Panasonic brings Phase Hybrid AF to Lumix S Series cameras

Angled front view of the new Lumix S5II camera with the Lumix S 20-60mm f/3.5-5.6 kit lens (S-R2060GC) that will be offered with both models. (Source: Panasonic.)

The new Lumix S5IIX and S5II full-frame mirrorless cameras fulfill an on-going request by Panasonic camera users to combine phase-detection with the company’s existing DFD (Depth from Defocus) contrast-detection AF technology. The initiative results from a new 24.2-megapixel 35mm full-frame CMOS sensor with on-sensor PDAF (Phase Detection Auto-Focus) capabilities, which is combined with a new, more powerful processor born from the Panasonic and Leica L2 Technology alliance, which was announced in May 2022. The new PDAF system has 779 focus points which, with the new generation processor and AI-based ‘smart subject detection’ can ensure a strong ‘lock’ on the subject in both photo and video modes. The system can focus in a variety of situations, ranging from fast moving sports or multiple subjects (including in backlit or low illumination environments) to vlog style content with presenters talking to camera in a studio or holding up an object to the camera. This makes the new cameras ideal for You Tube content creators.

Rear and top views of the Lumix S5II camera body. (Source: Panasonic.)

The new Active IS stabilisation can detect camera shake and optimise horizontal, vertical, and rotational corrections, providing greater command over both subject tracking and stabilisation. The system provides approximately 200% better compensation for camera shake when shooting video than the original S5 camera. It is particularly useful for handheld filming while walking without using a gimbal as well as for slow-shutter handheld shots at night or for blurring moving water and can also be used for telephoto fixed-frame shots. Both cameras also support Dual I.S.2 with a high-precision 5-axis gyro sensor for stills shooting.

The new cameras provide 4:2:0 10-bit 6K (17:9) / 5.9K (16:9), unlimited 4:2:2 10-bit C4K/4K recording capability (within the recommended temperature limits). HFR (High Frame Rate) recording in C4K/4K (48p), FHD (120p), Slow & Quick motion in C4K/4K (1-60fps) / FHD (1-180fps), and 4K HDR video recording are also available. 4K 60p Time Lapse video can also be produced in-camera. The exposure is automatically adjusted to prevent large changes in brightness between adjacent frames, allowing smooth daytime to nighttime time lapses to be created. Practical tools included are Waveform Monitor, Vector Scope, Zebra Pattern, System Frequency (24.00Hz), Synchro Scan, Fan mode and a control panel for quick menu selection.

Two views of the Lumix S5II camera with the Lumix S 20-60mm f/3.5-5.6 kit lens. (Source: Panasonic.)

Both models feature a new, compact heat management system that delivers ‘unlimited’ recording times in most environments, achieved via a fan and high-efficiency heat sink. This has enabled them to introduce 4:2:0 10-bit 6K (3:2) video to the S Series, making it easy for content creators to crop for multiple aspect ratios (16:9, 9:16, 1:1) from the same source footage while maintaining resolution. Other features that expand the videographer’s horizon include unlimited 4:2:2 10-bit C4K/4K recording, full-sensor video shooting and REAL TIME LUT for on-the-spot colour grading. The 14+ stop V-Log/V-Gamut capture offers a high dynamic range, consistent colour management and streamlined post-production. These features increase the creative scope of videographers and content creators, including those who are looking to repeat the same style in camera instead of applying the same LUT in post.

Both cameras include practical videography tools like a Waveform Monitor, Vector Scope, Zebra Pattern, System Frequency (24.00Hz), Synchro Scan, Fan mode and a control panel for quick menu selection. The optional XLR Microphone Adaptor DMW-XLR1 and the 3.5mm input jack/built-in microphone enable users to capture four channels of audio, reducing the need for external audio recording devices.

Side-by-side views of the front of the S5II (left) and S5IIX (right) camera bodies, showing the main differences in styling. (Source: Panasonic.)

