Panasonic Lumix S5 II Review: Best Hybrid Camera 2024?

Introduction

The Panasonic Lumix S5 II represents a significant evolution in the full-frame mirrorless camera market, building upon the foundation of its predecessor while addressing key weaknesses that held back the original S5. As a hybrid camera designed for both photographers and videographers, the S5 II promises to deliver professional-grade performance in a compact, affordable package.

After extensive testing across various shooting scenarios, from portrait sessions to 4K video production, the S5 II emerges as a compelling option for content creators who need versatility without breaking the bank. But does it live up to the hype, and more importantly, is it the right camera for your specific needs?

Key Specifications

Feature	Specification
Sensor	24.2MP Full-Frame CMOS
Image Processor	Venus Engine
Autofocus System	Phase Detection AF (PDAF)
AF Points	779 areas
ISO Range	100-51,200 (expandable to 50-204,800)
Video Recording	6K 30p, 4K 60p, Full HD 180p
Image Stabilization	5-axis in-body + lens OIS
Viewfinder	2.36M-dot OLED EVF
LCD Screen	3.0” 1.84M-dot vari-angle touchscreen
Storage	Dual SD card slots (UHS-II/UHS-I)
Battery	DMW-BLK22 (470 shots CIPA)
Dimensions	134 x 102 x 90mm
Weight	740g (body only)
Weather Sealing	Yes (splash/dust resistant)

Design and Build Quality

Ergonomics and Handling

The Lumix S5 II maintains the excellent ergonomics that made its predecessor popular among hybrid shooters. The camera feels substantial in hand without being overly bulky, striking an ideal balance for extended shooting sessions. The deep grip accommodates larger hands comfortably, while the well-placed controls allow for intuitive operation even when wearing gloves.

Panasonic has refined the button layout based on user feedback, with the most frequently accessed controls positioned within easy thumb reach. The dual command dials provide quick access to exposure settings, and the customizable function buttons can be tailored to individual shooting preferences.

Weather Sealing and Durability

The S5 II features comprehensive weather sealing throughout the body, with sealed joints at every button, dial, and port. During testing in light rain and dusty conditions, the camera performed flawlessly without any ingress issues. The magnesium alloy construction feels robust and professional, inspiring confidence for demanding shooting environments.

The battery compartment and memory card doors close securely with positive locks, and the articulating LCD screen maintains its weather resistance through all positions. This level of protection makes the S5 II suitable for outdoor photography and video production where conditions might be less than ideal.

Image Quality Performance

Sensor and Image Processing

The 24.2-megapixel full-frame sensor delivers exceptional image quality across the ISO range. Colors are rendered naturally with excellent skin tones, making it particularly appealing for portrait and wedding photographers. The Venus Engine processor handles noise reduction effectively, maintaining detail while keeping grain patterns organic and film-like.

Dynamic range performance is impressive, with approximately 14 stops of usable latitude in RAW files. This provides ample flexibility for recovering highlights and lifting shadows in post-processing, crucial for challenging lighting conditions common in hybrid shooting scenarios.

Low Light Performance

The S5 II excels in low-light situations, with clean images achievable up to ISO 6400 and acceptable results extending to ISO 12,800. The improved autofocus system performs reliably down to -6 EV, making it capable of focusing in near-darkness conditions that would challenge many competing cameras.

Noise characteristics remain well-controlled throughout the ISO range, with the camera maintaining good color accuracy even at higher sensitivities. For professional work, ISO 3200 represents a safe upper limit, while creative applications can push higher with proper noise reduction in post.

Autofocus System Revolution

Phase Detection Implementation

Perhaps the most significant upgrade in the S5 II is the introduction of phase detection autofocus, addressing the biggest weakness of the original model. The new system covers approximately 100% of the frame with 779 detection areas, providing fast and accurate focusing across the entire sensor.

Focus acquisition is notably faster than the contrast-detection system of its predecessor, with single-shot AF locking onto subjects almost instantaneously in good light. The system maintains its speed advantage even in challenging lighting conditions, making it suitable for professional applications where focus accuracy is critical.

