The new Lumix S5 is a 24.2 MP Full-Frame CMOS Sensor Mirrorless system that can shoot 4k60, with 10-Bit Internal recording, V-Log, HDR, Dual Native ISO, 5-axis sensor-shift image stabilization, a “96MP High-Res mode”, and Dual SD Card Slots! This new full-frame mirrorless camera is built around the same sensor you find in the S1, but in a much smaller footprint than it’s GH5 sibling, and offering an array of photo and video features making it come close to the GH5 and pricier S1H systems.

Panasonic’s previous systems seemed to all fit into a well-defined niche, catering to a very specific need for each system, however, the new Lumix S1 appears to be a system that offers a “something for everyone” set of features, and a price point to match at only $1,999 for the body only, or $2,299 with the Lumix S20-60mm f3.5-5.6 lens. Panasonic has made a system they hope will be appealing to still shooters, and video shooters alike.

[Related Reading: Panasonic Lumix DC-S1H Review Compilation]

Panasonic Lumix S5 Technical Specs:

• Lens Mount Leica L
• Camera Format Full-Frame (1x Crop Factor)
• Pixels Actual: 25.28 Megapixel
• Effective: 24.2 Megapixel
• Maximum Resolution 6000 x 4000
• Aspect Ratio 1:1, 2:1, 3:2, 4:3, 16:9, 65:24
• Sensor Type CMOS
• Sensor Size 35.6 x 23.8 mm
• Image File Format JPEG, Raw
• Bit Depth 14-Bit
• Image Stabilization Sensor-Shift, 5-Axis
• ISO Sensitivity Auto, 100 to 51200 (Extended: 50 to 204800)
• Shutter Speed
  • Mechanical Shutter
    • 1/8000 to 60 Second
    • 0 to 30 Minute in Bulb Mode
  • Electronic Front Curtain Shutter
    • 1/2000 to 60 Second
    • 0 to 30 Minute
  • Electronic Shutter
    • 1/8000 to 60 Second
    • 0 to 60 Second in Bulb Mode
    • 1/16000 to 1/25 Second in Movie Mode
• Exposure Compensation -5 to +5 EV (1/3 EV Steps)
• Metering Range 0 to 18 EV
• Continuous Shooting
  • Mechanical Shutter
    • Up to 7 fps at 24.2 MP for up to 24 Frames (Raw) / 999 Frames (JPEG)
  • Electronic Shutter
    • Up to 7 fps at 24.2 MP for up to 24 Frames (Raw) / 999 Frames (JPEG)
    • Up to 30 fps at 18 MP
    • Up to 60 fps at 8 MP
    • Up to 30 fps at 8 MP
• Autofocus Points Contrast Detection: 225
• Autofocus Sensitivity -6 to +20 EV
• Recording Modes
  • H.264/MOV 4:2:2 10-Bit
    • UHD 4K (3840 x 2160) at 23.976p/25p/29.97p [150 Mb/s]
    • Full HD (1920 x 1080) at 23.976p/25p/29.97p/50p/59.94p [100 Mb/s]
    • 4K Anamorphic (3328 x 2496) at 23.976p/25p/29.97p [150 Mb/s]
  • H.264/MOV 4:2:0 8-Bit
    • UHD 4K (3840 x 2160) at 23.976p/25p/29.97p/50p/59.94p [100 to 150 Mb/s]
    • Full HD (1920 x 1080) at 23.976p/25p/29.97p/50p/59.94p [100 Mb/s]
    • 4K Anamorphic (3328 x 2496) at 23.976p/25p/29.97p/50p [100 to 150 Mb/s]
  • H.265/MOV 4:2:0 10-Bit
    • UHD 4K (3840 x 2160) at 50p/59.94p [200 Mb/s]
    • 4K Anamorphic (3328 x 2496) at 50p [200 Mb/s]
  • H.265/MP4 4:2:0 10-Bit
    • UHD 4K (3840 x 2160) at 23.976p/25p/29.97p/50p/59.94p [72 to 100 Mb/s]
  • H.264/MP4 4:2:0 8-Bit
    • UHD 4K (3840 x 2160) at 23.976p/25p/29.97p [100 Mb/s]
    • Full HD (1920 x 1080) at 23.976p/25p/29.97p/50p/59.94p/100p/119.88p/180p [20 to 28 Mb/s]
• External Recording Modes 4:2:2 10-Bit
  • UHD 4K (3840 x 2160) up to 50p/59.94p
• Recording Limit
  • Up to 30 Minutes for UHD 4K (3840 x 2160) at 23.976p/25p/29.97p(4:2:2 10-Bit)
  • Up to 30 Minutes for UHD 4K (3840 x 2160) at 50p/59.94p(4:2:0 10-Bit)
  • Unlimited for UHD 4K (3840 x 2160) at 23.976p/25p/29.97p(4:2:0 8-Bit)
• Memory Card Slot
  • Slot 1: SD/SDHC/SDXC (UHS-II)
  • Slot 2: SD/SDHC/SDXC (UHS-I)
• Connectivity
  • USB Type-C (USB 3.1), HDMI D (Micro), 3.5mm Microphone, 3.5mm Headphone, 2.5mm Sub-Mini
• Wireless
  • Bluetooth
  • Wi-Fi
• Price – $1,997.99 – Adorama | B&H | Amazon