The new S5II is the ‘base’ model, while the S5IIX comes with a range of pro-level video features pre-installed, including HDMI RAW video data output to an external recorder, USB-SSD, ALL-Intra and ProRes recording as well as wireless and wired IP streaming. It is also the first full-frame mirrorless camera to record directly to an external SSD (solid-state drive) via USB-C, offering workflow and cost advantages. Each camera has an individual style, with the S5IIX sporting a monochromatic all-black look, while the S5II features the signature Lumix design with red and white accents. A future firmware update will add RAW data output using Software Upgrade Key DMW-SFU2 and a Live View Composite mode to the S5II camera.

Both models feature an increased buffer memory size and are capable of high speed burst shooting at up to 30 fps (AFS/AFC) with the electronic shutter in both JPEG and RW2.RAW file formats. More information is provided in the comparison table below. The Lumix S5II is available in late January 2023 and the S5IIX is available in late May 2023.

	DC-S5M2	DC-S5
Image sensor	35.6 x 23.8 mm CMOS sensor with 25.28 million photosites (24.2 megapixels effective); Primary colour filter	35.6 x 23.8 mm CMOS sensor with 25.25 million photosites (24.2 megapixels effective); Primary colour filter
Digital zoom	Max. 2x with full-frame lenses, stills only
Stills image formats	JPEG (DCF, Exif Ver. 2.31),  RAF.RAW, RAW+JPEG	JPEG (DCF, Exif Ver. 2.31),  RAF.RAW, RAW+JPEG, HLG Photo (CTA-2072), 6K PHOTO: MP4 / 4K PHOTO (H.265/HEVC)
Movie formats	MOV: H.264/MPEG-4 AVC, H.265/HEVC (Audio format: LPCM (2ch 48kHz/16-bit)), MP4: H.264/MPEG-4 AVC, H.265/HEVC (Audio format: AAC (2ch 48Hz/16-bit))
Stills image sizes (3:2 aspect)	6000 x 4000, 4272 x 2848, 3024 x 2016, 12000 x 8000 (XL)*,/ 8496 x 5664(LL)* *High Resolution Mode	6000 x 4000, 4272 x 2848, 3024 x 2016, 12000 x 8000 (XL)*,/ 8496 x 5664(LL)* *High Resolution Mode; 5184 x 3456 (6K PHOTO),  3504 x 2336 (4K PHOTO),  5984 x 4000 (HLG PHOTO, Full-Res.), 3232 x 2160 (HLG PHOTO, 4K-Res.)
Movie sizes (full frame width)	[6K] 5952 x 3968 (3:2) &  [6K] 5952 x 3136 (17:9) 29.97p/ 23.98p, 200Mbps (4:2:2 10-bit LongGOP); [5.9K] 5888 x 3312 (16:9); C4K] 4096 x 2160, 29.97p/ 23.98p, 150Mbps (4:2:2 10-bit LongGOP), 4K] 3840 x 2160, 29.97p/ 23.98p (4:2:2 10-bit LongGOP); FHD] 1920 x 1080 119.88p, 150Mbps, 59.94p, 47.95p, 29.97p/ 23.98p 100Mbps (4:2:2/4:2:0 10-bit LongGOP) {NOTE} 60/50 fps C4K 7 4K recording available with APS-C crop	[4K] 3840 x 2160 25.00p, 150Mbps (4:2:2 10-bit LongGOP)* / 100Mbps (4:2:0 8-bit LongGOP) (H.264/MPEG-4 AVC, LPCM); [FHD] 1920 x 1080 50.00p, 100Mbps (4:2:2 10-bit LongGOP)* / 100Mbps (4:2:0 8-bit LongGOP) (H.264/MPEG-4 AVC, LPCM); [FHD] 1920 x 1080 25.00p, 100Mbps (4:2:2 10-bit LongGOP)* / 100Mbps (4:2:0 8-bit LongGOP) (H.264/MPEG-4 AVC, LPCM) [*HLG is selectable]. APS-C crop supported; Slow & Quick recording modes available
Aspect ratios	4:3, 3:2, 16:9, 1:1, 65:24, 2:1
Image Stabilisation	Image sensor shift type (5-axis / 5.0-stops), Dual I.S. (6.5-stops with compatible lenses)
Dust removal	Image sensor shift type
