Exploring the Panasonic Lumix DC-S5 Mark II: A Comprehensive Review

The Panasonic Lumix DC-S5 Mark II has garnered a lot of attention from both professional and amateur photographers. This camera boasts impressive specifications, including 24.2 MP CMOS sensor, high-resolution 4K video, and advanced autofocus technology. In this blog, we will dive into the features and capabilities of the Panasonic Lumix DC-S5 Mark II to help you make an informed decision before making a purchase.

Written by Victor Chan | Updated: Mon May 01 2023

Panasonic Lumix DC-S5 Mark II article cover photo

Key Features

Jan 04 2023

Announced

24 megapixels

Resolution

BrandPanasonic
Sensor TypeFull frame
SensorCMOS
Weight740g
MSRP$1899USD

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Overview of the Lumix DC-S5 Mark II

When it comes to digital cameras, Panasonic has always been a reliable brand, continuously introducing products that cater to the varying needs of its customers. One of its latest additions, the Lumix DC-S5 Mark II, has been making waves in the photography industry. With its cutting-edge features, it's not surprising that both professional and amateur photographers alike are taking notice. If you're considering the Panasonic Lumix DC-S5 Mark II, this blog is for you. We're going to explore all its features, benefits, and drawbacks, so you can make an informed decision. We'll also examine why this product stands out from its competitors and discuss how its advanced technology can help you create stunning images and videos. So, grab a cup of coffee and read on to learn more.

Panasonic Lumix DC-S5 Mark II Pros and Cons

Now, we will look more closely at our review of the Panasonic Lumix DC-S5 Mark II camera. We will see what it can do and compare it to other cameras like it. We will tell you what's good about it and what's not so good. This way, you'll know if it's the camera for you!

Pros

High resolution sensor for detailed images
5-axis image stabilization for steady shots
4K video recording capabilities for high-quality footage
Weather-resistant design for outdoor shooting
Large electronic viewfinder for accurate framing
Fast autofocus system for capturing action shots
In-camera RAW processing for instant editing
Compatible with a wide range of lenses

Cons

Limited battery life for extended shooting
No built-in flash for low-light situations
Some users may find the design bulky and heavy
No built-in ND filter for bright outdoor conditions
Limited touch screen functionality
No headphone jack for monitoring audio while filming
Autofocus can struggle in certain lighting conditions
Image noise may be noticeable at higher ISO levels

Build and Construction

Body and dimensions

Panasonic Lumix DC-S5 Mark II

Weather sealed
Dimensions134 x 102 x 90mm
Weight740g
Thickness90mm
Weight
Min
Avg
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Max
Thickness
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Weather Sealing

The Panasonic Lumix DC-S5 Mark II camera is equipped with environmental seals that make it resistant to weather, preventing water and dust from entering the camera. If you enjoy outdoor photography and need a camera that can handle extreme conditions, the Lumix DC-S5 Mark II is an excellent choice.

Design and Handling

Main design features

View FinderElectronic
Screen TypeFully Articulated
Screen Resolution1,840k dots
Body typeSLR-style mirrorless

Suitable for:

PhotographyAbove Avg.
VideographyAbove Avg.
TravelAbove Avg.

LCD Screen

This camera has a fully articulated 3.00" screen, with a display resolution of 1,840k dots. This makes the Panasonic Lumix DC-S5 Mark II very suitable for those looking for a vlogging camera as you can view yourself while shooting selfies. The camera also features a touch screen, which adds to its ease of use.

Viewfinder

Lumix DC-S5 Mark II includes a electronic viewfinder with 3,680k dots of resolution with a coverage of 100% and a magnification of 0.78x. This feature enhances the camera's suitability for outdoor photography in bright conditions.

Image Quality

Panasonic Lumix DC-S5 Mark II has a 24MP sized CMOS sensor. You can shoot at maximum resolution of 24 pixels. Panasonic Lumix DC-S5 Mark II has a native ISO range of 100 - 51200 which can be boosted to 50 - 204800. It can also save files in RAW format which gives you a wider room for post processing.

