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This is the best review of the S5 MKII & I have watched a lot trying to decide should I go for 2 of these or keep my Canon R3 and R6 MK II what do you think ?
best explanation of this camera on youtube, thank you for going into details of video modes i.e re: resolution, color modes/depth, compression method, etc !!!
I shoot weddings and I always had problem with heavy noise in dark red, e.g. red dress in night party shots. Really glad it is gone now. There is huge difference in -4EV. Thanks for testing and happy new year :)
11:03 What lense did you use on the walking IBIS test? Did you use a lense with OIS? I am thinking of buying 24-105 lense with OIS if this helps me to get better shots handheld. thx!
To address your last question, got the feeling that the S5 ii X makes in the FF world the same impression as the X-H2S for APSC's. Sth like, hmm ... now we got it all in affordable compact video cameras. We just miss these 2 cams to enter the netflix graal list.
The only thing I can't figure is how efficiently the S5 switches from photo to video. I know the A74 has the top dial for this and saves your last settings.
Both are great cameras. The S5 II is more feature rich than the A7 IV for video users, although personally I prefer the Sony for stills. I find the colours SOOC better on the Panasonic though.
Ive watched quite a few reviews but still can't figure how you switch from photo to video and if the settings are saved between the two like Nikon does for instance.
So you switch with the dial on the top. some settings are saved and some stay the same. For example, by default, shutter speed changes to what you last had selected when you change modes, but aputure and ISO stay as they are.
It's a travesty that Panasonic did not have this ready for the GH6 a few months ago. Especially after that 5+ years of developement time. Alas, there has been no official word on future models with PDAF. As I understand this was not a topic at the press junket in Japan either. The glory is all for the budget friendly S5M2 at the moment. That said I can't imagine that the current GH6 will continue with it's outdated focus capabilities for much longer. I fully expect a "GH6M2" pretty soon. Watch out for news from CP+ show in february i.e.
Please compare the internal 6k vs the internal 6k on the Panasonic s1! Very curious to see if the 6k is just as sharp on the S5ii, and if the 4K softness is due to oversampling issue. Or if the actual pixels are softer with both being in the exact same format again. I’d love to see it!
I have both, Im so happy to have kept my S1 because the 6K from the S5ii is not as good. The S5ii, like the GH6, use the Intelligent Details Processing from Panasonic. Beside V-LOG, all the profiles are impacted. It's hard to explain but to summarize, some details are just gone and some others are too sharp, you can see the difference on skin. The 4k is also impacted. I rarely shoot on V-LOG so I think will return the S5ii.
@@catattackcat8754 Sadly I think youre right. Since this comment, I have both the S5ii and the S1. And I totally agree. I find that shooting in HLG with -5 sharpening helps a lot, but 0 sharpening in the S5ii vs 0 sharpening in the S5 is DRASTICALLY different in terms of in camera sharpenness. Really is a shame. I noticed the same thing on the skin, the S5ii ages me by 5 years lol. It makes the S1 look 3d while the S5ii looks 2d, if settings aren't tweaked. That being said, I dont mind shooting Vlog or just tweaking things enough to make it work. I don't blame you though. There is no doubt that they messed with things they shouldnt have and made our lives harder than needed.
@@catattackcat8754 If I were you, I'd honestly consider shooting with VLOG + using the in camera burn in LUT feature. That could replace standard profile pictures, and you could always edit VLOG to match the S1's standard modes, and then export the LUT from Resolve (if you use Resolve). It'd be a bitch, but that would be a one time process to solve everything. That new AF is too good for me to give up personally.
@@DrWNoLs Yes it's a good idea but It's not as easy than with the regular profiles. The other issue with the new "look" of these profiles is I can't extract a picture from my videos anymore because the details are not as good as before. On the S1 I can take pictures from my videos and the pictures look as good as jpg/raw. On the S5ii since some details are oversharpened and some are gone, I can't get the same quality.
@@catattackcat8754 I have to disagree on that. Just today I used a real time LUT, and it is absolutely as easy to access as a normal profile. You simply make the LUT to your liking, use real time LUT with the contrast and saturation baked in, and now you have the VLOG quality, but the finished look. Then you can extract photos too given it isn't an oversharpened base. This is all in camera on the S5ii. I really think you should reconsider dismissing it. The only part that's harder is getting the LUT onto the camera, then the rest is literally exactly the same as using a natural profile.
