PanasonicLUMIX DC-S5 II Full Frame Mirrorless Camera Body, 4K 60P and 6k 30P, Flip Screen, Wi-Fi, Phase Hybrid AF With 779 points, Active IS, Body Only with DMW-BLK22 Spare Battery, Black

The media could not be loaded. Alright, confession time: I was a die-hard Canon and Sony user for years. I thought I’d never stray… until the Panasonic LUMIX DC-S5 II entered my life. Let me tell you, switching brands felt like a betrayal at first, but now? It feels like leveling up. This camera is a game-changer, and I’m not just saying that because it makes me look cooler at shoots.Let’s start with the basics: Full-frame sensor? Check. 6K 30P and 4K 60P video? Double-check. Flip screen? Oh, you better believe I’ve been living my best vlogger life with that. The Active IS (image stabilization) is like having a built-in gimbal—my handheld shots look so smooth it’s almost suspicious.The 20-60mm F3.5-5.6 lens is surprisingly versatile. Whether I’m shooting landscapes, portraits, or capturing my cat doing his best "lion on the savannah" impression, this lens handles it all like a champ.But here’s where it really shines: the colors. Panasonic’s color science is chef’s kiss. My photos and videos have this cinematic quality that I never quite got with my old cameras. And don’t even get me started on low-light performance—it’s like this thing sees in the dark.Switching from Canon and Sony was scary, but within minutes of using the S5 II, I knew I’d made the right call. My photography feels sharper, my videos feel smoother, and my creativity feels, well… unleashed. This camera isn’t just a tool; it’s like having a creative partner who constantly says, “You’ve got this.”Wi-Fi connectivity makes transferring files super easy (goodbye, clunky card readers), and the build quality? Sturdy enough to survive my clumsy hands.Downside? Now my friends keep asking me to shoot their events for free because my work looks so good. Thanks a lot, Panasonic.If you’re on the fence about switching brands or upgrading, trust me—jump in. The LUMIX DC-S5 II isn’t just a camera; it’s a whole new level of awesome. My only regret is not making the switch sooner!

Nothing touching this south of 3K. Build quality is still supreme and the firmware support makes it the winner. Auto focus is not a problem like it was in the earlier firmware revisions. Colours are a personal choice but coming from Sony you can imagine how I feel. The buttons are the best of any camera and feel solid and precise. Just a brilliant piece of kit.

I had intended to buy a Lumix G9II but the S5II was on offer so I bought that instead with the kit 20-60mm lens and an extra battery. Coming from a G9 the standout improvements are: full-frame, better viewfinder, better LCD, 'cleaner' layout, V-Log and of course the phase-detect autofocus. I've not found anything I don't like yet. I added the 50mm f1.8 and am happy with both 'low-end' lenses, despite having better M43 glass – the main reason I was looking to buy the G9II. Great quality video from both dual-ISO settings. When it came out the S5IIx was just a couple of hundred pounds dearer, hence a 'no-brainer' but the discounted standard S5II undercut that model significantly.

End of the day, there are a number of cameras to use. Each has their place. It’s hard to pick which glass to invest in but there’s something about the limux picture quality that draws you in.The fact you get everything you do in this camera for the price is a thing not to overlook. The IBIS is amazing, giving you multiple control over it. Te new improved auto focus is really what shines for this camera.Not to mention6k open gate. Firmware for raw capabilities. Although keep in mind you’ll need an screen so recorder for raw.Been loving it so far.

Incredible image quality, both for photo and video. Hard to overstate how nice a camera the S5ii is from both a hardware and usability perspective. The body feels very well constructed and ergonomically is a step above other cameras in a similar price range, (I also own the Sony a7iv). The menus are very well laid out and the ease with which you can assign functions to buttons just by extended press rather than menu diving is a brilliant feature that I wish some other manufacturers would copy. Also, autofocus: it is very good, it doesn’t yet have the versatility of Sony’s AF system, and some of the settings (tracking, I’m looking at you) are poor in comparison to Sony’s equivalent, but it is infinitely better than the DFD system on the original S5 (which I owned until recently). Easily my favourite camera in the price bracket. If you’re looking for a camera that is a true hybrid and you lean possibly slightly more towards creating video content, do not hesitate. Also the IBIS is unreal.

The best product

I hav the GH% & S1H and this camera is head & shoulders above both of them. Incredible autofocus, stunning image quality. Will be buying another soon.

Great price and excellent camera