Subject Recognition and Tracking

The enhanced autofocus system includes sophisticated subject detection algorithms that can recognize and track humans, animals, and vehicles. Eye detection works reliably for both humans and animals, maintaining focus even when subjects move erratically within the frame.

During portrait sessions, the camera consistently locked onto the nearest eye and tracked subjects as they moved around the frame. Animal detection proved particularly useful for pet photography, accurately identifying and following dogs and cats even when partially obscured by foreground elements.

Video Capabilities

Recording Specifications and Quality

The S5 II positions itself as a serious video camera with professional-grade recording options. The ability to capture 6K video at 30fps provides significant resolution overhead for 4K delivery, allowing for cropping and reframing in post-production while maintaining full resolution output.

4K recording at 60fps is available for slow-motion effects and smooth motion capture, while the Full HD 180fps mode enables dramatic slow-motion sequences. Video quality is exceptional across all recording modes, with detailed footage and accurate color reproduction that grades well in professional workflows.

Codec Options and Professional Features

Internal recording options include high-bitrate ALL-Intra modes for professional applications, while standard Long GOP modes provide more manageable file sizes for casual use. The camera supports external recording via HDMI output, with clean feeds available for professional monitors and recorders.

Professional features include waveform monitoring, vector scopes, and focus peaking, all essential tools for serious video production. The inclusion of timecode functionality and various log recording profiles makes the S5 II compatible with professional video workflows.

Performance in Real-World Scenarios

Portrait Photography

For portrait work, the S5 II excels with its accurate skin tone reproduction and reliable eye detection autofocus. The camera handles mixed lighting situations well, maintaining natural color balance across different light sources. The articulating screen proves invaluable for shooting at unusual angles or when working close to the ground.

Battery life during portrait sessions typically yielded 400-500 shots with moderate LCD use, sufficient for most shooting scenarios but requiring spare batteries for extended sessions. The dual memory card slots provide redundancy for important shoots, with the option to record RAW to one card and JPEG to another.

Wedding and Event Photography

The combination of excellent low-light performance and silent electronic shutter modes makes the S5 II well-suited for wedding and event photography. The camera operates quietly during ceremonies while maintaining fast autofocus performance for capturing fleeting moments.

High ISO performance allows for available light shooting in dimly lit venues, reducing the need for flash and maintaining the natural atmosphere of events. The weather sealing provides peace of mind for outdoor ceremonies where conditions might change unexpectedly.

Video Production

For video work, the S5 II proves highly capable across various production types. The stabilization system effectively reduces camera shake for handheld shooting, while the professional monitoring tools ensure technical quality meets broadcast standards.

Heat management is generally good, with the camera maintaining 4K recording for extended periods without overheating in normal ambient temperatures. The fan-less design ensures silent operation, crucial for audio recording situations.

Pros and Cons Analysis

Advantages

Exceptional Value Proposition: The S5 II offers professional features at a price point that undercuts many competitors, making high-end capabilities accessible to a broader range of users.

Improved Autofocus System: The addition of phase detection autofocus transforms the camera’s usability, particularly for moving subjects and video recording.

Outstanding Video Specifications: 6K internal recording and comprehensive professional video features rival cameras costing significantly more.

Excellent Image Quality: The 24.2MP sensor delivers detailed images with natural color reproduction and impressive dynamic range.

Robust Build Quality: Weather sealing and solid construction provide confidence for professional use in challenging environments.

Limitations

Battery Life Concerns: While improved over the original, battery life remains modest compared to DSLR alternatives, requiring multiple batteries for extended shoots.

Limited Native Lens Selection: The L-mount ecosystem, while growing, still offers fewer native options compared to more established systems like Canon RF or Sony E.

Menu System Complexity: Panasonic’s menu structure can be overwhelming for newcomers, requiring time investment to master all features.

Electronic Viewfinder in Bright Light: While high-resolution, the EVF can struggle with visibility in very bright outdoor conditions.

Who Should Consider the Lumix S5 II

Ideal User Profiles

Hybrid Content Creators: The S5 II excels for users who need both high-quality stills and professional video capabilities in a single camera system. The seamless switching between photo and video modes makes it ideal for social media content creators and small production companies.