The question for me is that are Panasonic going to put this new Phase Detect autofocus system going to be put on the following Panasonic camera's via a firmware update: Panasonic S5 Panasonic S1 Panasonic S1H Panasonic GH5S Panasonic GH5 Mark 2 Panasonic G95
It's funny that many are saying "this could be your first " camera... To buy.. and for me what I have seen and what I think Panasonic has made this one very professional camera.. many ways better tha a7siii example.. out performers a7siii in low light. Still hybrid.. and a photographer like me.. it has just enough tools fo photography. This is a must buy specially if you make money ... Have t get excited of any new cameras but this is it
As a long standing Lumix G user whit no current plan to switch to the 35 mm sensor size the S5M2 launch was of course all about Panasonic implementing PDAF in a camera. Personally I don't find Lumix S to be the prefered «full frame» system of choice if such a investement should be made. Or perhaps divestment from Lumix G. The Lumix S lens range is rather limited to standard zooms at different price points. As well as five «videocentric» primes for the DOF crowd. There are currently no serious tele lenses, specialities like fisheye or ultra wide angle lenses in the lens map. Alas I find that the S5M2 or the whole Lumix S system for that matter is is basically the FF system for the causual kit zoom shooter. Things may improve in the future, but heck for my personal needs I have wanted the glorious Sony G-master 12-24 mm f2.8 ever since it was released. If going FF.
@@GrenlandUnderVann yes I feel the same about the lens collection. It's very few compared to Sony. But sigma have 16-28mm 2.8 on L mouth. That is what I would go. And for my work I need only max 4 lenses when I have 2 cameras... If I have only one. I neeed only 2-3 .. and there are lenses for my needs... In future I do also need more lenses.. I think this is the model s5ii that will sell and they will make more 3rd party lenses as well.. I really hope so
Panasonic will take years to catch up with the AI autofocus that Sony put on the A7RV. In a year or two, that autofocus engine will trickle down to A7IV and A7SIII successors. The gap will narrow, but Sony will keep the autofocus crown for the next decade.
@@mcsnapples But all that said, if I am a sports or wildlife shooter, I would still pay up for a Canon R6 II, or a Sony A9II, or even the cheaper R7. For wedding and casual street shooters, S5II is good enough.
Panasonics previous contrast based AF system performed better in the picture profiles with more contrast. So as this is a hybrid system that still uses some of that technology that might be why we are seeing that.
If you can make a video comparison of the S5 II vs A7iv on both AF and IQ departments, that would be great. I watched 10+ videos on S5 II and some videos already comparing it with A74. Their conclusion were different, some said S5 II has even better AF than the A7iv and others prefer A7iv's AF.
The s5ii is the more customizable AF. You can control AF speed and sensitivity unlike the a7iv which is sensitivity only. Also you get focus limiting which gives you more control over where your focus can go. Plus you get ability to do a camera controled focus racking between preset points. If you're the type that likes to open the box and have it "just work" the Sony might be your preference. If you're the type who likes tweak your settings and take the time to really learn how your camera works, the s5ii may be your preference. Honestly though, you'd be hard pressed to find anything that either couldn't do in real world applications under reasonable expectations.
Is it true that the S5II is only able to use contrast detect AF in 1080 ??? Check this test. th-cam.com/video/dEpmUfyESRc/w-d-xo.html If so I will cancel my order
Well, it has 4K 60 but with a crop. But yes, a higher end version with more frame rates in 4K full sensor width would be very welcome! Perhaps one day. We have to remember this is a £2000 camera, not a £4000 one.
@@carlyates2487 the problem with offering this cop out 4k60 mode is that you still have to buy full frame glass for APSC 4k60. So if you really need 4k60, this camera is not a value option like example FX30 with APSC glass for 4k60. IF you could buy APSC glass fro LMount that would be different but I don’t believe you can.
@@carlyates2487 I don't understand the obsession for the USD 2000 price point. It could have costed 2500 - 3000 with a more capable sensor. Given that it basically sets you back 5000 - 6000 for a decent lens collection. The S5M2 seems like a budget option for the casual kit zoom shooter.
