Panasonic Lumix S5 IIX Review

Article: main image URL: https://static.photocdn.pt/images/articles/2023/12/21/Panasonic_Lumix_S5_IIX_Review.webp
Article: description: Panasonic Lumix S5 IIX is a full-frame hybrid camera with a distinct focus on video. Its phase-detect autofocus system is just one of many superb features that make it a wise choice for shooting video in 2024.
0
1

While Panasonic is best known for its micro four thirds cameras, they recently started producing some amazing full-frame mirrorless cameras, too. One of those cameras is the all-new Panasonic Lumix S5 IIX, and if you are considering making one your next camera, you’ve come to the right place! 

In this Panasonic Lumix S5 IIX review, we’ll share a basic camera overview, break down its photo and video specs, recommend our favorite compatible lenses to shoot with, and more. Additionally, thanks to innovative websites like MPB, buying a used mirrorless camera has never been cheaper and easier.

Who is MPB? It is a trustworthy and reliable online platform selling pre-owned photography and videography gear at unbeatable prices. Better yet, all of its cameras and lenses are hand-inspected by knowledgeable product specialists with years of experience and backed by six-month warranties, allowing you to make your purchases confidently and worry-free.

We love MPB because, over the years, we have saved thousands of dollars buying, selling, and trading in photography equipment on their one-of-a-kind online marketplace. You can start saving, too, by visiting their website today. With that said, keep reading as we explore everything there is to know about the Panasonic Lumix S5 IIX!

Check out the video above by Kevin Le to learn why the Panasonic Lumix S5 IIX was one of the best cameras for content creators in 2023 and why it will remain so moving forward into 2024. 

Table of Contents

Panasonic Lumix S5 IIX: Overview

The video-oriented Panasonic Lumix S5 IIX was released in the middle of 2023, a few months after its sibling, the S5 II. It’s the newest camera in Panasonic’s S lineup of full-frame hybrid cameras and was designed with professional content creators in mind. The camera features a 24.2-megapixel sensor and a powerful new image processor co-developed with Leica.

The S5 IIX is the first Panasonic Lumix camera with a phase-detection autofocus system. This significantly improves its AF performance and makes it comparable to other high-end Canon and Nikon mirrorless cameras. Moreover, the AF can automatically recognize, lock onto, and track humans and animals. A face/eye-detection mode is also available. 

Ergonomically speaking, the S5 IIX is superb. It’s smaller and lighter than most full-frame cameras currently on the market, making it a good choice for traveling and hiking. On top of that, it has a high-resolution electronic viewfinder (EVF), a fully articulated rear display, an eight-way AF control stick, and various customization options. 

Now, here’s an in-depth look at the Panasonic Lumix S5 IIX specs and key features:

  • Camera Type: Mirrorless
  • Sensor: 24.2MP Full-Frame CMOS Sensor
  • ISO: 100 - 51,200 (expandable to 50 - 204,800)
  • Lens Mount: Leica L Mount
  • Speed: 30.0 fps
  • Autofocus: 779 focus points
  • Video: 6K/30p, 4K/60p, & 1080p/180p
  • Size/Weight: 134 x 102 x 90 mm / 740 grams
  • Battery Life: 370 shots
  • Stabilization: Yes
  • Touchscreen: Yes
  • Weather-Sealed: Yes
  • Used Panasonic Lumix S5 IIX Price: $2,049

Panasonic Lumix S5 IIX: Imaging Capabilities

We know that some photographers will be disappointed by the 24.2MP max resolution of the Panasonic Lumix S5 IIX, but it makes up for it in other ways. For instance, the large size of the pixels and the dual native ISO make it a good camera for low-light photography. You can expect sharp photos with minimal noise, whether working in a dimly lit studio or outside under the stars. 

RAW images deliver up to 14 stops of dynamic range and store tons of extra information in the highlights and lowlights. This provides photographers with great flexibility and allows them to make all the essential edits your images need in post-production. However, if you need to regularly enlarge images for print, it’s not the best choice. Go for the Sony A1 instead. 

The 96MP high-resolution multi-shot mode and fast burst shooting are two more notable imaging features. When using multi-shot mode, your camera should be on a tripod, and it’s ideal for cityscapes and landscapes. At the same time, the maximum continuous shooting speed of 30 frames per second (fps) makes it a solid choice for action and sports photography. 

Learn More:

Panasonic Lumix S5 IIX: Video Capabilities

While the S5 II was already a powerful video camera, the Panasonic Lumix S5 IIX takes it to a new level. The biggest difference between the two cameras is that the S5 IIX captures RAW video with less compression. Beginners probably won’t notice the difference, but it’s a game-changer for professionals.

Regarding video quality and resolution, the S5 IIX boasts 6K, 4K, and Full HD video capabilities. It records 6K footage at up to 30 fps, 4K as high as 60 fps, and 1080p slow motion video at 120 fps. On top of that, a built-in fan cools down the camera during video shooting to prevent overheating. For you, the fan means unlimited 4K recording and 6K for up to 30 minutes.

Other luxury video features include Dual I.S. 2 image stabilization, live streaming, and dual UH-S II SD card slots. The stabilization reduces camera shake and boosts the quality of handheld video. It can live stream to platforms like YouTube, Twitch, and Microsoft Teams. And the two memory card slots let you record uninterrupted for longer. 

Recommended Lenses for the Panasonic Lumix S5 IIX

Here’s a quick list of some of the best Leica L Mount lenses for photo and video to pair with the Panasonic Lumix S5 IIX. 

Final Thoughts on the Panasonic Lumix S5 IIX

If you are a hybrid content creator who leans more towards video, you will be hard-pressed to find a better camera in 2024 than the Panasonic Lumix S5 IIX. And once you factor in price, nothing tops it!  

Before deciding, do you want to compare this Panasonic hybrid camera against its competitors? Check out the list below of other Panasonic S and Panasonic G mirrorless cameras on sale now at MPB. 

A quick heads-up: If you snag something through our affiliate links or check out our sponsored content, we might earn a commission at no extra cost to you. But fear not, we're all about recommending stuff we're truly stoked about!

Learn More: