Sony indeed perfected their autofocus over the years so it's quite understandable for Panasonic to struggle autofocus wise. I'm so excited about Panasonic as they're now on the road to rule the camera world as they should have long ago 💯
Problem is the real competition is Sony. I for one bought in Sony system for the autofocus only. Menu is crap, video capabilities are limited and stabe is a joke, unless you have unlimited time to play with their Catalyst frame cropper. So I would buy this right away if Sony lenses would be suitable to it anyhow. On the other hand I also have a ton of m43 lenses and a focus hunting g9. Another option would be to have a proper focusing m43. But I think this is what they give and nothing else.
@@ÁzsiábaSzakadtam Hopefully Panasonic will release a m4/3 body with phase detect AF. I think most people are hoping for a GH6 ii or GH7 type camera, but I'd personally like to see a G10 with a 40+ MP sensor for better sports/wildlife photography.
Phase detect! This is the one thing that stifled Panasonic from competing with Sony and Canon for video. I feel like they were ahead of everyone with 4K 60, no record limits, 10-bit video, & industry-leading IBIS with the GH5. And after taking so long to finally change, they’re now playing catch-up. But I think they are the leaders in video innovation and have an opportunity to really compete again. I have been rooting for them and after the GH6 still with the old contrast-based auto-focus wondered if they were just stubborn to their own demise. Very glad to see they finally adjusted!
Maybe they didn’t have the funds to develop that then? It does not have anything to do with stubbornness. We will never know the work and money they go into good autofocus algorithm and coding. Just adding “phase” autofocus in the description doesn’t mean they have perfect autofocus yet. The technology costs a lot of money. And they plan cameras years in advance. Plus the GHx was always a more filmmaker camera. You would add a cine lens and manually focus anyways. The thing that saved them was going full frame. Now they can afford to truly invest in phase detection autofocus. The GH8-10 might one day be on par with Sony. Don’t expect that from next FIRST phase detect model.
I don't think any of the competitors match Panasonic whatsoever in video features. I don't think Canon has a mirrorless camera (outside their cinema line) that can continuously record in any resolution for longer than about 15 to 30 mins without either hitting a software limit, or overheating.
UA-camrs : "Panasonic has the best video features out there, with good autofocus they will destroy the competition". The moment they come up with a great value camera with good video features and good autofocus : "I'm torn..." I personally don't thing Panasonic ever needed autofocus but that's what the competition (and UA-camrs) force them to do. Will be interesting to see what'll happen next.
Yeah, they keep pushing the goalpost. Now that the autofocus is almost on par, he needs slow motion to show that the sony has a whoping 3 frames advantage here and there. Oh and panasonic doesn't have all those lenses too, etc. Baffling.
my thought exactly...first time I see a review where in video they actually slowed down the footage to show that sony is 1 frame better LOL but if you watch his other links, you will see that panasonic tracking is actually faster than sony, of course that will be not included in the video haha. Also the af struggles and shows 1 example only LOL
@@cedricavi4514 I call them UA-cam scrubs, they are spoiled brats who think even physics itself doesn't exist. For example, if they wanted all features for video autofocus on the S5 II in say 1080p 180fps, the processor would have to be more powerful most likely, increasing the cost of the camera, then they'd be complaining about the cost. Panasonic foolishly listened to the dynamic range scrubs for the GH6, sacrificing that camera on the UA-cam alter to provide the scrubs with the best DR out of MFT video but ... the camera has streaking and other issues. They should have just given us good old VLOG-L (want top DR go to full frame), same other specs in the GH6 for the most part along with tried and true dual native ISO ... and perhaps on sensor Live ND in at least 1, 2 and 3 stop increments. Way, way more useful than "best" dynamic range. I could get a standard exposure for the scene at say 4K30, then switch to 4K60 for some slow motion and reduce the built in ND by 1 stop with a custom button. 4K120? Reduce by 2 stops. All using shutter angle of course, maintaining all exposure settings by using the Live NDs, and while still using proper NDs but just less switching of them. But you hear few on UA-cam talking about that, after all they put variable NDs (absolutely disgusting polarization artifacts and color shifts) on their expensive video setups and utterly destroy the colors in their footage. I personally use proper NDs in 1,2,3,4 stop increments and can stack two for up to 7 stops. I have these square NDs from when PolarPro released the BaseCamp matte box system. Oh, don't try to go buy them now. PolarPro stopped selling them over a year ago (guess no one was buying) but of course they sell variable NDs with mist crap (you can achieve same effect in post) built in to appease the scrubs. Disgusting. I used to watch most new camera reviews out of curiosity but stopped for a long time. With the S5 II being a big deal for Panasonic, I watched a lot of reviews lol. This is an excellent camera and of course Panasonic will improve on the autofocus in time, but autofocus has never been critical for me in video, like ... give us Live NDs at the sensor level please. I'd pay $200 more in a Panasonic mirrorless camera for that, even $300 more. The Olympus has it so I know Panasonic can do it. When you can manually focus on woodpeckers doing their thing between tree branches and track them yourself, you realize that even the very best autofocus can't do that: ua-cam.com/video/PXma1Z631pQ/v-deo.html - The new autofocus will surely make it into future Panasonic cameras and will definitely allow us to use autofocus in more situations (which is fantastic), but I do not die on the autofocus or dynamic range hills like most of the UA-camrs do. It's really sad.
Wow, it finally happened after all those years! Unfortunately, I'm deeply invested in the Sony system. I kept the GH5s for the good old love and memories of Panasonic (also, I couldn't sell it for at least a respectable price on the second-hand market).
Yup. I will always use my GH5, but I bought into the Sony ecosystem with the A7siii (that doesn't crop 4K60) like a lot of people, and am not coming back. People were telling Panasonic to do this for almost a decade and they lost a TON of people by dragging their heels on this.
