The Panasonic Lumix GH5S is a mirrorless Micro Four Thirds camera that demonstrates the company’s ability to extend the GH-series even farther into the video domain. The camera is geared for movie recording and low-light performance.
More: Best Gimbal for Panasonic Lumix GH5S
The camera is built around a 10.28MP Digital Live MOS sensor, which allows for DCI and UHD 4K video recording at up to 60 frames per second. The large individual pixel size also allows for impressive low-light performance up to an extended ISO 204800, as well as Dual Native ISO technology at ISO 400 and ISO 2500, respectively.
As used in conjunction with an improved Venus Engine, the sensor and processor combination provides quicker readout rates as well as 1.3x reduced rolling shutter distortion when compared to earlier GH-series cameras. DCI 4K30p recording with 4:2:2 10-bit sampling is provided on the internal recorder, and a full-size HDMI A connection may be utilized for simultaneous output to an optional external display or recorder.
The sensor’s increased sensitivity range has also been used to encourage the adoption of HDR modes like V-Log L and Hybrid Log-Gamma, which may be used to successfully increase your dynamic range while also providing you with greater options when color grading in postproduction.
Aside from its video capabilities, the GH5S is also a capable photographer when it comes to static images. The combination of the sensor and Venus Engine allows for the capture of 14-bit raw data at a maximum continuous shooting rate of 12 frames per second with single-shot autofocus or up to 8 frames per second with continuous autofocus.
4K PHOTO options, which borrow from the video side, are also available for capturing 8MP stills at up to 60 frames per second. It operates swiftly and reliably with 225 specialized AF zones, and it is sensitive to -5 EV brightness for working in extremely low light circumstances. The Depth-From-Defocus autofocus technology is particularly useful for still photography.
Aside from its photography capabilities, the GH5S maintains the high level of professional build quality that the GH-series is known for. The magnesium alloy body has been entirely weather-sealed to allow for working in adverse weather, and the physical controls have been improved to allow for more intuitive tactile use.
With a wide 3.68m-dot OLED electronic viewfinder, the camera may be used for high-resolution eye-level monitoring. It also has a back 3.2-inch LCD screen “A 1.62 million-dot LCD touchscreen with free-angle movement allows you to operate from both high and low positions.
A total of two UHS-II SD memory card slots are provided for flexible file recording and built-in Wi-Fi with NFC and Bluetooth wireless connectivity allows for smooth image sharing and remote camera operation from a mobile device, among other things.
Digital Live MOS Sensor with a resolution of 10.28MP and the Venus Engine
A 10.28MP Digital Live MOS sensor is included, as well as an enhanced Venus Engine for clean color detail and texture, as well as quick readout rates.
The camera is designed primarily for low-light shooting and high-resolution video recording. It will optimize sharpness and detail, as well as accuracy, in a range of lighting circumstances by utilizing Multi pixel Luminance Generation and Intelligent Detail Processing.
The sensor has a multi-aspect ratio construction, which allows it to be used in 4:3, 17:9, 16:9, and 3:2 aspect ratios for still photography, DCI and UHD 4K recording, and operating in Anamorphic mode, among other applications.
It is possible to keep the natural angle of view of a lens even while changing the picture format because of this innovative design.
The sensor and CPU combination also provides faster readout speeds and reduces rolling shutter distortion by about 1.3x as compared to the GH5 when shooting video or using the electronic shutter, among other benefits.
The sensor’s intentionally low-resolution architecture, which results in bigger pixel size, also optimizes it for low-light performance and allows it to record images with a wider dynamic range than previous models.
Dual Native ISO technology, which is borrowed from Panasonic’s broadcast series of video cameras, is employed, which sets ISO 400 and ISO 2500 as the basic sensitivities for low noise levels, respectively.
The entire natural sensitivity range is ISO 160-51200, and it can be expanded to ISO 80-204800 with the use of an adapter.
