TechKnowmad
The full-frame L-Mount S5II and S5IIx are Panasonic’s first cameras with hybrid phase-detect autofocus (PDAF). The company’s attempt to catch up to rivals like Sony and Canon, whose mirrorless cameras have historically enjoyed an advantage because of their superior autofocus systems, is the driving force behind the move.
According to Engadget, the S5II and S5IIx are built to address focus “wobble” issues and other issues while introducing enhanced video and photography features.
Both cameras feature a brand-new 24.2-megapixel sensor with 315 contrast and 779 phase-detect AF points and Dual Native ISO, which has an ISO 100–51200 range (expandable to 50-204800).
Additional Revolutionary Features
The L2 Engine, another feature of the new chip, processes data twice as quickly as it did previously, resulting in increased performance and less rolling shutter distortion. According to a press release from Panasonic that B&H Photo made public, the AF system can now function in a variety of difficult situations, including tracking multiple people and objects, backlit situations, and low light.
The Active IS in-body stabilisation system, one of the S5II and S5IIx’s unique features, enables users to record video while moving around. When coupled with specific lenses, Panasonic asserts that the system can correct “even significant camera shake, approximately 200 percent more than conventional systems.” The cameras might be perfect for vloggers as a result.
High-quality Video Enhancements
The S5II and S5IIx are capable of recording video in 6K30 “open gate” 3:2, 4K 30p supersampled using the entire sensor width, 4K 60p with an APS-C crop, and FHD video at up to 120p with a 1.5x crop.
The addition of a small cooling fan in the lengthened EVF hump has allowed the cameras to record for longer periods of time than the original S5, without any restrictions at any resolution.
According to reports, the S5IIx has a number of extra features not present on the S5II, such as the ability to record in 10-bit All-I, ProRes 422 HQ, and ProRes 422 formats to the USB-C port.
Additionally, an Atomos Ninja V+ HDR monitor recorder can receive full-frame 12-bit 5.9K 30p ProRes RAW video output from the device. Both cameras provide the ability to record in V-Log and V-Gamut and to use LUTs in real time.
There are also two UHS-II SD slots, a full-sized HDMI port, and a higher resolution EVF compared to the original S5.
Additionally, the cameras have a number of new still photography features, such as a six fps burst rate with AF/AE, a new high-precision AF system, and a variety of creative options, like the capacity to take multiple exposures and produce time-lapse movies directly in the camera.
Overall, with a variety of impressive features that should appeal to both photographers and videographers, the S5II and S5IIx appear to be strong contenders in the mirrorless camera market.