Panasonic Lumix S5
Announced September 2, 2020
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 S5 is a compact full-frame hybrid that delivers professional-grade video features and high-quality stills at a competitive price point. While it offers impressive image quality and effective stabilization, the contrast-based autofocus system and reliance on a micro-HDMI port remain notable limitations for some users.
Weighted from 29 reviewer scores
Pros
- Advanced video capabilities including 10-bit internal recording, V-Log, and anamorphic support
- Compact, weather-sealed, and ergonomic body design
- Highly effective in-body image stabilization
- Excellent image quality and dynamic range
- Versatile features like dual SD slots, USB charging, and a vari-angle screen
Cons
- Contrast-based autofocus lacks the reliability and tracking performance of phase-detect competitors
- Inconvenient micro-HDMI port instead of full-size
- Significant sensor crop when shooting 4K at 60p
- Limited burst shooting speeds compared to rivals
- Recording time limits in specific video modes
- Launch price $1,999 (USD)
- Sensor 24.2MP Full-Frame CMOS
- Video 4K 60p
- Stabilization In-body IS, 5 stops (CIPA)
- Burst 7 fps electronic 7 fps mechanical
What the Reviewers Say
All 29 expert reviews, weighted into the PixelMeter score.
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- DPReview 88/100
[T]he S5’s video autofocus performance is better than on previous Panasonic models, but may not be reliable enough for serious videographers.
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Whether you call it a mini S1H or full-frame GH5, the Lumix S5 is a lot of camera for the money and comes highly recommended.
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This camera might prove to be the most important LUMIX L-Mount camera Panasonic has ever released. It is the one that is supposed to drive the LUMIX cameras engine forward, as it offers good performance at an attractive price – especially when combined with the 20-60mm kit lens.
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Although not perfect, the Lumix S5 is an impressive full-frame camera for the money.
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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.
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The new Lumix S5 may be the cheapest camera in Panasonic's full-frame lineup, but in many ways it's also the most appealing, especially if you regularly shoot a mix of stills and video.
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At this price, including its kit lens, the Lumix S5 is the hybrid camera to beat. It offers stunning full-frame image quality, class-leading video performance and matches a camera that costs almost [...]
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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.
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The Panasonic Lumix S5 hits all the right notes for still photographers, and delivers video features that you won’t find in competitively priced full-frame mirrorless cameras.
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The Panasonic S5 is a versatile all-around hybrid camera that should appeal to a broad range of the market. There really is something for all skill levels and needs — whether it be social media capabilities, professional video features or entry-level practicality.
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As for video, the S5 is a powerhouse in the specs department.
- Digital Trends 8/10
[Should you buy it?] Yes. The Lumix S5 is a great hybrid camera at a fair price.
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The Panasonic Lumix DC-S5 may not fit in with some of the other camera releases that have happened recently, but that doesn't mean it won't be a popular one. Given its price point, I can see a lot of people being really interested in the sub $2000 hybrid market.
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If you're looking for full frame, the quality of your image, it's a mini S1H and it just does a lot for two thousand dollars.
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There is a lot to like about the Panasonic S5, and it’s a good little hybrid camera available at an affordable and reasonable price. In fact, it could be argued that it’s the S5 that the company should have launched with.
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Whether you're an amateur, semi-professional, or professional videographer or photographer, the Panasonic Lumix DC-S5 is a great little camera. I still can't get over how small this thing is.
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It's an incredible all-around hybrid camera that I think will especially please those who primarily shoot video but also want a camera that can take high quality stills with a lot of creative options at their disposal.
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So it seems like it is a pretty good full-frame camera for people who want to do a bit of vlogging.
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The Panasonic Lumix DC-S5 is, in my opinion, the best value full-frame hybrid camera on the market.
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Now even though this may not be my next vlog camera for YouTube, I am still blown away at how much power and performance we're getting out of this camera for $2,000.
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[...] Panasonic Lumix DC-S5 is a master of some traits but not necessarily a check of all traits. There are some areas in which it is among the best cameras in class; those are mainly the video capabilities.
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This is without a doubt the best budget cinema camera on the market right now.
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I'll just cut to the chase on this one: at that price, the Panasonic Lumix DC-S5 is untouchable among full-frame hybrids, which doesn't make it perfect, let alone the right choice for you.
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[T]he Panasonic Lumix DC-S5 is a camera I choose over my Sony A7 III any day when it comes to stunning image quality and color science, but I probably leave it behind when almost everything else I shoot which would need an autofocus [...]
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For me, the Panasonic Lumix DC-S5 is an incredible camera. It is more than capable of delivering cinematic professional grade images.
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My actual final conclusion on the Panasonic Lumix S5 is I think this is a brilliant camera; it offers so much and it delivers on pretty much all aspects for the filmmaker and likely for the photographer as well.
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Plus all the other stuff you've got in there, this is an incredible deal for someone looking to get into pro video but without spending crazy money.
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So after editing the footage and reviewing it I've actually got to say I'm a lot more impressed than I thought I would be with the autofocus performance.
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Whether you shoot photo or video, or ideally if you dabble a little bit in both, this is a really great camera to consider.