I've been a Panasonic shooter for over a decade, started with the GH series and currently own an EVA1 and S5 mk1. I love their cameras and esp. their colours - for me they've always seemed to have a strong video-first approach which has kept me shooting with them. I've never been too fussed about auto-focus which is probably why I've stuck with Panasonic over the years. Early reviews seem to show big improvements in their AF but it's still not at the level of Sony and Canon - so I don't know whether it'll be enough to tempt these shooters over - although the price point really is aggressive! I wish Panasonic would update their compact cine cam line - we need a successor to the EVA1 - hopefully LUMIX have plans for an L-mount cine cam...
I would like to see them do something like the Sony FX3 or FX30. I love the hybrid all in one capabilities of this cam, but I think a straight pocket cinema shooter would be a welcome addition to their line.
@@extramedium3920 yeah that would be great - I guess as Sony has more of a market share it can afford to diversify it's line a bit. Even with the S5's small size, I'd really love a powerful compact, video only cine cam. I'm excited to see what else Panasonic has on the horizon in 2022 - I'm sure we'll see an S1H ii or S2H - if the specs were right I think that'd convince me to upgrade from my S5 (which I use as a B-cam to my Komodo).
I'm in the same boat, shooting on an S1H and two S5s. I am not reliant on AF but I am certainly happy to have it. I shoot a lot of events and festivals and would definitely love to have AF for certain B-Roll shots and other occasional situations like a group of attendees walking toward the camera being silly, it usually happens with little warning and can make a great shot. I've watched a ton of reviews on this camera and most of them, except this one, DO seem to think it's damn near on par with Sony and Canon, so I dunno. He only provided one clip of it losing focus and it did it on an area with complicated text and lines. Out of all the shooting he must have done in Japan, I imagine he'd have more than one clip if it was really a persistent issue. Nonetheless, it (and the telephoto lens issue) definitely looks like something that can (and probably will) be fixed with firmware. Personally, I already pre-ordered the X version and will be replacing both of my S5s with the S5iix. Once they release the S1Hii(x?) I can't imagine I will be left wanting for any features.
I don't really understand your comments about all the many things you can't and can not do, and not knowing what can be done and what not? In my experience with both Sony Canon and Panasonic, Pana is the brand that gives you the moest features and the most possibilities. There's very little things this camera can not do, while there's been many times I've been surprised with certain features a Sony didn't let me do. For example, lack of amount of aspect ratio markers, using aspect ratio markers and frame guides at the same time, not being able to monitor your own lut, poor IBIS, etc.
I sell cameras for a living and the one hooks back for me recommending the Panasonic cameras has been folks asking for reliable video autofocus. I'm really excited for this new direction from the Lumix folks. Thanks Caleb for the slick or "dank" as you say, video!
This is the best review of this camera that I’ve seen thus far of this camera. 👍 To be fair to the other reviewers, it isn’t their full time job to review gear, give tutorials etc. as they’re out shooting for clients as well, but perspectives from both parties are much appreciated. 👍
I bought it for the stabilization - pretty good in that respect. I changed the autofocus setting to human - it still does head and eyes when in the frame but is much more reliable. As I was only buying one camera - I didn't care how many other models were available. Sigma makes some great lenses for this camera at a reasonable price - so its working out pretty well.
I love what this means for future Leica cameras. The Q3 maybe? The Q2 has hilariously overpowered video features (internal 10bit C4K recording) but no usable AF-C at all. If this tech makes it into the full frame cameras of the alliance, this will be awesome.
I got interested in video production when the GH5 was the best in the industry and all the people are waiting for PDAF in panasonic bodies. Now, finally, we see that 😄 Considering what Panasonic has achieved with contrast-based detection only for the past decade, I think they can resolve the issues you have found fairly quickly.
Impressive! Ive been using the original S5 since release as a B-cam next the BMPCC4K (later the 6KPRO) end ended up getting a second S5 in 2021. These are some very welcome upgrades! Might have to think about upgrading :)
I agree! ALL of the other channels that have S5II reviews are exclaiming at the top of their clickbait titles that this is "The best AF EVER!!!" just to get clicks. Caleb keeps it real.
Caleb, first thank you for this very honest review, because your review is matching some others. I had to look at Tony Northrup and they did it again with their title Panasonic S5Mark II better than Sony! (Click Bait). I like them both, but they have a bad habit of doing stuff like this for views. When you watch their assessment, you find out that it isn't and they compared it to Sony A7III, based off of price alone. They also hinted at switching if it had 4k60 or something like that. Caleb, you don't play those games and for that, I have a ton of respect for you because you give it straight and let the chips fall where they fall. You also talk about more than just the camera gear aspect, you talk about sound and lighting, the other parts of the equation, which helps to make a successful video. Caleb, never change because we need guys like you in this industry. Special thanks to your wife for being the model and I'm expecting great things from you in 2023!!!
Panasonic always has the best features and friendly use all the while but lack of good autofocus. Now it is good to see a good autofocus model on market
Thanks for the review, Caleb! A few other side notes: S5 II now has TRUE 24fps (in addition to 23.98fps). Also line level audio input, and the MC-21 now provides CONTINUOUS autofocs with Canon EF / Sigma EF-mount lenses (whether it is usable or not kind of depends on the eye of the beholder). I think you mentioned the improved EVF. I am DEFINITELY going to get the S5 II X when it comes out... probably two of them.
S&Q is not a new mode, it’s on the original S5. Also the original could do 4:2:2 10 bit (it’s the main reason I bought the thing lmao) while you said it couldn’t.
Panasonic jumped straight to 3rd / 2nd best Auto Focus only slightly behind sony. And the video capabilities provided in the body for a fraction of the cost blows all the competitors out of the park. Well done panasonic
Before making any claims it would be best to test the cameras first. In other reviewers' tests with the cameras in hand the new Panasonic Autofocus is better than the Canon autofocus.
.... also if you say that the Panasonic L-Mount system has few optics you should honestly say what is missing, there are more than 60 optics available and many also anamorphic ..
