Panasonic DMW-BLK22E

Product Information

Above: To demonstrate the potential of the high resolution mode, I photographed this scene in the High Res and standard 24 Megapixel modes and have presented tight crops from both above for comparison. When you zoom-in, there’s plenty of fine detail even from this affordable lens. As before there can be issues with subjects that move during the capture process, and even though there are options to reduce this, I’d still recommend aiming for a composition with the minimum of movement. As such it’s best-suited for archive, architecture or landscapes on still days. I have tested it myself as well, across most popular brands out there. I literally cannot tell a difference between Panasonic, Sony, Nikon, mirrorless AF for single target using a lens with good AF motors in it. The acquisition is so incredibly fast that it would be impossible to tell a difference without testing equipment or a lab environment. Like all Lumix S bodies, the S5 II employs the L-mount, allowing it to use a growing system of native lenses from Panasonic, Sigma and Leica. Highlights include a series of f1.8 prime lenses from Panasonic, along with Sigma’s entire range of DG DN lenses designed for full-frame mirrorless cameras. I’ve also successfully adapted Canon EF lenses.

LUMIX S5 Full Frame Mirrorless Camera - Panasonic Specs - LUMIX S5 Full Frame Mirrorless Camera - Panasonic

I’m hoping that continued development will build on the contrast detection responsiveness. As I understand it there is no impact on Image quality with The contrast based AF systems. I don’t think it’s a case it’s just bad, more that it reputedly is less responsive than PDAF. It’s not an issue at all for stills and not an issue for those who are less interested in video. There are many such as myself who are more stills orientated and frankly if I had a body that was stills only, then I’m happy. Moving onto composition, the S5 II employs a 3.68 million dot OLED with 0.78x magnification, a little larger and more detailed than the 2.36 million dot 0.74x panel on the previous model.

Middling Battery Life, Strong Connectivity

Lumix as a brand has been affected by the perception that its DFD Contrast detection AF simply isn’t fast enough. The S5 attempts to challenge this with an updated AF system that benefits from smarter algorithms and improved processing. At launch it outperforms the other S-series cameras, although a firmware update is being rolled out across the system to bring the others up to the same speed. There’s a new DMW-BLK22 battery, which I would have happily done without. Although it performs well and in some cases will outlast the battery in the larger Lumix S1, it’s just frustrating to have a system that doesn’t share batteries across the range. This is especially annoying when the S5 makes for such a perfect additional camera if you are an existing S1 or S1H owner. Oddly, the new battery is however compatible with the GH5/G9, so you can use it in those cameras if you own them – but you can’t use their batteries in the S5.

Panasonic Lumix S5 review | Digital Camera World Panasonic Lumix S5 review | Digital Camera World

At the heart of the S5 II is a new processing engine that is the first product of Panasonic's L² co-development project with Leica. The two companies shared know-how and resources to develop the new processor, which we'd expect to see in future Leica models, too.

They did it! Panasonic answers its critics by introducing a camera with a phase hybrid detection AF system. But is that enough to make the Lumix S5 II a creator’s dream?

Weighing around 1kg with its LUMIX S 20-60mm f/3.5-5.6 kit lens attached, the S5 is perfectly balanced for vlogging, however. An extended arm will get you completely in shot with plenty of room in the frame for locational context. I also love the general ergonomics of the S5. Compact cameras often run the risk of feeling dinky and fragile. But the S5 is anything but. It offers a deep grip, with tactile rubberised finish and has a sensible button layout that gives intuitive access to its main functions. unfortunately you did not understand. Even if I don't have an S5 at all. It's about more than an autofocus that has slight advantages in video. But that also speaks in favor of panasonic if that is the only thing that is criticized.