Panasonic Lumix S5 II Review: Best Hybrid Camera 2024?

Introduction

The Panasonic Lumix S5 II represents a significant evolution in the hybrid camera market, building upon the solid foundation of its predecessor while addressing key limitations that held back the original S5. As content creators increasingly demand cameras that excel at both photography and videography, the S5 II emerges as a compelling option that promises to deliver professional-grade performance in a compact, full-frame package.

This latest iteration brings substantial improvements in autofocus performance, video capabilities, and overall user experience, positioning itself as a serious contender against established rivals like the Sony A7 IV. But does it live up to the hybrid camera promise, or does it fall short in crucial areas?

Key Specifications

Specification	Details
Sensor	24.2MP Full-Frame CMOS
Image Processor	Venus Engine
ISO Range	100-51,200 (Extended: 50-204,800)
Autofocus	779-point Phase Detection AF
Video Recording	6K 30p, 4K 60p, Full HD 180p
Image Stabilization	5-axis In-Body + Dual I.S. 2
Viewfinder	2.36M-dot OLED EVF
LCD Screen	3.0” Vari-angle Touchscreen (1.84M-dot)
Memory Cards	Dual SD/SDHC/SDXC (UHS-II)
Battery Life	370 shots (CIPA standard)
Weather Sealing	Dust/Splash Resistant
Weight	740g (body only)
Dimensions	134 x 102 x 90mm

Design and Build Quality

The Panasonic Lumix S5 II maintains the compact and ergonomic design philosophy that made the original S5 popular among hybrid shooters. The magnesium alloy body feels substantial without being overly heavy, striking an excellent balance for extended shooting sessions.

Ergonomics and Handling

The camera’s grip has been subtly refined, providing better purchase even when using larger L-mount lenses. The button layout remains intuitive, with dedicated controls for ISO, white balance, and drive modes positioned within easy reach of your thumb. The dual control dials offer precise adjustment for exposure settings, and the customizable function buttons allow you to tailor the camera to your shooting style.

One notable improvement is the enhanced weather sealing, which now provides better protection against dust and moisture. While not completely waterproof, the S5 II can handle light rain and dusty conditions with confidence, making it suitable for outdoor photography and video work.

Build Quality

Panasonic’s attention to detail shines through in the construction quality. The articulating LCD screen moves smoothly through its range, and the electronic viewfinder provides a bright, detailed view with minimal lag. The dual SD card slots are a welcome feature for professional work, offering redundancy and extended storage capacity.

Performance Analysis

Autofocus System

Perhaps the most significant upgrade in the S5 II is its completely overhauled autofocus system. Gone are the contrast-detection limitations that plagued the original S5, replaced by a sophisticated 779-point phase-detection system that dramatically improves tracking performance and acquisition speed.

Real-World AF Performance:

Single-point AF: Lightning-fast acquisition in good light, reliable down to -6EV
Eye Detection: Excellent human eye detection, adequate animal eye detection
Tracking: Significantly improved subject tracking, though not quite at Sony or Canon levels
Video AF: Smooth, cinematic focus transitions with minimal hunting

The autofocus improvements make the S5 II viable for fast-paced photography scenarios like sports and wildlife, where the original S5 struggled. However, in challenging lighting conditions or with fast-moving subjects, competitors like the Sony A7 IV still maintain a slight edge.

Image Quality

The 24.2MP full-frame sensor delivers excellent image quality across the ISO range. Colors are natural and pleasing straight out of camera, with Panasonic’s color science providing a slightly warmer, more filmic look compared to some competitors.

ISO Performance:

ISO 100-1600: Exceptional detail and dynamic range
ISO 3200-6400: Very good performance with minimal noise
ISO 12,800-25,600: Usable with some noise reduction in post
Beyond ISO 25,600: Emergency use only, significant noise present

The camera’s dynamic range is impressive, particularly when shooting in V-Log for video or using the High Dynamic mode for stills. Shadow recovery is excellent, and highlight rolloff is natural and pleasing.

Video Capabilities

This is where the S5 II truly shines. The video specifications are impressive on paper, and real-world performance lives up to the promise.

Video Features:

6K 30p: Full-width sensor readout with excellent detail
4K 60p: High-quality footage suitable for professional work
Full HD 180p: Smooth slow-motion capabilities
V-Log Recording: 14+ stops of dynamic range for color grading
Unlimited Recording: No artificial time limits for most modes

The internal recording quality is exceptional, with minimal rolling shutter and excellent color reproduction. The improved autofocus makes the S5 II much more usable for run-and-gun video work, while the comprehensive manual controls satisfy more deliberate shooting styles.

Image Stabilization

The 5-axis in-body image stabilization works effectively for both stills and video. When paired with stabilized lenses, the Dual I.S. 2 system provides up to 6.5 stops of compensation, making handheld shooting viable in surprisingly low light conditions.

Stabilization Performance:

Stills: 4-6 stops of effective stabilization depending on lens
Video: Smooth, professional-looking handheld footage
Walking shots: Good stabilization for moderate movement
Active mode: Enhanced digital stabilization for more dynamic shots

User Experience

Panasonic has refined their menu system, making it more intuitive than previous generations. The customizable quick menu provides easy access to frequently used settings, and the touch interface responds accurately to inputs.

The My Menu system allows you to create custom pages with your most-used settings, significantly speeding up your workflow once configured. However, the overall menu structure can still feel overwhelming to newcomers compared to some competitor systems.