Panasonic Lumix Product Images

[Related Reading: Panasonic G95 | First Look and Initial Thoughts]

Panasonic Lumix S5 Mirrorless Camera Reviews

We’ve put in our request to get hands-on with this camera system so we’ll be completing our review soon. Until then, here are some of our favorites from around the web from other respected sources:

Panasonic Lumix S5 First Impression by DPReview

CineD – Panasonic Lumix S5 Review and Sample Footage

Panasonic S5 Hands-on Preview by The Camera Store TV

Panasonic S5 Review from DSLR Video Shooter

Panasonic Lumix S5 Review by Tony & Chelsea Northrup

Panasonic S5: A Strange but Powerful Camra by Gerald Undone

Panasonic S5 Nailed It! from Kai Wong

Panasonic S5 Movie Quality Review by Gordon Laing

Panasonic S5 Photography Review by Gordon Laing

Panasonic S5 Hands-On Review and Full Autofocus Test

Panasonic S5 – In-Depth Review & Test Footage by CVP

Panasonic Lumix S5 Hands-On review from B&H

Conclusion

From the videos above, it appears the consensus is consistent, that this system is Panasonic’s answer to the Canon EOS R6, making it one of the best video-centric cameras in its price range. There are still some clear flaws with the poor performing autofocus and slower burst shooting speeds, but given the list of pros including 5-axis stabilization, a smaller form factor, and the ability to shoot 4K 10Bit video, it’s a somewhat easy trade-off.

We’re excited to get hands-on with this system sometime in the next few weeks to see how it holds up in our shooters’ hands, especially if the firmware updates and feature updates are released by that time! As usual, let us know what you think of the videos above and ask any questions you have about the system you’d like to see us cover in the comments below.

Check Pricing & Availability of the Panasonic Lumix S5 Mirrorless Camera Here;

Adorama | B&H | Amazon

The Panasonic Lumix line has long been known for its impressive video capabilities, but along with its impressive video features, the full-frame 24.2MP CMOS sensor in the DC-S1H allows for versatile performance to suit still work as well. Bundled with a 14-stop dynamic range, sensitivity from ISO 100-51200, and the renowned Panasonic processing to realize high color accuracy,  and responsive recording, this rig is sure to provide something to make each side of the creative fence happy. Inspired by broadcast cameras, the S1H also uses the updated sensor design to provide Dual Native ISO settings that prioritize either low noise or low sensitivity in order to provide image quality with greater color fidelity and reduced noise.

