Just announced at the 2023 Consumer Electronics Show (CES), Panasonic’s 24-megapixel LUMIX S5II and the LUMIX S5IIX follow in the footsteps of the original S5 but come with performance and feature upgrades. While both new cameras are essentially the same, the S5IIX offers an all-black design—even the logos are black—for a sleek and stealthy look as well as some extras such as USB tethering, RAW video output, 5.8K Apple ProRes recording on SSD, Wireless and Wired IP streaming and USB tethering.

New in the LUMIX S5II and S5IIX: Phase Detection Auto Focus

Those differences aside, the S5II and S5IIX offer a number of improvements, including a new 24-megapixel sensor that paves the way for the implementation of Phase Detection Auto Focus (PDAF). The S5II/S5IIX are the first LUMIX mirrorless cameras with PDAF. Together with the cameras’ 779 AF points, autofocus—including tracking—has been substantially improved. Panasonic says they have concentrated on fine tuning tracking capabilities, the ability to isolate a subject when several people are in the scene and faster, more accurate AF for Vloggers and YouTubers.

Video Capabilities: Real Time LUT

But these are hybrid cameras so it’s no surprise that Panasonic has paid close attention to the S5II and S5IIX’s video capabilities and compares them to those of the higher end LUMIX S1H model. Thanks, in part, to a new imaging engine, the new models offer 4:2:0 10-bit 6K (3:2)/5.9K (16:9). Among the many video features, one of the most intriguing (at least to us) is the Real Time LUT that provides color grading in-camera. It’s an interesting option but if you need to deliver content immediately and don’t have time to color grade or aren’t really comfortable with color grading—sounds like a feature that’s worth exploring.

LUMIX S5II and S5IIX: Improved Image Stabilization

Panasonic has also improved image stabilization with tis 5-axis Dual I.S. 2 with 6.5 stops of correction, which works for both video and still photography. Both cameras also benefit from the addition of Active I.S.—capable of correcting even a higher amount of camera shake. The latter may be especially helpful for handheld filming or shooting with long lenses.

Continuous Shooting Speed

While most improvements are video-centric, we have to mention the S5II and S5IIX’s 30fps continuous shooting speed with double the buffer for long bursts. Connectivity, dual card slots, full-size HDMI Type A, a higher resolution electric viewfinder and other additions all make for what we think is a solid update. And we love the “simple black dress” look of the S5IIX. But keep your eyes open—Panasonic plans to add more features via firmware updates.

The Panasonic LUMIX S5II will be available in mid-January for $1,999, followed by the S5IIX in May for $2,199.

www.us.panasonic.com