Best VIDEOGRAPHY VERIFIED
Panasonic
Panasonic Lumix S5
Panasonic · Cameras
The Panasonic Lumix S5 is a compact, full-frame mirrorless camera renowned for its exceptional video capabilities and robust image quality, perfect for hybrid shooters.
4.5 100% recommend$1,999
8.7 score verified
ComparZone Score
8.7
Very good
Verdict: The Panasonic Lumix S5 is an outstanding choice for videographers and hybrid shoo…
$1,999
best of 3 sellers
Price · trend
▼ $240
8.7
Overall Rating
USER REVIEWS
9
Image Quality
PERFORMANCE
Full-Frame CMOS
Sensor
Image Quality
225
AF Points
Autofocus
24.2 MP
Resolution
Image Quality
Why it stands out
A video powerhouse in a compact
A video powerhouse in a compact full-frame body.
Offers excellent image stabilization and dynamic
Offers excellent image stabilization and dynamic range.
Autofocus is good for stills but
Autofocus is good for stills but less ideal for fast video tracking.
Great value for its feature set,
Great value for its feature set, especially for video.
Category scores
marker = Cameras average
Performance profile
Panasonic Lumix S5 Category avg
Decision snapshot
Best-in-class
VIDEOGRAPHY
Beats avg by
-0.2 pts
Confidence
91 %
Data sources
3
0%
Data quality0%
Spec coverage0%
Recommend0Specs tracked
0Spec groups
0Class-leading
0%Avg confidence
Image Quality 96% verified
Sensor96%Full-Frame CMOS
Resolution96%24.2 MP
ISO Range96%100-51200
Dynamic Range96%14 stops
Stabilization96%5-axis Sensor-Shift (IBIS)
Autofocus 96% verified
AF Points96%225
Subject Detection96%Human, Animal (head, body, eye)
Burst Rate96%7 fps
Video 96% verified
Max Video96%4K 60p
Internal Color96%10-bit 4:2:2
Build 96% verified
Card Slots96%Dual (1x UHS-II, 1x UHS-I)
Weather Sealing96%Yes
Battery (CIPA)96%470 shots
Weight96%714 g
FEATURES 90% verified
Processor90%Venus Engine
Type90%Mirrorless Full-Frame
Viewfinder90%Electronic
Viewfinder Coverage90%100
Release Date90%2020-09-02
Weight90%714 g
Dual Card Slots90%Yes
Pixel Shift Shot90%Yes (High Resolution Mode)
Shoots Raw90%Yes
Supports Lossless Compressed Raw90%Yes
Wi-Fi Version90%802.11ac
Supports A Remote90%Yes
GPS Support90%No
Wi-Fi Supported90%Yes
HDMI Supported90%Yes
Bluetooth Supported90%Yes
Bluetooth Version90%4.2
Support Live Streaming90%Yes
Advanced Hot Shoe90%No
HDMI Version90%2.0 (Type D Micro)
Internal Storage90%No
Internal Storage Size90%0 GB
NFC Supported90%No
USB Type-C90%Yes
External Memory Slot90%Yes
USER REVIEWS 90% verified
Overall Rating90%8.7
PERFORMANCE 90% verified
DOXMARK 90% verified
BATTERY 90% verified
DESIGN 90% verified
OPTICS 90% verified
VIDEOGRAPHY 90% verified
THE VERDICT 90% verified
Price trend
$1,999▼ $240
low · $1,999high · $2,239
Review sentiment
4.5OUT OF 5
8.7
Expert review score
ComparZone editorial · /10
Pros & cons
Pros
- Exceptional 4K 10-bit video capabilities
- Excellent 5-axis in-body image stabilization
- Superb image quality and dynamic range
- Compact and lightweight full-frame design
Cons
- Contrast-detect autofocus can struggle with tracking
- 4K 60p video has an APS-C crop
- Electronic viewfinder resolution is modest
- No built-in flash
When should you buy?
Good time to buy
Launched at a starting price of around $1,999 (body only), the Lumix S5 has seen price reductions since the release of its successor, often available for under $1,500.
C
Carlos M. Verified
2 weeks ago
Finally a Lumix I can trust for AF
I shot Lumix for years and the contrast-detect AF held me back. The S5 II's phase-detection is a game changer for my documentary work. Unlimited recording plus the fan means I never worry about overheating on long interviews. Color science is still the best in the business.
Helpful · 0
Y
Yuki S. Verified
2 weeks ago
Superb video, a bit heavy
The video features are incredible for the price and IBIS lets me shoot handheld smoothly. The autofocus is much better than before but still occasionally hunts in tricky light compared to my friend's Sony. It's also noticeably heavier, but the dual card slots are worth it.
Helpful · 0
From the community
QWhat lenses fit the Lumix S5 II?
It uses the L-mount, shared with Sigma and Leica, so you have access to Panasonic, Sigma, and Leica L-mount lenses, with adapters available for some other systems.
QWhat is the difference between the S5 II and S5 IIX?
The S5 IIX adds professional video features like internal ProRes, all-intra codecs, and USB-SSD and wired/wireless streaming, but shares the same sensor and core hardware.
Frequently asked
Is the Panasonic Lumix S5 good for video?
Yes, the Lumix S5 is exceptionally good for video, offering 4K 60p 10-bit internal recording (with an APS-C crop) and full-frame 4K 30p 10-bit, along with V-Log/V-Gamut for professional color grading.
Does the Lumix S5 have good autofocus?
The Lumix S5 uses Panasonic's DFD (Depth From Defocus) contrast-detect autofocus system, which is very accurate for stills and static subjects. However, it can sometimes hunt or lag when tracking fast-moving subjects, particularly in video, compared to cameras with phase-detection AF.
What is the battery life of the Panasonic Lumix S5?
The Panasonic Lumix S5 uses the DMW-BLK22 battery, providing approximately 470 shots per charge (CIPA standard with LVF). Real-world usage, especially with video, may vary, but it's generally considered average for a mirrorless camera.
How does the Lumix S5 compare to the Lumix S5II?
The Lumix S5II is the successor, notably adding phase-detection autofocus, improved image stabilization, and enhanced video features like internal ProRes recording. The original S5 remains a strong value, especially for those prioritizing video quality over cutting-edge AF speed.
