Received my S5II: Basic Newbie Questions

cup4sharks · Feb 1, 2023

Hi Everyone-

My S5ii just arrived. I have yet to even unbox it due to my intimidation of never having used anything nearly this advanced. I hope to learn as I go. I'm pretty much a newbie and know this camera is not an entry level tool.

That said, here are my questions:

1.) I am aware the S5II doesn't come with a battery charger. I would assume I eventually want to pick one up for convenience sake. But my question is....to get started do I have to have one or can I charge the battery through the camera?

2.). Some here have spoken about how they treat their cameras and batteries between uses..... would someone please elaborate for me? Do I want to remove the batteries? Or what did someone mean about leaving the camera on indefinitely? Please share best practices.

3.) On the subject of spare batteries and battery chargers, is there a non OEM make you recommend? The thing that I can't wrap my head around is that some of the ones I see on Amazon come with capacities twice that of the original battery's mah. I assume that will double the number of shots I can take on a single charge but could that strength damage the camera? If it was possible and wouldn't harm the camera, why wouldn't the manufacturer provide such a high capacity battery to competitively raise the shot capacity specs?

4.) I purchased the right memory card. Is there anything else that didn't come in the box that I need to start learning how to work it?

Thank you so much, in advance!

Johan Borg · Feb 1, 2023

1. Read the manual

2. Yes, it says you can charge through the camera

3. Enjoy your new tool and then figure out if you really need more batteries in real life.

I can't say much about third party batteries, but I would expect capacity to be similar. Twice the mAh sounds like half the voltage...

4. Don't overthink it like I would ;-)

Off The Mark · Feb 1, 2023

Have fun with your new camera!!!

Some Panasonic cameras (The S1 model in Particular) has a reputation if draining batteries quickly if you leave them in the camera. By quickly, it could be as quick as a few days. I don't think the original S5 had that problem and haven't seen any reports of it being a problem in the S5 II, but since it is such a new camera we don't really know for sure.

I think eventually you will want a separate charger.

I have a couple of third-party batteries for my S5 (original version) that are made by a company called BM Special. They seem to be ok. I would still encourage you to try and get genuine Panasonic (Lumix) batteries if possible. But probably a lot of people use third-party batteries without any problems.

I have a strong suspicion that a lot of the different brands of third-party batteries are actually made at the same factory in China and just have different brand labels or other cosmetic differences.

Feel free to ask any questions you have in this forum. I am a bit jealous of you since I still have the original version. Still a very good camera but the S5 II does have some features I wish my original S5 had.

--
What Middle School Is Really Like:

cup4sharks · Feb 2, 2023

Thank you. I appreciate your responses.

cup4sharks · Feb 2, 2023

Thank you! I really appreciate you sharing your wisdom and kindness.

Happy Daze · Feb 2, 2023

Third party batteries can be a little hit and miss. I've yet to find any that last as long as the original even if the capacity is rated higher. Best get at least two of the third party batteries which is still cheaper than one Panasonic original. You can normally buy them in pairs with a charger which will do the job. My main gripe is not only do third party batteries not last as long in use but they tend to die earlier in terms of useful existence.

My only advice to you is when you finally unbox your camera make sure you fit the lens in a dust free environment. Also, try to point the sensor downward a little to avoid allowing dust to fall inside the sensor chamber. Even in relatively clean rooms dust is still floating around, just hard to see.

Have fun. If the S5II is as good as they say it is, you'll be keeping this for some time to come, so think about buying an original spare battery, over time it will save money.

pdk42 · Feb 2, 2023

1) You can charge via the camera. Personally I prefer a separate charger (and a spare battery), but it’s not absolutely essential.

2) I find the S5 Mark I absolutely fine for phantom battery drain. I have no issues with drain if the camera is turned off. I’ve also not noticed any problems if I just let the camera go to sleep rather than physically turning it off with the switch.

3) I have a DotFoto branded 3rd party battery which seems almost as good as the original - but in my experience over the years with other batteries for cameras, no 3rd party has ever matched the original for capacity or longevity.

4) Apart from a memory card you’re good to go. If you’re taking stills, is strongly suggest shooting raw and learning to use Lightroom or similar.

--
Paul
Flickr: http://www.flickr.com/paul_kaye

Neiltheeducator · Feb 2, 2023

cup4sharks said:
Hi Everyone-

My S5ii just arrived. I have yet to even unbox it due to my intimidation of never having used anything nearly this advanced. I hope to learn as I go. I'm pretty much a newbie and know this camera is not an entry level tool.

That said, here are my questions:

1.) I am aware the S5II doesn't come with a battery charger. I would assume I eventually want to pick one up for convenience sake. But my question is....to get started do I have to have one or can I charge the battery through the camera?

2.). Some here have spoken about how they treat their cameras and batteries between uses..... would someone please elaborate for me? Do I want to remove the batteries? Or what did someone mean about leaving the camera on indefinitely? Please share best practices.

