Panasonic Lumix DC-S5 review

Really into the idea of this over the R6 since I’m mostly a stills shooter and like a little more leverage to work with when cropping into my portraits. That said, the more I read the more a lot of people state that 20mp is usually enough. Any thoughts?

May 22, 2021permalink

BokehBro

The R6 will have much better autofocus, for video and stills. The panasonic S5 strength lies in its lenses. The only lenses worth buying for the Canon RF are very expensive, and if you add the RF to EF adaptor (which is awesome by the way, makes all EF lenses feel native, and sometimes even faster due to R6/R5 improved processing and AF power), but they will feel large and front heavy. The Panasonic has the awesome 1.8 primes that are soo so good, light, sharp, weathersealed, native on panasonic. Canon has something similar, but not in the same league. Again, price is another strength for Panasonic. If you buy a camera, you're getting into its ecosystem as well, so look at what the future holds for both systems before making a final decision. Canon will impress from the getgo, but it's costly. Panasonic will improve with time and its a lot more affordable. Choice is yours.

Mar 8, 2022permalink

These are all great points but I opted for a cheap used Sony A7III for now as I found so many affordable lenses available for it. I'm also using the Sigma/EF adaptor for a couple of my old EF lenses and experimenting with some vintage Nikon and Canon FD adaptors which are working nicely. Liking the Sony a lot and planning to get the A7IV soonish.

Mar 9, 2022permalink

Parkasia

I love the Art Filters on my Olympus, how are they on the S5 and can you auto bracket as you can on the Olympus?

Mar 27, 2021permalink

on the S5 there are 22 filter effects and 17 photo style. For more info and some examples visit the Japanese website of the S5: https://panasonic.jp/dc/products/s_series/s5/function.html

It's pretty good. Panasonic's color and filters are among the best.

Mar 28, 2021*permalink

Parkasia

Thanks for the reply and the link.

Mar 28, 2021permalink

i bet if her name was sony there would be a gold award here. but you shouldn't take these test reports so seriously here.

Mar 24, 2021permalink

Nirurin

I mean... if it had Sony's autofocus system, it would have been an easy gold. But it doesn't, so it's a good camera with a handicap.

Apr 21, 2021permalink

for me that is not an argument. panasonic delivers new firmware. the apparently sponsored site here no longer knows what its name stands for. look exactly what dpreview stands for. --- digital PHOTO review ---! sony builds very good cameras, but panasonic can do a lot better. i'm not a brand fan, but more objectivity would be nicer. in my opinion this is no longer the case here. the comments on youtube, too, in the reviews often look compulsively directed towards sony. ah yes, I've been reading here since my powershotA40 in 2002 and don't think I'm imagining anything. Money makes the world go round.

Apr 27, 2021*permalink

Nirurin

You ... completely miss the point. The S5 might deliver new firmware (which is irrelevant, as the review can only take into account how a camera is at the time of the review) but then again they may not. They have not yet put out a firmware that fixes the autofocus, so its still a negative.
I am surprised that it's a silver at 88%, while the X-T4 is a gold at 88%. But then the panasonic is a lot more expensive.

Apr 27, 2021permalink

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.

that's just one criterion for people who jump around like a clown in front of the camera. see youtube.

Apr 29, 2021*permalink

RolliPoli

Bought an S1 for stills shooting when it first came on the market and it's great. However I am now wondering if I should have waited for the S5 The size is very appealing.

Mar 22, 2021permalink

the s1 is a great camera. especially if you use a G9 too like me.

Mar 24, 2021*permalink

Bill-NM

DFD autofocus is a Panasonic tragedy...whoever it is at Panasonic who first suggested/demanded going down the DFD route, and then sticking with it, should have been fired long ago. It's just unforgivable. Especially considering Panasonic otherwise has such great video features.

I'd have been and would still be a Panasonic buyer (a G7 was my first mirrorless camera several years ago) if it weren't for that one fatal (to me) flaw. Panasonic cameras have great features, grips, button placement, colors, etc etc, but that damn continuous video autofocus SUCKS.

Mar 18, 2021permalink

For those uf us that don't really care about video, it's still a superb camera.

Mar 24, 2021permalink

George1958

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.
If any one can crack it, Panasonic will.

Apr 4, 2021*permalink

Vit Adamek

Of course the AF is important for stills too! Especially when it comes to faster moving objects. Most other contemporary cameras with phase detect perform so much better. Panasonic has great ergonomics thanks to the brilliant dedicated AF mode lever and drive dial. Panasonics would have been the best cams if they were not stubborn with adopting phase detect. What a shame.

Jun 29, 2022permalink

I'm baffled to understand how the 8bit only + weak FHD A7III scored higher for video as well as the R6 which is altough good on paper, close to useless in real life (only weak quality option won't cause overheating).

This is an actually usable video tool, so I dont get it.
I presume it was needed so it won't get a gold award?

Also the R6 is all plastic (which you can clearly feel in not a good way) scored higher for build quality than this magnesium alloy sealed tank? Interesting.

Mar 17, 2021*permalink

I second this. The S5 is very capable camera and - given the FW state - even a bit ahead of the much more expensive S1.
If you think that Pany has learned from Sony by offering an affordable camera (which will have to be complemented with glas), you are probably right.

Mar 17, 2021permalink

William Koehler

Because you can not directly compare a camera that came out seven months ago to a camera that came out years ago. The rewards they receive is a function of the state of the industry At The Time They Were Reviewed.

Hope this helps your understanding.

Mar 26, 2021permalink

Well the R6 was released basically at the same time. It offers significantly less video features, than this camera, and still got a higher score (same goes for built quality).

Apr 20, 2021permalink

William Koehler

Sony Alpha A7 III Announced: Feb 27, 2018
Canon EOS R6 Announced: Jul 9, 2020

So 2 1/2 years apart is 'basically at the same time'. Good luck with that.

Apr 20, 2021*permalink

Jeez.. I'm talking about the S5 in comparison to the R6.

Apr 20, 2021permalink

A little more weight is fine for me if it’s more solid. I love the ergonomics of my 5Diii and if the R6 doesn’t feel quite as solid than that’s another reason (besides 24mp) to lean towards this.

May 22, 2021permalink

Zoltan Csuka

It is funny to read all the posts about DFD versus PDAF and trying to explain why Panasonic is not switching despite all the obvious. The answer is more simple than that. Somewhere in Panasonic there must be a stubborn alpha male who surrounded himself with a group of subordinate beta type persons. He will never admit the truth and there is nobody to challenge him from the inside. What a pity.

