(Pocket-lint) – Panasonic’s newest full-frame digicam has arrived on the scene, and it brings with it some much-sought-after options.
The Lumix S5II incorporates a new autofocus system, higher stabilization, and extra; It definitely has numerous Panasonic followers combating for his or her pocketbook.
Nevertheless, the S5II is not right here to exchange the S5 totally, as an alternative it’ll run alongside the older product as a extra premium choice.
Then in the summertime we’ll get an much more premium mannequin, known as the S5IIX.
So must you improve to the newer mannequin? Let’s check out what has modified.
squirrel_widget_349477
Design
- Lumix S5II – 134.3 x 102.3 x 90.1mm, 740g
- Lumix S5 – 132.6 x 97.1 x 81.9mm, 714g
- Lumix S5II – New 8-Means Joystick, Enhanced OLED EVF, Full-Dimension HDMI
At a look, the 2 cameras are nearly similar aside from the badge on the entrance. However, should you look just a little nearer, there are some refined variations between them.
The S5II is barely bigger than the S5 in all dimensions and likewise weighs about 26 grams extra. It is not very noticeable except you are holding the cameras facet by facet, but it surely’s one thing to contemplate.
One other change is the joystick, which is in the identical place as earlier than, however has gone from supporting 4-way enter to 8-way. It will make adjusting your focus level a lot smoother, and you’ll presumably assign every path to a customized operate, if you really want extra.
The EVF has been upgraded from 2360K 0.74x to 3680K 0.78x, and it seems sharper and smoother than the unique S5’s viewfinder.
Each SD card slots on the S5II help UHS-II speeds, whereas the S5 has one UHS-I slot and one UHS-II slot.
Lastly, the HDMI port was upgraded to a full-size jack, as an alternative of the S5’s micro HDMI. That is very welcome information for anybody who depends on exterior recorders, on-camera screens, or works with stay feeds.
Images Options
- Each: 24.2 MP stills/96 MP hi-res mode
- Lumix S5II: Burst Taking pictures: 30fps Digital Shutter / As much as 9fps Mechanical Shutter
- Lumix S5: Burst Taking pictures: As much as 7fps (AFS) or 5fps (AFC)
- Lumix S5 II: 779-point part hybrid autofocus, IBIS and Energetic IS
The massive change with the S5II is the transfer to a phased hybrid autofocus system, together with improved in-body picture stabilization. Whereas it’s true that these options will likely be extra enticing for video use, they’re additionally vastly useful for photographers.
The S5II additionally has an improved processing engine, and this enables for ultra-fast 30fps burst capturing, up from the S5’s meager 7fps. That is positive to excite sports activities and wildlife photographers, particularly.
What’s additionally spectacular is the buffer, which permits for 200 RAW pictures earlier than throttling. That is a full 6 seconds of uninterrupted 30fps burst capturing.
video options
- Lumix S5II: as much as 6K 30 fps, 4K 60 fps in 4:2:2 10-bit
- Lumix S5: as much as 4K 60 fps in 4:2:0 8-bit, 4K 30 fps in 4:2:2 10-bit
- Lumix S5 II: 779-point part hybrid autofocus, IBIS and Energetic IS
- Lumix S5: 225-area distinction AF, 5-axis IBIS
With regards to video recording, we have jumped from a most recording decision of 4K to with the ability to file at 6K and 5.9K in 10-bit 4:2:0. Most customers will not be trying to ship in these resolutions, but it surely does mean you can step in throughout post-production for 4K supply, which may be very helpful.
In Cinema 4K now you can file 10-bit 4:2:2 internally, as much as 60fps, whereas on the S5 it maxed out at 30fps, except you drop right down to 8-bit.
Audio recording has additionally seen enhancements, going from a most of 48 kHz/16-bit to 96 kHz/24-bit. You may also file four-track audio on the digicam while you use the Panasonic XLR adapter (offered individually).
All of those are good to have, however the part detection autofocus is the actual promoting level right here. It is means forward of the S5’s contrast-based system. We had been solely in a position to check it for a short while, however we may see superior outcomes immediately. It is a sport changer for Panasonic.
Plus, enhancements to in-camera picture stabilization sweeten the deal. The S5II has among the finest performing full-frame IBIS methods we have seen but.
For those who decrease the decision to 1080p, you possibly can file as much as 180fps gradual movement on each cameras. Nevertheless, the S5 limits you to 8-bit coloration on this mode, whereas the S5II can shoot in 10-bit 4:2:0.
squirrel_widget_12864931
Costs and verdict
- Lumix S5II MSRP: $1999 / €2199 / £1999
- Lumix S5 MSRP: $1699 / €1699 / £1699
The Panasonic Lumix S5II is priced considerably greater than the S5, particularly when you think about that the S5 can usually be discovered on the market under its MSRP. That being stated, each cameras are competitively priced, undercutting many of the competitors.
For most individuals, the unimaginable new autofocus system alone will likely be definitely worth the worth of entry, to not point out all the opposite enhancements we have coated on this article.
Merely put, the S5II is the superior digicam, and should you can afford it, it is most likely the higher alternative.
Nonetheless, the unique S5 is an incredible digicam, and should you’re the type of photographer who would not rely as a lot on autofocus and sees it on sale for an excellent worth, it could be the one for you.
Written by Luke Baker.
–
Panasonic Lumix S5II vs Panasonic Lumix S5: What’s new?
