LUMIX S5II | No BS Photography Review
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 31 มี.ค. 2024
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Two photography killer features of the S5ii weren't mentioned in the video, IMHO:
- Programmability. The S5ii has up to 10 custom modes that literally remember _everything_, including the exact position of the focus point selection and the definition of custom buttons. The S5ii also never forgets or overrides the settings when you enter a custom mode, but always returns to the settings exactly as they were saved. This means that you can have a completely different camera in each of the 10 different custom modes - for example, a video camera in C1, a stills camera with Nikon focus ring orientation and Nikon-compatible custom button definitions in C2, a stills camera with a Canon-like configuration in C3, a stills camera for manual focus lenses on C4, and so on. AFAIK, only Olympus offers similarly 'radical' custom modes.
- Pinpoint focus. This was already available on the old S5, but it's by far the most precise autofocus I've seen on any camera when shooting stills in single AF. You can set the focus point to a precise point on the screen, the camera will display an electronically magnified picture-in-picture while focusing, and in the magnification you can see that precise focus has been achieved on a specific detail.
In addition, the camera has a much more solid and comfortable feel, bigger buttons and dials, better/less plasticky materials than comparable Sony, Canon and Fuji cameras, in my opinion.
Excellent points. I’m totally with you. As well, it is my favourite camera for using manual focus lenses due to the excellent implementation of focus peaking and focus magnification.
Is there a way to use one type of af with the shutter button and program the back button for another. Like in the R5 I have the front button as single point and the back button eye AF. very interested in this camera I’m just afraid in high demand situations like wedding I won’t have backup option if I’m using tracking.
I’ve been using the S5II as my main hybrid camera since February 2023 and it does both really well. I always struggled with Canon and Sony RAW files, but Lumix colors seem to be richer and I spend less on color correcting to achieve my final look.
Honestly, people are sleeping on this camera for photo and it’s probably in part because all of the influencers saying it’s a video camera when it’s a hybrid.
I’m glad to see some S5II photography content from you. There needs to be more photography content and I think you’re the only one out there doing it.
Something I appreciate about you, Benj, is how you talk about autofocus. There aren't nearly enough people saying about any given camera, "it's not the very best on the market, but it will provide great results up to [X] threshold, and that's good enough for [Y and Z] types of photography." So many reviews suggest, implicitly or explicitly, that if it's not bleeding edge tracking, it won't be good enough to take pictures of your friends on a camping trip. I appreciate your realism.
Also, for anyone who *is* mostly a photographer with a little video, I personally feel like the S5 II is only bested in terms of value by the original Canon R6, which can be had in mint condition on various camera forums for like, $1100. Absolutely insane value there.
From my perspective, as someone who's been taking photographs for 50+ years (😳), just about any modern camera is a gift. And so, I'm sure the Lumix has the goods. All the hyperbole about the latest and greatest top-spec kit is kind of a trap - it's really up to the person holding the camera whether or not they're going to create great images.
Yes, 100%. It all just depends on the tools/skills. I’ll still shoot weddings 100% on film with mostly no autofocus as well. I just know that I’ll have to be ok with being more deliberate. Which is why I’ll still use these with back button af and my hand on the focus ring just in case.
@@benjhaischOf course auto-tracking-subject-detection focus can be very useful, but funny, isn't it, manual focus works pretty well, not to mention can also be very satisfying when you nail it. Me thinks anything which encourages us to be deliberate is a good thing. Btw, thanks Benj for your reviews. I appreciate your perspectives.
Spot on. Think TH-camrs really have complacted things just do they can make a video. Modern day cameras are great. Ask any photographer today to use a film camera and they will struggle.
I have 60 years experience and respectfully disagree. New cameras are always bettwr.
Absolutely love my S5ii for photography, have had it for a year and have no real complaints.
Have you had any issues with slightly out of focus eyes when using human detect autofocus ?
@@techsavvy7826 Not that I’ve noticed with the 5 primes I’ve used so far. I’m not a pro portrait photographer by any means but I still get like 90% keepers. Blame myself for missed shots more than the camera.
I agree 100% I got an s5ii because I needed the most flexible and robust camera I could find for the cheapest price. The s5ii is a banger. Gorgeous colors, more features than any other camera period, and there's really nothing you cant do with it. My favorite stills features are the handheld high res and x-pan crop shooting mode. It's often pigeonholed into being a video camera, but I think it's also a landscape beast.