Key Features

Jan 04 2023

Announced

100 - 51200

ISO Range

SensorFull frame
Extended ISO50 - 204800
Max resolution6000 x 4000 pixels

DXO Sensor Scores

Overall

not tested

Color Depth

not tested

Dynamic Range

not tested

Low Light ISO

not tested

DXO mark sensor scores

The DXOmark rankings indicate that the Panasonic Lumix DC-S5 Mark II camera has excellent color depth performance, which refers to the number of colors the sensor can distinguish. Additionally, its dynamic range is also excellent, allowing it to retain high amounts of details in both bright and dark areas of a scene. The camera's low light ISO performance is excellent, which is an important factor to consider if you plan to use it in dimly lit indoor environments or at night. Overall the image quality of the Lumix DC-S5 Mark II is excellent

Crop Factor

Camera crop factor (or focal length multiplier) refers to how a camera's sensor size affects the apparent field of view of a lens. Crop factor is determined by comparing the size of a camera's sensor to that of a full-frame sensor, which is a standard reference size for camera sensors.

Size comparison

Medium FormatFull FrameAPS-C (Sony, Nikon)

Crop factor calculator

Crop factor

1x

Full frame equivalent

24mm

This camera: Full frame

24mm

850100150200

Connectivity, storage, battery

StorageSD Memory Card, SDHC Memory Card, SDXC Memory Card
Battery Life370 shots
Battery ModelDMW-BLJ31
HDMI
USD
Wireless Connectivity

Storage

The Panasonic Lumix DC-S5 Mark II supports SD Memory Card, SDHC Memory Card, SDXC Memory Card with 2 slots for storage. Having dual SD card slots on the Panasonic Lumix DC-S5 Mark II is highly advantageous as it mitigates the risk of losing footage due to memory card malfunctions. This feature is particularly beneficial for wedding photography and other professional settings.

Battery

The Panasonic Lumix DC-S5 Mark II uses the DMW-BLJ31 model of battery pack. This is rated for 370 shots shots which is high. If you intend to take photos or record videos for an extended period, it might be a good idea to bring along additional batteries.

Photography Features

Flash

The Panasonic Lumix DC-S5 Mark II does not have a built-in flash, but it does offer a flash shoe that allows you to attach external flashes. This provides more versatility in your lighting choices.

Shutter

The Panasonic Lumix DC-S5 Mark II boasts a maximum mechanical shutter speed of 1/8000s, which is ideal for shooting fast-moving subjects in bright environments, such as in sports photography. Faster shutter speeds enable you to freeze the action and capture every detail, making it easier to get the perfect shot.

With a continuous mechanical shutter speed of 9.0 fps or an electronic shutter speed of 30.0 fps, this camera is not capable of capturing the perfect moment more easily, making it not as suited for wedding, sports, and wildlife photography. Higher shutter speeds make it easier to capture fast-paced action, ensuring that you never miss the perfect shot.

Autofocus

The Panasonic Lumix DC-S5 Mark II includes two autofocus (AF) systems: contrast detection and phase detection, with 779 number of focus points.

While contrast detection is generally more accurate and precise, phase detection autofocus is faster and more effective in most situations, particularly when photographing moving subjects.

Phase detection autofocus works by dividing the incoming light into pairs and then analyzing how they intersect on the camera's sensor. This method allows the camera to determine not only if a subject is in focus but also the direction and distance needed to adjust the focus to achieve perfect sharpness.

On the other hand, contrast detection autofocus works by analyzing the contrast of an image and adjusting the focus until the highest contrast is detected. While this method is very accurate, it can be slow, especially in low light conditions or when photographing moving subjects.

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FAQ

What is the sensor size of the Panasonic Lumix DC-S5 Mark II?

The Panasonic Lumix DC-S5 Mark II features a CMOS sensor

Is the Panasonic Lumix DC-S5 Mark II weather sealed?

Yes the Lumix DC-S5 Mark II does have weather sealing.

When was the Panasonic Lumix DC-S5 Mark II announced?

The Panasonic Lumix DC-S5 Mark II was announced on Jan 04 2023

Does the Panasonic Lumix DC-S5 Mark II have in-body image stabilization?

Yes the Lumix DC-S5 Mark II does have in-body image stabilization that can compensate for camera shake, making it easier to shoot handheld in low light conditions.

What is the ISO range of the Panasonic Lumix DC-S5 Mark II?

The Lumix DC-S5 Mark II has a native ISO range of 100-51200, which can be expanded to ISO 50-204800 for even greater sensitivity in low light conditions.

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