Video recording in DCI and UHD 4K resolutions
The GH5S is designed specifically for video shooting, and it offers a versatile and capable range of video specs, including the ability to internally record DCI 4Kat up to 60 frames per second and 150 megabits per second with 4:2:0 8-bit Long GOP; 30 frames per second and 150 megabits per second with 4:2:2 10-bit Long GOP; and 24 frames per second and 400 megabits per second with 4:2:2 10-bit ALL-I.
UHD 4K recording is In addition, the camera is equipped with a full-size HDMI connector, which allows for high-quality output at 4:2:2 10-bit in all settings for use with external displays and recorders.
To make your recordings more suitable for post-production color correction, the GH5S includes a pair of gamma settings that are tailored to capture a wide dynamic range. The V-Log L profile has been pre-installed on this camera, and it is used to record a flat, neutral gamma curve that is well-suited for grading purposes.
As an added bonus, the camera’s High Dynamic Range mode and Hybrid Log-Gamma may be employed to capture more detail in both the shadow and highlight parts of a picture. Additional picture styles, such as CINELIKE V and CINELIKE D, are available to create a more gradable image, and an in-camera LUT is also available to make monitoring more straightforward.
Additionally, users will have access to overcranking and undercranking Variable Frame Rate options, which will result in rates that are up to 2.5x slower in 4K (60 fps) and 7.5x slower in Full HD (120 fps) (240 fps). As an added bonus, there is a 4K Anamorphic mode available, which allows you to record in a correct 4:3 aspect ratio for further adjustment in post-production.
NTSC, PAL, and Cine formats are all supported, and the recording system frequency may be switched between them for more recording variety. There is no recording length restriction for any of the settings, and the recording system frequency can be altered for worldwide usage.
Three different video control panels may also be used: one for shutter duration/ISO, one for shutter angle/ISO, and one for shutter duration/dB, to meet the demands of different productions throughout the world.
When it comes to video recording, the GH5S is meant to be an extensible system, with a variety of solutions available to assist you to increase your recording skills.
Examples include the included BNC conversion cable, which allows you to sync time code settings with an external device for multi-camera setups; LINE input support via the 3.5mm mic input, which allows you to use an external audio device; and the optional XLR Microphone Adapter, which connects to the camera’s hot shoe and provides XLR inputs and physical controls.
The 3.5mm input and output connectors allow users to connect conventional microphones and headphones to the device.
Stills recording, as well as a Depth-From-Defocus autofocus system, are included.
The GH5S is more than simply a video camera; it is also capable of capturing still images. Because of the sensor architecture’s exceptional low-light capabilities and high readout rates, it is suitable for working in low-light circumstances and capturing fast-moving subjects, among other things.
Continuous shooting at up to 12 frames per second is feasible when capturing 12-bit raw images with AF-S, while a maximum shooting rate of 8 frames per second is achievable when shooting with AF-C. A 14-bit raw recording mode is also available for capturing more detailed color information, and continuous shooting speeds of 11 frames per second and 7 frames per second are possible.
It employs Advanced DFD (Depth-From-Defocus) technology, which allows it to determine the distance to targets and modify the focusing position in as little time as 0.05 seconds, for improved autofocus performance.
In addition to benefiting both still and video recording modes, this contrast-detection type focus method is also useful in subject tracking applications, where the subject’s color, size, and motion vectors are used to intelligently lock on to moving subjects and ensure precise focus on the moving subjects The sensitivity and speed of the camera may be changed to further enhance performance with specific topics.
It also has 225 autofocus regions, which allow you to have complete control over where the camera will concentrate its attention. Additionally, a Starlight AF function, which supports working in low-light circumstances, provides precise AF performance down to -5 EV, allowing for more creative freedom.
Focus peaking, which emphasizes bright edges of contrast with a colored outline for rapidly recognizing your focus point, as well as Touch MF Assist, which allows for touch-to-focus operation, are both available for manual focus operation to make it more convenient.
PHOTO MODES FOR 4K IMAGES
Taking use of the GH5S’s video recording capabilities, a trio of still shooting modes are available for capturing continuous 8MP stills at either a 60 or 30 frames per second frame rate:
It is great for situations where a high frame rate is required in order to capture the best possible moment. Burst: This mode will enable you to record continuously, making it perfect for situations where a high frame rate is required in order to capture the best possible moment.
