What’s your favourite camera?? And why? Have you ever thought about switching??? 😀🎥 what a topic!

There actually is a technical reason for the 4k60 crop, which is the rolling shutter. The camera needs to be able to read out the sensor 60 times a second, so it has a maximum of 16.67ms to do that, however the readout time for the S5II is closer to 22ms (CineD testing). When croping in to the image, the camera just has to read out a portion of the sensor, which of course takes less time.

I have a Sony A7iv, Sony Fx30, lumix s5iix and this week I got an S5ii, updated it and for me at the moment my lumix are the best cameras.

Also what is great is Lumix'es deals on their lens packages. Recently a local store had a Lumix S5II with 24-105 f4 with two additional 35mm f1.8 and 50mm 1.8 primes included as a pack for around 3000k$. Insane value. Brand new A7IV for body alone is 2800$ in that same store.

Thing #4: It's a stereo thing absolutely 😊 When using RØDE wireless and two transmitters you can get separate audio on these channels and eq/tune them separately. With Davinci Resolve I just deselect audio track 2,3 and 4 before I drag the clip to the timeline = problem solved 😊

I currently have 2 Canon cameras (R6 and an R8). I'm a hybrid shooter that shoot photos mainly. However, I have been shooting more and more videos. I got to play around with my friend's S5IIX and found that the videos just come out so much nicer. So I ended up ordering an S5IIX and waiting for it to come in. You, Sam, are the reason why I ordered an S5IIX. Thanks for making informative videos on this camera.

I just updated my S5iix and WOW the new High setting IBIS is amazing! You literally don't need a gimbal 🤯

I use a Kodak disposable on a DJI RS 4 Pro. The results are stunning.

Great points Sam. I have the S5II and agree it's my 'almost' perfect hybrid camera especially for the price. As for the audio 'issue' I always shoot on two tracks per mic. One track at what I consider to be optimal volume and one around 6db lower just in case of clipping. I almost always use 4 tracks and two mic systems now (a shotgun mic on T1+2 via XLR and a wireless mic like the DJI Mic on T3+4 via the 3.5 input) also one at 'optimal' (1+3) and one at 6db lower (2+4). When I import to FCP I tick the box to delete empty audio tracks for those times I only use one mic and then I grab all the interview clips, select them all in the browser, open the Inspector and deselect T2 which applies the deselection to all of the clips at once. If there are any clipping issues I can always switch to T2 when needed. BTW in order to record at different levels on T1+2 via the XLR adapter you need to have what's called a 'Y' cable that connects to your Mic and then can plug into both input 1 and 2. The adapter then treats it as two separate mics so that you can adjust the volume of each track independently. Anyway I love your videos, and as other's have said your videos last year were very helpful in deciding to go for the S5II.

Also, thanks Sam. All your vids are very watchable, fun and informative. I know it takes a lot to make em, so 🙌 and 🥳 on!

It’s nice to see that most of these issues are pretty superficial and not that substantial. However it still certainly helps to know about them regardless

Favourite camera, well the S5IIX of course, it arrived last week (on your recommendation) and I'm in love with it. Not saying I couldn't be swayed in the future but as you say for the price point and the features you can't beat it! Took some videos recently of a motorbike wheelie course I did, and messed up some of the auto focus settings but it still came out alright (albeit had to pick through to get the ok bits) TBF I just left it on a manfroto mini tripod thing and let it record the action and for that purpose it did great without anyone driving it. I think it's going to be a bit of a learning curve and a camera to grow into but very happy with it mate. Thanks for pointing me in this direction.

I hope that Panasonic watched this video till the end! Everything was absolutely on point!!! Thanks Sam for great video!! 😉🖐️

I hope someday a manufacturer would implement a search function into the menu. Maybe LUMIX first?

