Panasonic announces S5II and S5IIX - 24MP mirrorless cameras with Phase detect AF
Panasonic has announced the S5II and S5IIX, the first Lumix mirrorless cameras to utilise Phase Detection Auto-Focus (PDAF), a feature that will be welcome news to many Lumix photographers, and a sign perhaps that the company will commit to the more popular (and accurate) autofocus type going forward.
Both of the new mirrorless cameras feature newly developed 24.2-megapixel 35mm full-frame sensors and new imaging engines. The S5IIX is the flagship of the two, and gains a range of pro-level video features pre-installed, including HDMI RAW video data output, the ability to record directly to an external SSD (solid-state drive) via USB-C, ALL-Intra and ProRes recording, along with wireless and wired IP streaming.
According to Panasonic, the new imaging engine inside both cameras provides high resolution and approximately 2x higher-speed signal procession for high bit-rate video recording. The cameras have a magnesium alloy full die-cast body and are splash/dust-resistant.
Autofocus
Panasonic says the autofocus system in both devices is made up of 779 AF points, and an increased buffer memory size over the original S5 mean the S5II and S5IIX offer high speed burst shooting at up to 30 fps (AFS/AFC) with an electronic shutter in JPEG/RAW.
In addition, the cameras' IBIS has been further refined. According to the company, the system can compensate for significant camera shake in video recording, approximately 200% more when compared to the LUMIX S5. The cameras also offer Panasonic's Dual I.S.2 with a 'high-precision' 5-axis gyro sensor for stills shooting.
In a step up from the S5, the new, larger 3,680K-dot OLED LVF (Live View Finder) has a magnification ratio of approx. 1.52x / 0.76x (35mm camera equivalent). On the rear is a 3.0-inch LCD rear monitor (3:2 aspect, 1840K-dot) with touch control.
There's also a 96-megapixel High Resolution Mode. In this mode the camera captures eight images in quick succession, with small movements of the sensor between shots to capture extra resolution, with the camera combining the shots into one image.
Video
Both cameras max out capture at 4:2:0 10-bit 6K (3:2) video, and feature a newly designed and compact heat management system for unlimited recording. In addition, there's 14+ stop V-Log/V-Gamut capture bringing with it high dynamic range, and consistent colour management, and in-camera colour grading is possible via a REAL TIME LUT.
In addition, 4K HDR video recording is also available, with 4K 60p Time Lapse video produced in-camera. In this mode, the camera automatically adjusts expsure to prevent large changes in brightness between adjacent frames, allowing 'smooth' daytime to nighttime time lapses.
There's also a number of practical filmmaking tools built-in, including a Waveform Monitor, Vector Scope, Zebra Pattern, System Frequency (24.00Hz), Synchro Scan, Fan mode and a control panel for quick menu selection.
By partnering an optional XLR Microphone Adaptor (DMW-XLR1) and the 3.5mm input jack/built-in microphone, videographers can capture four channels of audio, reducing the need for external audio recording devices.
Finally, the S5II and S5IIX support USB 3.2 Gen 2, and feature dual SD Card slots (UHS-II x 2) while offering a choice of Relay Recording, Backup Recording or Allocation Recording modes, with the card access indicator now located inside the card slot cover. Onboard you'll also fina a full HDMI Type A terminal. Panasonic has also confirmed a future firmware update will bring RAW data output.
The Lumix S5 II retails for an RRP of $3199, body only, or with a 20-60mm F3.5-5.6 lens for $3699.
The S5IIX is $3499, or with the same 20-60mm lens for $3999. The S5II is set to be available in late January 2023, while the S5IIX will hit shores locally in late May.