Shutter (speed range)	Focal plane shutter (60-1/8000 seconds plus Bulb [max. 30 minutes]; Electronic shutter max. 1/16,000 second (silent mode available); flash synch at 1/250 sec in M or S modes
Exposure Compensation	+/- 5EV in 1/3EV steps (+/-3EV for movies)
AE bracketing	3, 5, 7 images in 1/3, 2/3 or 1 EV step, max. +/-3 EV, single/burst
Other bracketing options	Aperture, focus, white balance
Self-timer	10sec, 3 images / 2sec / 10sec / Custom Time	2 or 10 second delay or 10 seconds delay plus 3 frames
Interval recording	Yes, for time-lapse video
Focus system	Phase Detection AF system / Contrast AF system with DFD technology	Contrast AF with DFD technology
AF  selection	Tracking / Full Area AF / Zone (Horizontal/Vertical) / Zone / 1-Area+ / 1-Area / Pinpoint*Automatic Detection can be turned ON to switch between Human/ Face/Eye/ Animal+Human. Except when Pinpoint is set. Range: EV -6 – 18 (F1.4, ISO100 equivalent, AFS)	Auto Detection (Face, Eye, Body, Animal) / Tracking / 225-Area / Zone (Vertical/Horizontal) / Zone (Square) / Zone (Oval) / 1-Area+ / 1-Area / Pinpoint / Custom 1, 2, 3 (Full area touch is available) (Scalable AF frame size and flexible AF position)
Focus modes	AFS (Single) / AFC (Continuous) / MF
Exposure metering	1728-zone multi-pattern sensing system with Multiple, Centre-weighted average, Highlight-weighted and Spot metering patterns
Shooting modes	Program AE, Aperture Priority AE, Shutter Priority AE, Manual Exposure; Creative Video (P/A/S/M)* / Slow&Quick / Custom 1, 2, 3 / Intelligent Auto*	Program AE, Aperture Priority AE, Shutter Priority AE, Manual Exposure
Photo Style modes	Standard, Vivid, Natural, Flat, Landscape, Portrait, Monochrome, L. Monochrome, L. Monochrome D, Cinelike D2, Cinelike V2, Like709, V-Log, Standard (HLG), REAL TIME LUT / Like2100 (HLG) / Like2100 (HLG) Full Range, My Photo Style 1-4 (5-10)	Standard, Vivid, Natural, Flat, Landscape, Portrait, Monochrome, L. Monochrome, L. Monochrome D, Cinelike D2, Cinelike V2, Like709, V-Log, Standard (HLG), Monochrome (HLG), Like2100 (HLG), My Photo Style 1-10
Picture Adjustments	Contrast, Highlight, Shadow, Saturation, Colour Tone, Hue, Filter Effect, Grain Effect, Sharpness, Noise Reduction, ISO, WB,  LUT (will depend on Photo Style mode)	Contrast, Highlight, Shadow, Saturation, Colour Tone, Hue, Filter Effect, Grain Effect, Sharpness, Noise Reduction, ISO, WB (will depend on Photo Style mode)
Filter modes	Expressive, Retro, Old Days, High Key, Low Key, Sepia, Cross Process, Bleach Bypass	Expressive, Retro, Old Days, High Key, Low Key, Sepia, Monochrome, Dynamic Monochrome, Rough Monochrome*, Silky Monochrome*, Impressive Art, High Dynamic, Cross Process, Toy Effect, Toy Pop, Bleach Bypass, Miniature Effect, Soft Focus*, Fantasy, Star Filter*, One Point Colour, Sunshine* (*For photos only.)
Movie functions	Stop motion animation, Live cropping, SS/Gain operation, Luminance level adjustments, Synchro scan,  Master pedestal level (31 steps), Colour bars / 1kHz test tone, Wave form monitor, LUT View Assist (Monitor) / LUT View Assist (HDMI), Anamorphic desqueeze display, Knee control, Red REC frame indicator, Level gauge	Luminance level adjustments, Wave form monitor, LUT View Assist (Monitor) / LUT View Assist (HDMI), Time code, Knee control, Level gauge