I don't care about video, I'm a photographer. But I like your video, because it reinforces my opinion of Panasonic. My Sony A7c is perfect in terms of image and "rangefinder aim".... but with traces of numerous dust. This device is so compact that the sensor is a dust vacuum cleaner. So I prefer my A6600 which captures much less dust. But I can't stay at Sony. I'm eyeing the S5 (not the S5 II, too complicated with its vlogger fan). Bursts don't interest me, neither do writing times, nor do connections. And I need a wide angle like a 20mm; a good "basic" device, not too compact, but not too heavy suits me. Why not a Leica, you might say... I don't need a red dot; and then my Leica lenses, which I have had for a long time, and which I love, will be mounted on the S5. All is said. Kind regards.

I’m a beginner photographer and I started with the lumix s5 and I LOVE IT!

As a wildlife photography hobbyist, I had to add the g9ii to my gh5ii and OG g9. There is something about the Lumix bodies in my hands. Maybe the Nikon z6iii will lure me in. Top Notch Content!

I’m now starting to use my S5IIx more frequently as I’ve started making specific content on here and I really love this camera, especially since the recent firmware update. The autofocus and stabilisation is nuts. My non-major gripes are the slow mo crop, bit of lag doing certain things and occasionally the rolling shutter, but that doesn’t affect me too often and doesn’t apply really in 50fps. If what I heard about the slow start up is true, that doesn’t bother me. You prob know this, but its when its not been used for more than a few hours or so, in order to preserve the longevity of the battery. Bit annoying if in a hurry, but tends to only be the first boot up of the shoot so I’d just start it up earlier if I knew I’d be in a hurry.

I can’t thank you enough for helping my decision on either getting a Sony or a lumix. I watched the a7iv and lumix s5ii comparison and I was instantly swayed haha. Absolutely love my s5ii, and although there are some flaws, I came from a Nikon dslr, so I can’t complain 😅

I switched last year from Sony to Lumix for 2 simple reason. 1. I feel like Sony now is trying to milk their customers and 2 my a7iv overheated multiple times even on high temperature setting. I still love the flagship of Sony but for a perfect affordable hybrid camera, I'm more than well satisfied with the S5IIX. Great video again by the way🎉

informative video Thanks Sam.

All true! Especially the ‘new’ cameras- an FX3 and FX6 rival 🙌❤️

Hi Sam, many thanks for your opinion and experience👍. I'm about to buy another/new camera and have the S5iix as my top favorite on the shortlist. Your video helps😃👍

Your review was Spot-On. A camera is just a tool and the image out of it is what matters. 👍

does the app allow for you to change the quick app things in those side tab things or anything? Like changing from the full sensor capture area to APS-C on the app? I would customize the quick menus on the camera itself and the app still showed the same settings (which didnt include changing the capture area) :/ Also maybe if they could find another place to put the HDMI port so the flip out screen can also swivel out and tilt up with an HDMI cable in at the same time 👍

Great video. People appreciate hearing you tell both sides so it doesn't feel like you've sold out to a brand. The truth is you just like the cameras! Thanks for the review. I have noticed it takes a while for me to open playback on mine, and I don't think it's just after having recorded a video. Not a big deal

Also turbo agree with the slow mo sentiment. Cheat code is the best way to describe it.

At least Sam the paint stays on the Lumix very well which you can not say of a Sony..... I use a S5 (2x) btw and I'm very happy. Same as you!

Has to be the rolling shutter that is the biggest grievance for me as much as I love my x Just wish it was that bit faster

Lumix S5iix is mine and the best! Im using sonys fx3 at work about every 3 month, and it is very good. But the ergonomics and menus of s5ii are miles better. Also i struggle with the sony log settings every time! S5ii(x) is just the better overall fun package! Ah, i also take fotos, just for fun...

I gotta say I agree with just about every point you made. I've used Lumix cameras for the last decade, going through the G5, GM5, GH5, G9, G80, G90, and the S5. I am however considering switching to Blackmagic. I've used (rented) the pockets and the Ursas for various jobs and I really like them. But going back to the Lumixes - something that annoys me greatly is the inability to NOT save WB settings to the custom presets. That means that you have to keep updating them in the settings constantly, which defeats the purpose of having them in the first place. Anyhoo, thanks for another great video. Cheers!