 Panasonic DC-S1H Technical Specs:

• Lens Mount Leica L
• Camera Format Full-Frame (1x Crop Factor)
• Pixels Actual: 25.28 Megapixel
• Effective: 24.2 Megapixel
• Maximum Resolution 6000 x 4000
• Aspect Ratio 1:1, 2:1, 3:2, 4:3, 16:9, 65:24
• Sensor Type CMOS
• Sensor Size 35.6 x 23.8 mm
• Image File Format JPEG, Raw
• Bit Depth 14-Bit
• Image Stabilization Sensor-Shift, 5-Axis
• ISO Sensitivity Auto, 100 to 51200 (Extended: 50 to 204800)
• Continuous Shooting
  • Up to 9 fps at 24.2 MP for up to 60 Frames (Raw) / 999 Frames (JPEG)
  • Up to 30 fps at 18 MP
  • Up to 60 fps at 8 MP
• External Recording Modes
  • 4:2:2 10-Bit
  • DCI 4K (4096 x 2160) up to 24.00p/50p/59.94p
  • UHD 4K (3840 x 2160) up to 24.00p/50p/59.94p
• Viewfinder Type Electronic (OLED)
• Viewfinder Resolution 5,760,000 Dot
• Viewfinder Eye Point 21 mm
• Viewfinder Coverage 100%
• Viewfinder Magnification Approx. 0.78x
• Diopter Adjustment -4 to +2
• Monitor Size 3.2″
• Monitor Resolution 2,330,000 Dot
• Monitor Type Free-Angle Tilting Touchscreen LCD
• Memory Card Slot Dual Slot: SD/SDHC/SDXC (UHS-II)
• Connectivity
  • USB Type-C (USB 3.1), 3.5mm Microphone
  • 3.5mm Headphone
  • HDMI A (Full Size)
  • PC Sync Socket, 2.5mm Sub-Mini
• Wireless
  • Bluetooth
  • Wi-Fi
• Battery 1 x DMW-BLJ31 Rechargeable Lithium-Ion, 7.4 VDC, 3050 mAh (Approx. 400 Shots)
• Dimensions (W x H x D) 5.94 x 4.5 x 4.35″ / 151 x 114.2 x 110.4 mm
• Weight 2.56 lb / 1164 g (Body with Battery and Memory)
• Price – $3,998 – Adorama | B&H | Amazon

Panasonic Lumix DC-S1H Reviews

Like I mentioned above, we’re very excited to get our hands on it and complete our original review in the near future.  Until then, here are some of our favorites from around the web from other respected sources:

ProAV’s Panasonic Lumix DC-S1H Review

B&H Panasonic Lumix DC-S1H Hands On Review

DP Review’s First Look Review of the Panasonic Lumix DC-S1H

DSLR Video Shooter’s Panasonic Lumix DC-S1H Review

DPReview’s An Enthusiast Videographer Perspective

CVP’s Panasonic Lumix DC-S1H Review

Imaging Resource Panasonic Lumix DC-S1H Hands On Tour

Cinema5D – Sample Footage from the Panasonic Lumix DC-S1H

Conclusion

According to our colleagues out there, the Panasonic DC-S1H is one of the most capable video cameras in a “dslr” type body on the market. It’s even on the list of approved cameras for Netflix shooting 4k content! The issues, seem to be minor and controllable once you know how to work the system, with grievances limited too the Autofocus being underwhelming, the battery life being varied (pretty common in mirrorless systems), and there can be a rolling shutter issue in certain filming modes. Nothing that would have any serious cinematographer concerned, especially given the impressive list of positives!

The Panasonic line of cameras has become an indispensable system for many vloggers and filmmakers out there, so if you’re interested in creating something a step above the competition then you should definitely consider looking into the DC-S1H. We hope this compilation of reviews is helpful for you until we can get this system in the SLR Lounge studio to do some video testing ourselves! If you have any thoughts or questions please let us know in the comments below.

Check Pricing & Availability Here

Adorama | B&H | Amazon 

[Related Reading: Panasonic Officially Announces 6K Video Capable Lumix DC-S1H Camera and S Pro 24-70mm f/2.8 Lens] 

Baseline specs for potential certification include a true UHD 4K sensor, a capture format that is, at a minimum, 10-bit with data rates in excess of 240 Mb/s, and a log capture transfer function. That isn’t everything required for certification, because Netflix will consider more subjective aspects such as form factor and workflow compatibility. Being certified isn’t just about hitting some numbers. Among the other factors that went into certification were the inclusion of timecode jamming and the ability to capture a dynamic range of more than 14 stops with V-Log. If you check the official Netflix documentation (linked just above), you’ll see there’s a lot of cameras already on that list, but most are heavy duty cinema grade “professional” cameras that have a very high cost of entry.