Pre-Burst: This mode is useful when you’re not sure when it’s important to push the shutter button. It will record photographs one second before and one second after pressing the shutter button, giving you a total of 60 frames to pick from in this situation.
Burst (S/S): This mode is the most similar to the video recording process, and it allows you to playback your video, pause it at a predetermined point, and then use the shutter button to select a frame from the video and save it as a single 8MP frame. Burst (S/S): This mode is the most similar to the video recording process, and it allows you to playback your video, pause it at a predetermined point, and use the shutter button to
Design of the body and the presence of built-in Wi-Fi
- In order to compose at eye level, a huge OLED Live View Finder with an outstanding 3.68 million dots of resolution and 0.76x magnification is used.
- The 3.2 is a more powerful tool for picture composition and playback “With a free angle, tilt, and swivel design, this 1.62m-dot rear RGBW LCD display allows you to see the screen from a number of different perspectives. In addition, it has a touchscreen, which allows for easier menu navigation and settings management.
- In addition to being optimized for nighttime shooting, the viewfinder and back screen may be customized to make operating in low-light circumstances more comfortable. A Night Mode lets you to change the brightness of the screen and finder individually, allowing you to preserve your night-adjusted vision while shooting. Alternatively, when working in extremely dark conditions, the brightness may be increased by reducing the frame rate and raising the gain in live view, respectively. In addition, an MF Assist feature allows you to zoom into the picture by 20x in order to focus on small things when manual focusing.
- There are two UHS-II SD card slots on the camera, which allows you to configure features such as Relay Recording, which switches between cards when one is full, Backup Recording, which records the same data to both cards at the same time, and Allocation Recording, which allows you to save specific files to each card for easier organization.
- GH5S is made of magnesium alloy with die-cast front and back frames. It has a sturdy design that includes substantial sealing at each joint, dial, and button to ensure that it is splash- and dust-proof and freezeproof up to 14°F in cold weather conditions.
- A joystick is located on the rear of the camera, which makes altering numerous settings, such as the focus point, easier and more intuitive.
- In addition to the front and back dials, which provide simple control over aperture and shutter speed settings, the camera has a streamlined flat-body appearance. A dedicated exposure compensation dial, as well as a number of assignable function buttons, are also included.
- Integrated 5 GHz Wi-Fi with NFC and Bluetooth 4.2 Low Energy connectivity enables for wireless image sharing and remote camera operation from connected smartphones and tablets. Bluetooth Low Energy also allows for a continuous connection with your mobile device, enabling features like geolocation and automated image transmission to be utilized.
Additional Camera Functions
- Photographers may shoot while connected to a computer with the Lumix Tether program, which is included with the camera. Using this program, you can manage your camera and shoot from your computer, and it also supports video and 4K PHOTO modes, with the added benefit of previewing and reviewing your images on a bigger computer monitor.
- A mechanical focal plane shutter allows for a quick maximum shutter speed of 1/8000 sec. as well as a peak flash sync speed of 1/250 sec. thanks to its mechanical design. An electronic shutter mode is also available, with a maximum shutter speed of 1/16,000 sec, which makes working in bright light and with wide aperture settings much more convenient.
- It is possible to process raw picture files in-camera, resulting in a more efficient post-production workflow.
- The integrated DMW-BLF19 battery gives about 440 shots per charge when using the back monitor and 410 shots per charge when using the electronic viewfinder, depending on the lens being used.
- Standard, Vivid, Natural, Monochrome, Scenery, Portrait, Custom, Cinelike D, and Cinelike V are the photo style options available.
- Expressive, Retro, Old Days, High Key, Low Key, Sepia, Monochrome, Dynamic Monochrome, Rough Monochrome, Silky Monochrome, Impressive Art, High Dynamic, Cross Process, Toy Effect, Toy Pop, Bleach Bypass, Miniature Effect, Soft Focus, Fantasy, Star Filter, One Point Color, and Sunshine are some of the creative control modes available.