3.) On the subject of spare batteries and battery chargers, is there a non OEM make you recommend? The thing that I can't wrap my head around is that some of the ones I see on Amazon come with capacities twice that of the original battery's mah. I assume that will double the number of shots I can take on a single charge but could that strength damage the camera? If it was possible and wouldn't harm the camera, why wouldn't the manufacturer provide such a high capacity battery to competitively raise the shot capacity specs?

4.) I purchased the right memory card. Is there anything else that didn't come in the box that I need to start learning how to work it?

Thank you so much, in advance!

I've purchased both Hahnel and Newell aftermarket batteries for my S5 that I'm now using with the S5ii. It's early days, but I don't seem to be having any problems, and they're around 50% of the cost of the official LUMIX batteries.

In terms of finding your way around the camera, there's a video from some of the LUMIX team chatting about the PDAF system and how they anticipate people using it - I found it very helpful as a 'quickstart' guide when I unpacked the S5ii for the first time. Link is here:
What About that PDAF
The S5ii for Photography
Have fun - I'm really enjoying getting to know mine!

Greg Ohio · Feb 2, 2023

cup4sharks said:
Hi Everyone-

My S5ii just arrived. I have yet to even unbox it due to my intimidation of never having used anything nearly this advanced. I hope to learn as I go. I'm pretty much a newbie and know this camera is not an entry level tool.

That said, here are my questions:

1.) I am aware the S5II doesn't come with a battery charger. I would assume I eventually want to pick one up for convenience sake. But my question is....to get started do I have to have one or can I charge the battery through the camera?

You can charge through the camera.

Look on Amazon for a set of two batteries and charger. There will be reviews. I've used Wasabi and B&M with no issues.

cup4sharks said:
2.). Some here have spoken about how they treat their cameras and batteries between uses..... would someone please elaborate for me? Do I want to remove the batteries? Or what did someone mean about leaving the camera on indefinitely? Please share best practices.

You can leave them in unless you need to swap to charge. Don't leave the camera on--that will discharge the battery.

cup4sharks said:
3.) On the subject of spare batteries and battery chargers, is there a non OEM make you recommend? The thing that I can't wrap my head around is that some of the ones I see on Amazon come with capacities twice that of the original battery's mah. I assume that will double the number of shots I can take on a single charge but could that strength damage the camera? If it was possible and wouldn't harm the camera, why wouldn't the manufacturer provide such a high capacity battery to competitively raise the shot capacity specs?

No third-party battery is going to have significantly more capacity than Panasonic's. If any thing, such claims are a red flag. But, good third-party batteries will have the same capacity.

Note that camcorder batteries do come in higher capacities because they can be physically larger, attached to the outside of the camera. That is not the case for your camera where the battery is held internally.

cup4sharks said:
4.) I purchased the right memory card. Is there anything else that didn't come in the box that I need to start learning how to work it?

Nothing you absolutely need. A case and spare batteries are pretty essential, though.

cup4sharks said:
Thank you so much, in advance!

dcassat · Feb 2, 2023

Hi,

You're probably already overwhelmed. I know I was. There is so much to learn and the camera menus are complex.

I recommend making a plan of what to learn and taking a few steps everyday. Try to stay focused on one topic. That's the hardest part. I pick up the camera, dive into the menus and think "what was I going to do?" These cameras are very sophisticated so understand it's not a easy or short term learning, it will take months.

As far as batteries I've only once ran out of battery in the field (literally landscape). I recommend you start with one extra Panasonic battery and see how it goes. They are so expensive but you won't have to worry about them dying prematurely or swelling which has happened to me. Battery swelling is a thing and if it happens when it's in your camera, it's not fun removing it. That being said I think Wasabi is one I would trust if I decided to buy third party again.

Enjoy!

Off The Mark · Feb 2, 2023

cup4sharks said:
Thank you! I really appreciate you sharing your wisdom and kindness.

The irony is that I am neither wise nor kind

Also, judging by your user name, I am guessing you are based in Northern California too. I am up in Marin (across the GG Bridge from SF, for those who don't know where Marin is) and have been a Sharks fan since about 1992.

As a Sharks fan, you can safely assume I spend most of my nights drinking myself to sleep...

At least we are still in the running for the Connor Bedard sweepstakes ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

--
What Middle School Is Really Like:

Off The Mark · Feb 2, 2023

One other thing to think about.

Someone above mentioned shooting in RAW, which gives you maximum flexibility to edit your images.

The S5 II can shoot in either jpg format, RAW format, or BOTH at the same time.

The only issue is that right now, the RAW files from the S5 II aren't recognized by Lightroom, which is the most popular RAW editor. I am sure they will release an update soon that will allow Lightroom to recognize the RAW files from the S5 II (maybe it is released already).

Panasonic DOES have a program called Silkypix (or something like that... sounds like the name of an adult magazine if you ask me) that will handle RAW files from the S5 II.

Anyway, maybe it would be a good idea to shoot in BOTH the jpg AND raw format for now. That way you can look at the photos you take very conveniently with the jpg phots, and then keep the RAW files for further editing once Lightroom (or other editing software) has the update that allows it to recognize RAW files from the S5 II.