The camera I own is the Sony A7RV which I LOVE! I haven’t thought about switching to Lumix because to me their lens selection is kind of not as broad as Sony and the auto focus is not as dependable as Sony or Canon. That’s the same reason why I haven’t gone to Fujifilm or Nikon.

Completely agree! No need for fancy features, just 1. Speed up load time 2. Maybe autofocus menu simpler 3. Remove crop on 4k 60fps So, we as a photographer/videographer can turn on the camera, point and shoot

Nice video..as always. Which camera and lens did you use to film it?

Thank you Sam! I hope Panasonic will listen to us, because we are fans of Lumix

I absolutely feel it!

Thank you for your video. The Wireless monitoring option is great but it lacks the focus pulling as in the Creator app compatible with the best cameras. Is there a Panasonic alternative hiding somewhere? Thank you.

I'm considering sending back my s5IIx for the FX3 mainly because of it's low light capability. S5IIx did do a great job recording northern light 5-11-24 but I want more stars

Hello Sam❤, Is there a way to authenticate lumix camera(because I am buying a new S5ii off Facebook Marketplace), is there such thing as fake cameras? Anything like serial number that I can check. Please share thoughts 🙏🏻

Two things in agreement. i came to Lumix from Nikon, for video. The z6 was good but hard to work with, mostly because I did not like the 709 luts for that system and n-log. The part about how the camera feels is true to me. I did a photo only shoot this weekend with and older D850 and it feels better. It was also much more money then and almost the same cost now as my s5II. That being said, my only real complaint is with the back button focus. That button seems a bit spongy to me. The other thing about lenses. Plastic does not bother me because it helps get weight down, but it would be good if they could find a way to not have plastic threads on the filter mounts or build in magnetics. The only other complaint is the manual focus not having true stops and the focus throws being really short. As to the remote app, it is way better than Nikon, but not dependable, at all. Thanks Sam

Fantastic video as always Sam! I shoot both Sony & Lumix and genuinely they both trump each other in a one area or another. I think that rival for the FX3/30 should be the S1H Mk 2 if that is to come, I think they need to throw everything including the kitchen sink into that and not hold back! 😃

I used Canon for years, but having my second camera fail in less than 5 years, I felt I need to make a change. Could not be more pleased with Lumix, and the latest update is just an added plus. I especially like the proxy recording capability.

Couldn't agree more on your lumix asks! Gh6 user, looking to go full frame upgrade, S5X isn't quiet worth it yet. Would love to see that fx3,6 style perhaps with inbuilt DJI Lidar, not sure if it would happen. Hopefully and EVA 2 is in the works.

Hey man, Ive been following you for a while I really need your input. I have the S5 for about a year now, should I upgrade to the s5mark2 or wait for the next lumix camera? Thanks !!

I've still never held a fx3 or 30, but I definitely prefer the feel of my g9ii to my a7iv. I'd love to get a full frame lumix at some point but I just love the lightweight lenses on the mft system and for me needs its more than enough. Great video Sam. Feels refreshing to hear someone talk about their dislikes. Sometimes these days every video I watch feels sponsored even when it's not.

Hey Sam ! Long time subscriber ! Let me begin by telling you that I’ve switched to lumix from sony just because of how affordable the ecosystem is. I love the fact that it has the same capabilities as a sony camera at a much more affordable price. 2nd, I love the b&w leica looks from the s5iix, I feel like it’s a powerfull photography camera. Also the lumix look is something special just as you said. I’m shocked that the S5IIX doesn’t have a ff 4k60, I feel like it should be something native nowadays. I even wanted to upgrade to s5iix just because I was 100% sure it has this feature due to all the amazing codecs it provides. I don’t think lumix should make a camera like the fx3 or fx30 just because it would lose its advantage over other camera brands of providing great value for its price. I feel like it should be a software upgrade or maybe in the future release, a model that should have these features implemented to keep the pace or even take a step further regarding the other brands. Instead, I do agree they should make a model similar to the fx6. It would be something amazing that I’m 100% sure a lot of people would desperately need. P.S I was shocked by the lag it has when its powered on or even when recording. Are you sure it’s not only your camera ?