Mar 16, 2021*permalink

Well, they seem to do pretty well with the latest DFD, and as it keeps getting better with every firmware release, maybe that alpha male will be right in the end...
I have no problems with DFD, and cannot think of a PDAF camera I'd rather have than the S5.

Mar 16, 2021permalink

No firmware update is going to fix the video AF for the current line-up. DFD is limited by the sensor readout speed, that's pretty clear, because it performs much better at APS-C crop. At current stage it can be said, that it is unusable for tracking in video.
If and when Panasonic gets new sensor with faster readout speed (like A9 or A1) we could see some real improvement, however even than it won't be as good as PDAF.

Mar 16, 2021permalink

That may be the case for video, but for stills it rocks. Pro videoshooters tend to use manual..

Mar 16, 2021permalink

Fair point, but these cameras not just for manual-only-pros.
If you're an event shooter, wedding videographer, or just simply working alone, as a one man show you would 100% benefit from good AF in video. Tracking something with manual focus is extremely challenging and it's almost impossible to nail accurately as a single shooter.
AF is a tool that ment to be used in certain situations. You can just as easily turn off AF on Canon and Sony and have manual, but the opposite is not really true with Panasonic.

Mar 16, 2021*permalink

It could obiously be better in videotracking, but to say it's useless is going a bit far. It can track birds in flight with a sigma 100-400 attached in video, so it does work. I've tested on my dog running around and it's definitely working. I get that PDAF is better dor this kind of work, but there are plenty of customers that don't need fast tracking devices.

Mar 16, 2021permalink

I'm saying this from experience. I have the S5. The only way to do tracking is APS-C mode. There are other factors to consider: focal length, depth of field, shutter speed - these also affect the performance.
The native first party 85mm f/1.8 Lumix was basically borderline unusable for anything that moves in FF mode 24p.
I tried all settings FF, APS-C crop, shutter angle, F-stop, sensivitiy-speed.
That's not fiction, that's truth. No camera is perfect. Sony's ibis is just as much a hoax as Panasonic's video AF. Pick your poision.

Mar 16, 2021*permalink

What people overlook (and I have stated that a few times here ...) is the ever increasing importance of AI. I would not rule out the great progress Pany has made being almost entirely attributable to AI - if you can predict "where" an object will be in the - say - next 1/60s, then AF accuracy becomes really exciting.

Don't get me wrong: Sony or Nikon do that, too, and they do it extremely well (if I am not mistaken the Z6 II is the first cam ever that has received 5* in all categories 'Chasseur d'images' evaluates - a French magazine that publishes very comprehensive test results in conjunction with tests performed by DXOMark).

The S5 offers 95% of what I expect. A higher resolution EVF? Nice to have but not the big issue. Full sensor read-out at 4kp60? That would be a game changer.

Given my experience with the G9 (coming from Nikon FX) I have no reservation regarding Pany's user interface. It is simply great.

Mar 16, 2021permalink

(unknown member)

Uhh - you don't know that Zoltan.
I give credit to Panasonic for sticking to their development goal and will have a good long laugh when they perfect it.

Mar 22, 2021permalink

Nestorin

I belive that the sensor isn't the same to the S1 it is not a bsi

Mar 16, 2021permalink

What makes you say that? There is absolutely no info that supports this.
The difference is that the S5 was set up for dual ISO from the begin with. The S1 will only get this in the future via fw update.

Mar 16, 2021permalink

Nestorin

192, I ask Panasonic

Mar 19, 2021permalink

Internet Enzyme

What kills this camera for me is the lens lineup. The only good options are from Sigma, and they aren't the reengineered mirrorless DG DN lenses, but the SLR designs with an L mount. Also, they are prohibitively expensive. Not happy with the L mount selection.

Mar 16, 2021permalink

That's not true. Sigma has many lenses designed specifically for mirrorless. Actually that's the only kind they have been releasing in the past two years? Look it up.

Mar 16, 2021*permalink

Have you actually shot with with any of the Panasonic lenses?

Mar 16, 2021permalink

Internet Enzyme

I know Sigma has many lenses designed specifically for mirrorless: what I'm saying is that, after searching for L mount versions on Amazon, Adorama, and B&H, it seemed like there are gaps in the lineup for L mount. And I should clarify: I'm looking for F1.4 autofocusing primes. The only company selling these is Sigma. I have no desire for a zoom lens, and coming from the Sony APS-C E mount where I have the Sigma trifecta of DC DN F1.4 lenses, I think that the upgrade to full-frame would only be worth it if I can go from a F1.4 APS-C lens with F2.1 equivalency to an F1.4 full-frame lens that would be over a stop faster. F1.8 is mostly a marginal improvement over F2.1. I also don't understand the comment questioning if I have shot on the Panasonic lenses because clearly, I am a prospective purchaser.

Mar 16, 2021*permalink

https://www.panasonic.com/global/consumer/lumix/s/L-Mount.html

Every Sigma lens ever released for mirrorless is released for L Mount.

Mar 16, 2021permalink

Firmware

Mar 16, 2021*permalink

Sigma 85mm F/1.4 DG DN ART. Look no further. Superb lens for L-Mount.

Mar 17, 2021permalink

I don’t think it was clear from your original post that you were a prospective buyer but your follow-up post did clarify both your interest and your specific desire for f1.4 lenses so thanks for that update.

Mar 17, 2021permalink

The sigmas don’t seem way too expensive compared to RF lenses. I like the idea of the kit being 20-60. That extra wide angle would be nice.

May 22, 2021permalink

jonby

The 20-60 lens is producing very nice results on this sensor. Generally nice sharpness, but also attractive rendering.

Mar 15, 2021permalink

Jen Bruntnant

Yep, Panasonic has a winner with this one

May 9, 2021permalink

nicolaiecostel

So way more expensive than a Nikon Z5 with lesser photo-related specs?

Mar 15, 2021permalink

BzonKhou

Where did you read that?

Mar 15, 2021permalink

nicolaiecostel

In this article

Mar 15, 2021permalink

s1oth1ovechunk

How fewer photo specs?

Mar 15, 2021permalink

User7036222305

only 88 %? no, 100 %! :)

Mar 14, 2021*permalink

cyberpi1

How come it doesn’t have front dial? I was thinking “yep, that’s how perfect ergo camera should look like” right before I realized it... Huge omission, imo.

Mar 14, 2021permalink

It has. Around the shutter button.

Mar 14, 2021permalink

It works better than it looks like it would.