Great video as always. Thank you for all the work putting this together. I have to say your "Issues" section is a bit...interesting. Dinging Panasonic, on the day they announce their first Phase Detect camera, for not having other Phase Detect bodies? Lol. And lens lineup? The L-Mount lineup is pretty good for hybrid shooters. Panny has always had very good kit zooms and the 20-60mm is great. Leica, Lumix and Sigma all provide Pro 24-70/90 options. Panny now has the full set of f1.8 primes, all with same physical design. It will be interesting to see if the new AF helps the Sigma lenses. I guess my needs are pretty basic. Honest question, what is missing? f1.2 primes?
Yeah, I agree. Caleb lost me with that lens lineup comment. I think Panasonic has been filling out its native lens lineup quite nicely over the past couple of years. I love how well throughout their L-mount primes are. And no, he should not have dinged them for not having more bodies with PDAF at this point. That was a bit odd.
Panasonic shut up and take my money! Truth is this camera despite some of these subtle issues is set to take the world by storm and give real competition to the Sony mafioso. Good review. You also didn't mention about shooting in 6k at 4:3 and being able to crop that down to both vertical and horizontal formats for video. How about stabilization? The Panasonic s5II is a true hybrid camera. great at shooting photos with the rolling shutter and better image stabilization. At bellow $2k, this is currently the best camera to have for content creators. Periodt!
Big fan but when the company flies you to Tokyo and you get to walk around the city with your wife it's a free vacation and that's a sponsorship bud. I'm not even mad that's impressive.
I love your reviews and advice. I've been using a LUMIX GH 4 for many years. It was fine for the videos I shoot for myself. But I'm ready to move to something better. I want auto focus for sure. The other thing I'm looking for is low light capability. Philip Bloom's review of the *Sony a7S iii* showed me a world in the dark that I never thought was possible. Yes, it's much more expensive but I don't care. So this is a long lead up to a question about the Panasonic S5 II: how is it in low light capability? (I imagine it isn't special or you would have talked about it, but I had to ask.)
Thanks for the thorough review! It benefits us consumers. I hope you are still invited for next Panasonic releases lol I have the first S5 and I am still learning how to use it. But when Black Friday comes I have my sights set on the S5 II X
His last points digging panasonic for not having apsc compatible lenses sounds personal for some reason. Pana not having as much "panasonic" lenses...It's part of the L mount alliance, which is apsc compatible for the dozens of people who need full frame and apsc compatible systems. so it doesn't make sense considering canon r lenses have no third party manufacturer and is perhaps even more limited. That part makes him sound like a Sony elitist coping to a degree. Bc it's not like fuji makes ff cameras but he would make a dig against fuji for not having ff compatible lenses.
This is sooo exciting! I will definitely be awaiting the S5IIX, as I feel the color rendition of Panasonic to be so pleasing. I own an S5 and feel it is an underrated camera. But the autofocus you are showing here is better than almost all of my older cameras, and an S5IIX could become my #1 video camera. I appreciate your unbiased review Caleb and I will be watching this space closely. I will be holding off on a FX-30 purchase until the S5IIX comes out! Happy New Year!
Hey Caleb, any idea how the IBIS on the Sony FX30 compares to the Lumix S5 II? Apart from the APSC sensor and no EVF, the FX30 seems like a much better value: It's $400 less than the S5 IIX and, unlike the S5II, shoots 4K up to 120fps (the S5IIX only does a max of 4K 60fps in APSC crop mode). If the IBIS on the FX30 is close to the S5II, IMO, the frame rates alone make it a better value.
Are you sure about ProRes internally on S5IIX? BH photo site says no "The Panasonic Lumix S5 IIX Mirrorless Camera does not have internal ProRes. ProRes is available while using an external recorder. Answered by Dennis A Staff Jan 4, 2023
The S5 already had S&Q and as far as I could tell, it works the same. I wonder if there are any new higher resolutions you can use S&Q with on the S5 II. Great video! The autofocus looks great, it seems we still have autofocus flutter but hopefully Panasonic can sort this out soon!
2023 Starting off with Caleb reviewing a Panasonic Camera!? Nooice I think we will certainly see a firmware improvement for the auto focus. Nice catch on that van Caleb. It's like the DFD isn't going out without a fight lol.
When shooting 4K. S5II set to 50p + MC-21 + Canon 24-70 2.8 mark2 does not work well. S5II set to 50p + MC-21 + Sigma 18-35 1.8 works perfectly. S5II + MC-21 + Tamron 70-200 2.8 older version won't display an image. I hope this helps.
It's a great camera and I had the original S5 but I just couldn't get a good lens for it that didn't cost an arm and a leg. The cheapest lens I could find that would actually allow me to take advantage of the Dual IS was a grand. So until that changes not for me I'm afraid.
Hope, Sony will add some extra features in their next products to exceed expectations. Lens line for Sony E is the most important thing, that keeps me in the system.
It's nice to know with all the insane hyperbole that UA-camrs are using when a new camera comes out (like now, everybody has titles like "The best AF" and "Better Than Sony") this channel is more level headed and logical and spits facts.
At first when I saw videos about this camera, I thought my purchase of my A74 was now outdated, yeah, there’s a couple of things that it misses but I feel like the purchase of my A74 was possibly the best camera I could’ve gotten, even with new releases coming out
Hopefully will update the S1H with phase detect autofocus...sounds trivial but I hate flippy screens or like the option of a tilt screen for run and gun.
Which Fuji are you referring regarding AF? X-s10, x-T4, X-T5, X-H2 or X-H2S? The first 2 uses older processor, the last 3 uses new processors and the X-H2S is a stacked senes.
Awesome Video! I Can you check if the S5II HDMI-out desqueezes your image straight out of the camera without the help of an external monitor’s desqueeze function like the ninja v?
Awesome review as always. What are your thoughts regarding image quality specially for those that have the S5 and mainly record in ProRes 422 and HQ? Worth the upgrade from that if you don't really care about Auto Focus?