The requirements also ask for pixel-for-pixel readout, which the S1H is able to do with DCI or UHD 4K recording in full-frame or Super 35. The camera then requires the use of the 10-bit 4:2:2 All-I mode at 400 Mb/s to reach needed requirements. Additionally, 4K at 60 fps is supported since it will perform pixel-for-pixel readout using the cropped Super 35 area of the sensor. This makes it extremely capable and a versatile addition to any film production.

Netflix’s requirements for secondary cameras makes this one of the most affordable options on the certified list, and the S1H will excel as a second or third camera. Its small form factor would also be an asset for capturing unique shots. Smaller productions could even use the S1H as their main camera, and it opens the door to many up-and-coming filmmakers wishing to create films that could catch the eyes of the Netflix and Film Festival admins.

What do you guys thing? With this camera being accepted as an official option for Netflix, do you think it’ll have a greater appeal to the masses and amature film makers? Do you think this news will make videographers shift their entry level purchases to this instead of the “normal” Sony or Black Magic expectations? WIll you be testing this camera out for your own video projects? At a price of only $3,997.99, it seems like too good of an option to let pass. Let us know what you think in the comments below!

This new camera from Panasonic is being touted as the new leader in full-frame video and once again proves that Panasonic is willing to give filmmakers the features they need. Part of this is accomplished through the development of a new 24.2MP full-frame MOS sensor and Venus Engine image processor to handle full-width video, including full 3:2-ratio 6K recording at 24 fps and DCI 4K at 60 fps with 10-bit. These options merely scratch the surface. This release is, of course, a part of the S Series and will benefit from being a member of the L-Mount Alliance for expanded lens support, which leads us into the other release today of a brand-new zoom: the Lumix S PRO 24-70mm f/2.8.

The S PRO 24-70mm f/2.8 is an L-mount wide-angle to short-telephoto lens characterized by its constant f/2.8 maximum aperture and sophisticated optical design. Aspherical, UHR, and ED elements are used to produce well-corrected imagery with high sharpness, accurate color rendering, and notable clarity throughout the zoom and focus ranges. Complementing the optics is a double focus system, which utilizes both a linear motor and a stepping motor, to provide especially fast and precise focusing performance. An advanced Optical Image Stabilizer reduces the effects of camera shake for sharper handheld shooting and the lens sports a weather-sealed design for use in harsh conditions. Additionally, a rounded 11-blade diaphragm contributes to a pleasing bokeh quality with smooth transitions between the in-focus and out-of-focus regions of the image.

Some Key features of the new S1H include;

• New 24.2 MP Full frame Sensor
• 6k 10-bit Video
• Dual Native ISO
• V-Log/V-Gamut with 14+ stop of Dynamic Range
• Dust/Splash/Freeze-resistant Design

Have a look at the hands on review by B&H below;

Check Pricing & Availability Of The Panasonic S1H Here

Adorama | B&H | Amazon

Technical Details for the Panasonic DC-S1H

• Lens Mount – Leica L
• Camera Format – Full-Frame (1x Crop Factor)
• Pixels
  • Actual: 25.28 Megapixel
  • Effective: 24.2 Megapixel
• Maximum Resolution – 6000 x 4000
• Sensor Type – CMOS
• Sensor Size – 35.6 x 23.8 mm
• Bit Depth – 14-Bit
• Image Stabilization – Sensor-Shift, 5-Axis
• ISO Sensitivity – Auto, 100 to 51200 (Extended: 50 to 204800)
• Memory Card Slot – 2 x SD/SDHC/SDXC
• Recording Modes
  • MOV/H.265 4:2:0 10-Bit
  • MOV/H.264 4:2:2 10-Bit
  • MOV/H.264 4:2:0 8-Bit
  • MP4/H.265 4:2:0 10-Bit
  • MP4/H.264 4:2:0 8-Bit
  • AVCHD 4:2:0 8-Bit
• External Recording Modes – 4:2:2 10-Bit