Wedding and Portrait Photographers: The combination of excellent image quality, reliable autofocus, and competitive pricing makes it attractive for professional photographers building or expanding their kit without massive investment.

Video-Focused Professionals: Serious videographers will appreciate the comprehensive video feature set, including 6K recording, professional monitoring tools, and robust codec options that rival much more expensive cinema cameras.

Travel and Adventure Photographers: The weather sealing, compact size, and excellent image stabilization make it suitable for outdoor photography where conditions and weight are considerations.

Users Who Might Look Elsewhere

Sports and Wildlife Photographers: While the autofocus system is much improved, photographers requiring the absolute fastest tracking performance might still prefer systems from Canon or Sony with longer development histories in this area.

Casual Photographers: Users wanting simple point-and-shoot operation might find the S5 II’s extensive feature set overwhelming and might be better served by more user-friendly options.

Budget-Conscious Beginners: While offering excellent value, the S5 II represents a significant investment for newcomers who might benefit from starting with less expensive crop-sensor alternatives.

Lens Ecosystem and Recommendations

The L-mount alliance between Panasonic, Leica, and Sigma provides a growing selection of native lenses, though the ecosystem remains smaller than more established mounts. However, the available options cover most professional needs effectively.

For portrait work, the Panasonic Lumix S 85mm f/1.8 offers excellent image quality at a reasonable price point. The Sigma 24-70mm f/2.8 DG DN Art serves as an outstanding general-purpose zoom for both photography and video applications.

For video-focused users, the Panasonic Lumix S 20-60mm f/3.5-5.6 kit lens provides good optical performance with minimal focus breathing, making it suitable for professional video work despite its variable aperture.

Comparison with Key Competitors

When compared to similarly priced full-frame mirrorless cameras, the S5 II stands out primarily for its video capabilities and overall value proposition. The Sony A7 IV offers superior autofocus performance for stills but lacks the S5 II’s 6K video recording capability. Canon’s R6 Mark II provides excellent all-around performance but at a higher price point with fewer professional video features.

The choice between these cameras often comes down to specific use cases and ecosystem preferences. For users prioritizing video features and value, the S5 II presents a compelling argument.

Tips for Maximizing Performance

Battery Management

Given the modest battery life, invest in additional DMW-BLK22 batteries and consider a dual battery charger for efficient power management. Enable power-saving modes when appropriate and use the electronic viewfinder judiciously to extend shooting time.

Memory Card Selection

For optimal performance, especially when recording high-bitrate video, invest in high-speed UHS-II SD cards. The SanDisk Extreme Pro UHS-II cards provide sufficient write speeds for all recording modes without dropped frames.

Custom Function Setup

Take time to customize the function buttons and quick menu to match your shooting style. This investment in setup time pays dividends in improved shooting efficiency and reduced time spent navigating menus during critical moments.

Final Verdict and Recommendations

The Panasonic Lumix S5 II successfully addresses the major weaknesses of its predecessor while maintaining the strengths that made the original S5 popular. The addition of phase detection autofocus transforms the camera’s usability, making it genuinely competitive with offerings from Canon and Sony.

For hybrid shooters who value video capabilities alongside strong still image performance, the S5 II represents exceptional value in today’s market. The combination of 6K video recording, professional features, and competitive pricing creates a compelling package that’s difficult to match at this price point.

While not perfect—battery life could be better, and the lens ecosystem continues developing—the S5 II delivers where it matters most for its target audience. The camera feels like a mature, professional tool that can handle demanding shooting scenarios across both photography and videography applications.

Recommendation: The Lumix S5 II earns a strong recommendation for content creators, wedding photographers, and video professionals seeking maximum capability per dollar spent. It’s particularly appealing for users stepping up to full-frame who want a single camera system capable of handling diverse creative challenges.

For those ready to make the investment, the Panasonic Lumix S5 II represents one of the best values in today’s full-frame mirrorless camera market, offering professional capabilities at an accessible price point that democratizes high-end imaging technology.