100%. I have an S1 and have tested out he hi res mode for landscapes a few times. Those photos are AMAZING to work with
Fantastic review for this fantastic video! I really appreciate that you’re one of the few people who focused on the photography side of things here
Love my S5II. Enjoy using the camera as my main video camera and backup stills camera for my M10R… using the official Leica M to L adapter getting great results with m lenses on it. Love you can name your manual focus lenses in the camera for easy exif data on Lightroom. This camera is so versatile and saved me thousands instead of buying an sl2s to pair with m10r lol
What irritates me most is the really slow buffer and the waiting time until you have taken a long series of pictures. CF Express B would have been great! Otherwise... I had I have never had as much fun with any other camera as I have with the 5IIX, I only shoot with my own LUTs now 🎉
Great summary mate. I bought the s5IIx in December and mostly it’s been perfect for video as well as some nice snaps. I have the Sl2s and the Sl3 now and this cra** all over them for video.
Thanks Benj, very useful review. I have to ask though, you mention that purely for photography , excluding video capabilities, there are better bang for your buck options. Which are those? Because I shoot very little video and am looking for an entry into full frame.
It’s so good… I have 4 of these.
2x S5ii
2x S5iix
… love filming with this camera
18mm
35mm
50mm
85mm
70-200mm
Benj, great video! Apologies in advance if it was mentioned and I missed it, but in your experience how is the autofocus in low light? Current og S5 owner here and I've found low light to be quite a bit of a struggle. Hoping it has gotten better in the S5ii.
I just bought the s5iix and went shooting today. Excited to color grade and release my video soon!
s5ii is a phenomenal camera ! switched from Sony a7IV and cannot be happier
Im a wedding photographer and this is my primary camera. I really enjoy the camera and have no complaints.
Have you tried the latest FW V3.0 on the S5M2 ? I was wondering if there was any improvement in subject AF performance….
How do you do it so the viewfinder show correct exposure when you go beyond + - 3 steps of compensation? I noticed my viewfinder shows correct exposure until the limit of + - 3 stops of compensation, after that the viewfinder exposure doesn't change it remains the same as + - 3 stops.
I bought S52X and I am simply loving it.
I’ve been holding off of full frame. I’m curious the see the next round of cameras. Likely thinking the A7V with the lens options.
Thanks for sharing. I concurred the points. To add. For photo under decent to good lighting I find the color slightly saturated to leica sl2s. Under tougher conditions (indoor led lights for instance) it falls behind further. It takes more work post production to get the satisfactory look (color mainly) to leica. Even then the texture is slightly behind but this is nickpick stuff. I would use it for photos absolutely
after a couple of weddings I stopped using face detection and use the first option in the list of AF settings or spot AF , but all this without face detection , cuz it struggles more
No BS is the way to roll. Great analysis Benj
Since I’m primarily a photographer I will stick with my SL2, great overview of the Lumix. I did own a GH4 back in the days when I did shoot video and enjoyed the results of that 4K camera.
I really wanna get this camera to use with the Sigma i series lenses. It looks great & those little lenses look like a very cool combo
The I series pair amazingly well with this body! I’d highly recommend it.
Finally! A photography review! Looking to get this camera as a step up from my Z30 but all most people seem to talk about is video.
It's because it has crazy good video specs compared to other cameras.I shot Canon and Nikon for the last 20 years all DSLR's crop to full frame.I bought into the Lumix S5II for photography and it has beautiful 24 mp files with very natural colors and clean high iso images i never seen before.It's autofocus is best i had (never had Sony) and great selection of amazing lenses from Lumix to Sigma to Leica.Battery life could be better but that's all mirrorless system.No other manufacturer can give you as much value as Lumix for your money.
The only Lumix camera I've ever owned was the G7 I started out with. I enjoyed it, at the time I was much newer though. I just don't want to make a purchase I'll regret for any reason especially since resale where I live would be nigh impossible. So I'm thinking I'll stick with Nikon and get the Z7II. I'm very familiar and comfortable with Nikon now and it has everything I'd want minus the full on video capabilities of the S5ii but that's fine for now, I'm sure it would be good enough for video for the moment. Definitely a step up from the Z30 on every front.
I know it has great video specs, that's why I was considering (kinda still am 😅) considering it or the S5iix to be my hybrid camera of choice. I'm primarily photography at the moment so this was gonna be my entry into more being able to do serious video work. I considered Sony for its autofocus but I don't want to have to learn a new system and the Nikon equivalents as far as performance are the Z8/9 and you've seen those prices 😅
@@shadowmaster41 Look at the lenses what’s available and at what price because for me that was the biggest factor.To me Nikon and Canon mirrorless didn’t make sense because of the lens price/value and no Sigma alternative.Lumix came out on top for me but Sony was very close and what cost me $5K in Lumix i would have paid $2K more for Sony.
@@shadowmaster41 I think you would get used to Lumix very fast just like i did.In the end get whatever camera system will make you happy.I was able to get all Lumix 24mm 1.8, 35mm 1.8 , 85mm 1.8 and 70-200mm F/4 and S5II for less than $5K and i would have been happy with all those lenses in either system but would have cost way more in Nikon/Canon/Sony because Lumix had bundle price and 3 years warranty.Good luck in your purchase and enjoy whichever camera system you choose.
