PRICES CHECKED NOV 3, 6:15 PM ET335 PRODUCTS · INDEPENDENT BUYING GUIDES
hero product shot: Panasonic Lumix S5
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Panasonic Lumix S5

7.2

A compact full-frame body with strong video features and dual native ISO, suited to hybrid shooters and wedding videographers.

L-Mount Alliance
PRICES · 1 STORECHECKED NOV 3, 6:15 PM ET
RetailerBody only
AmazonNewPrime deliveryAS OF NOV 3, 6:15 PM ET
$1,397LOWEST
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eBayPre-ownedFrom independent sellers. Condition varies.
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Prices accurate as of Nov 3, 6:15 PM ET and subject to change. We may earn a commission from these links, at no cost to you. How this works

Build around it

EVERY OPTION IS CHECKED AGAINST THE S5
Lens✓ Fits the S5
Power✓ Fits the S5
Storage✓ Fits the S5
Audio✓ Fits the S5
Bag✓ Fits the S5

Spec sheet

SENSORMegapixels and sensor size. Full-frame gathers more light than APS-C or Micro Four Thirds, for cleaner low-light shots and more background blur.24.2MPFull-frame
BURSTThe fastest frames per second the maker quotes. Top speeds often use the electronic shutter and may limit autofocus. Higher helps for sports, wildlife and kids.7 fpsFastest the maker quotes
VIDEOThe highest video resolution it records internally.4KMax internal
IBISIn-body stabilisation. Each stop lets you shoot at half the shutter speed without blur, so 8 stops means very steady handheld shots.6.5 stopsIn-body
BATTERYShots per charge on the CIPA standard test, using the rear screen. Real-world numbers are often higher.440CIPA shots, rear screen
WEIGHTBody with battery and card, without a lens.714 gWith battery and card
MOUNTWhich lenses fit natively. Other lenses may work through an adapter.LL-Mount Alliance

Photo

SensorResolution, size and build. Stacked sensors read out fastest, which helps fast action and cuts rolling-shutter wobble.24.2MP · Full-frame
Native ISOThe standard sensitivity range. Higher ISO lets you shoot in dimmer light, at the cost of more noise.100–51,200
ShutterFastest mechanical and electronic shutter speeds. The silent electronic shutter can freeze faster motion, but may bend fast subjects on slower sensors.1/8000 mech · 1/16000 elec
Flash syncThe fastest shutter speed you can use with a regular flash. Higher is better for flash outdoors in bright light.1/250 s
AutofocusWhat the camera recognises and tracks automatically, and how dark it can get before focus struggles (lower EV is better in low light).People

Video

Max resolutionThe highest resolution and frame rate it records internally. More than 4K gives room to crop or stabilise in editing.4K 60p
Best 4K frame rateThe fastest 4K frame rate. 60p and above lets you slow footage down smoothly, and 120p gives 5× slow motion.4K 60p
Crop at 4K 60pWhether 4K 60p uses the full sensor width. A crop makes your lens act longer, so wide shots get harder.1.5x crop
Colour depth10-bit records far more colour detail than 8-bit, so footage holds up when you grade it. Worth it if you edit video.10-bit 4:2:0
Log profileA flat picture profile that keeps highlight and shadow detail for colour grading later.V-Log
Raw videoRaw keeps the most image data for editing, at much larger file sizes. Some cameras only record it to an external recorder.None
Open gateRecords the whole sensor area, so you can crop the same clip to both widescreen and vertical video.No
Clip length limitThe longest single clip the maker allows. Heat can still stop recording earlier in hot conditions.30 min
Audio jacksA mic input for better sound, and a headphone jack to check what you are recording.Mic + headphone
HDMIFor an external monitor or recorder. Full-size HDMI is sturdier than micro HDMI.Micro
Cooling fanA built-in fan lets the camera record for long stretches without overheating.No

Body & handling

ViewfinderElectronic viewfinder resolution and magnification. More dots and a bigger magnification give a sharper, larger view.2.36M-dot, 0.74×
Rear screenFully articulating screens flip to the front for vlogging; tilting screens are quicker for photos at waist or overhead height.Fully articulating
Card slotsTwo slots let you record a backup copy at the same time, which matters for paid work like weddings.SD UHS-II + SD UHS-I
Weather sealingSeals against dust and light rain. Pair it with a sealed lens.Yes
USB-C powerCan run from a USB-C power bank while shooting, not just charge the battery.Yes
BatteryThe battery model, for buying spares.DMW-BLK22
Size (W × H × D)Width, height and depth as the maker publishes them: the body only for interchangeable-lens cameras, including the built-in lens for compacts. Makers measure slightly differently. Compare bodies in the size tool.132.6 × 97.1 × 81.9 mm

How the S5 connects

Works with

3

Competes with

3

Steps up and down

1

Adapts from

1
  • Canon EF via Sigma MC-21Adapted lenses keep autofocus
Compare withZ5 IIcZ6 IIR8S5 IIThe Panasonic S5 family →

Pros and cons

COMPARED WITH 20 FULL-FRAME CAMERAS, $997–$2,199
Cons, and what fixes them
  • –Slower burst

    7 fps. Rivals here typically have 30 fps.

    Panasonic Lumix S930 fps instead of 7 fps$1,498 · $101 moreSee the S9Compare
Prices accurate as of Nov 3, 6:15 PM ET and subject to change. We may earn a commission from these links, at no cost to you. How this works

From the retailer

AMAZON · AS OF NOV 3, 6:15 PM ET
  • A LIGHTWEIGHT, POWERFUL HYBRID CAMERA FOR VIBRANT STILL PHOTOGRAPHY AND CINEMATIC VIDEO: Realize your creative vision with extraordinary 4K 60p, 10-bit video, FHD 180fps Slow Motion option as well as 4:3 Anamorphic support.
  • DETAILED PHOTO AND VIDEO THAT WILL DELIGHT ENTHUSIASTS AND EXPERTS ALIKE: Capture content in impressive high quality with 96MP High Resolution mode, Dual Native ISO to minimize noise in high sensitivity and V-Log/V-Gamut with 14 plus stop dynamic range.
  • IMPROVED, HIGH-PRECISION AUTOFOCUS AND POWERFUL IMAGE STABILIZATION: Improved autofocus includes detection of the head as well as eyes, face and body, to capture subjects with ease and precision. 5-axis Dual I.S. 2 enables 6.5-stop slower shutter speed.
  • EXPANDED FEATURES OFFER NEW LEVELS OF CREATIVITY: Use Live View Composite mode to instantly create a stunning image out of several live shots to capture fireworks or a starry sky
ModelDC-S5BODY
Part numberDC-S5BODY
ColorBlack
Release date2020-09-30