I use the S5II primarily for taking photos, I don't really make any videos. The lens line-up is good, and in addition to the (optically flawless) plastic-body lenses, the S-Pro lenses are always worth a try. They have a much better feel. And thanks to the L-mount, you can also use Sigma or Leica lenses. What actually bothers me about my S5II is that the rear dial is easy to turn accidentally. And the switch-on time is indeed a bit leisurely. But which camera delivers as much for the price as the S5II? I can't think of one.

I've been through my fair share of cameras from Canon, Sony, Blackmagic, and Z Cam but I always come back to Lumix. If I do switch it will probably be for a best of both worlds camera like the Nikon Z8 or the Canon R5C. Great video!

Love my Fuji X-H2. It is not the best, the smallest, lightest or the prettiest. But it is the best fit for me. Especially with the latest Firmware upgrade, I am considering adding the X-H2s to my collection 😅

Looks like through your b-roll you're not using the fastest memory card your writing to both cards. Which usually means the speed of your slowest memory card is determined. I've used the Panasonic system for a very long time and if you do put slow cards in sometimes it can take ups at six seconds after you've stopped recording to continue writing.

After the announcement of a new firmware, which upgrades the s5ii/s5iix, I would expect, from you, comments and detailed presentation about it, not another "clickbait" video. Anyway. I only agree with "think 3", crop and slow motion. But as you say, which camera is perfect. Fx3 & fx30, you are referring to the only Sony cameras that don't overheat!!! For all the rest, the "conspiracy" of youtubers is so strong, for there to be absolute...silence. Yes Panasonic lenses "look cheap". But they seem to have struck a serious balance between quality and size and weight. I entered the world of Panasonic, with the s5iix, from Canon. I didn't regret it. And one last thing, the "feeling" of the camera when it's in your hands, something that's hard to describe, it's like the Canon I've been used to for so many years (so I haven't missed it...nothing...).

Answer to most of them is Leica, SL3 and lenses. My Leica T (2014) never had a issue connecting to the app. The screen is visible in the sunlight. Leica SL3 transfers a 60mpx image to the app in seconds, more like 1-2 or 1-2-3 seconds max.

I've never noticed that lag in my S5 or S5ii, strange. And Lumix did discuss putting in a faster sensor for the S5ii to make it full frame at 4k60 and go beyond the current specs but it would have raised the price point of the camera to 3.5k-4k. So they opted not to. But could mean we see that in the next S1H...

When I first was shopping around for a camera I tested the feel of the different grips. One from Canon ones (can't remember the model) was perfect for my hand and it also looked great. The S5 on the other hand was pretty bulky and not super ergonomic, for example there is a pretty sharp edge where you put the right palm. On the S5II the shutter speed button both looks and feels pretty bad. I finally chose the S5 because they had a really good deal with both the kit camera and the 50 mm.

I simply love my Lumix S5II X 💕

still on S1H, image is tops

Great video Sam will it handle low light weddings ? and dancing floor ? from autofocus perspective

I'm thinking about upgrading my Sony A7III camera with a TAMRON 28-75MM F/2.8 DI III VXD G2 lens to the Lumix S5IIX, but I'm not sure which lens / lenses to buy, I want a zoom lens similar to the one I have, I'm also thinking about getting a cage mount to place the camera, there are so many variables..... I think I need some help, if someone know about a video with all of these tips I'd appreciate if you shared, thank you! Oh and this video was also very helpful, I hope the Lumix team works on getting the feedback

Enjoy your videos. A more powerful processor would mean a sizeable jump in the cost of this camera, and that’s what would iron out many of the matters you refer to. 👍

Hello Sam, great reviews as always, thank you! Have seen the new Firmware release for the iiX yet? any words?

Hello, with what camera and lens did you record this video?

