Last Updated on 09/02/2020 by Mark Beckenbach
The Panasonic isn’t all just about video: there are some great features for photographers too.
You’ve seen the teasers for the new Panasonic S5, and you’ve heard the speculation. Now, we can tell you more about this smaller than Micro Four Thirds, Full Frame camera. Designed for hybrid creators, the Panasonic S5 meets the needs and desires for new ways of self-expression. Yes, that was Panasonic marketing talk. What does it all mean? Join us after the break to get a rundown of the specs. You’ll also hear about some new L mount lenses, and will be teased about a new GH series camera
Panasonics’ life in the Full Frame market has gotten off to a slower start than they would have liked. Now, it seems things are finally starting to fall into place. Along with Panasonic S5, five new lenses were outed and Panasonic said they are working on a new Micro Four Thirds GH model camera. Exciting stuff indeed! Let’s find out more about the Panasonic S5.
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The Pansonic S5 Has Cool Tricks for Photographers
There’s absolutely no doubt that the new Panasonic S5 is a video-centric camera that has some cool tricks for photographers too. Panasonic is billing this camera as a mini S1 and S1H, which comes in a package that’s smaller than their M4/3 GH5. The Panasonic S1 features the same 24MP sensor found in the S1, and it has a native ISO range of 100-51,200 (expanded 50-204,800).
Five-axis IBIS is included, and with DUAL I.S 2, you can get 6.5 stops of shake reduction. This small camera has a fully articulating screen and hi-res modes, which will allow you to capture 96MP JPEG and RAW files. You’ll also find the world’s first implementation of live composition in a Full-Frame camera. There are plenty of photo styles to play with too. We’re looking forward to getting our hands on the Panasonic S5 to test these features. As for autofocus capabilities, Panasonic claims they have improved speed, and detection of hands, face, eyes, body, and animals.
Videographers Will Love the Panasonic S5 Too
In terms of video, the Panasonic S5 is no slouch. Videographers will find 10-bit 4K 60 4:2:0, and 4K 30 4:2:2, as well as V-Log and V-Gamut. These will provide an impressive 14 stops of dynamic range, and there’s a slew of other features too. You can shoot up to 180 FPS in FHD, and later this year, a firmware update will bring 4K RAW video via an Atomos Ninja 5. 4k 30 has no recording limits. 4K 60 is, however, capped at 30 minutes. Dual native ISO, which is found in the S1H and Panasonic’s Varicam, is featured, and so is HDR in HLG.
The camera itself features a magnesium alloy body and includes Panasonic heat dissipation tech. You can shoot video at the advertised lengths without problems in 104 Fahrenheit heat (40c). The Panasonic S5 supports anamorphic lenses, features waveform monitors, and allows you to load your own LUTs.
But Wait, There’s More
Along with the S5, Panasonic announced some new lenses. The Panasonic S5 will come packaged with the new 20-60mm kit lens (if you buy the bundle, of course), and both photographers and videographers will be able to look forward to new 24mm, 35mm, 50mm and 85mm f1.8 primes. There is also a new 70-300mm f4-5.6 telephoto lens in development too. No pricing has been disclosed on the lenses, and the only lens with a shipping time is the 85mm f1.8, which should be here in November.
Panasonic has also reaffirmed their commitment to the Micro Four Thirds platform too. They see M4/3 as their platform to offer mobility and high-speed. Panasonic believes in the M4/3 platform so much that they have a new GH model camera in development. What do you think about the new Panasonic S5, the new lenses, and their support for M4/3? Let us know in the comment section below. For more information, head on over to Pansonics official website.