Check Pricing of the Lumix S PRO 24-70mm f/2.8 Lens Here

Adorama | B&H | Amazon

Basically, the S1H has a plethora of cinema features for the budding filmmaker out there seeking the benefits of a lightweight mirrorless system, while not having to invest in a fully dedicated and larger cinema camera. It’s the first full-frame camera to offer 6K/24p recording in a 3:2 format, definitely bringing something new to the table. All this while including the Dual Native ISO feature from their VariCam lineup, allowing users to switch between native ISO settings of 640 and 4000 without adding noise by changing the way camera reads out the image sensor. Throw in the weather sealing, it’s a pretty incredible all around cinema, (and photo), camera able to work in up to -10°C (14°F)! I’m not even a filmmaker and I want to get hands on with this rig to test it out!

What do you all think? Are you excited to get hands on with this camera and create some new videos? Are you already a Panasonic Lumix shooter? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below! To read more about the DC-S1H head over to the Panasonic Blog Here

See the Full Video

What’s New with the G95?

In the G95, we see a sensor that went from 16mp to 20.3mp.  We have 3 new buttons for WB, ISO and Exposure Compensation; and new rear thumb wheel, making on-the-fly adjustments much easier.

We have a headphone jack for monitoring audio, and an OLED screen on the g95. In addition, we can now record in 4K at 24/30p with an unlimited duration, (unlike the G85 that was set at 30 minutes). We do have a slightly higher 4K crop at 1.26x vs 1.18x, but this shouldn’t make a material difference for users.

The G95 also boasts 1080p 120fps, making it great for slow motion, but keep in mind your recording options will be limited in this mode. No sound, and no continuous autofocus.

The G95’s built-in v-log profile also gives it 12 stops of dynamic range, and allows for modest grading in post.  The G95 also now has low-energy bluetooth connectivity, in addition to WiFi.

Overall Thoughts on the Panasonic G95

Good Build Quality – I love the rugged build quality.  It’s weather sealed and you can tell it’s built tough. Granted, the G95 does feel more like a DSLR than a small mirrorless body, but I appreciate the ergonomics of that build.

Menu Needs Improvement – I’d love to see a more user-friendly menu design, those without experience with Panasonic cameras may have a bit more of a learning curve and have to spend a little bit of time consulting the manual.

Good Stabilization – I absolutely loved the camera stabilization on the G95, it’s some of the best in-camera stabilization I’ve ever seen making it great for a handheld video like you see here.

Autofocus Needs Improvement – Really the only drawback for me is that I had expected a bit more with the Panasonic G95 autofocus system. Noticed both when shooting stills and video, the face and subject tracking had a tendency to drift in and out more than we expected. But, this is something that future firmware updates can likely target and address.

All in all, it’s a solid upgrade to the g85, at a great price point. If you love creating video, and also shooting stills, this is a great option, specifically if you are already in the Panasonic ecosystem.

Check Pricing Here on B&H.

Manufacturers have realized that delayed product upgrades and firmware alternatives can be more profitable, yield higher customer satisfaction and brand loyalty. Now all the the major ones are releasing interesting upgrades staggered along the product cycle, and Fujifilm is the paragon of this. But Panasonic has also set the bar high.

[REVIEW: Hands On With Canon’s 2 New 70-200mm Lenses | First Look & Shoot]

Last year the Lumix GH5 received firmware with an all-new 10bit codec to continue attracting and satisfying serious cinematographers; the new HEVC standard codec that signals to filmmakers how future-proof the camera is meant to be, and improved IBIS to signal how committed Panasonic is to the ‘run and gun’ filming style. And yet, Lumix owes   their customers more.

It’s been widely reported, that while Sony and Canon have had high success with autofocus for video, the GH5 was released with subpar video autofocus tracking for a flagship camera.

