be carried over into the rest of the Lumix S range and, I believe, into the Leica SL3 and SL3-S. So this first outing of PD AF in the S5 is an important portent for the future of both Panasonic’s and Leica’s full-frame mirrorless cameras. In another first, for Panasonic, the S5 II incorporates a cooling fan. The rather underwhelming EVF of the S5 has been upgraded to a much more acceptable 3.6MP unit.
We understand that the current S5 model, which retails at £1,699, £300 less than the S5 II, will continue to be sold alongside the new cameras.
Specification
The specification of the Panasonic S5 II includes the following:
- 24MP BSI CMOS sensor with on-sensor phase detection
- Up to 30fps e-shutter shooting with C-AF and Raw capture
- 96MP multi-shot high-resolution mode
- 6K 3:2 open-gate video capture up to 30p (4:2:0 10-bit)
- 6K or DCI/UHD 4K from full sensor width up to 30p
- DCI/UHD 4K up to 60p (S35), unlimited record times
- Dual conversion gain sensor with explicit ‘Dual Native ISO’ gain selection
- Cooling fan
- Twin UHS-II card slots
- Optional paid upgrade for Raw video output
Video-centric S5 II x
The Panasonic Lumix S5 II will be available in two distinct models, with the video-centric S5 II x featuring an all-black body with a black LUMIX logo and model designation. The II x will arrive later in 2023. From the front, it is remarkably similar in appearance to Leica’s 24MP SL2-S.
The II x model includes the following additional features:
- Raw video output
- Video recording to SSD over USB
- All-I compression modes
- Internal ProRes capture
- Wired/wireless IP streaming
The Panasonic Lumix S5 II will be seen as a direct competitor to the SL2-S for use with L-Mount autofocus lenses. Although slightly heavier than the S5, the new camera tips the scales at 740g, 180g lighter than the Leica. However, anyone planning to use manual-focus M lenses will find that Leica cameras are the better choice because M compatibility is built in.
UK recommended price of the S5 II is £1,999, including tax. The price of the S5 II x will be announced nearer to the launch date, with initial estimates suggesting it will be £200 extra. However, the basic model is the best bet unless you are into video. It’s just a pity that you don’t have the option of having that stealthy black appearance on the S5 II.
Note that we have not yet received the official Panasonic release. We will update this article if necessary.
For a more comprehensive comparison between the S5 and S5 II, see this article at PocketLint
Read the initial review of the S5 II at DPReview
Read Macfilos views on the Panasonic Lumix S5
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I think to become more Leica like they would need to look at the physical UI of the SL and CL for a template. That would mean getting rid of the Disney-like pictogram dials on the top plate and adding flexible configuration dials and buttons. Equally the software UI would need to be focused on “Profiles” which seem central to Leica’s “less is more approach”.
I had assumed a simple rebadging and I hadn’t considered menus or controls. Any such changes would make it a new camera and not worth the effort.
The fact that the S5 IIx is so similar to the SL2-s makes me wonder whether we will ever see both bodies merge into one in the future (perhaps post SL3 and SL3-s?).
I agree. For starters, the S5 could be rebadged and sold as a Leica, following the precedent of the Luxes. I suspect that much of the electronics of the SL2 is supplied by Panasonic in any case. It would be an excuse to offer a starter L mount kit to attract newcomers who might upgrade to Leica equipment. The only real snag is that such a camera would need give adapted to work seamlessly with M lenses.
Sadly it would cost thousands more if the S5 or S5 11 were Leica re badged.
I agree, but otherwise there would be no point in doing it. That said, the premium on the D-Lux, for instance, is relatively modest and is justified by the increased value retention. But there are limits, I agree.
I had also already noticed the small increase in weight. I guess the additional cooling fan?
I imagine so, but I see that the dimensions have all increased slightly. I hope this isn’t the start of feature bloat — compare the 1960s Mini with the 2022 version or the 1980s Golf with the current model!
I think the increased weight is due to increased heat sinking. I tiny fan would not weigh have appreciable weight.
Unfortunately all mirrorless are heading in that direction. Sony’s A7 series has been putting on weight with every new model while introducing better stabilisation, video, etc. I’m not really happy with that and I would welcome lighter bodies sacrificing some of these additional enhancements.
As a stills photographer with no interest in video, I can’t help feeling that a lot of the extra weight and complexity comes from a desire to create better video capabilities. The S5 II is already a competent video camera and, according to some commentators, right up there with the flagship Lumix MFT bodies. And the II x (which I would buy on appearance alone) is even better. Apart from the M11, there are few (if any) mirrorless cameras that don’t try for the video plaudits. I wonder what the weight difference would be if they had made the S5 II a still-only camera while offering the II x for video/stills use.
Very well put and (unfortunately) very accurate I feel. To me it remains rather mind-boggling that 10 years into this full frame mirrorless thing there is still no well designed FF rangefinder-styled body on the market… The Sony A7c comes closest but is let down by an awful EVF, hopefully Sony pushes the envelope with the A7C II.
Agree. I was going to review a7c for Mike but I sold it off because of the awfully small evf. Unfortunate that otherwise it is a very capable camera as most are these days.
On the subject of compact mirrorless cameras there seems to be some hope. On DPReview Yosuke Yamane (Director of Imaging Panasonic) acknowledged that there is a strong demand for very compact and capable full frame cameras.
I saw that and saved the link with a view to an article. Interesting stuff.
Looking forward to it! Also with regards to compact cameras, 2 days ago Ricoh released firmware updates for both GR III and GR IIIx. They include a new film simulation called Negative Film.
Another great option for L mount. I have found the existing autofocus incredibly accurate. The new phase detect autofocus will eliminate one of the main criticisms of L mount. It looks like Panasonic listens more than Leica…
Interestingly, the S5 will continue on sale, although this could be because they have a lot of stock. Browsing YouTube this afternoon, I get the impression that the S5 II is a winner, and it will probably drag the old model along in its coattails. I must dust off my S5 and give it some work to do.