@@JeffBourke If you don't understand the technical limitations as they pertain to budget, maybe you should be silent on what you consider a cop-out to be. They all crop at this price point.
@@JeffBourke I think I'd still find the S5 more useful than the FX30, but Im a hybrid shooter. The 4K 50 (PAL) isnt a big deal for my style of shooting. I shoot mainly for social media, Im usually 20mm for establishing shots then any slow mo will be 35mm and 50mm. So I'll crop on my 20mm for 30mm half speed. The EVF is always going to be handy but to be honest I use the back screen a lot for video, note: the S5II rear screen is quite a bit brighter than the R6II and A74 (see richard wong). Its annoying I do agree but its not major for me, the S5II seems real value for money to me.
S5 looks better in 4k then S5II because phase af degenerates image quality. I think, thats why panasonic refused so long to implement phase af, because they felt it will not match up to the quality pana-shooters are expecting.
That has been their reasoning. Although I don't quite believe it. Sony, Canon and Fuji cameras have all used Phase AF for many years and have very sharp detailed images.
PDAF sensors only degrade performance in very extreme shooting conditions. For instance, on my 6dmk ii, if I shot something way underexposed like -5 stops and brought it up, you could see a grid of noise color very clearly. I think newer sensors found a way to compensate for this to where it's practically a non-issue
Most Panasonic shooters seem happy with the S5ii, I'm not. Beside V-LOG, the regular profiles look like s*** because they added a stupid filter to reduce details.
Sorry Bob! I do try and use it sparingly. There are large sections of this video with no music under at all. It just helps to keep the longer videos interesting to watch.
I find it strange why professional camera people use auto focus, I understand that amateur people require that function but surely if you are a professional you can focus it manually without the need for automatic constant help? I would be interested in seeing other peoples views.
Smaller productions often have the camera operator doing everything from sound to even producing such as asking the questions etc. To have a reliable technology that can handle reliably one aspect of production is huge. So if the person being interviewed gets really spirited and starts moving around you don’t have to stress too much of they moved out of focus range.
Reliable AF tracking is a hugely useful professional tool and most professional operators who own a camera which can do it, use it regularly. Not all the time of course, but will turn it on and off when the situation calls for it.
Watch our Up to Speed video on the Lumix S5 II X: th-cam.com/video/2OzrkXXZ8jA/w-d-xo.html
Excellent review. Love how you mentioned colour and DR.
Thanks for watching!
Really hoping they make a gh6 ii with phase detect autofocus. Already have a small arsenal of mft lenses, so I’m gonna hold out hope for that for now.
Agreed. The Gh6 is too new to be replaced. But I'm hoping for a GH6s version or something similar.
@@carlyates2487 the GH4 replaced the GH3 after 16 months.
This is the best review of the S5 MKII & I have watched a lot trying to decide should I go for 2 of these or keep my Canon R3 and R6 MK II what do you think ?
I think if you sell your Canon R3 and R6 MK II, you will get more money to buy 2 S5Mii, and you will have money left over.
@@William305-k6q most certainly I would get £6000 for those two alone but not sure still
thanks for the effort and sharing. perhaps you can also take a look at the S52 as a photo/still camera and share your thoughts/highlights. thumbs up.
We have!
th-cam.com/video/CHKtjEaZ_6Q/w-d-xo.html
best explanation of this camera on youtube, thank you for going into details of video modes i.e re: resolution, color modes/depth, compression method, etc !!!
Glad it was helpful!
Thanks for watching
I shoot weddings and I always had problem with heavy noise in dark red, e.g. red dress in night party shots. Really glad it is gone now. There is huge difference in -4EV. Thanks for testing and happy new year :)
This will be a fantastic camera for shooting weddings
I gave up my 2 Lumix S5 because I had an issue with the AF that burned me with my client and now, I want the Lumix S5iiX
This will be a huge improvement
11:03 What lense did you use on the walking IBIS test? Did you use a lense with OIS? I am thinking of buying 24-105 lense with OIS if this helps me to get better shots handheld. thx!
I'm really disappointed by the standard profiles of the S5II in video, over sharpened and a big loss in details. Big differences with my S5.
