Panasonic's compact full-frame mirrorless with IBIS, targeting hybrid stills-video shooters.
The Panasonic Lumix S5 launched in 2020 as a compact full-frame L-Mount mirrorless camera. With a 24.2MP sensor, 5-axis IBIS, and excellent video specifications, it brought full-frame Lumix quality to a smaller and more affordable body than the S1 series. It targeted hybrid shooters who needed both stills and video.
Key features include the 24.2MP sensor, 5-axis IBIS with up to 6.5 stops, Dual Native ISO for clean high-ISO video, 4K 60fps video with 10-bit recording, and V-Log built in. The body is compact and weather-sealed. Contrast-detect DFD autofocus is functional but not as reliable as phase-detect competitors.
The S5 is praised for excellent video quality rivalling the S1H in a smaller body, good stills quality, and effective IBIS. It is criticised for the DFD contrast-detect AF which hunts in difficult conditions and lacks the reliability of Sony and Canon phase-detect systems.
Good value used as the S5 II with phase-detect AF has superseded it. Check IBIS operation, video overheating behaviour, and AF hunting in low contrast. The S5 II addresses the AF weakness with phase-detect hybrid AF and is the recommended buy for new purchases.