PANASONIC LUMIX S5

The Lumix S5 makes a strong claim for being one of the best hybird all-rounders you can buy – we take it for a spin

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The Lumix S5 joins three existing Lumix S models, and the reaction to Panasonic’s full-frame Lumix line has been largely positive. The Lumix S-line of cameras and lenses are capable of capturing sumptuously attractive photos and videos, but two criticisms in particular – autofocus and size – have been tough for Panasonic to shake.

The Lumix S5 aims to address both of those points, and it smashes at least one of them: size. Panasonic has managed to pack some of the best tech found in the significantly larger Lumix S1 and Lumix S1H into a camera body that’s smaller than the Micro Four Thirds champion, the Lumix GH5. It’s nothing short of witchcraft.

Larger full-frame sensors are the professional photographer’s standard, but they’re less common in the video world. The benefit is that they can gather more light, as they have about 2.5 times the surface area of APS-C sensors found in cameras like the APS-C king, the Fujifilm X-T4.

A larger surface area and a humble 24.2MP resolution mean the Lumix S5 has large pixels of approximately 5.93 microns. Greater light-gathering capability improves noise handling in low light, but it also means the S5 has an impressive dynamic range, rated to around 14 stops. The new Sony A7C matches this claim, but doesn’t match the S5’s specs – and nor does any other full-frame camera at this price point. You’d have to spend another £1,000/$1,000 or more to invest in the Sony A7S III for a genuine step up in low-light shooting performance and general video specs.