Panasonic S5 IIX Review

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S5 IIX Overview

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S5 IIX Overview
Specifications

Basic Specifications
Full model name:	Panasonic Lumix DC-S5 IIX
Resolution:	24.20 Megapixels
Sensor size:	35mm (35.6mm x 23.8mm)
Kit Lens:	n/a
Viewfinder:	EVF / LCD
Native ISO:	100 - 51,200
Extended ISO:	50 - 204,800
Shutter:	1/8000 - 60 sec
Dimensions:	5.2 x 3.8 x 3.2 in. (133 x 97 x 82 mm)
Weight:	25.2 oz (714 g) includes batteries
MSRP:	$2,200
Availability:	05/2023
Manufacturer:	Panasonic
Full specs:	Panasonic S5 IIX specifications

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24.20 Megapixels	L Mount	35mm size sensor

Panasonic S5 Mark IIX Preview -- First Impressions

by Jeremy Gray
Preview posted: 01/04/2022

Note: The Panasonic Lumix S5 IIX is essentially the same as the S5 II, with the major differences coming in the form of several additional video recording features and blacked-out color design. See below for an overview of the differences between the two models. For an in-depth look at all the new features and specs, head over to our Panasonic S5 II Preview for all the details.

Panasonic S5 IIX: A videographer-oriented option

If you're serious about video features, the S5 IIX may be your ideal S5 II model. It has unique features that make it an absolute beast within a high-end video workflow.

Kicking things off, as mentioned, the camera looks slightly different. All the controls are the same, but the S5 IIX is blacked-out. It's stealthy. There's no obvious white branding text on the camera and no red flourishes. Otherwise, the exterior design is identical. All the controls are the same between both models.

Still photography features? They're the same, too. The big differences come when you look at video features. The S5 IIX offers RAW video data output over the full-size HDMI port. That's a significant difference, although it's one that can be eliminated if an S5 II owner pays $199 for the DMW-SFU2 firmware update. That "update" is included in the price of the S5 IIX, which is conveniently $200 more than the standard S5 II model.

The other video features unique to the S5 IIX out-of-the-box are unavailable on the S5 II, even with the paid firmware upgrade. These features include USB-SSD recording, ALL-Intra recording, ProRes recording, wireless IP live streaming, USB tethered streaming from a connected smartphone and wired IP streaming.

The USB-SSD video recording is huge. This enables more video modes, including bitrates up to 800Mbps – speeds not possible on UHS-II SD cards. Further, an external recording medium moves significant heat from inside the camera to outside, which can affect performance. Many ProRes formats also require USB-SSD recording, including 5.8K and C4K ProRes 422 HQ. Some ProRes 422 modes require the SSD, too, including 5.8K and C4K. Again, if you want to record to an SSD, you must opt for the S5 IIX model. No firmware update will add this feature to the standard S5 II.

The Panasonic S5 Mark IIX is $2,199 (body only). Like the S5 II, it can also be purchased in kits with the Lumix S 20-60mm F3.5-5.6 or 50mm F1.8. You can also buy the camera with both these lenses. The S5 IIX will be available later than the regular S5 II, arriving in stores this May.