To address your last question, got the feeling that the S5 ii X makes in the FF world the same impression as the X-H2S for APSC's. Sth like, hmm ... now we got it all in affordable compact video cameras. We just miss these 2 cams to enter the netflix graal list.
informative 15min review on the various features incl 6k 10 bit video.
Thanks for watching!
Sean from LUMIX USA said that PDAF doesn't work on FullHD 50fps. How does the contrast detect AF work in FullHD 50fps 10-bit? Is it reliable?
if you're coming from fuji would you recommend a7iv or s5ii for hybrid shooting with SOOC color?
The only thing I can't figure is how efficiently the S5 switches from photo to video. I know the A74 has the top dial for this and saves your last settings.
Both are great cameras. The S5 II is more feature rich than the A7 IV for video users, although personally I prefer the Sony for stills. I find the colours SOOC better on the Panasonic though.
Can you record to external SSD on S5ii like you can on the GH6?
Ive watched quite a few reviews but still can't figure how you switch from photo to video and if the settings are saved between the two like Nikon does for instance.
So you switch with the dial on the top. some settings are saved and some stay the same. For example, by default, shutter speed changes to what you last had selected when you change modes, but aputure and ISO stay as they are.
how about photography?
Is it true that in FHD the camera disables the PDAF and reverts baco to Contrast and DFD like the original s5?
Unfortunaly yes, that's why it's marketed as a Hybrid PDAF camera
Will this tech come to the GH line?
Hopefully!
It's a travesty that Panasonic did not have this ready for the GH6 a few months ago. Especially after that 5+ years of developement time. Alas, there has been no official word on future models with PDAF. As I understand this was not a topic at the press junket in Japan either. The glory is all for the budget friendly S5M2 at the moment. That said I can't imagine that the current GH6 will continue with it's outdated focus capabilities for much longer. I fully expect a "GH6M2" pretty soon. Watch out for news from CP+ show in february i.e.
Thanks for the video, does this camera come with the in built Timelapse feature?
Yes
Thanks
Does this camera take in the same lenses as a gh5
No, this camera is L-Mount whereas gh5 uses micro 4/3 mount which is far smaller.
Does it have a AA filter?
I don't know for sure but i'm sure it does
No.
Please compare the internal 6k vs the internal 6k on the Panasonic s1! Very curious to see if the 6k is just as sharp on the S5ii, and if the 4K softness is due to oversampling issue. Or if the actual pixels are softer with both being in the exact same format again. I’d love to see it!
I have both, Im so happy to have kept my S1 because the 6K from the S5ii is not as good. The S5ii, like the GH6, use the Intelligent Details Processing from Panasonic. Beside V-LOG, all the profiles are impacted. It's hard to explain but to summarize, some details are just gone and some others are too sharp, you can see the difference on skin. The 4k is also impacted. I rarely shoot on V-LOG so I think will return the S5ii.
@@catattackcat8754 Sadly I think youre right. Since this comment, I have both the S5ii and the S1. And I totally agree. I find that shooting in HLG with -5 sharpening helps a lot, but 0 sharpening in the S5ii vs 0 sharpening in the S5 is DRASTICALLY different in terms of in camera sharpenness. Really is a shame. I noticed the same thing on the skin, the S5ii ages me by 5 years lol. It makes the S1 look 3d while the S5ii looks 2d, if settings aren't tweaked.
That being said, I dont mind shooting Vlog or just tweaking things enough to make it work. I don't blame you though. There is no doubt that they messed with things they shouldnt have and made our lives harder than needed.
@@catattackcat8754 If I were you, I'd honestly consider shooting with VLOG + using the in camera burn in LUT feature. That could replace standard profile pictures, and you could always edit VLOG to match the S1's standard modes, and then export the LUT from Resolve (if you use Resolve). It'd be a bitch, but that would be a one time process to solve everything. That new AF is too good for me to give up personally.
@@DrWNoLs Yes it's a good idea but It's not as easy than with the regular profiles. The other issue with the new "look" of these profiles is I can't extract a picture from my videos anymore because the details are not as good as before. On the S1 I can take pictures from my videos and the pictures look as good as jpg/raw. On the S5ii since some details are oversharpened and some are gone, I can't get the same quality.
