MILC-body Panasonic Lumix S5 24,2 MP CMOS 4K Ultra HD

The Panasonic LUMIX S5 is a compact full-frame MILC body with a 24.2 MP CMOS sensor designed for both stills and advanced video. It records internal 4K video in 10-bit: 4:2:2 at up to 30p and 4:2:0 at 60p, and supports simultaneous external drive and SD card recording. A firmware update (v2.3) adds 12-bit RAW video output over HDMI — up to 5.9K 29.97p, 4K 59.94p and anamorphic 3.5K — for recording as Apple ProRes RAW on compatible external recorders.

Advantages

The LUMIX S5 combines high-quality video capabilities with a compact, durable body. Its 5-axis Dual I.S. II stabilisation (in-body plus lens) provides up to 6.5 stops of compensation, improving hand-held shooting reliability. The camera’s magnesium-alloy frame with splash- and dust-resistant construction keeps it robust while remaining approximately 12% lighter and 15% smaller than a typical DSLR of comparable class. It also offers 4:2:2 10-bit HDMI output in the 10-bit setting for flexible external monitoring and recording workflows.

Suitable for

• Documentary and run-and-gun video production
• Independent filmmakers and videographers needing 10-bit internal recording and RAW HDMI output
• Travel and outdoor photography where compactness and weather resistance matter
• Hybrid shooters who capture both high-resolution stills and professional video

Key specifications

• Sensor: 24.2 MP full-frame CMOS
• Video: Internal 4K 10-bit 4:2:2 up to 30p; 4:2:0 up to 60p
• RAW HDMI output: 12-bit RAW up to 5.9K 29.97p, 4K 59.94p, Anamorphic 3.5K (firmware v2.3 required)
• Image stabilisation: 5-axis Dual I.S. II, up to 6.5 stops
• Body: Compact MILC body, magnesium-alloy frame, splash and dust resistant
• Weight: approx. 0.35 kg
• Max image resolution: 6000 x 4000

How to use

Mount an appropriate L-mount lens and set the camera to the desired video mode. For internal 10-bit recording, choose the 4K 4:2:2 10-bit setting (up to 30p) or 4:2:0 for 60p. To output RAW video over HDMI, update the camera firmware to v2.3, connect a compatible external recorder (for example Atomos Ninja V), and select the RAW HDMI output option in the menu. Enable Dual I.S. II when using stabilised lenses to maximise shake compensation. Use SD cards or an external drive for simultaneous recording when required.

Recommendations

For run-and-gun shooting, combine the LUMIX S5 with a stabilized L-mount lens and fast, high-quality SD cards. Update to firmware v2.3 to access 12-bit RAW HDMI output when needing high-dynamic-range post-production workflows.