Panasonic Lumix S5 Overview
LUMIX S5 OVERVIEW
Just prior to launch Panasonic Lumix placed and S5 in our hands. The Lumix S5 is a full frame camera system, and yet the body is actually slightly smaller in size than the Lumix GH5, which is a micro 4/3rds camera that we absolutely adore. It is by far the smallest of the full frame cameras in the Lumix lineup. The video above will showcase the details of what we experienced, but let me highlight what we feel is most important to us personally.
Size does matter! While we love pulling a huge Lumix S1 or S1R out of the bag on commercial assignments, we prefer rolling out to events S5 at events, or anytime the goal is to be unseen. On video assignments, the S5 lives on a gimbal most of the time because it is the perfect size and weight when the hours are long. Full Vlog, vs Vlog-L is also a huge advantage as color accuracy is really spot on. In fact, regardless of bit-rate, visually the S5 stacks up perfectly alongside the footage coming off of the S1, S1R, and S1H. Auto focus for video is not Panasonics claim to fame, and yet the S5 shows some major improvements. In the right scenarios, such as working with the 20-60 on a gimbal, we find ourselves turning to it often as it holds up well. The overview video will share more details of what to expect in the real world.
As many of you know, Jennifer and I are both Lumix Global Ambassadors. Which means that Panasonic is a client of ours, and they pay us to test camera systems, create content, stories, digital assets, and to be one of the faces and experts behind their professional lineup of camera systems. When we do overviews we don’t compare features to others camera systems, but rather focus on showcasing what to expect from this particular camera in the real world. That said… Lumix is the brand we currently use by choice, and this relationship came to be because we had already been using their cameras for many years.
Panasonic Lumix is one of the brands that pushes the industry forward instead of resting on their laurels. They are one of the innovators at the moment, in fact, they invented the modern mirrorless camera movement long before Sony, Canon, Nikon, Fuji, etc… realized that mirrorless was the future. However, all of these brands create fantastic camera systems each with their own unique stats and approach, and if these brands placed us on retainer we would focus our overview on their individual cameras as well. The goal is to be honest about what other users can, and should, expect from any camera that we spend time with.
It’s an amazing time in imaging, and hats off to all the amazing brands who are helping drive creativity by creating new innovative features!
