In search of the best camera for filmmaking? Look no further. Capture cinematic footage, music videos, and unforgettable adventures with ease.
Introducing the Panasonic Lumix S5 II: the ultimate full-frame camera under $2,000 for both video and photo. This successor to the highly acclaimed Lumix S5 is packed with significant upgrades, solidifying its position among the best cameras for filmmaking on the market.
Consider the impressive features of the S5 II.
Full-Frame sensor
It boasts a new 24MP full-frame sensor and 6K / 30p video recording, offering versatile video options in 10-bit.
Additionally, unlike most cameras, the S5 II can record from the full sensor area, which has a 3:2 aspect ratio. This uncropped video is often referred to as an ‘open gate’ or ‘full sensor’ recording.
The option to shoot uncropped video is an essential feature for many photographers and videographers. While some cameras, such as the Canon EOS R3 and Nikon Z9, impose a 16:9 crop that discards pixels from the image, the Panasonic Lumix GH5 and the S5 II offer a different experience.
The S5 II, in particular, allows users to leverage the entire sensor, making it ideal for capturing content in aspect ratios commonly embraced by social media, such as 4:3, 1:1, and 9:16. This capability opens up new creative possibilities and aligns with the needs of content creators in today’s digital landscape.
Stablization
Panasonic’s impressive image stabilization has once again proven to be exceptional, showing significant improvements over the S5, particularly for run-and-gun filmmaking. Whether it’s casual vlogging or capturing slow-shutter-speed landscape photos, the S5 II is a camera that delivers sharp photos and smooth video clips even when used handheld in most scenarios.
Autofocus
The 24MP full-frame sensor brings something ‘new’ to the table with its 779-point phase detection autofocus system. Enthusiasts closely following the latest camera technology are particularly excited about this development, as Panasonic has previously shunned this autofocus technology, unlike other leading camera brands.
Phase detection AF
The S5 II marks a significant milestone as the first mirrorless camera from Panasonic to incorporate phase-detection AF for video and contrast-detection AF for stills. This innovative feature effectively combines the strengths of both types of autofocus, delivering the best of both worlds.
The S5 II is truly impressive, exceeding expectations with its advanced sensor technology. From the moment you hold it, it exudes reliability, instilling trust and enabling a strong working connection. Its robust build and user-friendly control layout offer simplicity and comprehensiveness in perfect harmony.
Cooling vents prevent overheating
Furthermore, the camera incorporates thoughtful design details that may not grab headlines but greatly enhance daily use for creative professionals. For example, the cooling vents prevent overheating and facilitate unlimited video recording, while the full-size HDMI ensures superior connectivity to an external monitor.
Additionally, the joystick greatly improves autofocus selection, and both the EVF and vari-angle touchscreen excel in providing clear, flexible composition in any shooting environment.”
The S5II paired with the 20-60mm lens is a fantastic combination. Available as a kit with the camera for just a little extra, they are compact and cover most stills and video scenarios. The wider-than-normal angle of view is especially useful for filmmaking. Additionally, the full-frame ‘S’ lens range is impressive.
Panasonic’s full-frame Lumix system may not be as recognized as Sony or Canon, but it deserves serious consideration now. I trust the Lumix S5 II to deliver reliable high-quality videos and stills, making it an excellent value for money, just like my GH5.
The S5 II camera is built to endure rough handling, making it perfect for those who are always on the go.
Despite its compact size and affordable price, it offers all the essential controls for experienced photographers and even filmmakers.
With dedicated buttons for exposure settings, control dials, an AF joystick, and a striking red button for video recording, it’s a reliable choice for anyone seeking a versatile camera.
Essential ports
The S5 II is outfitted with a range of essential ports behind two sturdy doors, including a headphone jack, mic socket, and USB-C and full-size HDMI connectors, making it ideal for professional video recording.
However, the HDMI cable for an external monitor can obstruct the vari-angle screen when extended to the side, although this is less of a concern when using an external monitor.
The camera’s screen is sharp, clear, and responsive, providing full touch control for menu navigation, focus selection, and photo capture. Additionally, the viewfinder display boasts a respectable 3.69m-dot resolution and a reliable refresh rate.
Furthermore, the camera has cooling vents on each side of the viewfinder bump to prevent overheating during intensive video recording. This ensures that video recording times are only constrained by card capacity or battery life. I conducted extensive testing with long video sequences, and the S5 II handled the job seamlessly.
The video settings display layout is incredibly impressive. It provides easy access to essential information such as live audio levels, shutter speed, FPS, aperture (iris), and color profile, all with the added convenience of touchscreen adjustments.
The S5 II’s design may not be considered aesthetically pleasing as it has a conventional, boxy design.
However, it excels as a highly competent and comprehensive tool, effectively fulfilling all necessary functions.
Once reigning supreme, Olympus (now OM System) has faced stiff competition from Panasonic in the image-stabilization arena. The S5 II’s 5-axis in-body image stabilization effortlessly tackles slow shutter speeds and moderate handshake, delivering razor-sharp detail and silky-smooth videos.
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