Panasonic Lumix GH5S Specs
| Price | |
|---|---|
| MSRP | $2499 |
| Body type | SLR-style mirrorless |
| Max resolution | 3680 x 2760 |
| Other resolutions | 3:2 (3840 x 2560), 16:9 (4016 x 2256), 1:1 (2752 x 2752) |
| Image ratio w:h | 1:1, 4:3, 3:2, 16:9 |
| Effective pixels | 10 megapixels |
| Sensor photodetectors | 12 megapixels |
| Sensor size | Four Thirds (19.2 x 13 mm) |
| Sensor type | CMOS |
| Processor | Venus Engine 10 |
| ISO | Auto, 160-51200 (expands to 80-204800) |
| Boosted ISO (minimum) | 80 |
| Boosted ISO (maximum) | 204800 |
| White balance presets | 5 |
| Custom white balance | Yes (4 slots) |
| Image stabilization | No |
| Uncompressed format | RAW |
| JPEG quality levels | Fine, standard |
| Autofocus | Contrast Detect (sensor)Multi-areaCenterSelective single-pointTrackingSingleContinuousTouchFace DetectionLive View |
| Digital zoom | Yes (2x-4x) |
| Manual focus | Yes |
| Number of focus points | 225 |
| Lens mount | Micro Four Thirds |
| Focal length multiplier | 2× |
| Articulated LCD | Fully articulated |
| Screen size | 3.2″ |
| Screen dots | 1,620,000 |
| Touch screen | Yes |
| Screen type | TFT LCD |
| Live view | Yes |
| Viewfinder type | Electronic |
| Viewfinder coverage | 100% |
| Viewfinder magnification | 1.52× (0.76× 35mm equiv.) |
| Viewfinder resolution | 3,680,000 |
| Minimum shutter speed | 60 sec |
| Maximum shutter speed | 1/8000 sec |
| Maximum shutter speed (electronic) | 1/16000 sec |
| Aperture priority | Yes |
| Shutter priority | Yes |
| Manual exposure mode | Yes |
| Subject/scene modes | No |
| Built-in flash | No |
| External flash | Yes (via hot shoe or flash sync port) |
| Flash modes | Auto, Auto/Red-eye Reduction, Forced On, Forced On/Red-eye Reduction, Slow Sync., Slow Sync./Red-eye Reduction, Forced Off |
| Continuous drive | 12.0 fps |
| Self-timer | Yes (2 or 10 secs, 10 secs w/3 images) |
| Metering modes | MultiCenter-weightedSpot |
| Exposure compensation | ±5 (at 1/3 EV steps) |
| AE Bracketing | ±3 (3, 5, 7 frames at 1/3 EV, 2/3 EV, 1 EV steps) |
| WB Bracketing | Yes |
| Format | MPEG-4, H.264, H.265 |
| Modes | 4096 x 2160 @ 60p / 150 Mbps, MOV, H.264, Linear PCM4096 x 2160 @ 50p / 150 Mbps, MOV, H.264, Linear PCM4096 x 2160 @ 30p / 150 Mbps, MOV, H.264, Linear PCM4096 x 2160 @ 30p / 100 Mbps, MOV, H.264, Linear PCM4096 x 2160 @ 25p / 150 Mbps, MOV, H.264, Linear PCM4096 x 2160 @ 24p / 400 Mbps, MOV, H.264, Linear PCM4096 x 2160 @ 24p / 150 Mbps, MOV, H.264, Linear PCM4096 x 2160 @ 24p / 100 Mbps, MOV, H.264, Linear