I have the original S5 and just received my S5iiX. I'm not getting rid of my original S5...that's how much I'm digging Lumix right now.

yeah the app is the thing i really want them to fix on the s5ii. the sony is just as bad. my cannon is also not great but by far the best in terms of the remote control

You know i thought about switching and after 18 months you made me do it and i am well chuffed with my choice being my Canon R3 for photos and a couple of S5MKIIX for video the perfect set up ..... for me 😂

For the past few years I've been shooting with a Samsung S, most recently the S22 Ultra in 4k and 8K. Right now, it's all I need and the video and photo quality is excellent when editing with Premiere Pro CC.

I have a S5IIX camera. It´s a great camera.

I do shoot with Sony and love it but the Panasonic IBIS and the colors are freakishly gorgeous😄🍿👍 and I would like to have the possibility of BRAW 😄👍 love the Video thx mate🤘

As a Nikon-primary shooter, hoping for a FX30 competitor is the dream (Nikon is due for a proper APS-C body update), which doesn't sound crazy as much since they've started to tilt more toward video. But, if anyone will most likely pull of a FX30 match -- or killer -- it'd have to be Panasonic. And I'm cheering for them, too.

Loved the insight on some of your cons with this camera. Curious, one thing I’ve been reading that has been making me hesitant with this camera is the monitor lag. Is it that bad with these cameras?

I have had issues with the 70 - 300 while recording a soccer match. It struggles heavily with focusing when zoomed in. I tried several modes. Any recommendations?

Sam, my favorite color is Canon but if Panasonic put out a small body like Sony I’d buy in a second

I hope Panasonic is not listening. The handling and button layout is much better at the S5 II in my opinion. I can copy my photo raw files wireless to my iPad with the Panasonic app since years. It‘s still not possible to do that with the Sony app I think. But yes, the camera needs to be a bit faster. That would be nice. It would help to bring the autofocus and tracking performance on par with the G9 II too. 🙂

Hey Sam! Question for you as a negative from my s5xii. There seems to always be a touch of grain in the image, I spend a lot of time lighting and exposing and balancing properly. I really noticed the other day when I get sent some footage from someone else to edit and it was so clean! Any thoughts or tips on this?

agree MOST on the app...what an unfortunate thing to not have working properly. If it does, game changer.

Sam Leica SL3 top premium .. L series lens.. How would that compare .. Ease of use image quality.. Interesting comparison In the end keep it simple and cheap if it does the job ... enjoy your vids

Hey thanks for the awesome video. This is a great topic to cover. I wouldn’t say Panasonic’s build quality isn’t as premium as Sony or Canon. They’re delivering hybrid cameras packed with video features for far less than other hybrid camera makers. I’m not fan of Sony Cameras but that’s the joy of having options. After years of shooting I no longer find myself able to have a favor camera. Just the camera (tool) chosen to get the job done, plus fit the budget. But if I did have a favorite or cameras. The investment would be in the category of a Hasselblad or Arri lol

So if I’m wanting to shoot 4k at 60fps, would using a wider lens (like 12mm instead of 16mm) be a good workaround? I’m new to cameras so just guessing.

I've alternated using Canon, Nikon, at Lumix since 2012. For my most recent job, the company gave me free reign to order whatever camera equipment I wanted and I ordered the FX3 and all the Trinity lenses based off what videography KZfaqrs recommended. It 100% feels way more premium, BUT once I started using it I felt indifferent about the feel. As a videographer I prefer Lumix best. The image quality, the colors, the menu system, open gate, IBIS, the ruggedness, etc. I hated the fx3 menu system with a burning passion. That alone made me not want to use it. The colors felt a little more magenta compared to Canon and Lumix. I'm waiting for the S1H II. Once that comes out, it's going to shake the videography world imo

I feel like a lot of these "issues" are nit picky. I have the Lumix s5iix and love it. quality is great, options are great, it's a good camera overall. I think the issue is there is so much competition out there that if you are constantly comparing, you'll find yourself in a situation like this. " I like this better, this could change like that camera etc."... Enjoy the great camera and focus on making awesome content.

I think a "GH7X" with OLPF, internal ND and the newer generation Dual Gain sensor is what's needed to top the fx30.

The perfect camera only exists if you rig out an almost perfect camera to make it perfect, but it will only only be perfect for you and it might not be perfect for everybody else.

