Panasonic has formally announced the Lumix S5, price tag from £1,799.99, a new portable, lightweight full-frame mirrorless camera that joins the S series range.
The smallest and lightest S series camera to date, the Panasonic Lumix S5 weighs just 630g and boasts a 24.2-megapixel full-frame CMOS sensor.
Video Recording
Like other S series cameras, the Panasonic S5 is built for shooting video. The Lumix S5 can record 4K 60p/50p 4:2:0 10-bit footage and 4K 30p/25p 4:2:2 10-bit internal recording at up to 30 minutes.
The Lumix S5 is also capable of 4K 60p/50p 4:2:2 10-bit HDMI output. And there’s also no time limit for 4K 30p/25p 4:2:0 8-bit internal recording.
What’s more, Panasonic says it will release firmware by the end of this year that will support raw video data output to the Atomos Ninja V over HDMI in 5.9K resolution at 29.97p/25p, as well as 4K at 59.94p/50p and Anamorphic 3.5K at 50p.
The Panasonic S5 also features a Slow & Quick mode for recording in 4K at 1-60fps, with 30x quick to 2.5x slow motion capability. HDR video recording in 4K is also available.
Panasonic’s V-Log is on board for colour grading, and the new Panasonic camera provides a dynamic range of more than 14 stops.
Autofocus
The Panasonic S5 autofocus is a contrast AF system with Panasonic’s DFD (Depth from Defocus) technology. AF speeds are claimed to be just 0.08sec, and the Lumix S5 can focus in low light in scenes as dark as -6EV.
The Lumix S5 also features deep learning AI technology that enables the AF system to recognise subjects from people to animals, and even parts of the body such as the eyes and face.
Other features
The Panasonic S5 offers Dual Native ISO technology with a maximum ISO of 51,200, meaning it should provide noise-free footage in dark conditions. The Lumix S5’s Dual native ISOs are at 640 and 4000.
A newly designed 2,200mAh battery provides up to 1,500 frames (in Power Save LVF mode) on a single charge. There are also dual SD card slots, WiFi and Bluetooth capability and the body features a water- and dust-resistant design.
In-body image stabiliser provides 5-axis stabilisation for a 5-stop slower shutter speed. This IBIS when combined with Optical Image stabilisation in Lumix S Series lenses offers stabilisation on two axes and 6.5 stops slower shutter speed overall.
What’s more, the Panasonic S5 stabilisation is available in both photo and video modes and the S5 includes Panasonic’s 6K Photo mode.
Panasonic S5 Price & Release Date
The Panasonic S5 price tag is £1,799.88 for the camera body only. The Lumix S5 price rises to £1,999.99 for the kit that includes the camera and the Lumix S Series 20-60mm f/3.5-5.6 lens.
Pre-order the new Panasonic S5 at retailers such as B&H Photo Video.