The Panasonic LUMIX S5II utilizes Phase Detection Auto-Focus (PDAF) thanks to a newly developed 24.2-megapixel 35mm full-frame CMOS sensor and a new imaging engine. Developed under the L2 Technology alliance formed by LEICA and LUMIX, the new imaging engine provides high resolution, natural description, and approximately 2x higher-speed signal procession for high bit-rate video recording.
To further the cameras’ PDAF capabilities and make them more dependable, Panasonic evolved the auto-focus system into Phase Hybrid Auto-Focus by increasing the AF points to 779 to significantly improve subject tracking. Once the S5II is locked on a subject, the auto-focus will continue to track the subject, even in adverse lighting conditions and when multiple objects are moving within the frame. Additionally, continuous AF during zooming, AF micro adjustments, and options to decrease the size of the AF area are available.
Powerful Image Stabilization
The LUMIX S5II has a powerful image stabilization system for wide-ranging shooting conditions and situations. The Body I.S. (5-axis) in the LUMIX S5II and the O.I.S. (Optical Image Stabilizer, 2-axis) from the LUMIX S Series lens were combined to create the 5-axis Dual I.S. 2, maximizing the correction power to allow 6.5-stop slower shutter speed. The 5-axis Dual I.S. 2 works for both photo and video recording, including 4K. In addition, Active I.S. has been added for even more stable video recording. Active I.S. 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 at approximately 200% compared to conventional image stabilization. This capability is highly beneficial in adverse situations, such as handheld filming or telephoto fixed-frame shots.
Incredible Video Performance
The new imaging engine provides the LUMIX S5II with high video performance comparable to the LUMIX S1H. They provide 4:2:0 10-bit 6K (3:2) / 5.9K (16:9), unlimited 4:2:2 10-bit C4K/4K recording capability. With a new heat-dispersion mechanism, there is no limit on recording time to avoid overheating. HFR (High Frame Rate) in C4K/4K (48p), FHD (120p), Slow & Quick motion in C4K/4K(1-60fps) / FHD(1-180fps) are also available.
The LUMIX S5II contains 14+ stop V-Log/V-Gamut capture to deliver a high dynamic range and broad colors. Plus, a REAL TIME LUT function is provided to enable color grading on the compatible video and photo in camera by applying the LUT(.VLT/.cube) saved in the SD memory card. Users can perform intended color grading on the spot without postproduction and share images online through social networking sites. This function can be used for livestreaming.
Professional-quality photo/video performance for unlimited expression
In addition to the PDAF capabilities mentioned above, the LUMIX S5II provides:
- Dual Native ISO sensitivity, which minimizes noise generation by choosing an optimal circuit to use according to the sensitivity before gain processing. As a result, it allows a maximum ISO 51200 (Extended: 204800) high sensitivity recording.
- Increased capable of higher speed burst shooting at 9 (AFS) / 7 (AFC) fps with a mechanical shutter and 30 fps (AFS/AFC) with an electronic shutter in JPEG/RAW compared with LUMIX S5.
A variety of video functions and recording options
Alongside the recording capability, new heat dispersion mechanism and 14+ stop V Log/V Gamut capture mentioned above, the LUMIX S5II features unique shooting options such as the 4K60p interval shooting and 4K HDR video recording. In response to requests from professional users, video assist functions such as Waveform Monitor, Vector Scope and Zebra Pattern are available. Some features offered on the LUMIX S1H and LUMX GH6, like System Frequency (24.00Hz), Synchro Scan, Fan mode and redesigned control panel, which enables quick selection of menu, are also available on the LUMIX S5II.
48kHz/24bit audio can be recorded using a built-in microphone and external microphone for realistic sound recording. The use of the external microphone and XLR microphone allows high-res 96kHz/24bit audio recording.
The LUMIX S5II is capable of RAW video output and All-Intra, ProRes recording on SSD. It also features wired/wireless IP streaming function and USB tethering.
Excellent operability and functions to minimize workflow for one man crew operation
Building upon the functionality of the LUMIX S5, a wealth of options were added to the LUMIX S5II to provide users with a superior shooting experience. AWB Lock maintains the white balance set in auto. Sheer Overlay can now be used in Creative Video mode making it easy to fix the frame through footage sequence. Luminance level of 2100 Like (HLG) in Photo Style for video has an extended setting range from 64-940 to 0-1023, providing sufficient amount of color grading resistance. In addition to FHD it is now possible to output a 4K image with the live crop function. To support high precision focusing, the LUMIX S5II provides practical options for manual focusing. While focus is shifted with variable amount according to the rotation speed of the focus ring for non-linear setting, it is shifted with a designated amount according to the rotational quantum of the focus ring for linear setting. Sensitivity (amount of focus shift per rotational quantum) can be selected from 90 to 1080 degrees to enable intended focus operation. The MF Assist, which enables the focus point to be enlarged, is now available in both photo shooting and in video recording.
The LUMIX S5II adopts a large, 3,680K-dot OLED (Organic Light-Emitting Diode) LVF (Live View Finder) that features a high magnification ratio of approx. 1.52x / 0.76x (35mm camera equivalent). A 3.0-inch free-angle touch-control monitor in 3:2 aspect with 1,840K-dot high resolution does not cause interference even when both the HDMI cable and USB cable are connected by adjusting the tilt/rotation angle of the monitor. There are improvements in external design, including new easy-to-operate 8-directional joystick and the drive dial with an increased setting position for 96-megapixel High Resolution Mode (JPEG/RAW).
Reliable quality and performance for professional use and connectivity
Overheating is a fatal issue to continuous video recording, especially when the resolution and the frame rates are increased. The LUMIX S5II adopts a new heat dispersion mechanism that combines a small fan and high-efficiency heat sink. As a result, the LUMIX S5II achieves unlimited video recording time and livestreaming in C4K 60p while keeping the camera size compact. In case the camera stops while 4K video recording, the small fan operates separately to cool down the unit for quick recovery.
To withstand heavy field use, the LUMIX S5II is composed of a magnesium alloy full die-cast front / rear frame and is splash-resistant and dust-resistant.