@@catattackcat8754 I have to disagree on that. Just today I used a real time LUT, and it is absolutely as easy to access as a normal profile. You simply make the LUT to your liking, use real time LUT with the contrast and saturation baked in, and now you have the VLOG quality, but the finished look. Then you can extract photos too given it isn't an oversharpened base. This is all in camera on the S5ii. I really think you should reconsider dismissing it. The only part that's harder is getting the LUT onto the camera, then the rest is literally exactly the same as using a natural profile.
Now it's time for an S1H II with built-in ND filters.
The question for me is that are Panasonic going to put this new Phase Detect autofocus system going to be put on the following Panasonic camera's via a firmware update:
Panasonic S5
Panasonic S1
Panasonic S1H
Panasonic GH5S
Panasonic GH5 Mark 2
Panasonic G95
No, this is sensor technology. It can't be added via firmware
@@carlyates2487 one of the dumbest questions I've seen for a while, congratulations.
It's funny that many are saying "this could be your first " camera... To buy.. and for me what I have seen and what I think Panasonic has made this one very professional camera.. many ways better tha a7siii example.. out performers a7siii in low light. Still hybrid.. and a photographer like me.. it has just enough tools fo photography.
This is a must buy specially if you make money ... Have t get excited of any new cameras but this is it
As a long standing Lumix G user whit no current plan to switch to the 35 mm sensor size the S5M2 launch was of course all about Panasonic implementing PDAF in a camera. Personally I don't find Lumix S to be the prefered «full frame» system of choice if such a investement should be made. Or perhaps divestment from Lumix G. The Lumix S lens range is rather limited to standard zooms at different price points. As well as five «videocentric» primes for the DOF crowd. There are currently no serious tele lenses, specialities like fisheye or ultra wide angle lenses in the lens map. Alas I find that the S5M2 or the whole Lumix S system for that matter is is basically the FF system for the causual kit zoom shooter.
Things may improve in the future, but heck for my personal needs I have wanted the glorious Sony G-master 12-24 mm f2.8 ever since it was released. If going FF.
@@GrenlandUnderVann yes I feel the same about the lens collection. It's very few compared to Sony. But sigma have 16-28mm 2.8 on L mouth. That is what I would go. And for my work I need only max 4 lenses when I have 2 cameras... If I have only one. I neeed only 2-3 .. and there are lenses for my needs... In future I do also need more lenses.. I think this is the model s5ii that will sell and they will make more 3rd party lenses as well.. I really hope so
@@GrenlandUnderVann
Sony SUCKS! In everyway.
Who has the best auto focus system? Sony or Panasonic? Or are they the same
I would give the edge to Sony still, but Panasonic are now very close which is great to see!
Panasonic will take years to catch up with the AI autofocus that Sony put on the A7RV. In a year or two, that autofocus engine will trickle down to A7IV and A7SIII successors. The gap will narrow, but Sony will keep the autofocus crown for the next decade.
@@mcsnapples My response was to the original question "Who has the best autofocus system", not "Who has the best autofocus system under $2k"
@@mcsnapples But all that said, if I am a sports or wildlife shooter, I would still pay up for a Canon R6 II, or a Sony A9II, or even the cheaper R7. For wedding and casual street shooters, S5II is good enough.
Thanks for everyone's response 👍
Why is AF in V-log slower than in Cine-D? I can't understand.
Panasonics previous contrast based AF system performed better in the picture profiles with more contrast. So as this is a hybrid system that still uses some of that technology that might be why we are seeing that.
@@carlyates2487 Thanks for reply. Whatever reasons to be there, it is a bummer.
If you can make a video comparison of the S5 II vs A7iv on both AF and IQ departments, that would be great. I watched 10+ videos on S5 II and some videos already comparing it with A74. Their conclusion were different, some said S5 II has even better AF than the A7iv and others prefer A7iv's AF.
The s5ii is the more customizable AF. You can control AF speed and sensitivity unlike the a7iv which is sensitivity only. Also you get focus limiting which gives you more control over where your focus can go. Plus you get ability to do a camera controled focus racking between preset points. If you're the type that likes to open the box and have it "just work" the Sony might be your preference. If you're the type who likes tweak your settings and take the time to really learn how your camera works, the s5ii may be your preference. Honestly though, you'd be hard pressed to find anything that either couldn't do in real world applications under reasonable expectations.