Mar 14, 2021permalink

cyberpi1

Oh, my bad. Should’ve read article again. So it’s really perfect ergo camera!

Mar 15, 2021*permalink

BackToNature1

Good for
"Amateur videographers who also want a capable stills camera"

What? Pros say gear doesn't matter.

Mar 14, 2021permalink

Swordman

Yeah, that whole "gear doesn't matter" mantra is a total myth.

Mar 15, 2021permalink

Glen Barrington

Well, as a rule, Gear DOESN'T matter, until that one time it does. It's one of those statements that is both false and true at the same time, no matter what you believe or experience.

Mar 16, 2021*permalink

BackToNature1

Gear always matters, sometimes you might not have what you need and you make do and deal with the results. That one time, really?

Mar 16, 2021permalink

(unknown member)

Seriously the "cons" here are nitpicking or just made up.
And regarding:
"Gear always matters, sometimes you might not have what you need and you make do and deal with the results. That one time, really?"
An actual "pro" would not leave home without what is needed.

Mar 22, 2021permalink

BackToNature1

"An actual "pro" would not leave home without what is needed."

Ah no. Even a Pro only has what they can afford, an that isn't always what's needed. Next.

Mar 22, 2021permalink

Why would anyone take this over a say D780? Oh, preference for a mediocre EVF?

Mar 14, 2021permalink

I wouldn't, but I might prefer an R5 or R6 if I wanted mirrorless.

Mar 15, 2021permalink

I'm only interested in handling and image quality.

Mar 15, 2021permalink

BzonKhou

D780 is not mirrorless (no silent mode). It doesn't have the amazing IBIS, the high res mode, the amazing video quality & feature set (V-Log, 10bit 4:2:2, 4K 60p, 1080p 150p and 180p, zebras, focus peaking, vector scopes, shutter angles etc.). Image quality and handling are probably around the same level, except the D780 is much bigger, of course.

Mar 15, 2021permalink

I would imagine everyone is interested in that. There are other nuanced differences that have a bearing on one's preference. If there weren't, everyone would have more or less the same camera given that few modern devices do not provide good handling and good image quality.

Mar 15, 2021permalink

I was referring to the mediocre EVF which, in my view, does not contribute to good handling. The D780 actually has a very good viewfinder.
Furthermore I forgot to mention that video doesn't interest me. The stills features that BzonKhou (zebra's? LoL) mentions are not material to the image quality the camera produces, with the possible exception of IBIS in some cases. The S5 may be a bit smaller and lighter than the D780, but the S1 certainly isn't...

Mar 15, 2021*permalink

In that case, I agree with you. The EVF is very low res and I would steer well clear. Of current DSLR's, the D780 is a very good camera, but o much of an advance over the equally capable D750 in my view to justify the price tag. Like you, video is not something I am interested in and would be completely discounted if I were in the market for a new camera. The S1 and the S1r are both very heavy, although they do have very nice EVFs! Best, HB.

Mar 15, 2021permalink

Hoxton: the EVF in general still has a way to go to become attractive to me. I held and fondled the Leica SL once in my local shop, and that EVF was a lot better than its competitors at the time, but still... Maybe I should have got one instead of my current D850, haha.
SL's wear nicely (as in nice brassing), as I observed on an Asian tourist last summer in Amsterdam... I was quite envious.

Mar 15, 2021permalink

AlexBoo

Who? Well, there are people like me who has a huge shiny Hope that one day Sigma will release their promised Faveon 1-1-1 design camera, and it gonna be L-Mount. And we know that it not gonna happen in the nearest future, so we need to survive somehow. But we also need to be ready lenses wise for arrival of Messiah, so we just can't go with anything that is not L-Mount. So, see the point? Leica to expensive, which leaves us with very limited choice of Panasonic or Sigma-fp. So, Panasonic cameras feet that gap between gray today and shiny Foveonish future really nice.

Mar 16, 2021permalink

IBIS, No mirrors, a joystick, the better UI, Walkover in features and video capabilites.. Plenty of reasons..

Mar 17, 2021permalink

Fairlane: hardly a walkover. In this instance, I would take the Nikon over a distinctly woeful implementation of EVF on the Panasonic and its poor choice of lenses. Video doesn't concern me, neither does IBIS tbh. You obviously feel different, fine, but hyperbole is not necessary.

Mar 17, 2021permalink

@Hoxton. That's fine, we all have different opinions. For me, the S5 EVF is plenty good, and I much prefer Pana over Nikon, Sony or Canon for the overall feel, build and UI. But I respect other opinions and needs.

Mar 17, 2021permalink

John_Tiou

All samples at low iso , where are the night samples?

Mar 13, 2021permalink

AbrasiveReducer

The example of the high res mode is some people standing by the water. The example of the high res mode on the Olympus was fast moving cars on the highway. Can we infer that the Panasonic with its "class leading" high res mode can produce pleasing results with moving cars?

Mar 13, 2021permalink

Assumption is the mother of all screw-ups.

Mar 14, 2021permalink

onlyfreeman

Is there a Panasonic version of the a7C yet but with a decent EVF or screen? S5C?

Mar 13, 2021permalink

Not yet but I’d really like to see Panasonic develop and release a FF version of a GX8-like body with tilting viewfinder.

Mar 14, 2021permalink

That would be an interesting option.

Mar 15, 2021permalink

jeffharris

@ Bald Ego
I would buy an S-series GX8 is a New York Minute!
Put the GX8’s tilty EVF in it and it’ll be half a minute.

Panasonic does so many things right in terms of ergonomics, handling and interface. I much prefer a streamlined and more discreet rangefinder style body.

Just do it, Panasonic!

Mar 18, 2021permalink

Jones Burman

The most beautiful camera ever

Mar 13, 2021permalink

Dave Oddie

Very nice camera but none are perfect and I think they missed a trick with the lower resolution viewfinder as I think the next generation of this level of cameras will feature higher resolution finders.

That said with the kit lens, a Sigma 100-400 and maybe a Sigma 35mm F2 for lower light you have a massively capable outfit without lugging around a bunch of lenses. For the amateur on a day out shooting you would probably only need the kit lens and 100-400.

Mar 13, 2021permalink

MikePell

I am surprised that nothing was mentioned about ISO and low light capabilities. The author compared it to the Sony a7sIII which is noted for great low light but neglected that feature review altogether.

Mar 13, 2021permalink

Bruggeling

"Good for Amateur videographers" it says. When you look on YouTube, you find a lot of professionals using it as their main video-camera or for their b-camera.

