Panasonic Lumix S5II vs Panasonic Lumix S5: What’s new?
(Pocket-lint) – Panasonic’s newest full-frame digital camera has hit the scene, and it brings with it some extremely sought-after options.
The Lumix S5II boasts a brand new autofocus system, higher stabilisation and extra – it is undoubtedly obtained many Panasonic followers scrambling for his or her pocketbook.
Nevertheless, the S5II is not right here to switch the S5 fully, it’ll as a substitute run alongside the older product as a extra premium choice.
Then, in the summertime, we’ll get an much more premium mannequin, referred to as the S5IIX.
So, do you have to improve to the newer mannequin? Let’s check out what’s modified.
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Design
- Lumix S5II – 134.3 x 102.3 x 90.1 mm, 740g
- Lumix S5 – 132.6 x 97.1 x 81.9 mm, 714g
- Lumix S5II – New 8-direction joystick, Improved OLED EVF, Full-size HDMI
At a look, the 2 cameras are virtually equivalent, apart from the badge on the entrance. However, for those who look a bit of nearer, there are some refined variations between them.
The S5II is barely bigger than the S5 in all dimensions, and it is about 26 grams heavier, too. It isn’t very noticeable until you maintain the cameras side-by-side, but it surely’s one thing to contemplate.
One other change is the joystick, which is in the identical place as earlier than however has been bumped from supporting 4-direction to 8-direction inputs. This can make adjusting your focus level a lot smoother, and presumably, you’ll be able to assign every course to a customized operate, if you actually need extra.
The EVF has been upgraded from 2360K 0.74x to 3680K 0.78x, and it seems sharper and smoother than the viewfinder on the unique S5.
Each SD card slots on the S5II assist UHS-II speeds, whereas the S5 has one UHS-I slot and one UHS-II slot.
Lastly, the HDMI port has been upgraded to a full-sized connector, somewhat than the micro HDMI on the S5. That is massively welcome information for anybody who depends on exterior recorders, on-camera displays or works with reside broadcasts.
Pictures options
- Each: 24.2MP stills / 96MP excessive decision mode
- Lumix S5II: Burst capturing: 30fps digital shutter / As much as 9fps mechanical
- Lumix S5: Burst Taking pictures: As much as 7fps (AFS) or 5fps (AFC)
- Lumix S5 II: 779-point part hybrid autofocus, IBIS and Energetic IS
The large change with the S5II, is the transfer to a part hybrid autofocus system, together with improved in-body picture stabilisation. Whereas it is true that these options will probably be most interesting for video use, they’re nonetheless massively helpful for photographers, too.
The S5II has an improved processing engine, too, and this permits for blazing-fast 30fps burst capturing, up from a meagre 7fps on the S5. That is certain to excite sports activities and wildlife photographers, particularly.
What’s additionally spectacular is the buffer, which permits for 200 pictures in RAW earlier than throttling. That is a full 6-seconds of uninterrupted 30fps burst capturing.
Video options
- Lumix S5II: As much as 6K 30fps, 4K 60fps in 4:2:2 10-bit
- Lumix S5: As much as 4K 60fps in 4:2:0 8-bit, 4K 30fps in 4:2:2 10-bit
- Lumix S5 II: 779-point part hybrid autofocus, IBIS and Energetic IS
- Lumix S5: 225-area distinction AF, 5-axis IBIS
In terms of video capturing, we have jumped from a most of 4K decision recording to with the ability to shoot at 6K and 5.9K in 4:2:0 10-bit. Most customers will not be trying to ship at these resolutions, but it surely permits you to punch in throughout post-production for 4K supply, which is tremendous useful.
In Cinema 4K, now you can report 4:2:2 10-bit internally, at as much as 60fps, whereas it maxed out at 30fps on the S5 – until you dropped all the way down to 8-bit.
Audio recording has seen enhancements, too, leaping from a most of 48kHz/16-bit to 96kHz/24-bit. You too can report four-track audio in digital camera when utilizing Panasonic’s XLR adapter (which is offered individually).
These are all good to have, but it surely’s the part detect autofocus that is the actual promoting level right here. It is worlds forward of the contrast-based system on the S5. We solely obtained to check it for a short while, however we may immediately see superior outcomes. It is a game-changer for Panasonic.
As well as, enhancements to the in-camera picture stabilisation sweeten the deal. The S5II has one of many best-performing IBIS techniques for full-frame that we have seen up to now.
In case you drop the decision all the way down to 1080p, you’ll be able to report as much as 180fps gradual movement on each cameras. Nevertheless, the S5 limits you to 8-bit color on this mode, whereas the S5II can shoot in 10-bit 4:2:0.
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Pricing and verdict
- Lumix S5II MSRP: $1999 / €2199 / £1999
- Lumix S5 MSRP: $1699 / €1699 / £1699
The Panasonic Lumix S5II comes at a considerably increased value than the S5, particularly when you think about that the S5 can usually be discovered on sale under its MSRP. That stated, each of those cameras are competitively priced, undercutting a lot of the competitors.
For most individuals, the wonderful new autofocus system alone will probably be nicely well worth the value of entry, to not point out all the different enhancements that we have lined on this article.
Merely put, the S5II is the superior digital camera, and for those who can afford it, it is possible the one to go for.
Even nonetheless, the unique S5 is an unbelievable digital camera, and for those who’re the kind of shooter who would not depend on autofocus a lot, and also you see it on sale for value, it may very well be the precise one for you.
Writing by Luke Baker.
