Reviews roundup – Panasonic Lumix S5 : Should you buy it?
Here’s a roundup of all the Panasonic Lumix S5 reviews, ratings and impressions from the web. Discover its strengths and weaknesses here!
Released in September 2020, the Panasonic Lumix S5 features a 24.2MP CMOS full-frame sensor, a 225-area Depth From Defocus contrast autofocus system, a 5-axis Sensor-shift image stabilization, a 3” &.80M dots vari-angle touchscreen, and a 2.36M dots electronic viewfinder.
The camera is capable of shooting 96MP high resolution photos in JPG and RAW formats. It can burst at 7 fps with the mechanical shutter, or 30 fps in 6K mode (18MP). The Lumix S5 can record videos in 1080p at up to 180 fps, or in 4K at up to 60 fps in 10-Bit 4:2:0. The recordings are saved on a dual SD slot : one for UHS-I SD cards, and another one for UHS-II SD cards.
It has a Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity or remote control. With both SD cards and its up to 470 shots lasting battery, the camera weighs 714g.
So what do the critics think of the Panasonic Lumix S5?
Overall most reviews say that the Panasonic Lumix S5 is a leader in its market. Its performances both in photo and video are exceptional. The 30 fps 6K burst mode is great to shoot sport events. The weatherproofed magnesium body is strong and resistant, perfect in any settings. The full-frame sensor offers a wide dynamic range, ideal for night shots.
The autofocus, even though it is decent, could be better, especially as it blocks the burst mode to 6fps in tracking focus. This is the only down point noted, though some reviewers wished for a better battery life and a lighter body.
- A LIGHTWEIGHT, POWERFUL HYBRID CAMERA FOR VIBRANT STILL PHOTOGRAPHY AND CINEMATIC VIDEO: Realize your creative vision with extraordinary 4K 60p, 10-bit video, FHD 180fps Slow Motion option as well as...
- DETAILED PHOTO AND VIDEO THAT WILL DELIGHT ENTHUSIASTS AND EXPERTS ALIKE: Capture content in impressive high quality with 96MP High Resolution mode, Dual Native ISO to minimize noise in high...
- IMPROVED, HIGH-PRECISION AUTOFOCUS AND POWERFUL IMAGE STABILIZATION: Improved autofocus includes detection of the head as well as eyes, face and body, to capture subjects with ease and precision....
Most reviews like…
- image quality
- full-frame sensor
- dual SD slots
- powerful burst mode
- weather-proofed magnesium body
- stabilization
Most reviews don’t like…
- autofocus
- battery life
- weight
- limited amount of L-mount lenses
For more infos about the positive and negatives sides of the Panasonic Lumix S5, check out the selection of reviews below:
Websites Reviews
Camerajabber.com – ★★★★★ – ‘The Panasonic S5’s specification, size and price are all very enticing. It offers what many were hoping for from the S1 and S1H, a full-frame version of the GH5. Panasonic’s back-to-the-drawing-board work on the autofocus system also delivers, but don’t expect it to match the speed and accuracy of Sony and Canon’s latest AF systems. It’s an excellent all-rounder suited in equal measure to shooting stills and video.’
Cameralabs.com – ★★★★★ – (Highly recommended) – ‘Ultimately the Lumix S5 may be the lowest-priced model in Panasonic’s full-frame series to date but arguably becomes its most compelling overall.’
Digitalcameraworld.com – ★★★★½ – ‘Despite its compact size, the Lumix S5 shares the impressive 24MP CMOS sensor housed in the Lumix S1, but with improved AF. It also has a tough weather-resistant body and delivers up to 6.5-stops of image stabilisation with compatible lenses. Its standout features include class-leading dynamic range and 4K video recording, as well as 96MP high resolution RAW+JPEG capture. It’s tough to beat in this category.’
Engadget.com – 91/100 – ‘When you add up all the features, including the stabilization, large sensor, 10-bit 4K options, smaller size and flip-out display, the S5 is an impressive hybrid video and vlogging camera.’
Ephotozine.com – ★★★★½ – ‘The Panasonic Lumix S5 offers a compelling option in the full-frame mirrorless camera market, with obvious strengths in what’s on offer for videographers, offering better specifications and features than many of the other full-frame mirrorless cameras in this price range.’
Pcmag.com – 4.5 (Editor’s choice)
Photographyblog.com – ★★★★½ (Highly recommended) – ‘Overall, though, the new Panasonic S5 is a compelling mid-teir camera that punches well above both its weight and its price-tag. It deserves to give the likes of the Sony A7 III, Canon EOS R and Nikon Z6 more than a run for their money (and yours), and is a deserved winner of our Highly Recommended award.’
Photoreview.com.au – 9/10 (Editor’s choice) –
Thephoblographer.com – 5/5 ‘I’m revising my original score to give it five out of five stars. But it’s still not a perfect camera worthy of the site’s coveted Editor’s Choice award. There are still better autofocusing cameras out there. And there are way too many inconsistencies between the entire L mount alliance that put a bad taste in my mouth.’
Techradar.com – ★★★★½ – ‘Panasonic has clearly learned its lessons from the criticisms made of its original full-frame mirrorless cameras. The Panasonic S5 blends a full-frame sensor with a small, but ergonomic, body. The result is a camera that should appeal to a wide variety of creators – with a good range of video specs, it’s a fantastic hybrid that comes highly recommended.’
Amazon users reviews
- A LIGHTWEIGHT, POWERFUL HYBRID CAMERA FOR VIBRANT STILL PHOTOGRAPHY AND CINEMATIC VIDEO: Realize your creative vision with extraordinary 4K 60p, 10-bit video, FHD 180fps Slow Motion option as well as...
- DETAILED PHOTO AND VIDEO THAT WILL DELIGHT ENTHUSIASTS AND EXPERTS ALIKE: Capture content in impressive high quality with 96MP High Resolution mode, Dual Native ISO to minimize noise in high...
- IMPROVED, HIGH-PRECISION AUTOFOCUS AND POWERFUL IMAGE STABILIZATION: Improved autofocus includes detection of the head as well as eyes, face and body, to capture subjects with ease and precision....