On my new S5II Sigma 28-70 autofocus, it only works well at 4k resolution and above. In FullHD, focus is very often lost, missed, or simply not focused. There is a feeling that the phase detection autofocus does not work in FullHD.
hello from france. thank you for this almost complete review (nothing on the isos for example). it is complicated!!! af tests are different from one tester to another. the youtuber from new zealand, made huge tests and the results are very close to the A7 IV and R6 II .... peros I only do video and was left pana (GH5) because of the rise in iso catastrophic and pitiful af. I bought a sony A7 IV and I find that it lacks character in video. I resell it for panasonic S5 II because it still has a great af, a good rise in iso and the C4K!!!!!! and 6K!!!! for me A7iv is hybrid still and video while pana S5 II is a video camera. thank you for your work.
“…here in the the beginning of 2022” :-) stating the correct year right after new year is a challenge. I’ll make the same error at work soon I imagine.
Awfully interesting to eventually see everyone on-system who "Never uses autofocus why would you need autofocus" suddenly start saying how wonderful and essential the autofocus is once these ship.
11:13 - For Sony in S&Q you need to increase the speed of the AF system to smooth out the focusing steps. Maybe this is the same solution for the S5ii?
It’s a beast!! But i use a lot of slowmotion… so the AF in this mode doesn’t seem to be ready yet… waiting for firmware upgrade, so i can understand if i can buy S5M2 or waiting for M2X… or take a74. BUT, try to increase the speed of AF in Slowmotion mode. In a74 you need to do this…
Thanks for the video. The original S5’s peaking on the rear display was ok when shooting 1080, but the peaking worsened when shooting 4K. Can you tell if the peaking on the rear display is good when shooting 4K, or is there a difference between shooting 1080 vs 4k?
Awesome review Caleb - currently running a GH5 and thinking of getting this as main cam and leaving GH5 as a b-cam. Mostly MFT glass and a few EF mounts - any recommendations for adapting?
Looks great! After owner the original s5 and selling it to get the a7s3 there were certainly somethings I missed which this camera seems to highly improve upin like Stabilisation. Honestly they should have included 4k 60p without a crop in the s5iix. I would have likely come back to panasonic if it weren't for the crop. What a fantastic job panasonic did to get the autofocus up to that level in it's first generation.
No full frame camera that is down sampling from a higher megapixel sensor offer 4K 60p without crop because the sensor read out is just not fast enough. The A7SIII can do it because it is not down sampling since its megapixels exactly match 4K.
@@BensBreakdown Yeah. I am sure lumix will release a version similar to the A7S series with a 10MP sensor that has phase detect. That will be worth looking out for! The S5II seems more directly competing with A7IV.
Hey Caleb 😀 Great review as usual. Thank you!! I originally moved from DSLR to the S5 thanks to your review of it. You mention that the S5 2x will have additional capabilities for streaming over USB-C, what is the difference between streaming over USB-C with the 2X versus regular USB-C tether for streaming on the other models?
Thanks for a good video, Caleb! Question: have you received any updates while you were making this video? I think Gerald Undone mentioned that there’s already been an update that apparently improved IBIS a bit, so I’m wondering if Panasonic perhaps worked already on some AF issues as well?
Sony indeed perfected their autofocus over the years so it's quite understandable for Panasonic to struggle autofocus wise. I'm so excited about Panasonic as they're now on the road to rule the camera world as they should have long ago 💯
I was never really interested in Panasonic cameras but this is the first one that I would like to try.
I feel there may be a lot of folks in the same boat!
@@dslrvideoshooterHey Caleb.. Can you share When is the S1H ii coming..?
Kai W's review showed that it actually works really well with adapted Canon EF lenses, so lens selection shouldn't be a problem.
Tony & Chelsea also demoed the Canon adapter
Problem is the real competition is Sony. I for one bought in Sony system for the autofocus only. Menu is crap, video capabilities are limited and stabe is a joke, unless you have unlimited time to play with their Catalyst frame cropper.
So I would buy this right away if Sony lenses would be suitable to it anyhow.
On the other hand I also have a ton of m43 lenses and a focus hunting g9.
Another option would be to have a proper focusing m43.
But I think this is what they give and nothing else.
@@ÁzsiábaSzakadtam Hopefully Panasonic will release a m4/3 body with phase detect AF. I think most people are hoping for a GH6 ii or GH7 type camera, but I'd personally like to see a G10 with a 40+ MP sensor for better sports/wildlife photography.
Phase detect! This is the one thing that stifled Panasonic from competing with Sony and Canon for video. I feel like they were ahead of everyone with 4K 60, no record limits, 10-bit video, & industry-leading IBIS with the GH5. And after taking so long to finally change, they’re now playing catch-up. But I think they are the leaders in video innovation and have an opportunity to really compete again. I have been rooting for them and after the GH6 still with the old contrast-based auto-focus wondered if they were just stubborn to their own demise. Very glad to see they finally adjusted!
Maybe they didn’t have the funds to develop that then?
It does not have anything to do with stubbornness.
We will never know the work and money they go into good autofocus algorithm and coding.
Just adding “phase” autofocus in the description doesn’t mean they have perfect autofocus yet.
The technology costs a lot of money. And they plan cameras years in advance.
Plus the GHx was always a more filmmaker camera.
You would add a cine lens and manually focus anyways.
The thing that saved them was going full frame.
Now they can afford to truly invest in phase detection autofocus.
The GH8-10 might one day be on par with Sony.
Don’t expect that from next FIRST phase detect model.
I don't think any of the competitors match Panasonic whatsoever in video features.
I don't think Canon has a mirrorless camera (outside their cinema line) that can continuously record in any resolution for longer than about 15 to 30 mins without either hitting a software limit, or overheating.
UA-camrs : "Panasonic has the best video features out there, with good autofocus they will destroy the competition". The moment they come up with a great value camera with good video features and good autofocus : "I'm torn..." I personally don't thing Panasonic ever needed autofocus but that's what the competition (and UA-camrs) force them to do. Will be interesting to see what'll happen next.
Yeah, they keep pushing the goalpost. Now that the autofocus is almost on par, he needs slow motion to show that the sony has a whoping 3 frames advantage here and there. Oh and panasonic doesn't have all those lenses too, etc.
Baffling.
