Panasonic LUMIX S5 Panasonic LUMIX S5 IIX Mirrorless Camera with Review
The Panasonic Lumix S5IIX adds crucial autofocus upgrades but remains a middle-of-the-road performer. It's a niche pick for specific video needs, not an all-around champion.
Overview
The Panasonic Lumix S5IIX is a solid update to a popular hybrid camera. It finally gets the phase-detect autofocus Panasonic fans have been asking for, plus some nice video and streaming features. But it's not a total overhaul, and it's still playing catch-up in a few key areas.
Performance
Look, the new autofocus is a big step up from the old contrast-detect system. It's way better for tracking moving subjects, which is huge. But the overall performance scores tell the real story: it's a middle-of-the-pack camera. The sensor lands in the 30th percentile, video is in the 32nd, and burst shooting is in the 39th. It's perfectly capable, but it's not setting any speed records.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Finally has phase-detect autofocus for better tracking. 98th
- Unlimited video recording and strong streaming features. 97th
- Solid, weather-sealed build quality for the price. 95th
- Good battery life that's right in the middle of the pack. 93th
Cons
- Sensor and video performance are below average for the class.
- No in-body image stabilization, which is a bummer.
- The fixed rear screen isn't great for vlogging.
- Burst shooting speed is on the slower side.
Specifications
Full Specifications
Sensor
| Type | 35.6 x 23.8 mm (Full-Frame) CMOS |
| Megapixels | 24.2 |
| ISO Range | 100 |
Autofocus
| AF Points | 779 |
| AF Type | Photo, VideoContrast Detection, Phase Detection: 779 |
| Subject Detection | Yes |
Shooting
| Burst (Mechanical) | 30 |
| Max Shutter | 1/8000 |
| Electronic Shutter | Yes |
Video
| Max Resolution | 5K |
| 10-bit | Yes |
| Log Profile | Yes |
Display & EVF
| Screen Size | 3 |
| Touchscreen | Yes |
Build
| Weight | 0.7 kg / 1.5 lbs |
| Battery Life | 370 |
Connectivity
| Wi-Fi | Yes |
| Bluetooth | Yes |
| USB | USB-C |
Value & Pricing
Prices are bouncing between $1880 and $1998. At the lower end, it's a decent deal for a full-frame hybrid with these video chops. But at nearly two grand, you're paying a premium for a camera that's not a top performer. Shop around for that $1880 price if you're set on it.
vs Competition
Compared to the Canon EOS R6 Mark II, the S5IIX gets smoked in autofocus, burst shooting, and stabilization. The Canon is just a better sports and action camera. Against the Sony a7R IV, you're trading resolution and sensor performance for better video features. And the Fujifilm X-S20, while APS-C, offers better stabilization and vlogging features for way less money. The S5IIX carves out a niche with its unlimited recording and streaming, but that's about it.
| Spec | Panasonic LUMIX S5 Panasonic LUMIX S5 IIX Mirrorless Camera with | Sony Alpha 1 Sony a1 II Mirrorless Camera | Nikon Z6 Nikon Z6 III Mirrorless Camera with 28-400mm f/4-8 | Canon EOS R6 Canon EOS R6 Mark II Mirrorless Camera | Fujifilm X-H2 FUJIFILM X-H2 Mirrorless Camera | Panasonic LUMIX GH7 Panasonic LUMIX GH7 Mirrorless Camera with 12-35mm |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Type | Mirrorless | Mirrorless | Mirrorless | Mirrorless | Mirrorless | Mirrorless |
| Sensor | 24.2MP | 50.1MP Full Frame | 24.5MP Full Frame | 24.2MP Full Frame | 40.2MP APS-C | 25.2MP Four Thirds |
| AF Points | 779 | 759 | 299 | 1053 | 425 | 315 |
| Burst FPS | 30 | 30 | 20 | 40 | 20 | 75 |
| Video | 5K | 8K @120fps | 5K @120fps | 4K @60fps | 8K @60fps | 5K |
| IBIS | true | true | true | true | true | true |
| Weather Sealed | false | false | true | true | true | false |
| Weight (g) | 658 | 658 | 669 | 590 | 590 | 726 |
Verdict
Buy this if you're a Panasonic shooter who needs better autofocus and those specific pro video features like unlimited recording. For everyone else, especially sports shooters or vloggers, there are better and often cheaper options that outperform it across the board.