Panasonic S5 form factor (vs S1R/G9/Em1 mk ii)

Sheeno · Apr 10, 2022

Hi all, I'm looking at buying an S5 to supplement my current L-mount system, but was just wondering about what people's experiences of its ergonomics are, particularly in terms of its form factor and in comparison to any of the other cameras I've owned.

As a bit of background, I initially got into photography through buying a G9, and absolutely adored the way it handled. I then got a Oly EM1 mk ii after a coming across an unmissable deal, and although I love the camera's features, I feel like the ergonomics pale in comparison to the G9. The grip is too shallow and the whole thing feels cramped in my hands - which surprised me, as it's not a criticism I've heard from anyone else about the body, and I don't think I have particularly large hands for a man.

I then made a move to full-frame through buying an S1R, and again, loved the way it handled. I sold the G9 to fund the S1R so it's hard to make a side-by-side comparison of which one I prefer, I'll just say I have found them both a joy to use. I've kept the Oly for niche situations like macro, but vastly prefer the way both Pannies handle.

I'm now considering buying an S5 as a supplementary L-mount body, to reduce lens changes and for improved high ISO performance. I use vintage lenses a fair bit, which I think an S5 would make more sense for than an S1R. Before I do so, I'd just like to hear people's experiences of the way the S5 feels in their hands, particularly if they've also got experiences of any of the other 3 bodies I've mentioned. The S5 has a smaller grip than the G9 and the S1R, so that raises eyebrows for me, but so far Panasonic ergonomics haven't steered me wrong.

I know the best way for me to work this out is to go and handle one myself, but unfortunately the nearest camera shop that would have one is a bit of a trek for me so just interested to hear opinions here first!

rashid7 · Apr 10, 2022

my 2cents:

If you liked the G9, you will Love the S5. [ Last week I gave away my G9 after 5 years. I also own the S1r. ] Only complaints i hear is EVF; which is more than OK. Though inferior to the others, i hardly notice, and same for IBIS. Small differences. And its better-looking - more 'squarish' body shape - than G9

mrb375 · Apr 10, 2022

I currently have both- the S5 for street and documentary-style photography and the S1R with large Sigma lenses for heavy-duty shooting. With a switch of the lens- either can be the street shooter, and that's a good thing.

I'm waiting on a Zeiss 35mm Biogon F2 with a Leica adapter for the S5- which will be my street shooter.. love the Zeiss IQ and portability for street.

Dr Hal · Apr 10, 2022

The S5 handles the same as the G9. Only difference is the lenses are larger. It is a wonderful camera and the way it handles high ISO situations will blow you away. I have nothing negative to say about going from the G9 to the S5.

Hal

Off The Mark · Apr 10, 2022

Never used a G9 but I have HEARD people say the S5 handles very similarly to the G9.

I have a fair number of manual focus / vintage lenses and prefer to use them on my S1 than on my S5, despite the fact I have smaller hands and generally prefer smaller cameras (I actually LOVE the way my Oly E-M1 II handles compared to my S5 or S1).

For me, I prefer the better IBIS and better EVF and LCD, and better focus peaking of my S1 over my S5, when shooting manual focus lenses. These things are important to ME because my eyesight is not great, my glasses are thick, and my hands tend to be a bit shakey. If you have great eyesight and steadier hands, maybe the S5 will be fine.

You didn't say anything about video, so I guess it is not that important to you, but if by chance video IS important, then I would say that for using on a gimbal, an S5 is better than an S1. However, if you want to shoot video handheld or on a tripod, my preference is to use the S1. Unless you want to VLOG, in which case you will most likely prefer the flip-out screen of the S5.

Cychen · Apr 10, 2022

I think it's always good to have a smaller camera with you so naturally the S5 is an obvious choice (or the quirky Sigma FP series.) But with the exception of size, the S5 is in many ways a downgrade from your S1R.

If you are not buying new, a secondhand v-log enabled S1 will be less expensive than a brand new S5, with almost the same video capabilities and high ISO performance. And you can share batteries, battery grip. The S5 EVF is decent but for manual focus, the S1/R EVF is way more detailed. AF might still be lagging behind a little but since you are using the S1R already, you probably won't find it a problem.

Just my 2¢

mrb375 · Apr 11, 2022

Take your pick

S5 with L-M Adapter and Zeiss 35mm f2

or the behemoth S1R with Sigma 40mm 1.4

--

https://www.deminimusgallery.com

Off The Mark · Apr 11, 2022

Cychen said:
If you are not buying new, a secondhand v-log enabled S1 will be less expensive than a brand new S5, with almost the same video capabilities and high ISO performance. And you can share batteries, battery grip. The S5 EVF is decent but for manual focus, the S1/R EVF is way more detailed. AF might still be lagging behind a little but since you are using the S1R already, you probably won't find it a problem.

Just my 2¢

Good point.

The S1 is actually MORE CAPABLE than the S5 in certain respects when it comes to video shooting. Aside from the better IBIS I mentioned above, the S1 has unlimited record time in 4K where the S5 has a 30-minute record time limit (might only be 4K 10-bit... have to double check). S1 also has 6K internal, and can output 6K as Prores HQ, while the S5 has only 4K ProRes HQ.

