New Panasonic LUMIX S5II cameras are great for livestreamers

Panasonic is releasing two additions to its LUMIX S series of cameras, and they're the first mirrorless cameras to use Phase Detection Auto-Focus.

Thanks to a newly-developed 24.2-megapixel 35mm full-frame CMOS sensor and a new imaging engine, Phase Detection Auto-Focus (PDAF) significantly improves subject tracking.

Once the new LUMIX S5II and S5IIX cameras are locked onto a subject, PDAF will continue to track it even in poor lighting conditions and when multiple objects are moving within the frame. Continuous auto-focus during zooming, auto-focus micro-adjustments, and options to decrease the size of the auto-focus area are also available.

Image stabilization

Announced at CES 2023, both cameras have a powerful image stabilization system for wide-ranging shooting conditions and situations. Panasonic combined the Body IS (five-axis) in the LUMIX S5II and S5IIX and the two-axis Optical Image Stabilizer from the LUMIX S Series lens to create a five-axis Dual IS 2 system

The five-axis Dual IS 2 maximizes the correction power to allow a 6.5-stop slower shutter speed. It works for photo and video recording, including 4K.

Active image stabilization has also been added for even more stable video recording. It optimizes the horizontal, vertical, and rotational correction ratios by determining the status of the camera shake.

As a result, the performance of the image stabilizer can account for a more considerable amount of camera shake at approximately 200% compared to conventional image stabilization. As a result, Panasonic says it's beneficial to specific situations such as handheld filming or telephoto fixed-frame shots.

Other new features of the LUMIX S5II series

Meanwhile, the new imaging engine provides 4:2:0 10-bit 6K (3:2) / 5.9K (16:9) and unlimited 4:2:2 10-bit C4K/4K recording capability. High Frame Rate in C4K/4K (48p), Full HD (120p), Slow & Quick motion in C4K/4K(1-60fps) / FHD(1-180fps) are also available.

LUMIX S5IIX

Photographers can shoot images in a high-dynamic range and broad colors using each camera's 14+ stop V-Log/V-Gamut capture. Plus, a Real-Time LUT function enables color grading on the compatible video and photo in the camera by applying the LUT (. VLT/.cube) saved in the SD memory card.

Users can perform color grading instantly without postproduction and share images on social media websites, making these cameras an excellent purchase for live streamers.

Pricing & Availability

The LUMIX S5II retails for $1,999.99 and can be preordered now at BHPhotoVideo.com and Adorama.com. Units are expected to ship in late January 2023.

The LUMIX S5IIX sells for $2,199.99 and can also be preordered at Adorama.com and BHPhotoVideo.com. Availability is slated for May 2023.

AppleInsider will be covering the 2023 Consumer Electronics Show in person on January 2 through January 8 where we're expecting Wi-Fi 6e devices, HomeKit, Apple accessories, 8K monitors and more. Keep up with our coverage by downloading the AppleInsider app, and follow us on YouTube, Twitter @appleinsider and Facebook for live, late-breaking coverage. You can also check out our official Instagram account for exclusive photos throughout the event.