Panasonic has grabbed the digicam headlines at CES 2023 by saying two full-frame cameras that deliver a much-needed new function to its Lumix lineup – phase-detect autofocus.

The Panasonic Lumix S5II and Lumix S5IIX, which succeed the Panasonic Lumix S5, are shaping as much as be nice video workhorses due to their new 24MP full-frame CMOS sensors. For the primary time on Lumix cameras, this sensor brings a hybrid phase-detect autofocus system, which ought to (in idea) be a big soar from the contrast-based detection system seen in its earlier cameras.

So what is the distinction between the Lumix S5II and S5IIX? The S5IIX is slightly pricier and can arrive later this 12 months, however brings some extra pro-friendly video options together with inside ProRes recording, uncooked video output and the flexibility to report on to an SSD drive over USB. However in any other case the 2 cameras are largely similar and may rank among the many greatest video cameras you should buy.

Each the Lumix S5II and S5IIX are able to capturing 6K/30p video (with 4:2:0 10-bit colour depth). They’ll additionally report 4K/60p video utilizing the total width of the sensor and serve up an APS-C mode for a narrower discipline of view. Due to the addition of a brand new fan, which is on the high of the digicam beneath its brand, the cameras can even shoot video for limitless durations in most body charges and resolutions.

However it’s that new on-sensor phase-detect autofocus (PDAF) system that is the actually large information. The dearth of PDAF has been a longstanding criticism of Panasonic cameras, as a result of it means their autofocus is extra susceptible to looking or ‘wobble’ than rivals that mix each phase-detect and contrast-detect AF. 

The brand new AF system on the S5II and S5IIX needs to be notably helpful for video shooters and consists of subject-recognition AF modes, which may acknowledge people and animals, together with Face/Eye detection within the scene. The 2 new Lumix cameras even have improved in-body picture stabilization (IBIS), which Panasonic claims is twice nearly as good as the unique S5.

Whereas the Lumix S5 and S5IIX are predominantly designed for video, additionally they deliver enhancements for stills pictures. Each can shoot at 9fps with the mechanical shutter, however handle a powerful 30fps if you swap to the digital shutter (albeit with the potential draw back of rolling shutter). There’s additionally a 96MP Pixel Shift mode for hi-res pictures, although this could solely actually be utilized in static scenes.

Impressively, the Panasonic Lumix S5II has the identical US launch value as its predecessor, which can stay on sale. You can purchase it later this month for $1,999 / £1,999 / AU$3,199. The Panasonic Lumix S5IIX will arrive later this 12 months (in direction of the tip of Might within the US and Australia, or ‘winter 2023’ within the UK), costing $2,199 / £2,299 / AU$3,499.

Evaluation: An extended-awaited second for Lumix followers

The arrival of phase-detect autofocus (PDAF) on Panasonic cameras is a giant deal – not only for Lumix followers, however anybody who’s seeking to purchase a hybrid mirrorless digicam. 

The corporate’s earlier AF programs actually have not been horrible, and lots of shooters will merely use handbook focus for static topics. However in idea, the brand new system ought to deliver the Lumix S5II and Lumix S5IIX nearer to the excessive autofocus watermark set by Canon and Sony. If that’s the case, that would make Panasonic’s new launches very tempting contemplating they ship video options not supplied by these rivals.

The dearth of phase-detect autofocus on the latest Panasonic Lumix GH6 was such a giant deal that the corporate was apologetic in regards to the omission. Throughout a candid chat for the GH6 launch, Panasonic USA’s Enterprise Growth Supervisor Matt Frazer stated he was “properly conscious it is not the route that folks have been hoping that we’d go” relating to the digicam’s autofocus, however that “it simply wasn’t attainable for us to get a modification for phase-based autofocus” on the digicam’s new sensor.

That is now modified on the Lumix S5II and S5IIX, which have new 24MP full-frame sensors that ship these essential PDAF autofocus factors. We’re but to check out this technique, however in idea it ought to ship extra assured autofocus in video and likewise for stills when capturing transferring topics with steady autofocus. It is because phase-detect autofocus is often quicker than contrast-based AF for monitoring transferring topics.

That stated, it does not essentially imply that hybrid shooters ought to rule out the Panasonic Lumix GH6. Whereas that digicam has a smaller Micro 4 Thirds sensor and extra restricted autofocus, its sensor does supply quicker read-out speeds for avoiding rolling shutter points capturing in 4K/60p and 4K/120p with no crop. 

In order for you a full-frame hybrid digicam, although, then the Panasonic Lumix S5II and S5IIX are sturdy new rivals for the Canon EOS R6 Mark II and Sony A7 IV. They provide pro-friendly options like waveforms and open-gate recording (which makes use of the total top of the digicam’s sensor so you’ll be able to simply export in numerous side ratios), together with a extra highly effective in-body picture stabilization that would make them splendid for run-and-gun capturing. We’ll deliver you our full evaluations very quickly.

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