They both have 6K RAW output over hdmi (either ProRes RAW or Black Magic RAW), but the S5 has only a micro SD port, while the S1 has a full size hdmi port.

The S5 has a few things up its sleeve though, like a vectorscope and I think it has synchro scan to better deal with flickering LED lights.

Sheeno · Apr 11, 2022

Thanks for the responses everyone, they've helped a lot and are all very much appreciated.

It's great to hear that the form factor of the S5 likely won't be a problem for me, as that was my main concern going into this. However, there seem to be a few potential shortcomings with the functionality of the S5 Vs the S1R that I never realised, such as that it has inferior IBIS. Although I wouldn't exclusively use the S5 for vintage lenses (the other two use cases are low-light photography and to reduce lens changes when I'm time- or weather-constrained even with native mount lenses), it would nevertheless be a part of why I purchase one and factors like worse IBIS and lowered screen and EVF resolution might mean I'd just want to reach for my S1R for manual focusing anyway. That said, the smaller body could also be preferable for vintage lens shooting, both ergonomically and to be a bit less conspicuous.

I guess the debate boils down to whether I go for an S5 or an S1. To me, intuitively, the S5 makes more sense, as it is more compact and will have more differentiation Vs my S1R (smaller body, fully articulating screen, a few new features like live view composite). But these are all features my Oly has, and I would have sold that by now if I didn't like its focus bracketing/stacking features so much for macro.

I guess this just reaffirms that I need to go into a shop to test an S5 out, but now I know to bring a few manual lenses to see how I like the EVF and screen for focusing rather that just assessing the form factor. So thanks again for helping me to realise that - any other suggestions or experiences welcome, particularly from people who use the S5 for vintage lens shooting and/or use it as a body alongside an S1/S1R - are you happy with the user experience in either case?

rashid7 · Apr 11, 2022

Good luck bro.
To reiterate, the only way I would go to the bigger cam is for 47mp!

Off The Mark · Apr 11, 2022

rashid7 said:
Good luck bro.
To reiterate, the only way I would go to the bigger cam is for 47mp!

Yes, that certainly is a valid point.

Qwerty 2001 · Apr 11, 2022

I handled the S5 body and found it to be quite small and really requiring the vertical grip to improve it's handling for my liking (I always used the G9 with the vertical grip). Adding the grip greatly improves the S5's handling but also makes it bigger than the S1.

Handling the S1, because it is a bigger camera, I found it to be perfect without needing the grip. So in my case I went with the S1 body. The better viewfinder and IBIS are a welcome bonus.

In terms of S1 vs S1R for me it was the S1 because of its better high ISO performance and better dynamic range vs higher megapixel count.

Charles Hull · Apr 12, 2022

I'll jump in a couple of days late to this tread. I have an S5 and use it as a second camera for the S1H, and now a GH6. I had a G9, also loved it but sold it so, so can only compare it from memory. But by memory, as others have said, the S5 handles very comperably with the G9. My experience is the IBIS is fine on the S5. And manual focus with the EVF works well. It is always a pleasure to shoot with the S5.

Dave Andrade · Apr 13, 2022

Sheeno said:
Hi all, I'm looking at buying an S5 to supplement my current L-mount system, but was just wondering about what people's experiences of its ergonomics are, particularly in terms of its form factor and in comparison to any of the other cameras I've owned.

As a bit of background, I initially got into photography through buying a G9, and absolutely adored the way it handled. I then got a Oly EM1 mk ii after a coming across an unmissable deal, and although I love the camera's features, I feel like the ergonomics pale in comparison to the G9. The grip is too shallow and the whole thing feels cramped in my hands - which surprised me, as it's not a criticism I've heard from anyone else about the body, and I don't think I have particularly large hands for a man.

I then made a move to full-frame through buying an S1R, and again, loved the way it handled. I sold the G9 to fund the S1R so it's hard to make a side-by-side comparison of which one I prefer, I'll just say I have found them both a joy to use. I've kept the Oly for niche situations like macro, but vastly prefer the way both Pannies handle.

I'm now considering buying an S5 as a supplementary L-mount body, to reduce lens changes and for improved high ISO performance. I use vintage lenses a fair bit, which I think an S5 would make more sense for than an S1R. Before I do so, I'd just like to hear people's experiences of the way the S5 feels in their hands, particularly if they've also got experiences of any of the other 3 bodies I've mentioned. The S5 has a smaller grip than the G9 and the S1R, so that raises eyebrows for me, but so far Panasonic ergonomics haven't steered me wrong.

I know the best way for me to work this out is to go and handle one myself, but unfortunately the nearest camera shop that would have one is a bit of a trek for me so just interested to hear opinions here first!

I have both the g9 and an S5. and the G9 still beats the G9, for ergonomics. I even made a video about it (it is on my Post.Color.Gear. YouTube channel.