You can also influence the speed and the intensity of the AF-system, lowering the speed somewhat seems to get rid of the so-called "flutter", a video on that : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8LEG9VyKP38&t=37s

Mar 13, 2021permalink

I believe that Panasonic -Lumix underestimates its valuable products. It does not do enough advertising with the rather difficult menu of its cameras and without many choices of menu languages. I have two Panasonic with amazing detailed photo rendering.

Mar 13, 2021permalink

Difficult menu? Huh? The Panasonic S series has the best camera menu system ever. I't well organized and logical, something you can't say from the current market leader.

Mar 13, 2021permalink

Hahaha ! Do not be angry! I am referring to GX-80 that I have and I characterized it as a factory. I wish I could get the S5 and I have an opinion on it!

Mar 13, 2021permalink

So you commented on (implicitly all) Panasonic camera menus without even having ever touched any camera of the S series which this article is all about?

Si tacuisses...

Mar 13, 2021permalink

If you can not accept the well-meaning criticism do not read it. I use a lot of products Panasonic , and I have the right to their well-received criticism for their improvement. If S 5 has the above, a big thumbs up.I said my grievance and did not mention the name S5.

Mar 13, 2021permalink

Some people just never accept when they messed up big time.

Mar 14, 2021permalink

Rudeness is characteristic of people who do not know how to read.

Mar 14, 2021permalink

athensGA

"Some people just never accept when they messed up big time."

Posting a debatable comment on a camera article does not even come close to messing up big time. Catch a clue.

Mar 14, 2021permalink

I think this was more a question of language and expression than 'messing up big time.' I sometimes think people want some kind of grovelling apology for opinions they don't like. The poster clarified his view in a friendly way, what more was necessary...?

Mar 15, 2021*permalink

Panasonic DC-S5
OSD LANGUAGE
Japanese, English, German, French, Italian, Spanish, Polish, Czech, Hungarian, Romanian, Netherlandic, Turkish, Portuguese, Finnish, Danish, Swedish, Greek, Russian.

another camera
Menu Languages
29 Languages
English, German, French, Dutch, Danish, Portuguese, Finnish, Italian, Norwegian, Swedish, Spanish, Greek, Russian, Polish, Czech, Hungarian, Romanian, Ukrainian, Turkish, Arabic, Thai, Simplified Chinese, Traditional Chinese, Korean, Malay, Vietnamese, Indonesian, Hindi, Japanese,
English, German, French, Dutch, Danish, Portuguese, Finnish, Italian, Norwegian, Swedish, Spanish, Greek, Russian, Polish, Czech, Hungarian, Romanian, Ukrainian, Turkish, Arabic, Thai, Simplified Chinese, Traditional Chinese, Korean, Malay, Vietnamese, Indonesian, Hindi, Japanese.

They are written because I want the next camera to be PANASONIC again and to speak my language.

Mar 16, 2021permalink

DPreview reviews are always biased in favour of Canon and Nikon.

The Canon R6 got 90% and Nikon Z6II got 89%, yet the Panasonic S5 got 88% ?

Despite the R6 and Z6II being barebone featureless cameras compared to the S5:

- they lack pixel shift high res shots

- they lack live composite

- they band like crazy at high ISO

- R6 is only 20MP with AA filter

- Z6II's IBIS is inefficient

- R6 can only do 14 bit in single shots with mechanical shutter and EFCS. Otherwise you're always limited to 12bit or 13bit in e-shutter and burst shooting. (deal breaker, I'm selling my R6 for this very reason)

- Z6II's EVF is only 60 fps max (fps is more important than resolution for EVFs)

- R6 is all plastic (it's high end and feels good in hand, but magnesium always feels better)

- Nikon's color science is as weird as Sony

- R6 lacks A and S mode in video (cripple hammer)

- Z6II's video features are...(financial hammer)

I'm starting to see a pattern. The anti DFD propaganda has gone too far.

Mar 13, 2021*permalink

Giving any opinion should be expressed to help matters. To say Nikon and Sony colour is weird without any supporting evidence is not helpful. Colour is almost analogous as it is developed independently as adaptations.

Colour will always be expressed differently by each camera company. What people like is up too them. Nikon colour slightly metallic whereas Sony takes on the Minolta character. Nothing wrong with that?

Mar 13, 2021permalink

check the IBIS comparison and draw a conclusion: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0iVlIRUQe6w

Mar 13, 2021permalink

nameless0ne

So now u realized that Canon R is better camera than R6? ))

Mar 13, 2021permalink

I would add also r6 overheating issues, small selection of native affordable lenses, high rolling shutter in video, poor quality kit lens and the noticeable higher price of the r6 body

Mar 13, 2021permalink

I still wouldn't say the R is better than the R6 because it lacks an IBIS. I don't own an R, but the EVF is 60 fps. Can it do 14bit RAW with the electronic shutter ? If yes then it could be better than the R6.

Mar 13, 2021permalink

Correct, I completely forgot the overheating (because I don't shoot videos). And yes the STM 24-105 kit lens vignettes a lot at 24mm. The corners are all black at 24mm.

And the native mid range RF lenses suffer from serious product segmentation policies: STM AF, noisy and extruding and no sealing against dust. That's a shame because the 35, 50 and 85mm could have been the best lenses in the segment if they had proper AF motors and construction like Panasonic and Nikon's offerings.

Mar 13, 2021*permalink

nameless0ne

IBIS gives maximum 2 stops and only in lenses wider than 50 mm. People overestimate value of IBIS. Normally, there is no need for IBIS if u shoot <50mm, and tele is more effective with optical IS. So just use right lenses, and no practical need for IBIS with R.

Mar 13, 2021*permalink

No need for IBIS? Pass me what you're smoking. There are plenty of places on this planet where tripods are banned or frowned upon. IBIS is another tool that expands your shooting envelope. I can easily handhold half a second exposures and have them come out sharp. You're not doing that without IBIS.

Mar 13, 2021permalink

nameless0ne

Have you heard about optically stabilized lenses?

Mar 13, 2021permalink

I have. Sadly there are few stabilised primes nor is optical stabilisation as good as Dual Stabilisation.

Mar 13, 2021*permalink

Mr_Win

TBF, two percentage off doesn’t mean much. I’d rather get the Panasonic before canon and Nikon offerings.

Mar 13, 2021permalink

TomCodyPleasedToMeetYa

Nikon has a better range of lenses than Panasonic at this time. The L mount lenses are all big and heavy and very expensive.

Mar 14, 2021permalink

Panasonic has excellent 85mm 1.8 for only 598$ and later this year Panasonic will add 24mm 1.8, 35mm 1.8, 50mm 1.8 for the similar price. So no advantage for Nikon here either.