Really depends on your needs. Some ppl are full manual so this update don't matter much to them
@@takoflame4948 Exactly. But UA-cam is obsessed with sensor size and autofocus. It can confuse viewers into thinking it's a big deal.
my thought exactly...first time I see a review where in video they actually slowed down the footage to show that sony is 1 frame better LOL but if you watch his other links, you will see that panasonic tracking is actually faster than sony, of course that will be not included in the video haha. Also the af struggles and shows 1 example only LOL
@@cedricavi4514 I call them UA-cam scrubs, they are spoiled brats who think even physics itself doesn't exist. For example, if they wanted all features for video autofocus on the S5 II in say 1080p 180fps, the processor would have to be more powerful most likely, increasing the cost of the camera, then they'd be complaining about the cost. Panasonic foolishly listened to the dynamic range scrubs for the GH6, sacrificing that camera on the UA-cam alter to provide the scrubs with the best DR out of MFT video but ... the camera has streaking and other issues. They should have just given us good old VLOG-L (want top DR go to full frame), same other specs in the GH6 for the most part along with tried and true dual native ISO ... and perhaps on sensor Live ND in at least 1, 2 and 3 stop increments. Way, way more useful than "best" dynamic range. I could get a standard exposure for the scene at say 4K30, then switch to 4K60 for some slow motion and reduce the built in ND by 1 stop with a custom button. 4K120? Reduce by 2 stops. All using shutter angle of course, maintaining all exposure settings by using the Live NDs, and while still using proper NDs but just less switching of them. But you hear few on UA-cam talking about that, after all they put variable NDs (absolutely disgusting polarization artifacts and color shifts) on their expensive video setups and utterly destroy the colors in their footage. I personally use proper NDs in 1,2,3,4 stop increments and can stack two for up to 7 stops. I have these square NDs from when PolarPro released the BaseCamp matte box system. Oh, don't try to go buy them now. PolarPro stopped selling them over a year ago (guess no one was buying) but of course they sell variable NDs with mist crap (you can achieve same effect in post) built in to appease the scrubs. Disgusting. I used to watch most new camera reviews out of curiosity but stopped for a long time. With the S5 II being a big deal for Panasonic, I watched a lot of reviews lol. This is an excellent camera and of course Panasonic will improve on the autofocus in time, but autofocus has never been critical for me in video, like ... give us Live NDs at the sensor level please. I'd pay $200 more in a Panasonic mirrorless camera for that, even $300 more. The Olympus has it so I know Panasonic can do it. When you can manually focus on woodpeckers doing their thing between tree branches and track them yourself, you realize that even the very best autofocus can't do that: ua-cam.com/video/PXma1Z631pQ/v-deo.html - The new autofocus will surely make it into future Panasonic cameras and will definitely allow us to use autofocus in more situations (which is fantastic), but I do not die on the autofocus or dynamic range hills like most of the UA-camrs do. It's really sad.
Wow, it finally happened after all those years! Unfortunately, I'm deeply invested in the Sony system. I kept the GH5s for the good old love and memories of Panasonic (also, I couldn't sell it for at least a respectable price on the second-hand market).
I hear ya man! Looking forward to seeing what they do with the lens/camera body lineup going forward!
The 2nd hand market is fine. Lmao.
Shame here. All Sony, but kept the gh5s for family stuff!
Yup. I will always use my GH5, but I bought into the Sony ecosystem with the A7siii (that doesn't crop 4K60) like a lot of people, and am not coming back. People were telling Panasonic to do this for almost a decade and they lost a TON of people by dragging their heels on this.
If you a hybrid Sony still the best. The pics on this camera look sub par. If your a video only then yeah this makes a lot of sense
I've been a Panasonic shooter for over a decade, started with the GH series and currently own an EVA1 and S5 mk1. I love their cameras and esp. their colours - for me they've always seemed to have a strong video-first approach which has kept me shooting with them.
I've never been too fussed about auto-focus which is probably why I've stuck with Panasonic over the years. Early reviews seem to show big improvements in their AF but it's still not at the level of Sony and Canon - so I don't know whether it'll be enough to tempt these shooters over - although the price point really is aggressive!
I wish Panasonic would update their compact cine cam line - we need a successor to the EVA1 - hopefully LUMIX have plans for an L-mount cine cam...
I would like to see them do something like the Sony FX3 or FX30. I love the hybrid all in one capabilities of this cam, but I think a straight pocket cinema shooter would be a welcome addition to their line.
@@extramedium3920 yeah that would be great - I guess as Sony has more of a market share it can afford to diversify it's line a bit. Even with the S5's small size, I'd really love a powerful compact, video only cine cam. I'm excited to see what else Panasonic has on the horizon in 2022 - I'm sure we'll see an S1H ii or S2H - if the specs were right I think that'd convince me to upgrade from my S5 (which I use as a B-cam to my Komodo).
I'm in the same boat, shooting on an S1H and two S5s. I am not reliant on AF but I am certainly happy to have it. I shoot a lot of events and festivals and would definitely love to have AF for certain B-Roll shots and other occasional situations like a group of attendees walking toward the camera being silly, it usually happens with little warning and can make a great shot.
I've watched a ton of reviews on this camera and most of them, except this one, DO seem to think it's damn near on par with Sony and Canon, so I dunno. He only provided one clip of it losing focus and it did it on an area with complicated text and lines. Out of all the shooting he must have done in Japan, I imagine he'd have more than one clip if it was really a persistent issue.
Nonetheless, it (and the telephoto lens issue) definitely looks like something that can (and probably will) be fixed with firmware. Personally, I already pre-ordered the X version and will be replacing both of my S5s with the S5iix. Once they release the S1Hii(x?) I can't imagine I will be left wanting for any features.
I don't really understand your comments about all the many things you can't and can not do, and not knowing what can be done and what not? In my experience with both Sony Canon and Panasonic, Pana is the brand that gives you the moest features and the most possibilities.
There's very little things this camera can not do, while there's been many times I've been surprised with certain features a Sony didn't let me do.
