Panasonic has announced the LUMIX S5D, a new hybrid full-frame mirrorless camera. Based on the compact design of the LUMIX S5, the S5D comes DJI LiDAR AF ready. This is a European-only version and it isn’t available in the US.
When the S5D is paired with the DJI LiDAR Range Finder Module and DJI RS 3 Pro Gimbal, distance measurement information is sent to the camera via USB, and the camera drives the focus, so no focus motor is required. There is also no need for lens calibration adjustments. Thanks to the LiDAR’s high-speed 43,200 ranging points within a 14-meter distance, AF is possible in very low-light conditions. While this is a nice addition, at least in my opinion, using a DJI LiDAR Range Finder Module with AF lenses doesn’t make a ton of sense for most shooting applications.
The LUMIX S5D utilizes the same 24.2-megapixel 35mm full-frame CMOS sensor from the S5.
The LUMIX S5D is capable of 4K 60p/50p 4:2:0 10-bit, and 4K 30p/25p 4:2:2 10-bit internal recording up to 30 minutes. It is also capable of 4K 60p/50p 4:2:2 10-bit HDMI output. For 4K 30p/25p 4:2:0 8-bit internal recording, there is no time limit.
In addition to C4K video recording, the LUMIX S5D is capable of RAW video data output to ATOMOS NINJA V over HDMI at a resolution of 5.9K (5888×3312) 29.97p/25p, 4.1K (4128×2176) 59.94p/50p and Anamorphic 3.5K (3536×2656)/50p. A variety of video recording assist functions such as the Vector Scope Display, Master Pedestal Adjustment and SS/Gain Operation(SEC/ISO, ANGLE/ISO, SEC/dB) are also available.
The LUMIX S5D has a claimed 14+ stops of dynamic range and it has V-Log / V-Gamut.
With Slow & Quick mode, slow and quick motion in 4K (1-60fps, 30x quick to 2.5x slow) or in FHD (1-180fps, 60x quick to 7.5x slow) is available.
The LUMIX S5D features Dual Native ISO sensitivity. Dual Native ISO in the S5D minimizes noise generation by choosing an optimal circuit to use according to the sensitivity before gain processing. The LUMIX S5D’s Dual Native ISOs are 640 and 4000.
The LUMIX S5D integrates the Body I.S. (Image Stabiliser). Panasonic developed an algorithm that precisely calculates shake information acquired not only from the gyrosensor but also from the image sensor and accelerometer sensor. This enables more accurate shake detection and compensation, making it possible to use a 5-stop slower shutter speed. Combining the Body I.S. (5-axis) in the camera and the O.I.S. (Optical Image Stabiliser, 2-axis) in the LUMIX S Series lens the 5-axis Dual I.S.2 compensates for blurring, allowing the use of a 6.5-stop slower shutter speed.
The LUMIX S5D is composed of a magnesium alloy full die-cast body and is splash/dust-resistant. It features an optimum layout of heat dispersion components, heat is effectively transferred outside which results in stable, continuous video recording for long periods.
The LUMIX S5D has a large LVF (Live View Finder) with a high magnification ratio of approx. 0.74x, as well as a high-precision, high-speed OLED (Organic Light-Emitting Diode) display which features a 2,360K-dot high resolution.
A 3.0-inch free-angle LCD in 3:2 aspect with 1,840K-dot high resolution provides touch control. Composition during recording in various popular aspect ratios such as 16:9, 4:3, 1:1, 4:5, 5:4 and 9:16 can be checked with the Frame Marker function. A REC Frame Indicator identifies whether the camera is recording or not.
The LUMIX S5D has a double SD Memory Card slot – one slot complies with UHS-I and the other with the high-speed, high-capacity UHS-II (Video Class 90).
The camera’s battery can be recharged either via AC or USB according to the user’s convenience.
Price & Availability
The S5D will be available from the end of October for RRP €1,599 / £1,399 for the kit which includes the LUMIX S Series 18-40mm F4.5-6.3 lens, or RRP €2,099 / £1,799 for the kit which includes the 20-200mm F4-7.1 lens.