Mar 14, 2021*permalink

When it comes to affordable lenses under 1200$, Panasonic has a 20-60mm kit lens (unique in the industry), 85 f/1.8, 16-35 f/4

Soon there will be a 24mm, 35mm and 50mm f/1.8. And they all share the same filter thread.

They're all reasonably priced, small, internal AF, and weather sealed (unlike Canon RF).

That pretty much covers anything from landscape, street and portrait.
All Panasonic lacks is an astro wide angle, wildlife 100-400mm and a 100mm macro.... and that's already offered by Sigma natively.

Nikon is not ahead of L-mount's offerings under 1200$.

Mar 14, 2021permalink

Einride

Last I looked Nikon has some of the most recognised and loved colours in the business. And the ibis is regarded as some of the best. Doesn’t have the numbers of the Canon but certainly comparable in practice.

Personally I think the S5 is a somewhat lesser camera than both the Z6ii and the R6 and seems like DPR agrees.

Mar 14, 2021permalink

tbcass

Funny Valentine
Why do you care what score DPR gives the camera? 88% seems great to me.

Mar 14, 2021permalink

For goodness sake...

Mar 15, 2021permalink

ausfarmerjoe

I think you're somewhat harsh on the Nikon colour science - before purchasing my S5 I owned a number of Nikon bodies from 2008 through to 2021. I found the Nikon colours to be very pleasing and mostly accurate except for applying too much vibrancy to the greens for my liking which I had to correct in post. I was also spoilt by a suberb AF system on the D500 which I have to say I do miss, the S5 AF is what I would call acceptable vs satisfying.

Sep 26, 2022*permalink

Therein lies the dilemma for natural colours Lumix edges Nikon ever so slightly in general. For camera design Fuji XT series as my preference by using their best lenses. Qualification: Fuji colours sometimes lack vibrancy in low-light situations. So where does that leave Canon; probably the first choice of professionals?

Sep 28, 2022permalink

forest dream

Price just a bit more than Fujiflm X-T4. Lumix DC-S5 (FF) only more heavy 100g than Fujiflm X-T4 (APS-C).

Mar 13, 2021*permalink

Of the two; Panasonic S5 more interesting as full frame at least on paper. But the final decision based on personal lens selection; which company offers the best prime lenses which are affordable and in proportion to the camera body. That is why Fuji has made a name for itself with a strong following.

Mar 13, 2021permalink

Most of the Fuji prime lenses have slow noisy AF that is holding back the overall Fuji cameras performance. Selection of good AF performing Fuji lenses is limited and expensive

Mar 13, 2021permalink

My experience with XT-2 w/Fuji 16mm f1,4 and XT-3 w/50mm f2 perform as expected with fast auto focus and no lens focusing sound. Fuji make some inexpensive compact lenses like 50mm f2. Fuji 16mm f1,4 probably the best lens ever owned by me; good size and weight.

Sold my Sony 90mm macro because it had a tendency to hunt all the time. No wonder manual focus lenses more popular these days. Anyway one can not keep changing systems; mugs game?

Mar 13, 2021*permalink

And now that there is a number of third parties like Viltrox producing XF lenses, the Fujifilm X ecosystem is even more attractive.

Mar 14, 2021permalink

(unknown member)

Autofocus on the S5 is very good. It’s just that other new cameras have become incredible.
I’ve seen rumors Panasonic will add ToF to DfD in their up coming cameras. If true they will have a good advantage over OSPDAF. Those sensors have artifacts and a small % of pixels are blocked and interpolated.

Mar 13, 2021permalink

ausfarmerjoe

I Have the S5 and I would describe the AF as acceptable. My older D500 from 2016 has much faster and more accurate AF.

Sep 26, 2022permalink

Welsh

I don’t shoot Panasonic (although my first digital camera was a LUMIX G3). I don’t understand why they don’t move away from DFD focusing - it hurts them in every review. Is there some reason (a patent?) why they cannot use PDAF?

Mar 12, 2021permalink

forest dream

Are they worry PDAF pixel on sensor impact IQ?

Mar 13, 2021permalink

Because:
- On sensor PDAF on mirrorless cameras creates artefacts, banding and false interpolation. It also reduces the effective resolution. It's also prone to production defects as the AF happens on a layer above the sensor and some misalignments or extra microns can make the AF inconsistent.

- DPAF sacrifices half the pixels for AF, lacks consistency, and create artefacts too. It also slows down the sensor's readout speed as it needs double the megapixels for AF. DPAF also works only in one orientation and can be tricked by geometrical patterns.

DFD has its own downsides, but has many strong assets than PDAF and DPAF can never match.

Mar 13, 2021*permalink

With S5 latest firmware AF hit rate is the same as with my Sony A7c camera(I don’t shoot professional sports).

Mar 13, 2021permalink

The problem with DfD is that it's inconsistent. There are times when something looks in focus in the viewfinder, but it's not. There are times when the viewfinder is wobbling like crazy, and it's in focus. Mind you, the last Panasonic camera I used was the G9, so things may have changed.

Mar 13, 2021permalink

Dave Oddie

@Funny Valentine I think all those cons of PDAF you list even if they exist are irrelevant.

Look at the photos taken by the latest PDAF featured cameras from Sony, Nikon and Canon and they are not blighted by artefacts. They all produce excellent output.

Therefore I don’t think justifying DFD on what are nonexistent issues with PDAF is a reason for Panasonic to stick with DFD. They need to demonstrate something positive that makes DFD better. Saying the competition is worse when it clearly isn’t is negative marketing and doesn’t convince me that there is some inherent advantage to DFD. If there is they should shout about it and it should stand on its own merit without needing to highlight issues that don’t exist in the real world with other makes.

Mar 13, 2021*permalink

You can’t compare AF performance of G9 and S5. AF performance of s5 is better than most PDAF based cameras. I have sold G9 as even with 2.0 firmware it wasn’t consistent enough. S5 with latest firmware is on level where I don’t see much difference between s5 and my Sony A7c(street, event, family, travel, pet photography)

Mar 13, 2021permalink

@Mentt Good to hear. I really like Panasonics UI, design and glass (PL 10-25 f/1.7 and PL 200 f/2.8 are my all time favourite lenses), so I'll probably give the S5 a look once there is more glass available from Sigma.

Mar 13, 2021*permalink

The Lamentable Lens

@FunnyValentine: As a former Panasonic (stills) shooter, I know how well the DFD AF performs in practice, and it's way better than one would think if they only ever read about it in a DPR forum. I always found it to be fast and accurate.

