Las Vegas, NV—Panasonic introduced the hybrid Lumix GH5S digital single-lens mirrorless camera with expanded video recording capability and enhanced image quality. Developed for professional filmmakers, the GH5S achieves the highest image sensitivity and video/image quality in the history of Lumix cameras—especially in low light. It is on display in the LVCC Central Hall, booth #12908.
The GH5S employs a new 10.2 megapixel High Sensitivity Digital MOS sensor with Dual Native ISO technology. It works with the Venus Engine 10 to aid in reproducing even dark parts of the image, allowing high ISO capture when the use of supplemental lighting is not possible. Moreover, the multi-aspect-type sensor has sufficient margin for realizing the same angle of view in 4:3, 17:9, 16:9 and 3:2 aspect ratios during photo and video capture.
The sensor also enables photo shooting in the 14-bit RAW format. Furthermore, when shooting in dark environments, videographers “no longer need to worry about noise which often results from having to use higher ISOs,” announced Panasonic. In addition, Dual Native ISO technology was incorporated to suppress noise and produce cleaner footage taken in all light.
Furthermore, both videographers and photographers can enjoy the same diagonal field of view across all aspect ratios with the camera’s true “multi-aspect ratio” function. This feature means they can switch between difference aspect ratios and make the process easier while editing in postproduction.
Similar to professional camcorders, the Lumix GH5S is compatible with Time Code In and Out. This is said to be easy to set using the flash sync terminal and bundled conversion cable for a standard BNC terminal.
This capability is especially important for “lip synchronization” when using multiple cameras. In addition, the GH5S can be used as time code generator for other GH5S cameras and professional camcorders. The Time Code In/Out functionality provides synchronization for both video and audio devices used on multi-cam productions.
Lumix GH5S Pro Video Features
Panasonic’s previous mirrorless GH5 model achieved 4K UHD 60p video recording in 2017. The Lumix GH5S establishes a new milestone by realizing “4K 60p video recording in cinema 4K (4,096×2,160), capable of internal 4:2:2, 10-bit video recording up to cinema 4K 30p and internal 4:2:0, 8-bit cinema 4K 60p,” announced Panasonic. This color subsampling is commonly used for film production, for even more faithful color reproduction.
The GH5S also records 4:2:2, 10-bit, 400Mbps All-Intra video in 4K 30p/25p/24p as well as 200Mbps All-Intra in Full HD resolutions.
Continuing the GH tradition, there is no time limit for either Full HD or 4K video recording. The GH5S also complies with 4K HDR video recording with its hybrid log gamma (HLG) mode in photo style. A low-bit-rate recording mode, 4K HEVC for HLG, is also available. This enables playback on AV equipment compatible with the HLG display format, such as Panasonic 4K HDR televisions.
Furthermore, the camera’s VFR (variable frame rate) function lets users record overcranked (time-lapse) and undercranked (slow-motion) video in C4K/4K (60 fps, a maximum 2.5x slower) and Full HD (240 fps, 10x slower).
Additionally, a V-LogL and Rec.709 LUT (Look Up Table) are preinstalled in the camera, so users can play videos recorded in V-LogL without having to separately purchase a software upgrade key. Four additional LUTs can be installed using the Panasonic Varicam (.VLT) file format. And 4K photo mode enables 60-fps capture in 8MP-equivalent resolution.
GH5S Autofocus System
The GH5S also utilizes DFD (Depth from Defocus) technology and ultrahigh-speed digital signal processing to achieve autofocus speeds of approximately 0.07 sec at 12 fps (AFS)/8 fps (AFC) in 12- bit RAW as well as 10 (AFS)/7 (AFC) fps in 14-bit RAW burst shooting. In addition to a total of 225 focus areas, the AF system offers face/eye recognition and tracking AF. Other options are 1-area AF and pinpoint AF for precise focusing.
Low-Light Shooting
The Lumix GH5S boasts -5 EV luminance detection performance with low-light AF. This is a result of its sensor’s higher sensitivity and optimized tuning. Plus, live boost is another practical feature that makes it possible to check the composition in total darkness. This function boosts the sensitivity just for live view. The magnification ratio in MF assist also is increased from 10x to 20x. This is convenient especially for astronomical photography. And the AF point-scope function, first introduced in the Lumix G9, as well as night mode are also integrated.
Other HG5S Features
The GH5S has an LVF (live viewfinder) with a high magnification ratio of approximately 1.52x/0.76x (equivalent) to provide smooth display at 120 fps. In addition, its OLED (organic light-emitting diode) display features 3.68M-dot resolution and a 100% field of view.
Moreover, the camera has built-in Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity for instant image sharing. Compatibility with Bluetooth 4.2 (BLE, Bluetooth Low Energy) enables a consta
nt connection with a smartphone/tablet with minimum power consumption. For Wi-Fi sharing, 5GHz (IEEE802.11ac) can be selected in addition to the conventional 2.4GHz (IEEE 802.11b/g/n) for a more secure and stable connection.
Also, for extended battery life and a more stable hold, Panasonic is offering the new DMW-BGGH5 battery grip separately. Another accessory, the DMW-XLR1 microphone adapter is also sold separately. It allows high-res sound recording with an external XLR microphone.
The GH5S is composed of a magnesium alloy, full die-cast front, rear and top frame. The camera is splashproof, dustproof and freezeproof down to 14ºF. It is equipped with a double SD memory card slot and is compatible with UHS-II and video speed Class 90. Users can also choose a recording method from relay recording, backup recording or allocation recording. In addition, an HDMI Type A terminal is provided, along with the USB-C Gen1 interface.
The Panasonic Lumix GH5S will be available the end of February 2018. It will have a suggested retail price of $2,499 (body only). panasonic.com
