Panasonic Lumix S5: A Look Back at One of My Favorites

Panasonic Lumix S5: A Look Back at One of My Favorites:

I reviewed the Panasonic S5 a while back (full review here), so this isn’t a review.  Think of it more as an update to the review, especially since nowadays, there are even more compact lenses out that will better match the size of the Lumix S5.  I’m writing about it now because in the past couple of months, I had the pleasure of using one again.  It’s been almost a year since I reviewed the S5, and I have to say, I am still a huge fan of this camera.  It’s still one of my favorites because in addition to being L mount, which is what I mainly use, I feel it’s a well-rounded camera that can do quite a bit in the right hands.

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For one, the overall build and ergonomics are excellent.  In addition to being a solid feeling camera, one of its big selling points is its smaller size, especially when compare it to some of the other L mount offerings.  The S5 is a camera with a full frame sensor that is even more compact than Panasonic’s own GH5, which has a smaller, micro four thirds sensor.  Plus, it seems to be roughly similar in size to my Fuji X-T3, which has an APS-C sensor.  Now, it is true that some of the L mount lenses out there are larger in size; however, there are also also quite a few lenses out now that are much more compact, and therefore, can really help one take advantage of the S5’s size.  Panasonic has some great choices but so does Sigma.  If you’re a frequent visitor of my blog, you’ve probably seen me post quite a few reviews on the Sigma I Series lenses.

↑ The Panasonic Lumix S5 with the Sigma 24mm f3.5 DG DN Contemporary lens.

↑ The Panasonic Lumix S5 next to my Fuji X-T3.

Another Panasonic S5 selling point is the image quality, which is thanks in part to its 24.2 MP full frame sensor that produces beautiful photos.  In addition to producing high quality low ISO images, the S5 also excels when using its higher ISO settings.  Noise and desaturation are really well-controlled even at very high ISO levels.  The other part of the equation to the great image quality are the lens choices.  Since the Lumix S5 is part of the L Mount Alliance, you not only have the ability to use Panasonic Lumix lenses, you are also able to use Sigma, and Leica L mount lenses.  I almost forgot, you’re also able to use M mount lenses via an M to L adapter.  That’s actually quite a lot of lens choice, if you think about it.  The best part is there’s a wide range when it comes to the prices of these lenses, so if paying several thousand dollars for a Leica L mount lens just isn’t your cup of tea, for example, there are plenty of other great choices that won’t cost you nearly as much.

↑ This was taken with the S5 and one of my favorite lenses currently out: the Sigma 65mm f2 DG DN Contemporary lens, which I reviewed here.

↑ This was taken with the Sigma 35mm f2 DG DN Contemporary lens.  The lens review is here.

↑ Here’s another photo taken with the Sigma 35mm f2.

Lastly, the price of the S5 is pretty fair in my book.  The current list price is $1,997.99 but there are periodic rebates, such as now, where the price drops $300.  That puts the S5 right around the area of other full frame cameras like a Nikon Z6II, and even cameras with smaller, APS-C sensors like the Fuji X-T4 and X-Pro3.  I feel like what you’re getting here is a camera that is well-balanced in many aspects, and is also a great way to get into L mount.  In fact, I could even see one being completely happy with the Lumix S5, and never feeling the need to upgrade to say the S1 or the S1R, which are Panasonic’s higher end models.  The truth is, I actually prefer the S5 over the S1.

↑ Here’s a bokeh shot taken with the Sigma 65mm f2.

↑ This was taken with the Sigma 20mm f2 DG DN Contemporary lens.  You can find the lens review here.

↑ This was taken with the 7artisans Photoelectric 75mm f1.25.  I used an L to M adapter with it, and the review of this lens is here.

Of course, like every camera out there, the Lumix S5 isn’t perfect.  For one, it uses a 2.36m dot OLED viewfinder, which isn’t bad but it isn’t the best out there either.  It’s basically pretty standard.  I will say though that I haven’t been disappointed with the viewfinder.  My own camera is a Leica SL2, and it uses a 5.76 MP EVF but I didn’t feel like it was the end of the world, when I switched to the Panasonic.  I was still able to use it just like I would use the one in my SL2.  The point is, I was still able to use the one on the S5 with no problems at all.

↑ Here’s a photo taken with the Sigma 65mm f2.

↑ Here’s another photo taken with the Sigma 65mm f2.

↑ This was taken with the Sigma 24mm f3.5 DG DN Contemporary lens.  My review of this lens is here.

The other issue that some may have with the Lumix S5 is it still uses contrast based autofocus rather than phase detection.  Still, the autofocus of the S5 is quite fast and accurate.  I haven’t had any problems using it for my own professional work.

↑ This was taken with the Panasonic Lumix S 85mm f1.8.

↑ Here’s a photo taken with the 7artisans 75mm f1.25.

↑ This was taken with the Sigma 20mm f2.

Overall, I just feel like the Panasonic S5 is a well-rounded camera that brings quite a lot to the table.  I’ve talked extensively about this camera before, and most of it can be found in my full review but these are the key points in my eyes: There’s a solid frame here, so you know it will last.  At the same time, you have something that is compact, so it’s easy to live with, and take when you’re traveling.  Image quality is also fantastic thanks not only to its design but also the great collection of lenses at your disposal.  This camera is just a nice little package that will get the job done.  If you’re looking into getting into L mount or if you’re already in L mount, and want a second body, I feel the Lumix S5 is something that you should definitely consider.

Thanks for taking the time to read my post on the Lumix S5!  If it helped, please consider purchasing from any of the links mentioned here, which in turn, helps support this site.  I get a small commission but it will not cost you anything extra.  Thank you!

Panasonic S5 at B&H Photo