Panasonic Lumix GH5S
Announced January 8, 2018
PixelMeter The PixelMeter is our 1–100 aggregate of reviewer scores from trusted publications and creators. Weighted by source tier — not a raw average, and not PetaPixel’s own review.
Reviewer Consensus
Strong
The Panasonic Lumix GH5S is a specialized, video-first tool that delivers impressive low-light performance and high-bitrate 10-bit color capture for professional filmmakers. While it excels in demanding production environments, the camera sacrifices in-body stabilization and high-resolution stills capability, making it a poor choice for those prioritizing photography.
Weighted from 28 reviewer scores
Pros
- Exceptional low-light performance and high ISO sensitivity
- Professional-grade video specifications including 10-bit 4:2:2 and V-Log L
- Versatile frame rate options including 60p 4K and 240fps slow motion
- Durable, weather-sealed build with high-resolution viewfinder
- Multi-aspect sensor design and advanced timecode connectivity
Cons
- Complete absence of in-body image stabilization
- Low 10.2MP resolution limits still photography potential
- Unreliable or slow contrast-detect autofocus performance
- Cropping issues during high frame rate recording
- Higher cost compared to standard GH5 models
- Launch price $2,499 (USD)
- Sensor 10.28MP Micro Four Thirds CMOS
- Stabilization None
- Burst 12 fps electronic 12 fps mechanical
Expert Reviews
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- DPReview 84/100
The GH5S is a highly specialized filmmakers' camera that makes few concessions to anything but this core purpose. An excellent sensor combined with high bitrate, 10-bit 4:2:2 capture means the results are hugely impressive.
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With a 12MP Four Thirds sensor, the GH5S is, yes, a camera that can take still photos, but it is designed for video. And as a video camera, the GH5S most assuredly excels.
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When it comes to video shooting, in my opinion, the new Panasonic GH5S is a superior product compared to the original GH5. Hence, the price difference is justified.
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Only when you go past 1600 does the GH5S start to shine.
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I can say I don’t recommend this camera if you’re primarily a stills shooter. You get 14-bit raw stills but at a resolution that can be easily beat by cameras half its price.
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For anyone wanting a GH5 that can record higher quality video, including CINE 4K at 60fps, as well as record in low-light conditions, then the GH5S is the ideal solution, and compared to other cameras, particularly good value for money.
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The Panasonic Lumix GH5S is a specialist tool that isn't going to appeal to everyone, but stills photographers and especially looking videographers looking for the ultimate low-light camera will find a lot to like.
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A small but mightily powerful tool for videographers looking for ultimate creative flexibility.
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As a 4K video camera, the GH5S is extremely powerful and extremely good value. Our real-world tests indicate its high ISO performance still lags slightly behind its bigger-sensor rivals, but professionals will love its high frame rates, 10-bit 4:2:2 recording and high bitrates.
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The Panasonic Lumix GH5S is certainly not for everyone, but if you want to shoot professional-quality footage without remortgaging your house to buy a professional video camera you won't find a better video-focused camera out there.
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The GH5s has a stunning image, and if you support it well, its downfalls won’t be significant. If you want a camera that can also shoot photos, the GH5s isnât a great choice. However, if you are a video-first shooter, the GH5s is for you.
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Until something comparable comes along, the $1,800 GH5s is perfect for my needs, and that's what counts the most.
- Digital Trends 8/10
If video is your thing, the GH5S is the best $2,500 you can spend.
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So with improvements at a GH5S some things have been taken away also but this makes it more geared for production people rather than vloggers like myself. It's not to me but for other people this is possibly even the best camera of the year just started.
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If I were still shooting video professionally, I would definitely put it at the top of my to-buy list.
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Besides shooting really high quality 4K footage, the camera also excels at burst shots through the 4K Photo mode, has a very good EVF, is well built, and features plenty of advanced options that will keep most professional users happy.
- Photo Review 8.9/10
The low pixel count of the GH5S has paid dividends in both still image and video quality, particularly in difficult lighting conditions, although the lack of sensor-based image stabilisation means you’ll need a steady base.
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As the area of the senor being used can be changed by the camera, it's possible to adjust capture aspect ratio without changing focal length. And with Anamorphic 4K CinemaScope shooting options [...] the GH5S is a true cinema capture champion.
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The GH5S delivers so much for filmmakers to get excited about. It’s a combination that can’t be found anywhere else, crammed into a compact body that’s weatherproof and easy to use.
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The GH5S is a very interesting camera.
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Maybe go full frame and get a little bit of extra stops of low-light performance, but any kind of lit room where you've got controlled lighting, the Panasonic Lumix GH5S does do a better job than the GH5 in those kind of conditions.
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I think that the Panasonic Lumix GH5S is a great choice for advanced filmmaking, documentaries, TV productions. It would be an excellent B camera for large cine cameras like RED, ARRI, or Panasonic VariCam, but also for advanced YouTubers.
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A mixture of these things, I think it really signifies who Panasonic are targeting with this camera, and that's that's the next level tier of filmmakers and camera operators, especially if you're doing multi-track and multi-camera productions.
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The camera is amazing, ergonomics, great battery life, tons of frame rate options, tons of bitrate options; it just seems to work really nicely.
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The camera’s low-light capturing skills are worthy of attention and its solid build gives you a sense of assurity – at least as long as you don’t have to carry it for too long. If you’re serious about videography [...] the GH5S will be worth your money.
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My conclusion is that it doesn't make sense to buy the Panasonic Lumix GH5S for photography.
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I want the low light ability of this camera, I really like this camera, I think it's it's going to be a classic.
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I love this camera and it's really taking me over the edge, and in my opinion I don't see any other camera manufacturer making anything that's gonna really compete with this, at least for the next two to three years.
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