PCM4096 x 2160 @ 23.98p / 400 Mbps, MOV, H.264, Linear PCM4096 x 2160 @ 23.98p / 150 Mbps, MOV, H.264, Linear PCM4096 x 2160 @ 23.98p / 100 Mbps, MOV, H.264, Linear PCM3840 x 2160 @ 60p / 150 Mbps, MOV, H.264, Linear PCM3840 x 2160 @ 50p / 150 Mbps, MOV, H.264, Linear PCM3840 x 2160 @ 30p / 150 Mbps, MOV, H.264, Linear PCM3840 x 2160 @ 30p / 100 Mbps, MOV, H.264, Linear PCM3840 x 2160 @ 25p / 400 Mbps, MOV, H.264, Linear PCM3840 x 2160 @ 25p / 150 Mbps, MOV, H.264, Linear PCM3840 x 2160 @ 25p / 100 Mbps, MOV, H.264, Linear PCM3840 x 2160 @ 24p / 400 Mbps, MOV, H.264, Linear PCM3840 x 2160 @ 24p / 150 Mbps, MOV, H.264, Linear PCM3840 x 2160 @ 24p / 100 Mbps, MOV, H.264, Linear PCM3840 x 2160 @ 23.98p / 150 Mbps, MOV, H.264, Linear PCM3840 x 2160 @ 23.98p / 100 Mbps, MOV, H.264, Linear PCM1920 x 1080 @ 60p / 200 Mbps, MOV, H.264, Linear PCM1920 x 1080 @ 60p / 100 Mbps, MOV, H.264, Linear PCM1920 x 1080 @ 50p / 200 Mbps, MOV, H.264, Linear PCM1920 x 1080 @ 50p / 100 Mbps, MOV, H.264, Linear PCM1920 x 1080 @ 30p / 200 Mbps, MOV, H.264, Linear PCM1920 x 1080 @ 30p / 200 Mbps, MOV, H.264, Linear PCM1920 x 1080 @ 25p / 200 Mbps, MOV, H.264, Linear PCM1920 x 1080 @ 25p / 100 Mbps, MOV, H.264, Linear PCM1920 x 1080 @ 24p / 200 Mbps, MOV, H.264, Linear PCM1920 x 1080 @ 24p / 100 Mbps, MOV, H.264, Linear PCM1920 x 1080 @ 23.98p / 200 Mbps, MOV, H.264, Linear PCM1920 x 1080 @ 23.98p / 100 Mbps, MOV, H.264, Linear PCM4096 x 2160 @ 60p / 150 Mbps, MP4, H.264, Linear PCM4096 x 2160 @ 50p / 150 Mbps, MP4, H.264, Linear PCM4096 x 2160 @ 30p / 150 Mbps, MP4, H.264, Linear PCM4096 x 2160 @ 30p / 100 Mbps, MP4, H.264, Linear PCM4096 x 2160 @ 25p / 150 Mbps, MP4, H.264, Linear PCM4096 x 2160 @ 25p / 100 Mbps, MP4, H.264, Linear PCM4096 x 2160 @ 24p / 400 Mbps, MP4, H.264, Linear PCM4096 x 2160 @ 24p / 150 Mbps, MP4, H.264, Linear PCM4096 x 2160 @ 24p / 100 Mbps, MP4, H.264, Linear PCM4096 x 2160 @ 23.98p / 400 Mbps, MP4, H.264, Linear PCM4096 x 2160 @ 23.98p / 150 Mbps, MP4, H.264, Linear PCM4096 x 2160 @ 23.98p / 100 Mbps, MP4, H.264, Linear PCM3840 x 2160 @ 60p / 150 Mbps, MP4, H.264, Linear PCM3840 x 2160 @ 50p / 150 Mbps, MP4, H.264, Linear PCM3840 x 2160 @ 30p / 400 Mbps, MP4, H.264, Linear PCM3840 x 2160 @ 30p / 150 Mbps, MP4, H.264, Linear PCM3840 x 2160 @ 30p / 100 Mbps, MP4, H.264, Linear PCM3840 x 2160 @ 30p / 72 Mbps, MP4, H.264, Linear PCM3840 x 2160 @ 25p / 400 Mbps, MP4, H.264, Linear PCM3840 x 2160 @ 25p / 150 Mbps, MP4, H.264, Linear PCM3840 x 2160 @ 25p / 100 Mbps, MP4, H.264, Linear