Added a Panasonic Lumix DC-S5 to My System:
As some of you know, I am a big fan of L mount. I love what Leica has made in terms of lenses for it but besides that, I love being able to use lenses from big manufacturers like Sigma (I am a huge fan of Sigma lenses as some of you know) and Panasonic. Others are coming into the mix like a macro lens I recently reviewed from Laowa (review here). DJI is joining the L Mount Alliance as well, and lastly, I can still use my M mount lenses. They work perfectly too by the way. With all that said, I decided a few weeks ago to invest further into the system, and some of you may know I’ve always praised the Panasonic Lumix DC-S5 (review here). Well, I bought one, and now I use it as a companion to my Leica SL2.
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I held out of a while because I’m a minimalist when it comes to gear but I couldn’t resist anymore :). The Lumix DC-S5 appeals to me in so many ways; The price is decent (at the time, I even had a $500 rebate), I love the electronics, the image quality is fantastic, and I love that its around the size of my Fuji X-T3 but full frame. That’s the big selling point for me because I feel this makes it a great second body to the SL2. I can use all the lenses with my S5 that I use with my SL2 but now, I have something lighter, and more compact for the times when I don’t need the additional features of my SL2 like the 47 MP sensor, for example. And don’t think this is just an entry level camera for casual purposes as I’ve used it for pro work.
I did mention the fantastic image quality, and yes, to me, it is pretty awesome. I love what comes out of the sensor, and it seems to work really well with all types of lenses that I’ve tried. I think it renders colors beautifully, and I don’t find it too difficult to match the raw files to what comes out of my SL2, so I can stay consistent with my work even if I am using two cameras.
Some of you have asked me several times, if I can really use M lenses with the Lumix DC-S5, and so far, I haven’t had an issue. I’ve reviewed several M mount lenses with no problems as well. All you need is a simple M to L adapter, and you’re all set. If you want to save a few bucks, you don’t even need the Leica version.
So far, I’ve been pairing the Lumix DC-S5 a lot with my Sigma 45mm f2.8 DG DN Contemporary (review of this lens here). I reviewed this lens before, and just love it. Together with the Lumix DC-S5, I have something that produces great images but at the same time, also compact and easy to live. with. My next lens may be the Sigma 65mm f2, which is one of my favorite lenses currently out. Below are a couple of images I took with the 65mm and S5 that are also in my 65mm f2 review. It is such a great lens for my type of work.
Anyway, I thought I’d write something up here about the Lumix DC-S5 because I get asked about it a lot on my Instagram. Since this isn’t a review sample, and a camera that I own, I’ll be using it long term. I’ll keep all of you updated as I shoot more with it. I have been really busy testing a lot of lenses for L mount, M mount, and Fuji X Mount, so stay tuned. My testing is done, so I will be writing up all the reviews. Thanks for stopping by!
Hey, maybe it is my imagination, but you never did a review of the Sigma 105/1.4 versus the pedestrian Leica SL 90/2.
Hi Patrick, I have purchased the Leica SL 90/2 recently for days I do not feel up to scaring people or bears with the truly magnificent Sigma 105/1.4. I did have to sell a kidney for the UV and polarizer filters but it was worth it. It creates breathtaking unique images that Leica would be proud of. There was a time when I could readily identify the magical image difference of a Leica lens that made the investment worthwhile. However, I recently sold my VM 50/2 APO lens and I felt it was equal to the Leica m 50/2 in a lot of rendering aspects but it is certainly bigger and lacks 6 bit code. I replaced it with a wonderful copy of the VM 50/1 which in my opinion blows the now aging Leica 50/0.95 out of the water at a fraction of the price. There was a time when nothing came close to Leica glass but that is now an old wives tale. However, the Leica SL f/2 are all great but I found the Leica SL 28mm, 35mm, and 90mm particularly spectacular and special in rendering. I have not owned the 70mm but I did not find anything exciting about the 50mm which is up for sale as I am going to keep the breathtaking images of the Leica 501.4. The 50/1.4 is not sharp in the corners but I can crop that and it is huge and slower focussing But I love the images. People that pixel peep do not understand photography. Artists do not view their paintings and drawings with a magnifying glass. They look at the emotion communicated by their art.