@@karikaru Thanks for your insight thoughts of their AF system.
Does this camera still use the same lenses as the S5?
Yes, it uses the same L mount lenses.
Progress
Sounds like maybe it should be the S6.
With the ALL-I codec, ProRes internal, output to SSD, RAW output and wireless streaming, it looks like the S5II X is basically a full frame GH6
Is it true that the S5II is only able to use contrast detect AF in 1080 ???
Check this test.
th-cam.com/video/dEpmUfyESRc/w-d-xo.html
If so I will cancel my order
The first Panasonic with PDAF will mark a new pass for Panasonic. I still hate that it lacks 4k60. Total cop out.
Well, it has 4K 60 but with a crop. But yes, a higher end version with more frame rates in 4K full sensor width would be very welcome! Perhaps one day. We have to remember this is a £2000 camera, not a £4000 one.
@@carlyates2487 the problem with offering this cop out 4k60 mode is that you still have to buy full frame glass for APSC 4k60. So if you really need 4k60, this camera is not a value option like example FX30 with APSC glass for 4k60. IF you could buy APSC glass fro LMount that would be different but I don’t believe you can.
@@carlyates2487 I don't understand the obsession for the USD 2000 price point. It could have costed 2500 - 3000 with a more capable sensor. Given that it basically sets you back 5000 - 6000 for a decent lens collection. The S5M2 seems like a budget option for the casual kit zoom shooter.
@@JeffBourke If you don't understand the technical limitations as they pertain to budget, maybe you should be silent on what you consider a cop-out to be. They all crop at this price point.
@@JeffBourke I think I'd still find the S5 more useful than the FX30, but Im a hybrid shooter. The 4K 50 (PAL) isnt a big deal for my style of shooting. I shoot mainly for social media, Im usually 20mm for establishing shots then any slow mo will be 35mm and 50mm. So I'll crop on my 20mm for 30mm half speed.
The EVF is always going to be handy but to be honest I use the back screen a lot for video, note: the S5II rear screen is quite a bit brighter than the R6II and A74 (see richard wong).
Its annoying I do agree but its not major for me, the S5II seems real value for money to me.
S5 looks better in 4k then S5II because phase af degenerates image quality. I think, thats why panasonic refused so long to implement phase af, because they felt it will not match up to the quality pana-shooters are expecting.
That has been their reasoning. Although I don't quite believe it. Sony, Canon and Fuji cameras have all used Phase AF for many years and have very sharp detailed images.
PDAF sensors only degrade performance in very extreme shooting conditions. For instance, on my 6dmk ii, if I shot something way underexposed like -5 stops and brought it up, you could see a grid of noise color very clearly. I think newer sensors found a way to compensate for this to where it's practically a non-issue
Most Panasonic shooters seem happy with the S5ii, I'm not. Beside V-LOG, the regular profiles look like s*** because they added a stupid filter to reduce details.
I don't think it because of Phase Detect because a7IV doesn't have the issue.
Hi Carl, that background muzak when you are talking is rather distracting for me. Possibly due to my being older, maybe others could comment.
no issue for me and i'm also older!
Sorry Bob! I do try and use it sparingly. There are large sections of this video with no music under at all.
It just helps to keep the longer videos interesting to watch.
it can't perform like a7iv and it doesn't have aa filter like my g85 😭
I find it strange why professional camera people use auto focus, I understand that amateur people require that function but surely if you are a professional you can focus it manually without the need for automatic constant help? I would be interested in seeing other peoples views.
If you're moving the camera on a gimbal you either need autofocus or a dedicated focus puller.
Because sometimes professional people want to use the camera casually.
Smaller productions often have the camera operator doing everything from sound to even producing such as asking the questions etc. To have a reliable technology that can handle reliably one aspect of production is huge. So if the person being interviewed gets really spirited and starts moving around you don’t have to stress too much of they moved out of focus range.
Because the market is 10% professional and 90% youtube and hobby. This is about controlling the market or getting a piece of the big cake.
Reliable AF tracking is a hugely useful professional tool and most professional operators who own a camera which can do it, use it regularly. Not all the time of course, but will turn it on and off when the situation calls for it.