For example, lack of amount of aspect ratio markers, using aspect ratio markers and frame guides at the same time, not being able to monitor your own lut, poor IBIS, etc.
I sell cameras for a living and the one hooks back for me recommending the Panasonic cameras has been folks asking for reliable video autofocus. I'm really excited for this new direction from the Lumix folks. Thanks Caleb for the slick or "dank" as you say, video!
Woah with the Panasonic colors and workable autofocus, this is going to be a BEAST
This is a historic video. We've waited for this for so long!
The S5 IIX is definitely the way! Great start for lumix! Hopefully the can fix most of the autofocus problems with firmware.
Yes, I will definitely be switching out my S5 for S5IIX
@@Fedorevsky Same here. I'll also be swapping out my GH5 once they have a new version of that camera with PDAF as well.
Really hope they spoil us with the 5.76 EVF from the S1.
This is the best review of this camera that I’ve seen thus far of this camera. 👍 To be fair to the other reviewers, it isn’t their full time job to review gear, give tutorials etc. as they’re out shooting for clients as well, but perspectives from both parties are much appreciated. 👍
would love to see a auto focus test with the mc-21 adapter for sigma EF lenses 😉
Kai did on his video
The most inteligent rolling shutter test ever seen.All others make vertigo come back right away! Great job!
I bought it for the stabilization - pretty good in that respect. I changed the autofocus setting to human - it still does head and eyes when in the frame but is much more reliable. As I was only buying one camera - I didn't care how many other models were available. Sigma makes some great lenses for this camera at a reasonable price - so its working out pretty well.
I love what this means for future Leica cameras. The Q3 maybe? The Q2 has hilariously overpowered video features (internal 10bit C4K recording) but no usable AF-C at all. If this tech makes it into the full frame cameras of the alliance, this will be awesome.
This is the most objective review that I've seen so far. Nice job.
I got interested in video production when the GH5 was the best in the industry and all the people are waiting for PDAF in panasonic bodies. Now, finally, we see that 😄
Considering what Panasonic has achieved with contrast-based detection only for the past decade, I think they can resolve the issues you have found fairly quickly.
Impressive! Ive been using the original S5 since release as a B-cam next the BMPCC4K (later the 6KPRO) end ended up getting a second S5 in 2021. These are some very welcome upgrades!
Might have to think about upgrading :)
It's funny how nobody ever critiques the BMD cams for not having autofocus.
@@extramedium3920 It's one thing not having autofocus. It's another thing having BAD autofocus. ;P
The image looks fantastic.
Love me some V-Log!
For being first gen AF it’s really impressive and i thi k they csn even improved it by firmware updates.
You are the best reviewer brother. No gimmicks and just all pure knowledge. Happy New Year!
I agree! ALL of the other channels that have S5II reviews are exclaiming at the top of their clickbait titles that this is "The best AF EVER!!!" just to get clicks. Caleb keeps it real.
I really wish they had included the tilting/rotating screen from the GH6... it would have been an almost perfect camera.
It would have been nice to have the tilting/rotating screen, but they need to give people reasons to buy an S1H mark II.
Caleb, first thank you for this very honest review, because your review is matching some others. I had to look at Tony Northrup and they did it again with their title Panasonic S5Mark II better than Sony! (Click Bait). I like them both, but they have a bad habit of doing stuff like this for views. When you watch their assessment, you find out that it isn't and they compared it to Sony A7III, based off of price alone.
They also hinted at switching if it had 4k60 or something like that. Caleb, you don't play those games and for that, I have a ton of respect for you because you give it straight and let the chips fall where they fall. You also talk about more than just the camera gear aspect, you talk about sound and lighting, the other parts of the equation, which helps to make a successful video. Caleb, never change because we need guys like you in this industry. Special thanks to your wife for being the model and I'm expecting great things from you in 2023!!!
Panasonic always has the best features and friendly use all the while but lack of good autofocus.
Now it is good to see a good autofocus model on market
Thanks for the review, Caleb! A few other side notes: S5 II now has TRUE 24fps (in addition to 23.98fps). Also line level audio input, and the MC-21 now provides CONTINUOUS autofocs with Canon EF / Sigma EF-mount lenses (whether it is usable or not kind of depends on the eye of the beholder). I think you mentioned the improved EVF. I am DEFINITELY going to get the S5 II X when it comes out... probably two of them.
Cool, Panasonic with its autofocus finally jumped where Sony was 5 years ago, I'm waiting for the S5 III version, then you can really get excited.
Amazing! Ibis seems incredible too, Panasonic keeps impressing me. Might want to sell my S1 for this!!
S&Q is not a new mode, it’s on the original S5. Also the original could do 4:2:2 10 bit (it’s the main reason I bought the thing lmao) while you said it couldn’t.
I am impatiently waiting for your Camera Guide and LUTs for this camera.
Panasonic jumped straight to 3rd / 2nd best Auto Focus only slightly behind sony. And the video capabilities provided in the body for a fraction of the cost blows all the competitors out of the park. Well done panasonic
Before making any claims it would be best to test the cameras first. In other reviewers' tests with the cameras in hand the new Panasonic Autofocus is better than the Canon autofocus.
.... also if you say that the Panasonic L-Mount system has few optics you should honestly say what is missing, there are more than 60 optics available and many also anamorphic ..
I wold love to see a video about open gate not just Lumx. Always grate stuff. I am addicted to your videos.
Great video as always. Thank you for all the work putting this together. I have to say your "Issues" section is a bit...interesting. Dinging Panasonic, on the day they announce their first Phase Detect camera, for not having other Phase Detect bodies? Lol. And lens lineup? The L-Mount lineup is pretty good for hybrid shooters. Panny has always had very good kit zooms and the 20-60mm is great. Leica, Lumix and Sigma all provide Pro 24-70/90 options. Panny now has the full set of f1.8 primes, all with same physical design. It will be interesting to see if the new AF helps the Sigma lenses. I guess my needs are pretty basic. Honest question, what is missing? f1.2 primes?
