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Panasonic Lumix DC-S5
79
SCORE
Panasonic · Mirrorless · 24.2 MP · Full Frame · 4K video

Panasonic Lumix DC-S5

General 79Optics 78Video Performance 83Features and Benefits 85Storage and Battery 71
From $1,450 — 3 offers
KEY FACTS
BrandPanasonic
ModelLumix DC-S5
Released2021
Announcement date09/02/2021
Camera typeMirrorless
What We Like
+Lightweight and portable
+Image stabilization to prevent camera shake
+Dual memory card slots
+Great 4K video capabilities
Worth Knowing
−Slow-burst shooting
−Short battery life
−Poor autofocus within camera class
−Limited L-mount lens range

General 79

Brand
Panasonic
Model
Lumix DC-S5
Released
ⓘ
Refers to the year this camera was officially made available for sale.
2021
Announcement date
ⓘ
Refers to the date the manufacturer publicly announced the upcoming release and general specs of this camera.
09/02/2021
Camera type
Mirrorless
Camera size
133 x 97 x 82 mm
Camera weight
714 g

Optics 78

Megapixels
ⓘ
The higher the number of megapixels, the more detail the cameras sensor can capture.
24.2 MP050
Image resolution
ⓘ
Image resolution is measured in pixels and megapixels, width by height. The higher the number, the higher its resolution.
6000 x 4000
Sensor type
ⓘ
The camera sensor captures light and records the image. Sensors vary in physical size, the number of pixels, and quality.
CMOS
Sensor size
ⓘ
The sensor size contributes to the overall quality as well as the dynamic and tonal range a camera can capture. As a rule of thumb, the more surface there is to read the light, the more information it will capture.
23.8 x 35.6
Sensor format
ⓘ
Refers to the most commonly used sensor sizes.
Full Frame
Continuous shooting
ⓘ
The number of sequential frames per second the camera can write to the memory card when shooting in burst or continuous mode.
7 fps045
Lens mount
ⓘ
The lens mount will tell you what type of lens range you can fit onto the camera body. Often the same camera company will have different lens ranges for different cameras.
Leica L
Image processor
ⓘ
The image processor in the camera converts the information collected on the sensor for digital storage on the memory card.
Venus Engine
Aspect ratio
ⓘ
The aspect ratio refers to the proportional difference between width and height. The most popular aspect ratios are 3:2 and 4:3.
3:2
Min ISO
ⓘ
Refers to the lowest native (or 'base') ISO setting. Lower ISO are less sensitive to light but make a cleaner image.
10030200
Max ISO
ⓘ
Refers to the highest native (or 'base') ISO setting. Higher ISO is necessary for low-light situations or night photography, but higher ISOs often introduce grain or noise.
512003003280000
Min ISO (expanded)
ⓘ
Expanded (or extended) ISO is a digitally enhanced feature available on some cameras. It allows you to push beyond the native ISO range if necessary.
5030200
Max ISO (expanded)
ⓘ
Expanded (or extended) ISO is a digitally enhanced feature available on some cameras. It allows you to push beyond the native ISO range if necessary.
2048003003280000
Minimum shutter speed
ⓘ
The minimum shutter speed will tell you the longest exposure your camera can take without using an external accessory.
6044080
Max shutter speed
ⓘ
The maximum shutter speed tells you the length inside 1 second the camera will capture. These can sometimes be extended with accessories such as extra external batteries.
800080032000
Autofocus points
ⓘ
Autofocus points show where the camera is focusing graphically as squares or brackets in Live View or on an electronic viewfinder. These points are also used for light meter readings.
2250300
In-body stabilisation
ⓘ
In-body Stabilization means the camera has a certain technology embedded that counteracts camera shake.
Yes
Viewfinder type
ⓘ
The viewfinder type is either electronic or optical. Electronic viewfinders will have a small screen in the viewfinder. Optical viewfinders will use prisms and mirrors to look through the lens.
Electronic
Viewfinder dots
236000009900000
Read our notes on optics

The Panasonic Lumix DC-S5 scores a solid 79/100 on our rating scale. Announced on February 9th, 2021 and priced at $1999, this mirrorless camera boasts a compact size of 133 x 97 x 82mm and a lightweight design at 714g (1.57lbs). In today’s market, the Lumix DC-S5 offers a competitive balance of features and performance, making it a strong contender for photographers seeking a versatile and reliable camera. The specifications of the Lumix DC-S5 contribute to its high score and position in the market.

Panasonic Lumix DC-S5 Overview and Optics

The optics of the Panasonic Lumix DC-S5 receive a score of 78/100. This camera features a 24.2-megapixel CMOS sensor with a full-frame size and a 3:2 aspect ratio. The shooting speed is 7 frames per second, and the Venus Engine processor ensures efficient performance. Additionally, the Leica L lens mount offers compatibility with a range of high-quality lenses.

In the market, the DC-S5’s sensor has a DXOMARK score of 94, which is a competitive score among other full-frame cameras. The presence of image stabilization further enhances the camera’s performance, allowing for sharper images in various shooting conditions.

The Panasonic Lumix DC-S5 stands up well in today’s market, with its combination of a high-resolution sensor, fast shooting speed, and image stabilization. Its compatibility with the Leica L lens mount allows users to take advantage of a wide variety of lenses, making the DC-S5 a versatile and capable camera for different photography needs.

