Panasonic LUMIX DC-S5M2R (S5M2 + R1428)

The second generation of the successful full-frame LUMIX S5 -- the LUMIX S5M2 and LUMIX S5M2X -- comes with a new 24MP full-frame CMOS sensor, a significantly more powerful processor, phase-detection autofocus (PDAF), improved stabilization, active cooling for unlimited recording time, HDMI-A connector, 96MP RAW photo mode and Dual Native ISO technology. The S5IIX also offers Apple Pro Res RAW output (for Atomos recorders), USB SSD recording, All-Intra codec, IP streaming and a unique black design. The new image processor delivers outstanding image quality at high bitrates, comparable to the LUMIX S1H! On sale from 5/6 2023.

The new image processor enhances high-resolution, high bitrate video processing capabilities, including internal recording of 10-bit 4:2:0 video at 6K (3:2) and 5.9K (16:9) resolutions at frame rates up to 30 fps and C4K/4K resolutions at 4:2:2 sampling rates up to 60 fps, respectively. And thanks to a new, compact active cooling system, there is no limit to the length of recording while maintaining the size of the camera body! The S5M2/S5M2X models also support HFR (High Frame Rate) video recording at up to 120 fps; the S5M2X also allows recording up to 5.8K Apple ProRes format on an external SSD (HDMI recorder or USB drive), with ALL-Intra mode. In addition, the S5M2X offers external recording of Apple Pro Res RAW data using a compatible recorder (Atomos), as well as IP streaming and USB tethering.

Both models offer a range of image profiles incl. V-Log/V-Gamut with a dynamic range of 14+ eV, as well as a new Real-Time LUT function for applying LUT corrections from the SD card, in real time. Thanks to new, powerful electronics, the second generation S5 offers outstanding photo and video processing performance including sequential shooting of up to 300 frames at 9 fps (mechanical shutter) or up to 30 fps (electronic shutter), 96MP "High Resolution Mode" (JPEG/RAW) and dual native sensitivity with a maximum ISO value of 51200 (204800 in Extended mode).

The LUMIX S5IIX and S5II also bring improvements in image stabilization: a new, 200% more effective Active I.S. mode compensates for unwanted movements in three axes, making it much easier to shoot handheld video even when using telephoto lenses. Connectivity has also been improved with the use of a full-size HDMI Type A connector, high-speed USB 3.2 Gen 2 (the high-capacity 2200mAh battery can also be charged via USB) and a safety cable holder to prevent accidental disconnection. Wi-Fi support has been expanded to include the 5 GHz band for fast, stable communication with phones and tablets. Two SD (UHS-II) card slots support both serial and parallel recording.

Additional features will be traditionally implemented by the manufacturer via FW updates incl. RAW output or Live View Composite function.

RAW recording 5/2023
The official list of supported recorders for external recording of RAW material with the DC-S5M2X is here. Currently supported models are Atomos Ninja V+/Ninja V (AtomOS 10.92.00 or higher) and Blackmagic Video Assist 5" 12G HDR/Blackmagic Video Assist 7" 12G HDR (FW 3.10 or higher).

LUMIX S5M2 (2.3), S5M2X (1.4) (12/2023)
Increased compatibility with memory cards and corrected image defects when shooting in SH Burst Shot (JPEG) mode.

LUMIX S5M2 (3.0), S5M2X (2.0) (4/22/2024)
Support for Adobe Frame.io "Camera to Cloud" technology for uploading JPEG/RAW images and proxy videos via Wi-Fi or USB connection, as well as recording proxy videos, improved Phase Hybrid autofocus now with car and motorcycle detection, optimization for E.I.S. stabilization. with a new "High" setting in the "E-Stabilization (Video)" mode to stabilize strong shake during video recording and correct perspective distortion when shooting with wide-angle lenses, and last but not least, the "SH Pre-burst" function that records a sequence of shots when the shutter is half-pressed until the shutter is fully pressed.

Panasonic FW S5M2 (v3.0) and S5M2X (v2.0)
Proxy video, Adobe Frame.io

• Along with the main recording, a second video can now also be recorded in lower quality
• Proxy videos can be shared directly from the camera to the Frame.io ("Camera to Cloud") platform over Wi-Fi/USB
• Compatibility with Adobe Frame.io cloud platform for sharing images and proxy videos

Pre-burst mode

• Added [SH PRE] function to record sequences of images from half-pressing the shutter button to fully pressing it

Improved AF auto-detection functions

• Improved performance of the people tracking and recognition function
• Animal eyes, cars and motorcycles can now be detected

Improved image stabilization performance

• Added [High] setting to the E-Stabilization (Video) function, which electronically corrects shake when shooting in motion
• Perspective distortion correction has been added to correct distortion that tends to occur when recording video using a wide-angle lens

Other improvements

• Improved stability of operation
• The quality of images captured in Live View Composite mode has been improved