Yeah, I agree. Caleb lost me with that lens lineup comment. I think Panasonic has been filling out its native lens lineup quite nicely over the past couple of years. I love how well throughout their L-mount primes are. And no, he should not have dinged them for not having more bodies with PDAF at this point. That was a bit odd.
I havent been more excited about a camera in a long time. Purchasing for sure.
Nice review Caleb. Don’t forget we are in the beginning of 2023 though 😅
Panasonic shut up and take my money! Truth is this camera despite some of these subtle issues is set to take the world by storm and give real competition to the Sony mafioso. Good review. You also didn't mention about shooting in 6k at 4:3 and being able to crop that down to both vertical and horizontal formats for video. How about stabilization? The Panasonic s5II is a true hybrid camera. great at shooting photos with the rolling shutter and better image stabilization. At bellow $2k, this is currently the best camera to have for content creators. Periodt!
these AF news actually made my day, love it, even that it's not as good as Sony. As my G9 frustrates me about 40% of every focusing times.
Big fan but when the company flies you to Tokyo and you get to walk around the city with your wife it's a free vacation and that's a sponsorship bud.
I'm not even mad that's impressive.
I love your reviews and advice.
I've been using a LUMIX GH 4 for many years. It was fine for the videos I shoot for myself. But I'm ready to move to something better. I want auto focus for sure. The other thing I'm looking for is low light capability. Philip Bloom's review of the *Sony a7S iii* showed me a world in the dark that I never thought was possible. Yes, it's much more expensive but I don't care.
So this is a long lead up to a question about the Panasonic S5 II: how is it in low light capability? (I imagine it isn't special or you would have talked about it, but I had to ask.)
9:00 = Popcorns
Thanks for the amazing review Caleb!
Thank you for watching Luca!
Man! If they had done this 3 years ago I would’ve stuck with their system. Already heavily engrained in song now
Thanks for the thorough review!
It benefits us consumers.
I hope you are still invited for next Panasonic releases lol
I have the first S5 and I am still learning how to use it. But when Black Friday comes I have my sights set on the S5 II X
Forget the camera, you lost weight and you look great bro. Props.
His last points digging panasonic for not having apsc compatible lenses sounds personal for some reason. Pana not having as much "panasonic" lenses...It's part of the L mount alliance, which is apsc compatible for the dozens of people who need full frame and apsc compatible systems. so it doesn't make sense considering canon r lenses have no third party manufacturer and is perhaps even more limited. That part makes him sound like a Sony elitist coping to a degree. Bc it's not like fuji makes ff cameras but he would make a dig against fuji for not having ff compatible lenses.
Would love to see a deep dive on the Fuji XH2s from you. You have a great knack of giving a really balanced view for video shooters.
This is sooo exciting! I will definitely be awaiting the S5IIX, as I feel the color rendition of Panasonic to be so pleasing. I own an S5 and feel it is an underrated camera. But the autofocus you are showing here is better than almost all of my older cameras, and an S5IIX could become my #1 video camera. I appreciate your unbiased review Caleb and I will be watching this space closely. I will be holding off on a FX-30 purchase until the S5IIX comes out! Happy New Year!
Caleb I’ve heard the camera has a rolling shutter control option that I believe digitally compensated it in camera
Hey Caleb, any idea how the IBIS on the Sony FX30 compares to the Lumix S5 II?
Apart from the APSC sensor and no EVF, the FX30 seems like a much better value: It's $400 less than the S5 IIX and, unlike the S5II, shoots 4K up to 120fps (the S5IIX only does a max of 4K 60fps in APSC crop mode). If the IBIS on the FX30 is close to the S5II, IMO, the frame rates alone make it a better value.
Fx30? Not even Fx3 or A7S iii is close
Are you sure about ProRes internally on S5IIX? BH photo site says no "The Panasonic Lumix S5 IIX Mirrorless Camera does not have internal ProRes. ProRes is available while using an external recorder.
Answered by Dennis A Staff Jan 4, 2023
The S5 already had S&Q and as far as I could tell, it works the same. I wonder if there are any new higher resolutions you can use S&Q with on the S5 II. Great video! The autofocus looks great, it seems we still have autofocus flutter but hopefully Panasonic can sort this out soon!
2023 Starting off with Caleb reviewing a Panasonic Camera!? Nooice
I think we will certainly see a firmware improvement for the auto focus. Nice catch on that van Caleb. It's like the DFD isn't going out without a fight lol.
What lens were those tokyo shots were shot on? Best most detailed review.👏🏻
When shooting 4K.
S5II set to 50p + MC-21 + Canon 24-70 2.8 mark2 does not work well.
S5II set to 50p + MC-21 + Sigma 18-35 1.8 works perfectly.
S5II + MC-21 + Tamron 70-200 2.8 older version won't display an image.
I hope this helps.
It's a great camera and I had the original S5 but I just couldn't get a good lens for it that didn't cost an arm and a leg. The cheapest lens I could find that would actually allow me to take advantage of the Dual IS was a grand. So until that changes not for me I'm afraid.
18:16 caleb trying to reach his minimum word count on good things to say 😂 - jk. much love to my lumix family, and great review brother!
Great video Cal, agree with many of your points. Thorough stuff my man! 👏👏👏
Finally! Love my S5, but I love good auto focus more! 🙏
Hope, Sony will add some extra features in their next products to exceed expectations. Lens line for Sony E is the most important thing, that keeps me in the system.
It's nice to know with all the insane hyperbole that UA-camrs are using when a new camera comes out (like now, everybody has titles like "The best AF" and "Better Than Sony") this channel is more level headed and logical and spits facts.
Nice video as always! Would've been cool to spot you in Japan lol. Happy New Year man.
Great review as always! Shame it doesn’t have the same flip and tilt LCD like the GH6. Any info on focus assist (magnification) during recording?
i'll wait for the gh7 with these upgrades XD
Def the dropoff and trying to remember things in menu is intresting. Thank you
At first when I saw videos about this camera, I thought my purchase of my A74 was now outdated, yeah, there’s a couple of things that it misses but I feel like the purchase of my A74 was possibly the best camera I could’ve gotten, even with new releases coming out
Hopefully will update the S1H with phase detect autofocus...sounds trivial but I hate flippy screens or like the option of a tilt screen for run and gun.