The S5 is apparently an amazing camera. It will pair nicely with Panasonic/Sigma f1.8/2 glass when you want a light compact kit or even m glass. Enjoy!
Anyway, my equipment is in flux do to the arrival of my M11. My Leica SL2 is now looking for a new home and I am keeping the SL2-S for its amazing low light low noise abilities.
We now have so many great options to choose from within the m and l mount systems.
The 90mm is really a nice lens, and one of my favorites. I’ve had it since its release, and it still blows my mind. It’s a good size too, at least, when you compare it to the 105mm f1.4 haha.
You’re right; a lot of this stuff is getting quite good. My dad, for example, really only shot Leica. However, he recently bought the Voigtlander 35mm f1.4 MC (his first non-Leica M lens), and loves it. He can’t get enough of it.
Voigtlander, Sigma, Panasonic, etc. are really creating some awesome stuff, and make great alternatives to Leica gear. I love my Leica stuff too but there’s some really nice gear out there that Leica doesn’t even make. For instance, I love the Sigma 65mm f2, and there’s also the Sigma 150-600mm. Even my father’s 35mm f1.4 offers a unique, old school look, which is quite different than Leica’s 35mm f1.4.
It’s a great time to be in photography. It’s a great time to be in L mount too ;). Btw, the M11 is nice! I’ve been using my dad’s haha.
Best,
Patrick
Hi Brian,
Apologies for the late reply! I was away. I hope you are doing well!
I tested it, and have all the images but you’re right, I never wrote a review for it yet. I ended up getting busy at the time, and just never got around to it. I’ll post it soon but right now, I have few lenses that have jumped the line :).
Best,
Patrick
Hi Patrick,
wow 500,- discount is great even more so when you think of the relatively low list price.
Great buy. The Pana will definetly be easier to carry around than the SL2 (even though i am now getting used to my SL2s and dont mind its weight no more. In terms of size i always thought it is just right for the type of camera it is).
The sample images show great quality. May i ask what software you use in post ?
I find it hard to match the output of Sigma lenses with my Leica ones. I get close but never so close that i could not tell a difference 😉
Greetings from Cologne, Germany,
Markus
Hi Markus,
Apologies for the late reply! I went away for a bit.
Yup, it was priced nicely, and I even got money back after my M6 trade in.
As for software, I use Capture One for all RAW edits, and if I’m editing one of my model shoots, I use Photoshop for retouching after the RAW files have been processed with Capture One. I hope this helps!
Best,
Patrick
Hi Markus, no lens renders the same. I am very particular about rendering but lately Sigma and Voigtlander have product that if labeled Leica no one would complain. I just received the Voigtlander VM 50mm f/1 and it blows the Leica 50/0.95 out of the water at a fraction of the price. The Sigma l mount 105/2.8 is a reference level lens. The Sigma l mount stands toe to toe to the leica Sl 90mm f/2 in a lot of important rendering aspects at a fraction of the price. I own both.
I used to think I had to buy only Leica to get my 3D rendering and so on, but Panasonic and Sigma and Voigtlander with their recent.releases over the past 3 years are in general second to none at a fraction of the price of Leica. I have sold off a fair amount of my Leica glass lately. However, it will take a new miracle to get me to sell my Leica 28/1.4 m lens.
I currently use Lightroom to manage my photos, Capture one to do the raw processing, and Photoshop to finesse my images.
I just finished my review of the Sigma 28mm f1.4 :). Maybe that might be the miracle haha
I just noticed that I missed “Sigma 105/1.4 “in the previous comment comparing it to the amazing Leica sl 90/2. The Sigma is absolutely incredible but absolutely huge. The Leica 90/2 is also incredible and smaller but certainly not f/1.4.
LOVE the Sigma but it is huge. