Las Vegas, NV—Panasonic introduced two hybrid full-frame mirrorless cameras, the Lumix S5II and S5IIX, as the latest additions to its Lumix S series camera lineup. Moreover, they are the first Lumix mirrorless cameras to utilize a phase-detection autofocus (PDAF) system. That’s thanks to a newly developed 24.2-megapixel, 35mm full-frame CMOS sensor and a new imaging engine.
Further, the imaging engine was developed under the L² Technology alliance formed by Leica and Lumix last year. The engine provides high resolution, natural description and 2x faster signal processing for high bit-rate video recording.
Panasonic Lumix S5II and S5IIX Key Specs
In addition, to make the cameras’ PDAF capabilities more dependable, Panasonic evolved the autofocus system into phase hybrid autofocus by increasing the AF points to 779 and improving subject tracking. Once the S5II and S5IIX are locked on a subject, the system continues to track the subject. Panasonic notes it will do so even in adverse lighting conditions and when multiple objects are moving within the frame. Continuous AF during zooming, AF micro adjustments and options to decrease the size of the AF area are also available.
The cameras also offer dual native ISO sensitivity, which minimizes noise generation. As a result, it allows ISO 51,200 (extendable to 204,800) recording. The cameras’ PDAF system also increases their burst shooting capability to 9 (AFS)/7 (AFC) frames per sec with a mechanical shutter and 30 fps (AFS/AFC) with an electronic shutter in JPEG/RAW.
Enhanced IS
The ILCs also have a more powerful image stabilization (IS) system for wide-ranging shooting conditions and situations. The body IS (5-axis) in the two cameras and the OIS (optical image stabilizer, 2-axis) from Lumix S lenses combine to create 5-axis Dual IS 2. As a result, the correction power allows a 6.5-stop slower shutter speed.
What’s more, 5-axis Dual IS 2 works for both photo and video recording, including 4K. Active IS was also added for more stable video recording. This technology optimizes the horizontal, vertical and rotational correction ratios by determining the status of camera shake. As a result, the performance of the image stabilizer can account for a larger amount of camera shake (200%) compared to conventional IS. This is beneficial in handheld filming or telephoto fixed-frame shots.
Advanced Video
Furthermore, with the new imaging engine, the cameras also provide 4:2:0 10-bit 6K (3:2)/5.9K (16:9) and unlimited 4:2:2 10-bit C4K/4K recording capability.With a new heat-dispersion mechanism, there is also no limit on recording time to avoid overheating.
Also now available are HFR (high frame rate) in C4K/4K (48p), FHD (120p) and slow & quick motion in C4K/4K(1-60 fps)/FHD(1-180 fps). The S5II and S5IIX also feature 14+ stop V-Log/V-Gamut capture to deliver a high dynamic range and broad colors.
Plus, a real-time LUT function enables color grading on compatible video and photo in-camera by applying the LUT(.VLT/.cube) saved in the SD card. Users can perform color grading on the spot without postproduction as well as share images online through social networks. They can also use this function for livestreaming.
In response to requests from professionals, video assist functions such as waveform monitor, vector scope and zebra pattern are available on the new ILCs. In addition, some features on the Lumix S1H and GH6, like system frequency (24.00Hz), synchro scan, fan mode and their redesigned control panel, are also adopted.
Additionally, the S5IIX is capable of RAW video output and All-Intra, ProRes recording on SSD. It also features a wired /wireless IP streaming function and USB tethering.
Audio capabilities include the recording of 48kHz/24-bit audio using the built-in microphone and an external microphone. The use of an external microphone and the XLR microphone allows 96kHz/24-bit audio recording.
Additional Features
To support high-precision focusing, the S5II and S5IIX provide options for manual focusing. While focus is shifted with variable amounts according to the rotation speed of the focus ring for the nonlinear setting, it is shifted with a designated amount according to the rotational quantum of the focus ring for the linear setting. Plus, MF assist is now available in both photo shooting and in video recording. 
The cameras also have a large, 3.68M-dot OLED LVF (live viewfinder) with a magnification ratio of 1.52x/0.76x (35mm equivalent). It’s complemented by a 3-inch, free-angle, touch-control monitor in 3:2 aspect with 1.84M-dot resolution. Moreover, the monitor does not cause interference even when the HDMI cable and USB cable are connected.
There are also improvements in the external design. They include an 8-directional joystick and a drive dial with an increased setting position for 96MP high-resolution mode (JPEG/RAW).
For connectivity and transfer, the ILCs support USB 3.2 Gen 2 for high-speed writing and readout. They also include double card slots (UHS-II). And users can choose the recording method from relay recording, backup recording and allocation recording.
What’s more, Wi-Fi 5GHz (IEEE802.11ac) and 2.4GHz (IEEE802.11b/g/n) provide a connection to smartphones/tablets on location for smooth remote control with the Lumix Sync app. Bluetooth 5.0 (BLE: Bluetooth Low Energy) also enables constant connection with a smartphone or tablet with minimum power consumption.
Dressed in a matte black profile, the Lumix S5IIX boasts a sleek design while the S5II takes on the look of its predecessor. The compact, lightweight cameras also feature a magnesium alloy die-cast front/rear frame as well as splash and dust resistance. The Lumix S5II, available this month, has a suggested retail price of $1,999.99. The Lumix S5IIX, with an SRP of $2,199.99, and reach retail in May 2023.