Still love my gh6. No DFDAF hand-wringing for me - plenty of focus tools built into that beast and manual focus is more reliable (and more fun) anyway. AF is a tool to use, not to rely on - that’s what my grandpa always said 🤠

So what camera are you using for this talking head? Do you have two s5ii’s?

My workhorse the past 2 years has been the Z Cam E2 F6. Incredibly flexible, open gate, 2:4:1 6k and 4K, both 4:3 and 5:6 5k and 4K, *supersampled 3:2* 4K, anamorphic heaven. VFR from 1fps to 120, PRR or BRAW on Ninja or Video Assist. It’s also a robust tiny cube that sips power. Check out what Wow Tapes do with this camera to see its true potential 🤩

Still shooting Lumix S5 outside of the studio.... for the following reasons... and before I go there, I have shot with most film still cameras u cer the sun over the years, and Sony, Canon, Panasonic since the S-VHS days........ and so 1. It still does a fantastic job, 2. I dumped money into Black Magic goods for a live streaming studio... 3. Getting ready to move into a different house, where I will put together another studio as well as homestead a little, 4. Buying new real-estate so my investing money needs to go there to create more income..... 5. You can still start fires with Sony and Canon and their over heating issues while shooting 4k and above, so I am told..... which is not good when outdoors and their is fire hazard warnings in effect, or inside..... don't want to burn down the house do we.......... and 6. LUMIX does listen to us, the customer base.... and Sean does a great job on the Thrusday live streams answering questions etc...... there are a few of my reasons for sticking with Lumix.

We use the Sony FX3's at work and G9IIs and S5II and Sony's cameras feel nice in the hand. However to me the Panasonics feel great as well? Just different? If anything the FX3 felt like it was too simple. Where are all the buttons to do stuff sort of vibe. Its subjective, much prefer the Panasonic feel as it 'feels' more capable. That's the only way I can describe it. I want it to feel like I can control what im doing rather than it feeling 'nice' in the hand.

I don't really get it. Sony is more popular because of - I don't know - better marketing? S5II(X) is like A7S3 but like for half of price. So at half of price there can be some differences - like 50/60p mode (so here you have your FX30, use APSC mode instead of full). But as you said. It the end image quality counts. I love color science Lumix so I choose that :)

Nice video but, fhe biggest (and I think the only real) issue was not mentioned: lack of OLPF Panasonic could solve this in S1H. It would be nice to have a phase detect AF camera without aliasing.

THE FATAL FLAW that killed it for me was that the camera "forgets" the focus point in MF mode when switched off and on !

Regarding the first point, I see some people saying it got better after the latest firmware. Really wanna hear your thoughts/findings

I brought sigma fp, but i still think it almost perfect camera and best on market formthe price! 😊😊😊

By the way sounds like you just described what the future S1 H MKii will have with all of those things you want on the S5😂

The ONLY thing that makes the S5 (Original) that makes it annoying to use for professional shoots is the HDMI latency. It's what makes me choose a Sony a6700 for manual focus (Ironically lol). So that probably goes under your 'faster processor' section. Oh and I forgot about the form factor. If this thing was cheaper and in a box format (like the BS1H) but retained ibis and had SDI, that would be great too. In summary, if this was the perfect camera, it would be the perfect camera.

Hey, planning to get this camera can you please share me raw clips?

Still love my S5 but I bought a Sony recently because of the Lumix crop on 60fps. I need full frame uncropped so unfortunately had to go elsewhere.

I can relate. The app drives me mad. It would make filming SOOOO much easier WHEN it works. But its so inconsistent I just dont bother with it

Get my lumix s1h tomorrow… after 7 years moving up from the gh5

Would love to see a video of you and @gary Scaife 🙌🏽🙌🏽

#1 & #2 are soooo true and really bother me every time I use one of my LUMIX S camera.since the first S1 nothing has been improved regarding these 2 points. A real shame Please LUMIX work on these topics

Very much a sony guy here, but im continuously tempted by the s5ii, if it wasnt for all the E mount glass I have Id probably have one already lol