Panasonic has unveiled the latest addition to its Lumix camera range with the Lumix S5 hybrid full-frame mirrorless camera designed for content creators across both photography and videography.

Despite travel restrictions during COVID-19, the S5 is “the right product for the time”, according to Panasonic Australia managing director, Paul Reid.

“There is no doubt that the photography industry has been affected by the downturn in tourism. However, this has led to a significant uptick in interest of products that support live streaming and vlogging, as people spend more time at home.

“We have received a fantastic response to our S Series and the S5 broadens the scope for content creators, whether professional or amateur – photographer, videographer or hybrid.

“COVID-19 has reinforced that Panasonic is a diversified business across both B2C and B2B categories and we can provide products to people at home and satisfy their needs.”

The compact yet durable splash and dust resistant body of the S5 is packed with advanced video capabilities including 4K 60p 10-bit internal recording and external output via HDMI, as well as full Varicam V-log profile pre-installed in the camera.  

Professional audio equipment can be used for video thanks to the S5’s compatibility with Panasonic’s DMW-XLR1 microphone adaptor. RAW video output via HDMI up to 5.9k will be available via future firmware update.

The S5 features the 24.2-megapixel 35mm full-frame CMOS sensor first introduced in the Lumix S1, to deliver exceptional low-light performance and high dynamic range, supported by the 5-axis Dual I.S. 2 image stabilisation system.

The camera also incorporates an improved Deep Learning autofocus algorithm that detects specific subjects such as people or animals. In addition to the eye, face and body, the head is separately recognised by real-time detection technology for even more precise focusing. The camera continues to track subjects when they move quickly, turn away, tilt their head, or move far away.

A new addition for the S5 is Live View Composite that combines multiple exposures into a single image to emphasise bright points and suppress overexposure, ideal when shooting lights, stars and fireworks. The 96MP high resolution mode – ideal for extremely large prints or commercial images – captures detailed landscapes with increased dynamic range and colour reproduction.

The large OLED Live View Finder has a magnification ratio of approx. 0.74x, 2,360K-dot high resolution and a minimum time lag of less than 0.005 sec. The free-angle 3.0-inch LCD rear monitor with touch control allows users to quickly adjust settings.

The new DMW-BLK22 high-capacity battery is backwards compatible with the GH5, GH5S and G9 cameras and can be recharged either via AC or USB. The S5 is also capable of power supply and delivery via USB-C, making it possible to continuously power the camera with a USB power source.

Bluetooth 4.2 Low Energy connection, Wi-Fi 5-GHz and 2.4GHz streamlines content sharing to smartphones. With an always-on Bluetooth connection, a smartphone can act as the camera’s remote control via the Lumix Sync app. The settings of an S5 camera can also be copied and transmitted to other S5 cameras when shooting using multiple cameras.

The S5 is compatible with the Lumix Tether applications for tethered shooting via USB. Users can control the camera by connecting it to a PC and images can be viewed on a PC screen while shooting.

The Lumix S5 will be available from leading photographic specialists from late September for RRP $3,199 (body only) or $3,699 for the Lumix S5 kit with Lumix S 20-60mm F3.5-5.6 lens.