Or... just don't worry about it, shoot in jpg, and have fun!!!

cup4sharks · Feb 3, 2023

Off The Mark said:
cup4sharks said:

Thank you! I really appreciate you sharing your wisdom and kindness.

Click to expand...

The irony is that I am neither wise nor kind

Also, judging by your user name, I am guessing you are based in Northern California too. I am up in Marin (across the GG Bridge from SF, for those who don't know where Marin is) and have been a Sharks fan since about 1992.

As a Sharks fan, you can safely assume I spend most of my nights drinking myself to sleep...

At least we are still in the running for the Connor Bedard sweepstakes ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

LOL....I happen to be So Cal, but yes, a HUGE Sharks fan from the Cow Palace days. I will be driving up for the Patrick Marleau retirement game in a couple of weeks.

I hear you on all accounts from drinking myself to sleep and the CB Sweepstakes, but I fear we won't finish dead last or win the lottery.

cup4sharks · Feb 3, 2023

Happy Daze said:
Third party batteries can be a little hit and miss. I've yet to find any that last as long as the original even if the capacity is rated higher. Best get at least two of the third party batteries which is still cheaper than one Panasonic original. You can normally buy them in pairs with a charger which will do the job. My main gripe is not only do third party batteries not last as long in use but they tend to die earlier in terms of useful existence.

My only advice to you is when you finally unbox your camera make sure you fit the lens in a dust free environment. Also, try to point the sensor downward a little to avoid allowing dust to fall inside the sensor chamber. Even in relatively clean rooms dust is still floating around, just hard to see.

Have fun. If the S5II is as good as they say it is, you'll be keeping this for some time to come, so think about buying an original spare battery, over time it will save money.

This is SO helpful. I certainly would have made the newbie mistake of putting the lens on in my home, which also has dog hair floating around. You saved me big time!

I further appreciate the long-term cost savings on the OEM battery.

THANK YOU!!!

cup4sharks · Feb 3, 2023

pdk42 said:
1) You can charge via the camera. Personally I prefer a separate charger (and a spare battery), but it’s not absolutely essential.

2) I find the S5 Mark I absolutely fine for phantom battery drain. I have no issues with drain if the camera is turned off. I’ve also not noticed any problems if I just let the camera go to sleep rather than physically turning it off with the switch.

3) I have a DotFoto branded 3rd party battery which seems almost as good as the original - but in my experience over the years with other batteries for cameras, no 3rd party has ever matched the original for capacity or longevity.

4) Apart from a memory card you’re good to go. If you’re taking stills, is strongly suggest shooting raw and learning to use Lightroom or similar.

THANK YOU!!!

I appreciate and love everything you have said.

You have sparked a follow-up question, please: Regarding #4 and "Lightroom or similar", I realized I don't have a computer that has a powerful enough Graphics Card for photo processing.

As I shop for a laptop that will allow me to fully use the functionality in the photo editing software, I'm wondering if you know much about the NVIDIA GPUs. Laptops featuring their 40 series are about to be released at a premium, but if there are advantages for photo editing it might be worth it. I am not a gamer and if the advantages are for gaming then I might as well get the cheaper outgoing 30 series.

Do you know much about this? Any thoughts?

Thanks again!

cup4sharks · Feb 3, 2023

Thank you Neil!

I really appreciate the video link and your comments.

Enjoy your new camera!

cup4sharks · Feb 3, 2023

Thank you, Greg!!!

cup4sharks · Feb 3, 2023

Thanks, Dan! Solid advice all the way around I really appreciate it! Enjoy the camera.

cup4sharks · Feb 3, 2023

You are awesome! Thank you.

Speaking of editing:

I realized I don't have a computer capable of efficiently running photo editing software.

As I shop for a laptop that will allow me to fully use the functionality in the photo editing software, I'm wondering if you know much about the NVIDIA GPUs. Laptops featuring their 40 series are about to be released at a premium, but if there are advantages for photo editing it might be worth it. I am not a gamer and if the advantages are for gaming then I might as well get the cheaper outgoing 30 series.

Do you know much about this? Any thoughts?

Thanks again!

Off The Mark · Feb 3, 2023

cup4sharks said:
You are awesome! Thank you.

Speaking of editing:

I realized I don't have a computer capable of efficiently running photo editing software.

As I shop for a laptop that will allow me to fully use the functionality in the photo editing software, I'm wondering if you know much about the NVIDIA GPUs. Laptops featuring their 40 series are about to be released at a premium, but if there are advantages for photo editing it might be worth it. I am not a gamer and if the advantages are for gaming then I might as well get the cheaper outgoing 30 series.

Do you know much about this? Any thoughts?

Thanks again!

To be honest, CPU power is more important than graphics processors for photo editing software (maybe some of the photo editing software besides Photoshop and Lightroom make more use of the GPU, but I am not sure).

The GPU plays a bigger role when doing video editing.

Speaking of video editing, Intel processors with an igpu (the 12th and 13th generation processors) are generally better than AMD processors. It is kind of complicated, but they handle encoding and decoding of h.264 / h.265 video codecs well.

Hope this helps.

Received my S5II: Basic Newbie Questions

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