Battery Life

Battery performance is adequate but not exceptional. The official CIPA rating of 370 shots is conservative for still photography, with real-world usage often exceeding 500-600 shots depending on shooting style. Video recording is more demanding, with approximately 90-120 minutes of 4K recording per battery.

Battery Tips:

Carry spare batteries for extended video sessions
Use USB-C power delivery for unlimited recording time
The LCD brightness significantly impacts battery life
Sleep mode activation helps preserve power between shoots

Connectivity

The S5 II offers comprehensive connectivity options including Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and USB-C. The wireless features work reliably for image transfer and remote control via the Panasonic smartphone app. The USB-C port supports both charging and data transfer, adding convenience for workflow integration.

Pros and Cons

Pros

Excellent Video Performance The S5 II excels in video recording with impressive 6K capabilities, unlimited recording times, and professional features like V-Log recording. The improved autofocus makes it much more versatile for video work.

Improved Autofocus System The new phase-detection autofocus system is a game-changer, providing reliable tracking and fast acquisition speeds that make the camera viable for action photography.

Compact Full-Frame Package Despite packing full-frame performance, the S5 II remains relatively compact and lightweight, making it ideal for travel and extended shooting sessions.

Excellent Image Stabilization The 5-axis IBIS system provides effective stabilization for both stills and video, enabling handheld shooting in challenging conditions.

Robust Build Quality Weather sealing and solid construction make this camera suitable for professional use in various environments.

Cons

Limited Lens Ecosystem The L-mount system, while growing, still lacks the extensive native lens selection of Sony E-mount or Canon RF systems, potentially limiting options for specialized applications.

Autofocus Still Trails Competitors While dramatically improved, the autofocus system doesn’t quite match the sophistication of systems found in cameras like the Sony A7 IV for challenging subjects.

Battery Life Could Be Better Video-heavy workflows will require multiple batteries, and even still photography sessions may need backup power for extended shooting.

Menu Complexity The extensive feature set comes with complex menus that can be overwhelming for newcomers to the system.

Rolling Shutter in Some Modes While generally well-controlled, some video modes exhibit noticeable rolling shutter with fast camera movements.

Who Should Buy the Panasonic Lumix S5 II?

Ideal Candidates

Content Creators and Hybrid Shooters If you need a single camera that excels at both photography and videography, the S5 II is an excellent choice. The unlimited recording times and professional video features make it particularly appealing for content creators.

Travel Photographers The combination of full-frame image quality, compact size, and excellent stabilization makes this camera ideal for travel photography where size and weight matter.

Wedding and Event Photographers The improved autofocus, excellent low-light performance, and robust build quality make it suitable for professional event work, especially when video is also required.

Videographers Moving from Crop Sensors Those looking to upgrade to full-frame video capabilities will find the S5 II offers professional features at a reasonable price point.

Who Should Consider Alternatives

Sports and Wildlife Photographers While the autofocus improvements are significant, photographers who primarily shoot fast-moving subjects might be better served by cameras with more advanced tracking systems like the Sony A7 IV.

Portrait Photographers Needing Extensive Lens Options Those who require specialized portrait lenses or extensive telephoto options might find the L-mount ecosystem limiting compared to more established systems.

Budget-Conscious Buyers If video capabilities aren’t essential, there are more affordable full-frame options available that might better suit pure photography needs.

Real-World Usage Tips

Photography Tips

Leverage the High Dynamic Range Use the camera’s excellent dynamic range by shooting in RAW and recovering details in post-processing. The V-Log mode for stills provides even more flexibility for challenging lighting situations.

Customize Your Controls Take time to set up the function buttons and My Menu system according to your shooting style. This initial investment in setup time pays dividends in shooting efficiency.

Master the Autofocus Modes Experiment with different autofocus area modes and tracking sensitivity settings to optimize performance for your specific subjects.

Video Production Tips

Use V-Log for Maximum Flexibility While V-Log footage looks flat initially, it provides maximum dynamic range and color grading flexibility. Invest time in learning basic color correction to unlock the camera’s full potential.

Stabilization Strategy Combine IBIS with stabilized lenses for maximum effectiveness, but don’t rely entirely on stabilization for critical shots – proper shooting technique remains important.

Monitor Your Recording Time While most modes offer unlimited recording, keep an eye on memory card space and camera temperature during extended video sessions.

Conclusion and Recommendations

The Panasonic Lumix S5 II represents a significant step forward for Panasonic’s full-frame hybrid camera lineup. By addressing the autofocus limitations that held back the original S5, Panasonic has created a camera that truly delivers on the hybrid promise, excelling at both photography and videography.

Final Verdict: 4.2/5 Stars

The S5 II isn’t perfect – the L-mount lens ecosystem remains limited compared to established competitors, and the autofocus, while much improved, doesn’t quite reach the level of systems like those found in the Sony A7 IV. However, for content creators, hybrid shooters, and anyone who values excellent video capabilities alongside solid photography performance, the S5 II offers compelling value.

Our Recommendation: Buy the Panasonic Lumix S5 II if you need a versatile hybrid camera that excels at video work while providing excellent photography capabilities. The unlimited recording times, professional video features, and improved autofocus make it an excellent choice for content creators and professional videographers.

Consider alternatives if you primarily shoot fast-moving subjects like sports or wildlife, or if you require access to a more extensive native lens ecosystem. In these cases, systems like Sony’s E-mount might better serve your needs.

For most photographers and videographers looking for a single camera solution that doesn’t compromise on either discipline, the Panasonic Lumix S5 II deserves serious consideration. It represents Panasonic’s most complete hybrid camera to date and sets a strong foundation for the future of their full-frame system.