Something not many people are talking about, but between better focus and loading your own LUTs, they basically just killed Fujifilm.
Which Fuji are you referring regarding AF? X-s10, x-T4, X-T5, X-H2 or X-H2S? The first 2 uses older processor, the last 3 uses new processors and the X-H2S is a stacked senes.
Awesome Video! I Can you check if the S5II HDMI-out desqueezes your image straight out of the camera without the help of an external monitor’s desqueeze function like the ninja v?
I still think the Panasonic image rivals Sony and Canon. Glad to see them finally riding the AF train properly.
Which cameras would you say outperform the S5 in autofocus? Is it better than the a7iii? Thanks for the video
Thanks, Caleb! As always - very informative!
Not super important but wow, I love the black on black. This might catch on with other makers… just saying :). Cool video!!!
I see your video, I click. Waiting for my camera upgrade from my Eos M based on your videos.
Awesome review as always.
What are your thoughts regarding image quality specially for those that have the S5 and mainly record in ProRes 422 and HQ?
Worth the upgrade from that if you don't really care about Auto Focus?
I just purchased the S5 (first version) because they're now on sale, and for projects where I'll be using a manual lens... autofocus doesn't matter 🤷
On my new S5II Sigma 28-70 autofocus, it only works well at 4k resolution and above. In FullHD, focus is very often lost, missed, or simply not focused. There is a feeling that the phase detection autofocus does not work in FullHD.
hello from france. thank you for this almost complete review (nothing on the isos for example). it is complicated!!! af tests are different from one tester to another. the youtuber from new zealand, made huge tests and the results are very close to the A7 IV and R6 II .... peros I only do video and was left pana (GH5) because of the rise in iso catastrophic and pitiful af. I bought a sony A7 IV and I find that it lacks character in video. I resell it for panasonic S5 II because it still has a great af, a good rise in iso and the C4K!!!!!! and 6K!!!! for me A7iv is hybrid still and video while pana S5 II is a video camera. thank you for your work.
“…here in the the beginning of 2022” :-) stating the correct year right after new year is a challenge. I’ll make the same error at work soon I imagine.
Awfully interesting to eventually see everyone on-system who "Never uses autofocus why would you need autofocus" suddenly start saying how wonderful and essential the autofocus is once these ship.
Hehehehehehe
Patiently waiting then for the S5 II X
Can you do a comparison between the S5 II X and the S1H?
Finally, Panasonic enters the competition with Sony and Canon. I hope that soon we will have affordable lenses from Samyang and Viltrox.
Any idea when this will be for sale? Don’t see it available yet. Thanks for a great review. Just bought the S5 but the micro HDMI aid a no for me.
Need this in M4/3 camera!!!!!!
rofl those are dead foo
Well you got it! G9ii and GH7!
11:13 - For Sony in S&Q you need to increase the speed of the AF system to smooth out the focusing steps. Maybe this is the same solution for the S5ii?
It’s a big question also for me!!
I can wait for firmware update to solve the AF issue. I need a ton of time to save enough pennies for my next camera anyway.
Your wife is GORGEOUS 💐💐🔥
It’s a beast!! But i use a lot of slowmotion… so the AF in this mode doesn’t seem to be ready yet… waiting for firmware upgrade, so i can understand if i can buy S5M2 or waiting for M2X… or take a74. BUT, try to increase the speed of AF in Slowmotion mode. In a74 you need to do this…
The Panasonic S5 Mark ii X might be worth it over the Panasonic S5 Mark ii
Woooah! The AF + Active IS looks killer.
And finally.... we get the AF.
Thanks for the video. The original S5’s peaking on the rear display was ok when shooting 1080, but the peaking worsened when shooting 4K.
Can you tell if the peaking on the rear display is good when shooting 4K, or is there a difference between shooting 1080 vs 4k?
Focus glitch is becouse continious af for movement, for still and little movement better flexible af.
Awesome review Caleb - currently running a GH5 and thinking of getting this as main cam and leaving GH5 as a b-cam. Mostly MFT glass and a few EF mounts - any recommendations for adapting?
Looks great! After owner the original s5 and selling it to get the a7s3 there were certainly somethings I missed which this camera seems to highly improve upin like Stabilisation. Honestly they should have included 4k 60p without a crop in the s5iix. I would have likely come back to panasonic if it weren't for the crop.
What a fantastic job panasonic did to get the autofocus up to that level in it's first generation.
No full frame camera that is down sampling from a higher megapixel sensor offer 4K 60p without crop because the sensor read out is just not fast enough. The A7SIII can do it because it is not down sampling since its megapixels exactly match 4K.
@Jiajer Ho Thanks for this Jiajer, thought about that after writing this comment :)
So, it is a technical limitation.
@@BensBreakdown Yeah. I am sure lumix will release a version similar to the A7S series with a 10MP sensor that has phase detect. That will be worth looking out for! The S5II seems more directly competing with A7IV.
@Jiajer Ho I think they would at least need 12mp for 4k right?
@@jiajerho4815 is there any idea about R6II . How it can do 4K 60 un-cropped
5:22 - I hope the x model will have two USB-C's so that we can simultaneously record externally and have external power delivery via a battery bank.
Hey Caleb 😀
Great review as usual. Thank you!!
I originally moved from DSLR to the S5 thanks to your review of it.
You mention that the S5 2x will have additional capabilities for streaming over USB-C, what is the difference between streaming over USB-C with the 2X versus regular USB-C tether for streaming on the other models?
You didn't mentioned the latency over HDMI. Did you find it as unusable as Gerald Undone who said it was around 1/2 a second?
Thanks for a good video, Caleb! Question: have you received any updates while you were making this video? I think Gerald Undone mentioned that there’s already been an update that apparently improved IBIS a bit, so I’m wondering if Panasonic perhaps worked already on some AF issues as well?