On the other hand, I currently use a Sony camera as my primary kit (and a Fuji with PDAF as a second camera) and @DaveOddie is spot on. I've read many times that DFD produces superior IQ because PDAF creates artifacts (etc.), but I've yet to see any actual evidence of this in actual use. It may be true in theory, but we don't take theoretical pictures. Panasonic cameras are routinely criticized (rightly or wrongly) for not implementing PDAF, and Panasonic's stubbornness on this issue can't be helping sales.

Mar 15, 2021*permalink

Kari T

I am stills shooter only and have been using Olympus MFT gear for years. Olympus is great and I still have one body and lenses. Olympus is - as a crop sensor - strong at telephoto and macro shooting! But in low light it does not shine. Therefore I started to look around full frame system. Sony would have been great in almost everything, but built quality and ergonomics, which did not impress me. Canon R6 is 20 megapixels only and R5 too expensive to me as a hobbyist. Nikon Z6 II was strongest option to me but it does not have high resolution mode and it is slightly more expensive than S5. So I bought S5 and have been very happy with it. I have 20-60 kit lense, Sigma 14-24 Art, Sigma 24-70 Art, Panasonic Lumix S 70-200 f2.8 and Panasonic Lumix S 85/f1.8. All lenses are great and especially handheld low light photography is a real joy now compared to MFT. I wish Panasonic will make custom bracketing possible like in Olympus E-M1.2. Anyway, S5 is really good for stills photography too!

Mar 12, 2021permalink

arhmatic

I am saving my money for the Leica version of this. 3x more I am ok.

On a serious note - GOOD DESIGN SELLS. I am baffled seeing basically all of the major manufacturers ignoring this market - well-designed, simple, minimalistic. I can't afford a Leica but I totally understand the buyers. Some can do it because they can afford it, some are buying the ART of industrial design.

Mar 12, 2021permalink

onlyfreeman

Yeah, all I want is a yellow camera. Only Pentax understand.

Mar 13, 2021permalink

W7REE

I tried the Lumix S5, but had to return it due to two software flaws: First, intermittently, it would not save to my SD II memory card, or any of several other SD cards (nothing wrong with the card - properly formatted and works perfectly in all other cameras both before the S5 and since). Second, EVF and LCD intermittently went blank (no it was not because it timed out or because anything came close to the back light sensor on the camera). These are firmware faults.

Mar 12, 2021permalink

Sounds like you got a defective one. I don't think either problem is in any way firmware related; we'd hear of hundreds, if not thousands of other users complaning about it.

Mar 13, 2021permalink

Major_Triad

Definitely not firmware faults. That was a defective camera. I have not experienced any of the things you described.

Mar 13, 2021permalink

compared DPreview’s S5 vs XT4 in 1080, S5 wins in details but loses in true colours. I love fuji true colours (no artifacts)

Mar 12, 2021permalink

Max Shutter

In as far as DPR bestowing awards along with the reviews, I think the time is has arrived for dividing the awards on the photo and video side of things. I say that because my takeaway from reviews is that cameras are experiencing too much credit for good video...or stills, and conversely too much blame for not so good on one side or the other.
Onto this camera. Whatever the intention of Panasonic, for me, the imaging is the attraction here. If only there was a better lens selection right now, and an updated EVF, though that alone wouldn't deter me as much as the availability of lenses in my wheelhouse.

Mar 12, 2021permalink

Laszlo13

Here here - fully agree. I've really started to get frustrated with the intermingling of photo and video features / merits. The video features used to be just a section, but you now see features assessed for photo video throughout a review. This results in reviews claiming the Panasonic G100 as the worst camera released whereas it's actually a great camera for photography for its size (no other camera has an equivalent EVF for example in that size).

Mar 12, 2021permalink

Tom_A

Probably the coolest kit lens out there.

Mar 12, 2021permalink

Major_Triad

I honestly think reviewers are afraid to give this kit lens the praise it deserves. The 20-60mm, for the price, is one of the best lenses I’ve ever owned. Compare it’s sharpness to the Canon 24-105mm f4 L it literally blows it out of the water. I’m so shocked by the quality of the Panasonic that I can’t believe there isn’t more hype around this kit lens. Granted, the S5 is only 24MP, but this lens appears to have resolving power well beyond what the camera can capture.

Mar 13, 2021permalink

This is very valuable input - thanks a lot! I was seriously considering the S1 for it is available with the 24 - 105mm (f4) lens. I am a huge fan of m43 but do not like the simple kit lenses. Great to see that Pany has improved.

Mar 16, 2021permalink

Fotoni

Someone said that S5 was released in September and the review is *finally* out in March...

Well, Sigma fp was released in October...2019...and the review is...where?

Sigma fp is cheaper than S5 and can record RAW video...internally...without Atomos. That is a huge benefit for budget shooters.

Also waiting Sigma Art 40mm lens review because it is modern design and the focal length is interesting for video recordig. The lens was released in November...2...0...1..8...sigh

Mar 12, 2021permalink

Thematic

😲.

Mar 12, 2021*permalink

oustafong

love the fp

Mar 12, 2021permalink

I guess it is because Sigma fp is a video camera

Mar 12, 2021permalink

Given how heavily video factors into camera reviews these days, I'd say that point is moot. The fp also has still imaging capabilities that are quite good, as long as there aren't a lot of fast moving vertical lines involved.

Mar 12, 2021permalink

Welsh

@Fotoni: I have the Sigma Art 40mm and it is near perfect. Probably the best lens I own. I mainly shoot a Canon R5, but the Sigma also works well (without vignetting) adapted to my Fujifilm GFX 50R.

Mar 12, 2021permalink

Prognathous

Say it loud: "pee... dee... ei... ef..."

One more time!

Mar 12, 2021permalink

latest is Omni pixel auto focus (see Oppo Find X3 Pro)

Mar 12, 2021permalink

At this pricepoint, and for what the S5 offers, it deserves a GOLD medal.
It's just that good.

Mar 12, 2021permalink

Certainly Panasonic S5 gets high marks for what it offers. Made in Japan? However the market is saturated with Nikon and Canon capturing lost ground from Sony. Judging by the number of people who own Panasonic full frame cameras declared on this website indicates Panasonic has a lot of work to do to convince new buyers. Much depends on the Chinese consumer market which is dominated by Canon and Sony.

