The LUMIX S5II and S5IIX, which are Panasonic's most recent full-frame mirrorless hybrid cameras, are principally intended for use in the recording of moving images.
The company has never before manufactured cameras utilizing the phase detection autofocus (PDAF) technology, as opposed to the more common contrast detection-based DFD (depth from defocus) technology. Although this method is excellent for still photos, when used for video it has a tendency to be slow, and unstable, and causes constant throbbing inside the areas that are out of focus.
The S5II and S5II address this issue by including an all-new 24.2 megapixel 35mm full-frame CMOS sensor as well as a redesigned focusing system. The most recent Phase Hybrid Auto-Focus technology combines PDAF with contrast detection algorithms, bringing the total number of AF points up to 779. This allows for continuous monitoring of people and animals.
When it comes to the quality of the videos that can be recorded with the S5II and S5II, they are on par with the S1H. Both 6K 10-bit 4:2:0 and 4K 10-bit 4:2:2 are available as recording formats that are optional. Continuous recording in 4K resolution is made possible because to a novel method to heat dissipation that includes an integrated fan and heat sink in the device.
It is possible to do colour grading in camera with the cameras by submitting real-time LUTs to the camera, and they boast a claimed 14+ stops of dynamic range when used in conjunction with V-Log/V-Gamut.
With the introduction of the S5II and S5II's revolutionary 5-axis Body IS and 2-axis lens-based OIS, it is now possible to stabilise not only static photographs but also moving images. In the Active IS mode for video, the degree of camera shake is first determined, and then the ratios of horizontal, vertical, and rotational correction are adjusted accordingly.
In addition, it features a full-sized HDMI port, an OLED viewfinder with 3680k dots, a 3.0" fully articulating touchscreen with 1840k dots, USB-C charging, a splash- and dust-resistant magnesium alloy diecast body, dual-band Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, and a burst mode that can achieve 9fps AFS/7fps AFC with a mechanical shutter and 30fps AFS/AFC with an electronic shutter.
RAW video cannot be produced over HDMI on the S5II, however it can be done with the S5IIX. In addition to these capabilities, it is able to broadcast live over the internet, record in all-intra and ProRes on SSD, and be connected to a computer through USB.
This month, the Panasonic LUMIX S5II may be purchased at a price of $2,000 (USD). The S5IIX will be available for purchase for that much in May of 2023, and the price tag is $2200.
