Panasonic’s first full-frame mirrorless cameras with phase detection autofocus

2023-04-22 16:30:44

L2 Technology, a partnership between camera brands Leica and Lumix, has resulted in the design of a new processor and a new 24.2MP sensor. The S5II and S5IIX full-frame mirrorless cameras are thus the first Lumix models equipped with phase detection autofocus (PDAF of the acronym in English), combined with contrast detection autofocus technology.

A partnership with Leica on the processor

With 779 zones, the technology can detect and track subjects in low-light or backlit conditions, as well as in front-of-camera presentations. The technology developed by the brand also offers continuous autofocus during its micro-adjustment or during a zoom.

Drastically improved dual stabilization

The Active IS algorithm provides improved image stabilization compared to previous models, especially for handheld shots. Active IS and dual image stabilization, effective up to 6.5 stops (in photo and video), ensure video recording optimizing horizontal, vertical and rotation correction.

Rich possibilities for videos

Lumix S5II and S5IIX cameras record 6K video at 4:2:0 10bit (3:2) and 5.9K (16:9) at 30p, or 4:2:2 10bit at C4K and 4K up to 60p, or in stabilized anamorphic mode 3.3K. Active Ventilation combines a fan and heatsink for unlimited recording and streaming. The devices can also capture video in HFR (High Frame Rate) up to 120fps and in Slow Motion (Slow & Quick) up to 180fps.

Optimizations for image post-production

The “Real Time LUT” feature allows color grading LUTs (.VLT/.cube) to be downloaded to SD card and applied directly in-camera rather than in post-production, including streaming. The following video assistance functions are also available: Waveform, Vectorscope, Zebras, Luminance spot meter, frame marker, anamorphic desqueeze display, System Frequency (24.00Hz), Synchro Scan, ventilation mode setting.

Both cameras feature white balance lock, 2100 Like luminance level and MF assist. The behavior of the lens focusing ring can be set to linear, either continuously during video, or non-linear, for still photography. A “live cropping” function gives the possibility of recording video sequences using the entire surface of the sensor, and of cropping, after shooting, 4K and FHD images.

Sensitivity and burst shots

Dual native ISO minimizes noise by choosing the optimal ISO handling circuitry, and enables a maximum ISO sensitivity of 51200 (204800 in extended mode). Burst shooting reaches 30fps with electronic shutter (AFS/AFC), with rolling shutter distortion minimized, and 9fps (AFS) / 7fps (AFC) with mechanical shutter, all in RAW (up to 200fps) & JPEG (up to 300im.). There is also a 96MP high resolution mode (JPEG & RAW) on both devices. In addition, the built-in microphone records at 48 kHz/24 bit and external microphones connected via XLR allow recording at 24 bit/96 kHz, up to four channels simultaneously.

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Compact and lightweight body

An eight-way joystick and a shortcut to the 96MP high-res feature are located directly on the mode dial. Both devices feature a 3.0” 1840K-dot fully-variant touchscreen and a large 3680K-dot OLED Live Viewfinder (0.78x magnification). The housings are made of die-cast magnesium alloy and are splash and dust resistant.

Extended connectivity

The Lumix S5II and S5IIX devices feature an HDMI Type A port and a USB 3.2 (second generation) port, as well as 2.4 GHz WiFi connectivity and Bluetooth 5.0. They can be controlled remotely with the Lumix Sync app (iOS/Android) and the LUMIX Tether software enables shooting via USB; both devices are also compatible with the Lumix Pro program. Two UHS-II type SD card slots allow relay, backup and allocation recording. The 2200 mAh battery can be charged via mains or USB-C port. ProRes RAW data output via Atomos NinjaV+ and the Live View Composite function are also included.

The S5IIX model gets even more advanced features

The Lumix S5IIX records in ProRes 5.8K directly on SSD via HDMI or USB or in ALL-Intra. It can support Apple ProRes RAW video output to Atomos NinjaV+ via HDMI, and can stream wired, wireless, or USB tethered IP.

Many compatible lenses

The Lumix S range comprises fourteen lenses, including the Lumix S 14-28mm F4-5.6 Macro (S-R1428). The devices are also compatible with the L-Mount range (L-mount), resulting from a collaboration between Panasonic, Sigma and Leica, which includes fifty optics. Lumix S5II and S5IIX cameras can remember the name and focal length of analog lenses, such as anamorphic lenses or old lenses, to provide automatic adjustment.

The Lumix S5II is offered in a black finish at a price of 2 200 € (bare housing) and 2 500 € with the Lumix S 20-60mm F3.5-5.6 lens. The Lumix S5IIX is available in a black finish priced at 2 500 € or at 2 800 € with the same perspective. The two devices were compared by the site Digital to the Sony reference device of the same range, the Alpha 7 IV. The editorial staff found that the Lumix S5II displayed very good performance while being sold at a price that was a little more affordable than its competitor.

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Main features of the Lumix S5II and S5IIX

  • Revised 24.2MP full-frame sensor & new processor
  • 779-point hybrid phase-detection autofocus
  • Revised Dual Stabilization with Active IS
  • Internal video up to 6K/30p 10bit & 4:2:2 10bit C4K 60p
  • Unlimited recording in all formats
  • Stabilized 3.3K anamorphic mode & built-in V-Log for 14+ stops gain
  • Rafale 30ips AFC & AFS en RAW (200im.) & JPEG (300im.)
  • 3680K-dot OLED viewfinder (0.78x)
  • RAW output via HDMI (optional S5II update / available on S5IIX)
  • Only on the Lumix S5IIX:
  • ProRes 5.8K recording via USB-SSD
  • ALL-Intra 800Mbps
  • Wired & Wireless Streaming
  • Lumix S5II price:
    • Bare case: €2,200
    • Body + lens Lumix S 20-60mm F3.5-5.6: €2,500
  • Lumix S5IIX price:
    • Bare case: €2,500
    • Body + lens Lumix S 20-60mm F3.5-5.6: €2,800


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#Panasonics #fullframe #mirrorless #cameras #phase #detection #autofocus

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