Mar 12, 2021permalink

Farlane, it is short of 3%. Gold badge now requires 91%

Mar 12, 2021permalink

https://www.dpreview.com/reviews?category=cameras

Nothing seems to get a gold if it isn't Sony these days. There's more to a camera than how fast it focuses.

Mar 12, 2021permalink

MikeRan

Since January 2010, 10 camera bodies got gold awards.
3 Sonys, 3 Canons, 2 Fiujifilm, 1 Nikon, 1 Panasonic

Mar 12, 2021permalink

Mister J

Nice cam after a two-week test, with good ergonomics.
Hi-res mode very useful for studio work, needs a solid tripod for landscapes.

Mar 12, 2021permalink

This camera can't be touched at this price point. For video, the only better solutions are the much more expensive S1H and the A7SIII.

And it has many video features that the A7SIII doesn't. Yes, at the same time it lacks many features that the A7SIII has, but still it has a a more detailed 4k capture thanks to the 24mp sensor, a better IBIS (yes I tried, and I can tell you noone can touch Panasonic's IBIS, even the S5's), DCI 4K, Shutter Angle, 1,5 Crop mode 4k, a better screen. And at the sime time, it has twice the resolution for stills. All that for 1500USD less.

Yes AF won't work nearly as good, but still. This is an amazing value video oriented camera.

Mar 12, 2021*permalink

I second that. It is a beast of a camera and 'entry level' (?) at the same time.
The combination of high quality video and 24 MP with 'Dual Native ISO' makes it a winner. My most obvious use case would be using the S5 in a cage but that would make it difficult to use it for the occasional photo shooting.
Having witnessed how much Pany had progressed AF on the G9 I have no reservations (AI is taking over - the system war will end in 2-3 years).
But I am sure people who have never touched gear by this manufacturer will tell me that I am all wrong -:)
Alternatives? Sony A7 III is no match. The Sigma fp looks interesting (and supports export in BRAW) but can it cope feature-wise?
The S1 looks more mature but its technology is older.

As many others have stated, the real 'pièce de résistance' is related to the exaggerated prices for glas. I have spent quite a bit of money on Oly PRO lenses and found I was getting excellent value (probably my preferred gear ever).

Mar 12, 2021permalink

Ying Yon

"but still it has a a more detailed 4k capture thanks to the 24mp sensor"

It has good video quality for static objects and if there is no panning. Once you have action and movement a camera like A7Siii with its much faster readout will have significantly better video.

S5 seems to lack cable free mic solutions that cameras like A7C or A7Siii has?

Mar 12, 2021*permalink

I'm not saying this is a better video camera, but there are certain features which evens out the gap between the two.
As you said the more detailed 4k even if it's only for static scenes, the extra reach with APS-C crop can be also very useful with primes, shutter angle for convenience, customizable manual focus throw with Lumix lenses, DCI4K, better ibis and truly superb stabilisation with stabilised Lumix lenses. I'm not going to list the Sony's advantages because it has also many, many (high fps 10bit, better af, full size hdmi...etc).
But, it offers them at a +1500USD.
I think if you consider the price this camera is unbeatable for videographers who don't require tracking AF in video.
For stills it also very different beast. Sony has better AF and more FPS, but this one has a 24MP sensor and high res mode. Matter of preference I suppose.

Mar 12, 2021*permalink

eduard_v

where is it for 1500 usd?)

Mar 12, 2021permalink

just sad, no 4k60 with unlimited record time. otherwise, best value for interviews and long speeches

Mar 12, 2021permalink

I thought Panasonic's video was 10 bit?

Mar 12, 2021permalink

RainerL

Another happy owner, and fine with the AF, like that it's adjustable. I find the "AF on" button in just the right place. I mainly use the EVF so that I can see what I'm shooting in bright sunlight and hardly care about the resolution. As for the burst speed, I don't recall the review mentioning you can shoot up to 5952×3968 (6K, 3:2. HEVC) at 30fps. The negative for me is the lens prices. Maybe Panasonic is using the same strategy as inkjet printer manufacturers: cut the cost of the printer and recoup on ink.

Mar 12, 2021permalink

kty

I'm a happy owner of this camera together with the 20-60 lens. I switched from S1 and also got the Sigma 45 lens for free thanks to the launch deal.
For people who like to make videos with old manual focus lenses, this is the best camera!

Mar 11, 2021permalink

That would be lots of professional video production houses with the follow focus rigs and such.

Mar 12, 2021permalink

kty

Absolutely. Such houses already know what they need and what they could get. But I also wanted to include enthusiasts because the price is very attractive. As a professional reseller on ebay, I can definitely tell that the interest in old lenses is rising massively in the last years. This shows that people like to toy around with the possibilities.

Mar 14, 2021permalink

The L mount alliance is a few million PDAF pixels away from being the best system out there.

Mar 11, 2021permalink

DFD is superior - for photography. Test it yourself indoors in low light and you will see. The amateurish tests presented here and on youtube are irrelevant.

Mar 12, 2021permalink

Kumimajava

As someone who had, at the same time, an A7riii, R6 and the S5 in the same room, and tested this - sadly, I cannot agree. I'm not exactly sure what it is you're expecing us to "see" regarding the supriority of DFD? In low light? Do tell...

In my comparisons, the AF on S5 was struggling where both R6 and the Sony would catch focus quickly; especially true for eye-ef indoors (evening with overhead lighting). In good light, and outdoor (daytime) photograpy- S5 is fine/adequate, and has become my main "walkabout" camera due to ergonomics.

Indoors, and in low-light - I have "seen", for myself. No idea what "youtube tests" are out there - but based on my own experience, I'd not trust the S5 in low light anywhere near as much as the R6 or even previous-generation Sonys.

Hoping that down the road Panasonic gets the low-light AF closer to the cuting edge - I like everything else about their bodies... YMMV

Mar 12, 2021*permalink

The benefit of DFD is no banding from the masked-off pixels. That's it. PDAF systems will require less lens movement and produce more 'stable' continous AF by actually knowing the distance of a subject.

Depth-aware imaging will become more important in the future for computational photography, for example stopping down a lens for better quality but still getting perfect bokeh or applying greater noise reduction in out-of-focus areas

Mar 12, 2021permalink

@Kumimajava

I don't believe you.

Mar 12, 2021permalink

Double post

Mar 12, 2021*permalink

Kumimajava

@AccursedSpermaceti You're welcome to believe what you want.

But it is odd when you're telling people to "do their own testing" rather than listening to other tests on youtube/here, and when someone (me!) went and did their own tests, in situations where they actually use these cameras, daily - Then your response is " don't believe you". How very magnanimous of you.