Sure, very serious filmmaking circles they don’t rely on autofocus, they pull focus manually.  In literally no high-end production will you ever see a camera hunting around for focus. Moving focus with grace and intentionality is a hallmark of great cinema, and yet there are countless use-cases where autofocus could help the YouTube community, indy filmmakers, and wedding videographers.

Lumix released this firmware update in three different forms for the GH5, GH5s, and G9.  All of them share a new maximum 20x enlarged preview to confirm focus during manual focus assist. The thinner the depth of field, the more valuable this new 20x enlarged preview will be to help confirm focus.  In addition, Lumix is trying to offer all-in-one solutions in their LCD monitor.

One of the reasons filmmakers invest in an external monitor is for advanced focus confirmation features and waveforms. In this newest update waveforms can be displayed while adjusting white balance.  

Also, when I tested the newest firmware on the GH5, I noticed about a 10% increase in autofocus accuracy as the camera  pulses less frequently to reconfirm, and pulls focus a little more ‘naturally.’

The other fascinating thing about this firmware update is that it primarily unifies the GH5 and G9 cameras around the newest software released with the GH5s launch.  So the upgrade in autofocus accuracy is simply the GH5 and G9 inheriting the latest version of the GH5s. The reason this is interesting is that now Lumix can gather larger pools of user data about what works and what doesn’t work in their software.

For years, camera manufactures have produced different autofocus algorithms and different focusing clusters on their sensors across different camera bodies in their product line.  The idea was to offer product and price differentiation for the marketplace, but that meant each user group returned isolated feedback.  This is dumb.  The success of Apple’s iOS has taught all software developers that a more unified approach simplifies bug fixing solutions.

The GH5 has become a rising star for wedding videographers, and accurately auto-tracking less predictable subject movement (wedding day clients) would help shore-up sales for filmmakers who are also watching the Sony alternatives closely. That said, there’s no getting around the fact that the GH5 has no on-chip PDAF and the Sonys (like a6500 and A7iii) do, and that’s not something a firmware update can change. That said, however, of course there are reasons for not having phase-detect pixels such as the somewhat possible flickering with tracking slow moving subjects – but that’s a topic for a deeper conversation.

Autofocus movement for video is the closest thing camera bodies have to artificial intelligence, because they are trying to replicate human practices.  So this may be one of the big software obstacle to camera automation.  Here are the list of specific updates:

[REWIND: Powerex Pro AA Batteries Vs. Eneloop | A Practical Review For Photographers]

The cells are rechargeable up to 1,500 times (500 for the Pro variant) over the course of their lifetime, and have a long-store shelf life holding 70 percent of its original capacity over 10 years, but are they the best deal around or is there list price hyperbole?

The self-proclaimed adventurous Geek, Matthew Eargle from Airbornesurfer sets up a series of test to see if Enloops are really superior to other “white label” batteries.

Eneloops have won the loyalty of passionate photographers, but it has come to the attention that the class favorites is very likely packaged under a couple of different brand names; many of which cost significantly less. One of the speculated rebranded batteries are IKEA’s Ladda. The Ladda cells on paper are very similar to Eneloop Pros.

• a capacity of 2450 mAh
• 500 charge cycles
• made in Japan

Why is being made in Japan so significant? The original Eneloop batteries were designed and developed by a battery factory in Takasaki, Japan. That factory and the Eneloop brand were both owned by Sanyo, but in 2009 things changed. Panasonic bought the Eneloop brand, while Fujitsu, as part of its FDK subsidiary, owned the factory and all the IP associated with the manufacture of LSD batteries

In other words, there is only one factory currently in Japan that can make Low Self-Discharge nickel-metal hydride batteries (LSD Ni-MH) and that is FDK. FDK is an OEM manufacturer for other brands, Like Amazon, Fujitsu, Panasonic, and IKEA.

At $6.99 for a pack of 4, the IKEA branded batteries are cheaper than their Panasonic counterparts, that must mean they are not better right? The fact that IKEA has ownership of their own retail locations, zero advertising that is made for the product, and built-in distribution chains already in place all contribute to lower cost of the product.

Since both products are essentially the same, it’s much harder to justify the high cost of Eneloop Pros, when you can get the same for less and easily write on them to boot.