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Digital Camera World
Digital Camera World
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Looking for a full-frame camera with the X factor?

Panasonic Lumix S5 IIX

It’s not often that a camera comes along and sets a gold standard – and when it does, it usually comes with price tag that would make even a goldsmith blush.

So what’s remarkable about the Lumix S5IIX is that it not only changes the playing field for full-frame video-focused cameras, it does so while offering value that’s better than anything else in its class.

From 5.9K ProRes RAW (and BRAW) to rock-solid stabilization, incredible autofocus to wired or wireless streaming, and recording and playback to SSD via USB – all with unlimited record times – the S5IIX shoots what simply couldn’t be shot before.

The X factors

The Lumix S5IIX is an even more spec-stuffed upgrade to the phenomenal Panasonic Lumix S5II. As such, it possesses numerous exclusive features that elevate already-incredible performance to truly unprecedented levels.

Chief among these are the amazing connectivity options when it comes to SSD storage. First and foremost, the camera is capable of external SSD recording and playback via USB-C. And, to service this technical achievement, Panasonic has worked together with SanDisk Professional and Kondor Blue.

This collaboration enables the Lumix S5IIX to take advantage of SanDisk’s new Pro-Blade SSD mags, in conjunction with Kondor Blue’s ingenious new SSD Handle – a setup that transforms a top or side handle into a housing for ultra-compact external SSD storage.

With or without the new peripherals, the S5IIX is able to record ProRes 4:2:2 HQ and 4:2:2 10-bit All-Intra directly to SSDs. And when, using a compatible Atomos or Blackmagic external recorder, the camera can also shoot in 5.9K 12-bit in Apple ProRes RAW or BRAW.

In addition, new live streaming capabilities have been unlocked. Now you can stream in real time outdoors, wirelessly via RTMP / RTMPS (made easy with the Lumix Sync app), and indoors, wired via RTP / RTSP.

(Image credit: Panasonic)

Anything you can do…

Of course, being an upgraded version of the Lumix S5II, the S5IIX can do everything that its older brother can do.

That includes Panasonic’s brand-new, cutting-edge phase detect hybrid autofocus system. Say goodbye to pulsing focus and inconsistent tracking, as the S5IIX’s target detection and tracking sticks to subjects like glue – even in adverse lighting conditions and with multiple moving objects.

Moving objects are one thing, but a moving camera operator is no longer an issue either. Thanks to the camera’s Dual Image Stabilizer system and newly-developed Active IS technology, your videos boast near-gimbal smoothness thanks to 6.5 stops of shake compensation.

At the heart of all this tech is the ultra-fast, high-resolution 24.2MP full frame CMOS sensor – which, thanks to the L² Technology partnership with Leica, is imbued with almost double the signal processing speed.

The full power and flexibility of that sensor is unlocked by its open gate functionality. The S5IIX makes use of the entire sensor area, and accommodates customizable frame markers, opening up the full spectrum of aspect ratios – so you can capture your content confident that all final deliverables can be met.

(Image credit: Panasonic)

Further versatility is realized with the camera’s Real Time LUTs, enabling you to select from an existing library of LUTs or add your own, in order to apply in-camera to achieve your desired look at the point of capture – rather than having to do it in post-production.

Not only does the Lumix S5IIX reduce your time spent in post, it also increases your potential shooting time thanks to an optimized heat dispersion system. This affords extended recording durations, even at high resolutions, including unlimited 4:2:2 10-bit C4K/4K capture (from 0-104°F).

And, on top of all this, the Lumix S5IIX is supported by an exhaustive lineup of over a hundred lenses from the three major brands that make up the L Mount Alliance: Panasonic, Leica and Sigma.

Whether you’re a professional who needs a tool that can handle any job, or simply a videographer who aspires to achieve professional quality, the Lumix S5IIX offers unprecedented performance at an unparalleled price.

(Image credit: Panasonic)
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