I will clarify and say the S5 is NOT bad. It is comparable to the G9, but you will definitely feel the added weight. When I first picked up the S5 after using the G9 as long as I have, I was taken aback at first about the added weight.

rashid7 · Apr 14, 2022

hectorpatrick · Apr 14, 2022

... and a sensor four times the size!

Antennum · Apr 22, 2022

Off The Mark said:
Never used a G9 but I have HEARD people say the S5 handles very similarly to the G9.

I have a fair number of manual focus / vintage lenses and prefer to use them on my S1 than on my S5, despite the fact I have smaller hands and generally prefer smaller cameras (I actually LOVE the way my Oly E-M1 II handles compared to my S5 or S1).

For me, I prefer the better IBIS and better EVF and LCD, and better focus peaking of my S1 over my S5, when shooting manual focus lenses. These things are important to ME because my eyesight is not great, my glasses are thick, and my hands tend to be a bit shakey. If you have great eyesight and steadier hands, maybe the S5 will be fine.

You didn't say anything about video, so I guess it is not that important to you, but if by chance video IS important, then I would say that for using on a gimbal, an S5 is better than an S1. However, if you want to shoot video handheld or on a tripod, my preference is to use the S1. Unless you want to VLOG, in which case you will most likely prefer the flip-out screen of the S5.

Archiver · Apr 26, 2022

The G9 handles the best out of almost all cameras I have, including the Canon 5D Mark II, 30D, Olympus E-M5 plus grip, GH4 and S5. The S5's grip is noticeably smaller and thinner than the G9, which feels much more comfortable and haptically effective. Even the new OM-1 doesn't feel like the G9.

The S1/R/H feel incredible, albeit much heavier than the S5 and G9. The S1 grip is superb.

yysc · Apr 26, 2022

Antennum said:
Off The Mark said:

Never used a G9 but I have HEARD people say the S5 handles very similarly to the G9.

I have a fair number of manual focus / vintage lenses and prefer to use them on my S1 than on my S5, despite the fact I have smaller hands and generally prefer smaller cameras (I actually LOVE the way my Oly E-M1 II handles compared to my S5 or S1).

For me, I prefer the better IBIS and better EVF and LCD, and better focus peaking of my S1 over my S5, when shooting manual focus lenses. These things are important to ME because my eyesight is not great, my glasses are thick, and my hands tend to be a bit shakey. If you have great eyesight and steadier hands, maybe the S5 will be fine.

You didn't say anything about video, so I guess it is not that important to you, but if by chance video IS important, then I would say that for using on a gimbal, an S5 is better than an S1. However, if you want to shoot video handheld or on a tripod, my preference is to use the S1. Unless you want to VLOG, in which case you will most likely prefer the flip-out screen of the S5.

Click to expand...

This is great advice. Don’t have experience with the s1/r but with the s5 I find myself wishing for better resolution evf and lcd. Also found that the s5 IBIS is utterly insufficient for run and gun handholding video despite my best efforts.

my em5ii from 2016 had better ibis for video. Otherwise, I think the s5 form factor and capabilities are okay but for video, I should have tried for the s1

I have currently both the S1 and A7 IV with the later being similar in size to the S5 I believe, and while the S1 is very solid and well made the moment you hold it after the A7 IV it instantly feels like a brick. The A7 IV also feels very solid and well made but MUCH nimbler.

As for the IBIS the S1 wins but it is not the dramatic difference internet may you make think. 1 to 1.5 stops in my testing which matches the official ratings.

The biggest difference IMO is in the EVF, the S1 EVF is very nice and the one in the A7 IV doesn't come close. The LCD screen is also higher res in the S1 but in this case the difference does not feel big.

After having had the S1 for 3 years I wish Panasonic would release an S5 II with PDAF and better EVF, it'd be close to perfect camera.

Sheeno · Apr 26, 2022

Thanks for all of the replies everyone. I managed to get into the camera shop to handle the S5, and ergonomically, the camera felt good - though I handled it side-by-side with the G9 and have to admit it does not quite match that camera for me. I think I agree with what Archiver is saying, in that in my experience, the S1/S1R grip is wonderful, but sometimes you may not want a camera that large, whereas the G9 feels like the perfect compromise. Maybe nostalgia plays a role, but I think I handled about 20+ cameras on display in the shop and the G9 actually stood out amongst them all as the perfect ergonomic package - it made me regret selling mine a bit! I also managed to handle pretty much all the latest Sonys except for the A1 and my suspicions were confirmed, the ergonomics are not for me - there just isn't enough of a gap between the grip and the lens mount for it to feel comfortable.

With that said, the S5 still felt good enough in hand for me to want to buy it. I was a little more let down by the EVF, which I felt like had more of a detrimental effect on manual focusing accuracy than I was hoping, as some had suggested it might in this thread. I'm thinking I will still look to buy one this weekend, in the hope I will get used to manually focusing with its EVF over time. Thankfully the LCD screen seemed very good, which will pair well with the fully articulating screen to allow more compositional freedom (occasionally, albeit rarely, I am limited by the S1R screen's ability to only open out in one horizontal direction).

Thanks again for all the advice and experiences you've shared!

Panasonic S5 form factor (vs S1R/G9/Em1 mk ii)

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