PCM3840 x 2160 @ 25p / 72 Mbps, MP4, H.264, Linear PCM3840 x 2160 @ 24p / 400 Mbps, MP4, H.264, Linear PCM3840 x 2160 @ 24p / 150 Mbps, MP4, H.264, Linear PCM3840 x 2160 @ 24p / 100 Mbps, MP4, H.264, Linear PCM3840 x 2160 @ 23.98p / 400 Mbps, MP4, H.264, Linear PCM3840 x 2160 @ 23.98p / 150 Mbps, MP4, H.264, Linear PCM3840 x 2160 @ 23.98p / 100 Mbps, MP4, H.264, Linear PCM3840 x 2160 @ 23.98p / 72 Mbps, MP4, H.264, Linear PCM1920 x 1080 @ 60p / 200 Mbps, MP4, H.264, Linear PCM1920 x 1080 @ 60p / 100 Mbps, MP4, H.264, Linear PCM1920 x 1080 @ 60p / 28 Mbps, MP4, H.264, AAC1920 x 1080 @ 50p / 200 Mbps, MP4, H.264, Linear PCM1920 x 1080 @ 50p / 100 Mbps, MP4, H.264, Linear PCM1920 x 1080 @ 50p / 28 Mbps, MP4, H.264, AAC1920 x 1080 @ 30p / 200 Mbps, MP4, H.264, Linear PCM1920 x 1080 @ 30p / 100 Mbps, MP4, H.264, Linear PCM1920 x 1080 @ 30p / 20 Mbps, MP4, H.264, AAC1920 x 1080 @ 25p / 200 Mbps, MP4, H.264, Linear PCM1920 x 1080 @ 25p / 100 Mbps, MP4, H.264, Linear PCM1920 x 1080 @ 25p / 20 Mbps, MP4, H.264, AAC1920 x 1080 @ 24p / 200 Mbps, MP4, H.264, Linear PCM1920 x 1080 @ 24p / 100 Mbps, MP4, H.264, Linear PCM1920 x 1080 @ 24p / 24 Mbps, MP4, H.264, AAC1920 x 1080 @ 23.98p / 200 Mbps, MP4, H.264, Linear PCM1920 x 1080 @ 23.98p / 100 Mbps, MP4, H.264, Linear PCM1920 x 1080 @ 23.98p / 24 Mbps, MP4, H.264, AAC1920 x 1080 @ 60p / 28 Mbps, AVCHD, MTS, H.264, Dolby Digital1920 x 1080 @ 60i / 24 Mbps, AVCHD, MTS, H.264, Dolby Digital1920 x 1080 @ 60i / 17 Mbps, AVCHD, MTS, H.264, Dolby Digital1920 x 1080 @ 50p / 28 Mbps, AVCHD, MTS, H.264, Dolby Digital1920 x 1080 @ 50i / 24 Mbps, AVCHD, MTS, H.264, Dolby Digital1920 x 1080 @ 50i / 17 Mbps, AVCHD, MTS, H.264, Dolby Digital1920 x 1080 @ 23.98p / 24 Mbps, AVCHD, MTS, H.264, Dolby Digital |
| Microphone | Stereo |
| Speaker | Mono |
| Storage types | Dual SD/SDHC/SDXC cards (UHS-II V60 cards supported) |
| USB | USB 3.2 Gen 1 (5 GBit/sec) |
| USB charging | No |
| HDMI | Yes (Up to 4:2:2 10-bit output) |
| Microphone port | Yes |
| Headphone port | Yes |
| Wireless | Built-In |
| Wireless notes | 802.11b/g/n + Bluetooth 4.2 LE |
| Remote control | Yes (wired or smartphone) |
| Environmentally sealed | Yes |
| Battery | Battery Pack |
| Battery description | DMW-BLF19 lithium-ion battery & charger |
| Battery Life (CIPA) | 440 |
| Weight (inc. batteries) | 660 g (1.46 lb / 23.28 oz) |
| Dimensions | 139 x 98 x 87 mm (5.47 x 3.86 x 3.43″) |
| Orientation sensor | Yes |
| Timelapse recording | No |
| GPS | None |
Panasonic Lumix GH5S Price