Panasonic Lumix DC-S5 Video Performance 83

Video
ⓘ
Indicates if this camera is capable of recording video.
Yes
Max video resolution
ⓘ
The best resolution this camera can capture video in. Modern cameras can capture up to 8K video.
4K
Max video format
ⓘ
Video resolution measured by the greatest number of pixels possible in each frame, width by height. A higher resolution means more detail or clarity in your video.
3840 x 2160
Max video frame rate
ⓘ
How many frames per second your video will capture. Most cameras have options for multiple frame rates, depending on the resolution you shoot in. For a general video, 24p or 30p is the standard, but more serious filmmakers may need a higher frame rate for creative effect.
60 fps
Timelapse built in
ⓘ
A built in time-lapse mode will allow continuous shooting throughout a prolonged period of time to be compressed into a sped up video.
Yes
Video file format
ⓘ
Different cameras can record in various video file formats. The File format you record in can impact how you edit and use the files.
MP4, MOV
Read our notes on panasonic lumix dc-s5 video performance

The Panasonic Lumix DC-S5 boasts a video score of 83/100. This camera offers a maximum video resolution of 4K, with dimensions measuring 3840 x 2160 pixels. Additionally, it supports a maximum video frame rate of 60fps, ensuring smooth and high-quality footage.

In today’s market, the Lumix DC-S5 holds its ground with its impressive video capabilities. The 4K resolution is a highly sought-after feature that caters to professionals and hobbyists alike. Moreover, the 60fps frame rate provides users with the ability to capture fast-paced action with ease.

The Lumix DC-S5 also comes equipped with built-in time-lapse functionality, adding versatility to its video capabilities. This feature allows users to create stunning time-lapse videos without the need for additional equipment or software. The Panasonic Lumix DC-S5 stands as a strong contender in the world of video cameras, offering exceptional performance and features that cater to a wide range of users.

Panasonic Lumix DC-S5 Features and Benefits 85

Builtin flash
ⓘ
A built-in flash will often be positioned right above the lens. This will automatically pop up when you activate it.
No
External flash
ⓘ
External flashes are often connected through a hot shoe at the top of a camera, or a cable at the side of the camera.
Yes
GPS
ⓘ
GPS features in a camera will include location metadata to each of your photographs.
No
Weather sealing
ⓘ
Weather sealing capabilities will give you more confidence when shooting in unfavourable conditions.
Yes
Screen type
TFT LCD
Touch screen
ⓘ
Touchscreen allows you to change camera settings and access menus with a swipe of your finger, instead of using buttons.
Yes
Screen size
3"
Screen dots
ⓘ
Screen dots indicate the resolution of the LCD screen by including each sub pixel.
18400001150001500000
Flip screen
ⓘ
A flip screen (or articulating screen) is a second screen which can flip out from the side or top of the camera. This rotating screen allows you more freedom to take photos at different angles.
Yes
Live view
ⓘ
Live View feature allows you to see a continuous live video of what is being seen through your lens.
Yes
Wi-Fi
ⓘ
Built-in Wi-Fi allows you to connect your camera and share images wirelessly.
Yes
Bluetooth
ⓘ
Bluetooth capabilities allow you wireless control of your camera with other external devices.
Yes
Read our notes on panasonic lumix dc-s5 features and benefits

The Panasonic Lumix DC-S5 boasts a feature score of 85 out of 100. Among its notable features, the camera sports a 3-inch screen with a resolution of 1,840,000 dots, ensuring crisp and clear image previews. The inclusion of a touchscreen makes navigating menus and adjusting settings a breeze, while the flip screen enables versatile shooting angles for both photography and videography.

In terms of connectivity, the DC-S5 is well-equipped with both WiFi and Bluetooth capabilities, allowing for seamless file transfers and remote control options. However, the camera lacks a GPS function, which may be a drawback for some users.

When compared to other cameras in today’s market, the Panasonic Lumix DC-S5’s features hold up well and cater to the needs of modern photographers and videographers. With its combination of high-resolution screen, touchscreen functionality, flip screen, and connectivity options, the DC-S5 offers a competitive package for those seeking a reliable and feature-rich camera.

Panasonic Lumix DC-S5 Storage and Battery 71

Memory card
SD / SDHC / SDXC (UHS-II compatible)
Dual memory card slots
Yes
Battery type
DMW-BLK22
Battery life
ⓘ
Approximately how long this cameras battery will last measured by how many photographs you will be able to take.
440 shots1505000
USB charging
Yes
Read our notes on panasonic lumix dc-s5 storage and battery

The Panasonic Lumix DC-S5 receives a storage and battery score of 71/100. This camera has two memory card slots and accepts SD, SDHC, and SDXC cards, with compatibility for UHS-II. These features provide ample storage options for users to save their captured moments.

Regarding battery life, the Lumix DC-S5 can take 440 shots with its DMW-BLK22 battery. While not the longest-lasting in the market, it still offers a decent amount of shooting time for most users. The camera also supports USB charging, adding convenience for on-the-go users.

Considering the storage and battery capabilities of the Panasonic Lumix DC-S5, it performs well in today’s market. The combination of multiple memory card slots, compatibility with various card types, and USB charging make it a reliable choice for photographers and videographers.