Panasonic Lumix S5 II: The Game-Changer in Full-Frame Mirrorless Cameras?

Panasonic has a range of impressive full-frame mirrorless cameras available, but its latest release, the Lumix S5 II, introduces a significant feature that enthusiasts have been eagerly anticipating—a hybrid autofocus system. In this piece, we will provide our initial thoughts on the Panasonic Lumix S5 II.

We received the Lumix S5 II along with a kit lens package that features a 20-60mm lens paired with the camera body. Inside the package, you’ll find the lens, a lens hood, a charging adapter, a USB Type-C charging cable, a shoulder strap, a user manual, a battery, and, of course, the Lumix S5 II.

With the introduction of the Lumix S5 II, Panasonic enters into competition with full-frame models from Sony, Nikon, and Canon, retailing at Rs. 1,94,990 in India for just the body. Meanwhile, the Lumix S5 II Kit, which includes the Lumix 20-60mm lens, is priced at Rs. 2,24,990, and the kit featuring two lenses (the Lumix 20-60mm and Lumix S 50mm F1.8) is available for Rs. 2,44,990.

The camera showcases a durable matte-finished metal body, providing a robust feel. Its extended grip enhances ergonomics and instills confidence during use. At the top, you’ll find a dial alongside the shutter button, followed by the mode dial with the power switch adjacent to it. There are dedicated buttons for white balance, ISO adjustments, exposure, and video recording.

The Panasonic LUMIX S5 II is equipped with various buttons and controls for user convenience.

On the rear side, the camera includes a menu button, selector dial, a focus mode dial, a joystick, a back button, a display option, and a customizable button that can be programmed for specific functions. The viewfinder extends slightly outward, aided by side air vents to facilitate prolonged shooting sessions and keep the device cool. Additionally, there’s a hot-shoe mount located on top.

One side of the Panasonic Lumix S5 II is equipped with a microphone input jack, headphone jack, HDMI port, and USB Type-C port, while the opposite side houses two SD card slots. The body is weather-resistant, and all controls on this mirrorless camera are intuitively placed for ease of use.

The device comes with a 3-inch vari-angle touchscreen display. This display is sufficiently bright for daytime use, and the menu layout is user-friendly, allowing quick access to most settings without having to delve deeply. The camera is powered by a 24.2-Megapixel Full-Frame CMOS sensor featuring 779 phase detection autofocus points. It supports a maximum burst shooting rate of 30 frames per second and includes 5-axis in-body stabilization.

The Panasonic Lumix S5 II features a touchscreen display.

For photography, the Panasonic Lumix S5 II offers an ISO range from 100 to 51,200, which can be extended to 50 — 204,800. The few initial shots I captured were impressively detailed with vibrant colors straight from the camera. The autofocus mechanism is notably quick and precise.

Sample images taken with the Panasonic Lumix S5 II.

On the video capture side, the Panasonic Lumix S5 II can record in resolutions up to 6K at 30fps with a bitrate of 200 Mbps. I filmed several clips with this camera, and my initial evaluation indicates that the in-body stabilization is effective, the dynamic range is excellent, details are sharp, and the focus transitions are smooth and accurate, even with close-up subjects.

The Panasonic Lumix S5 II represents a strong addition to the market, with its ergonomic design and impressive features. However, will this be sufficient to hold its own against other high-performing mirrorless camera options? We would love to hear your opinions on the Panasonic Lumix S5 II in the comments.