I think about the Nikon Zf as the other side of the same coin with a great value camera more balanced for photography in the same price bracket.
Im curious how this camera is with some of the high end lenses. The new sigma 50mm 1.2 and the Leica 50mm Summicron-APO.
See my last video on the 50/1.2 :)
Great camera for photography too not just video.I think it will do amazing for landscapes on tripod with the 96 MP shots for large prints which i haven't tried yet.
I have 2 of them and use them with the Leica SL APO primes and the SL zooms. Lightweight bodies with good AF with INCREDIBLE glass. Like many what drew me to the system is the video side, which is where they primarily make money for me.
It’s definitely a nice entry into the L mount, the s series lenses perform very well, light weight and not crazy prices, makes it easier to get into the system. I like how the video features spill into the photography side of things like the LUT feature and nice cropping options. For someone who wears glasses I love how the viewer finder slightly protrudes from the body so your nose isn’t pressed against the back of the camera. Ergonomics and button layout are really nice
How good is the viewfinder ?
Thank you for sharing your thoughts on the S5II.
There is a brand new firmware coming out in the next week that vastly improves the AF. It would be great to hear your thoughts on the camera after the new firmware is installed 👌🏻
Yeah, I’ve heard, I’m excited to see how it does! I’m super bullish on the LUMIX stuff
My carry-around camera is the Zf. My full time would probably be this Lumix. I dont however shoot as a professional. But price to performance and specs, this Lumix is a solid yes to me.
I miss affordable tele options.
A tammy 35-150 or something, would seal the deal for me, or a cheap 2nd hand 70-200. Maybe in a couple of years. Body seems perfect to me, they got all the primes I would ever need.
Cheap zooms, especially on the tele end
You can adapt EF mount Sigma or Canon lenses if you want something cheap and good enough
Glad to see someone finally addressing the photography performance of this camera. Other than the less than perfect AF compared to Sony and Canon, though, what specifically makes it inferior in the photography department to, say, an A74 or a Canon R6? Is the less sticky AF the only shortcoming, photographically, or are there others?
It’s all down to preference at that point. Everything else has been fantastic and that LUT to JPEG option is amazing.
Outside of Autofocus, the burst rate is fairly low compared to it's peers, especially against the R8 and R6(ii). The resolution is also lower than the A74, but it isn't a major factor in my opinion.
Have you had any issues with slightly out of focus eyes when using human detect autofocus ?
I have been shooting on a Canon 60D for stills as side gig and on C100 Mark II for video work for the past several years. I am in the market for a new camera and this camera looks like it'll fit the bill for me. Is there anyone out there that is using the Lumix S5II/S5IIX that came from Canon? If so, how was the transition for you?
Fwiw, the jump from DSLR to mirrorless is the best time to switch regardless. Lots of moving pieces to learn either way.
Have you had any issues with slightly out of focus eyes when using human detect autofocus ?
I've noticed that my eye AF tends to hit the eyelashes
I prefer mine (S5ii) in the video role and as things stand, I don’t think there is anything else I would rather use in this role.
Nikon Zf + Z6ii for photo.
Someone get this man an SL3! Haha 😂 love your videos and just got an SL3 . I hope you get to try one out and review it . Curious to get your take on it . Sony shooter here too and love Sony AF but even with the lumix lenses the Leica files ROCK
What I found picking it up in store, is that it doesn't fit my hand as well as my S5, (and the S5 is not perfect for me, its OK, but short of perfect) in not bothered about improved video, i do photos exclusively, but I would have the focus improvements for sure, The value proposition is still good, particularly as they tend to do attractive 2 lens packages at great prices.
My gripes on the handling would probably put me off now, the small increases in size sufficiently less comfortable for it to become a negative, I think but it would depend on the price vs competitors on the day though.
Ho Benj
This little toy is just incredible !
Pair it with Leica SL lenses and you are the king of the game !
Regarding AF, as I am more a photographer than a videographer as you, I can tell you that tracking is good but not always the best choice. And lumix cameras offer many options that work very well. You need time to get used to
Have a good day
why did you put a sticker on the name of the camera?
Have the S5II and a pair of original S5's and love them for both photo & video. They're great for 90% of the day.
I struggle particularly when it comes to flash, so I'm looking at getting a new flash - likely a V1. Fingers crossed..
The V1 is awesome!
Did you paint in black the Red button on the top? The Lumix letters too? That camera is not the S5IIx, is it?
Im wondering the same
Yep. Just a paint pen ;)
I have never used it but it seems to be a great camera. But the reasons photographers are not using it is because for the same price or cheaper you can get.
1. Sony a7riii
2. Sony a7iii
3. Nikon z6ii
4. Nikon z7ii
5. Canon r6
6. Sony a9
Of course just off the top of my head and in the used market. At this point all cameras are great. Just depends on what you like.