Colour space options	sRGB and Adobe RGB
ISO range	[Normal] Auto / 50* / 100-51200 / 102400* / 204800* (1/3 or 1 EV step); [V-Log]Auto / 320* / 640-51200 (1/3 or 1 EV step) ISO; [HLG]Auto / 400-51200 / 102400* / 204800* (1/3 or 1 EV step) *Extended ISO; Dual Native ISO available	Auto, ISO 100-51200 with extensions to ISO 50 and ISO 102400 and 204800 available; Dual Native ISO: Normal – ISO 100, 640, V-Log – ISO 640, 4000; HLG – ISO 400, 2500; Cinelike D2/V2 – ISO 200,1250
White balance	AWB, AWBc, AWBw, Daylight, Cloudy, Shade, Incandescent, Flash, White Set (x 4), Colour temperature setting (x 4); B/A and M/G adjustments, 2500-10000K in 100K steps
Flash	External flashguns only
Flash modes	Auto* / Auto/Red-eye Reduction* / Forced On / Forced On/Red-eye Reduction / Slow Sync. / Slow Sync./Red-eye Reduction / Forced Off  (*For iA only)
Flash exposure adjustment	+/- 3EV in 1/3EV steps
Sequence shooting	Mechanical & Electronic front curtain shutter: Max.9 frames/sec.; Electronic shutter: Max  30 frames/sec (AFS/AFC/MF)	Max.7 frames/sec. with locked AF ; 5 fps with Live View; 60 frames/sec in 4K PHOTO mode, 30 fps in 6K PHOTO mode
Buffer capacity	JPEGs > 300 frames; Raw files: >200 frames	Max. 999 Large/Fine JPEGs, 24 RAW files
Storage Media	Dual slots for SD, SDHC, SDXC cards, UHS-I/UHS-II UHS Speed Class 3/V90 compatible	Dual slots for SD, SDHC, SDXC cards (Slot 1 UHS-I / UHS-II UHS Speed Class 3 compatible; Slot 2 UHS-I Speed Class 3 only)
Viewfinder	OLED Live View Finder with 3,68,000 dots; 21 mm eyepoint, 100% /FOV coverage, approx. 0.74x magnification with 50 mm lens at infinity; – 4.0 to +2.0 dpt adjustment, eye sensor, refresh rate 120fps / 60fps	OLED Live View Finder with 2,360,000 dots; 20 mm eyepoint, 100% /FOV coverage, approx. 0.74x magnification with 50 mm lens at infinity; +/- 4.0 dpt adjustment, eye sensor, refresh rate 120fps / 60fps, lag time 0.005 sec
LCD monitor	Free-angle, 3.0-inch TFT LCD with static touch control, approx. 1,840,000 dots, 100%  FOV
Interface terminals	USB Type-C (SuperSpeed USB 10Gbps (USB 3.2 Gen2)), HDMI TypeA, 2.5 mm remote input, 3.5 mm mic and headphone jacks	SuperSpeed USB 3.1 Gen1 Type-C, microHDMI TypeD, 2.5 mm remote input, 3.5 mm mic and headphone jacks
Wi-Fi function	Built-in 2.4GHz / 5GHz Wi-Fi; Bluetooth v5.0 (Bluetooth Low Energy)	Built-in 2.4GHz / 5GHz Wi-Fi; Bluetooth v4.2 (Bluetooth Low Energy)
Power supply	7.2V, 2200mAh, 16Wh rechargeable Li-ion battery
Battery capacity	CIPA rated for approx. 370 shots/charge (1250 shots in Power Save mode)	CIPA rated for approx. 440 shots/charge with monitor, 470 shots/charge with EVF
Weather resistance	Yes, Dust and Splash Resistant
Dimensions (wxhxd) body only	Approx. 134.3 x 102.3 x 90.1 mm	Approx. 132.6 x 97.1 x 81.9 mm
Weight	Approx. 740 grams with battery and card	Approx. 714 grams with battery and card
RRP at launch	DC-S5M2GN: AU $3199(body only); $3699 (with 20-60mm kit lens); DC-S5M2XGN: AU $3499(body only); $3999 (with 20-60mm kit lens)	AU$3199 (body only); $3699 (with 20-60mm kit lens)