I actually still have & use cameras from Canon (R6), Sony( a7rii - downgraded from the a7riii), and Panasonic (S5, just sold GX85 after many years of good service), side by side, for different purposes. I don't have a reason to "put down" a particular brand for fan-boy-ism, but equally, I don't think it's helpful to anyone to spread misinformation.

So, in my own low-light tests in my home, R6 and a7riii catch face/eye-AF quickly and reliably. The S5 is slow & hunts, and misses more often. Set to AF-C mode, human/eye-AF focusing. Similarly, the S5 struggles to objec-track, in same condition where R6 doesn't. YMMV

Mar 13, 2021permalink

its_a_knife

I love Panasonic and wish they put everything in the S5 in the S1. I'm a tall person and the S1 body is perfect for my hands. I know they will in like a year or two like the G9, I'm just impatient.

Mar 11, 2021permalink

Can't they release a firmware update with the new AF behavior?

Mar 11, 2021permalink

generationfourth

is there a grip for the S5?

Mar 12, 2021permalink

padam19

S1 firmware update coming next week.

Mar 12, 2021permalink

its_a_knife

Not sure about AF but that doesn’t really concern me because i use manual focus most of the time.

Don’t know if there’s a grip, but the S1 is cheaper on eBay and has a full size HDMI.

I’m looking forward to the update. I just really want that 4K DCI at 400 Mbps just like the GH5 and S1H.

Mar 12, 2021permalink

FuhTeng

Glad it has some nice video tools because I can see no other advantages against even older and less expensive rivals.

I just don't think superior video tools, but with much inferior AF, make for a compelling case.

Mar 11, 2021permalink

Elisam

That’s assuming you prioritise AF over video features. It’s nice to have choice.

Mar 11, 2021permalink

generationfourth

I personally find the AF on my G9 to be quite good, granted I don't use it for video. And I don't have much experience with other camera's AF systems. I've shot some pretty demanding things with AFC and the hit rate has been impressive and I also find AFS to be lightning fast on Panasonic cameras. Personally I'd think this would make a great camera for someone who shoots primarily stills.

I'm just so over watching video reviews of any Panasonic camera because they are made by vloggers who definitely only shoot video and they just cry about it all video.

Mar 12, 2021permalink

(unknown member)

At least the 20-60mm kit lens is best in class, compared to 24-... or 28-.. by others. Imagine how much fun this focal range offers!

Mar 11, 2021permalink

junk1

That and the super res mode attract me. Hopefully it sells poorly and price gets cut!

Mar 11, 2021permalink

Elisam

So would the Panasonic 24-105/4 or the Canon 24-105/4.

Mar 11, 2021permalink

The only comparable lens is the panasonic-leica 10-25mm, but that is in a completely different price bracket and for a different system. Still though, You could buy a g9 and a used 10-25mm for the same price as the s5 and 20-60 kit lens and get a faster equivalent constant aperture, though you would be limited in upgrade options

Mar 11, 2021permalink

DualSystemGuy

I wish Panasonic weren't so stubborn with their CDAF, that is really holding them back compared to the competition in that area, and that's a pretty important area.

Mar 11, 2021permalink

I prefer dfd as SAF speed and accuracy is my priority. I consider Sony's af inferior as I don't photograph hipsters weaving towards the camera.

Mar 11, 2021permalink

DualSystemGuy

Pretty close minded statement there if you think the only use for AF tracking is "hipsters weaving towards the camera".

Single target stationary AF speed is literally instant for all intents and purposes on every decent camera these days, that is not hard to do. At that point the AF motors in the lenses are likely the bigger factor.

Mar 11, 2021*permalink

photofan1986

@DualsystemGuy,
I don't agree. As a micro43 user myself, I was pretty disappointed with the S-af performance of my A7iii in comparison. The "wysiwyg" on the Sony makes it very slow when you're shooting anything above wide open aperture.

Mar 12, 2021permalink

"Single target stationary AF speed is literally instant for all intents and purposes on every decent camera these days, that is not hard to do. At that point the AF motors in the lenses are likely the bigger factor."

No it is not. You clearly have not tested this yourself.

Panasonic is much faster than Nikon and Sony in this regard. It makes a material difference capturing candid environmental portraits. I have tested this extensively indoors in low light. Sony (at least 18 months ago when I last tested it) has terrible SAF acquisition speed in low light - hunting all over the place. Outdoors, in the day, the video AF for Sony is great and class leading, but I do not care about that so I would choose Panasonic every time because of its DFD system and quick lenses.

Mar 12, 2021permalink

DualSystemGuy

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.

You mean to tell me you can notice the difference in the ranges of 0.02 seconds which is around what all these cameras claim? I'm sorry but I don't believe that. Based on your description there was almost certainly something wrong with your camera or settings as that is the opposite result of my tests. I guess that is why "YMMV". What lenses were yo using? As mentioned that makes a huge difference.

Mar 12, 2021permalink

"Hipsters weaving towards you". So I take it you don't like to shoot sports or wildlife? That's fine, but let's not kid ourselves that Panasonic's DfD holds up in AF-C there.

Mar 13, 2021permalink

ottonis

Thanks a lot for this long awaited review!!

I have one question: how is 1080p video quality? Is the 1080p stream oversampled or pixel binned?
Moreover, are 30 min limitations on 4k 10 bit video modes due to overheating and are there any workarounds for that limit?

Mar 11, 2021permalink

LuxShots

No workarounds except use an external recorder.

Mar 11, 2021permalink

OZcamera2

1080p is oversampled from 5.9K image. 30min limit is internal recording, and you can just press again to continue recording. This 30mins is guaranteed at 40C ambient temp vs competitors which rate at 23-26C. Only 10bit 4K internal have time limit, 10bit 1080p 25/50 are unlimited recording.

Mar 11, 2021permalink

ottonis

@ozcanera2 thanks a lot for the info!

Mar 12, 2021permalink

LuxShots

@OZcamera2, while you can restart recording immediately, this won't help when shooting interviews or weddings.

Mar 15, 2021permalink

bluevellet

A decent effort, good for them to offer a S camera at a more competitive price. But no PDAF (or their DFD tech is not as good as PDAF) is a killer for me.

On flipside, the kit lens looks fun.

Mar 11, 2021permalink

s1oth1ovechunk

But it is as good as PDAF no? I mean, not as good as Sony? Maybe Canon? But as good as other PDAF.

There is that pulsing though...

Mar 11, 2021permalink

Dfd is superior.

Mar 11, 2021permalink