The kit lens is utterly absurdly good.
Even though the S5ii or x is made for photo and film the company has often said that there cameras are made for more video based.
LUMIX needs to release more lenses!!!
if only it would have at least that 33mp i would go for the s2x but coming from the sony a7r series i’m just so used to cropping after
I own a Lumix S5 (I) and for me it’s already a great camera, as I am a mere hobbyist who doesn’t shoot sports or wildlife. Yes, the AFc could be more sticky, but even on this older model without PDAF it is actually quite okay. Other than that I was thinking about buying the S5II, but it is a little bit bigger than the S5(I) which is already on the fence of being too big for me and it appears to be even more videocentric (and I almost never shoot videos). Both were reasons not to buy the S5II. But if Panasonic would bring a camera with a concept similar to the A7cII or A7cR, I would be highly interested.
A Lumix S5II in rangefinder design body, like the GX9, would be a dream!
So Panasonic body with Leica glass, or Leica body with Panasonic glass?
Had sl2 kept s5iix
leica primes> Panasonic primes. Like the Panasonic 24-70> sl24-70.
So i use Panasonic body with leica lens. SL 50 lux and 24-70 s pro
So freaking cool man. If this thing had a few more MP I really think it would be a photo beast. Baking in the preset to the file is a game changer - I can imagine a world where that Leica SL3 sensor slides into a Lumix and the photo world erupts. ;)
I’m really hoping that comes soon. Everyone rocking that 60mp sensor right now.
Was having a chat the other day with a friend about the Lumix team. I kind of chuckled at the thought and then caught myself wondering if this tech would make itself into a higher MP sensor. Imagine a world where we're all fighting for a spot on a Lumix team. @@benjhaisch
This is a good hybrid camera period. Of course it’s great with video but stills are good also. I think all the hype about video far overshadows the stills capabilities. Recently I was in a live conference with a Lumix representative who said, “Let’s be honest, no one comes to Panasonic for photography.” I thought what slap in the face to all of us who use Lumix for photography first then a little video. All-in-all Lumix is very capable hybrid system.
Did you black out the lumix logo with paint? 😅
Paint pen :)
@@benjhaisch it looks good! I’m a do it too 😅
I've been looking at transitioning to this camera as my A roll camera since all my lenses would work with it
It’s so so so good for this. If I owned a Leica SL2/3 I’d absolutely own one of these and just dedicate it to video. I’m really wanting to get the XLR adapter for it and make it my dedicated A-roll cam as well.
big flaw is the large weight of RAW file and the inability to select compression of RAW
I love the ease of use of my S5ii’s +the 6k open gate. I bought 2x for studio video work however both my cameras drain battery when turned off and after some research it looks like I’m not the only one this is happening too. Goes from a full charge to empty in 4-5 days. The quality control is questionable too, I had to send back my first unit as the AF was faulty.
As straight photography cameras go they're on par with any other brand sporting a Sony sensor. One thing to note for the Fuji people watching, once Lumix pull out a new camera, forget about getting new features via firmware updates for your current machine. They can't be bothered.
The literally released a firmware update for this today hahaha
Sure great camera but I prefer my gh6. Why? Smaller..better color skin tones .cheaper just as good 4.3 lenses. ..AF works pretty good does same as S5,ii...and much more high res
Love that for you. m43 doesn’t work for my photography workflow but to each their own.
I noticed one thing, Sigma lenses work worse, even the turn-on time with 28-70 is slower than with native lenses, not to mention autofocus
This camera would be absolute perfection if it only had the tilt screen instead of the damned side hinged flippy, flappy, take forever rear screen.
I really do hate using these for photography as well, I really wish everyone would do the 3-way thing but I get that it’s a more “premium” feature.
The AF is mediocre at best. My old a7s3 dominated my s5ii in the AF and rolling shutter department, even my old A7r3 has way more reliable autofocus for photos. With that said, the s5ii is so enjoyable to use with exception of the jumpy confused AF
S5II -> S5IIX Sharpie mod!
Paint pen! Yep haha
@@benjhaisch I may do the same. I don't need all these codecs for the blushed blacked out look
EVERY "mirrorless" digital camera is actually a video camera with a mechanical shutter tacked on and programmed to simulate a "stills" camera.
In the switch from CCD to CMOS?
Love panny but the AF and size can’t compete with Sony yet for me
The size is pretty darn comparable, but yes the AF “stickiness” isn’t there yet in com use cases. That being said if you watch my 50/1.2 Sigma video, you can see that it tracks really well even at f/1.2 on a fast moving subject.
Why You are wearing a hat?
why aren’t you?
@@benjhaisch at home? I don't need to lol
Not every item of clothing is based off of need, imo. I use plenty of things for more than just utility ;)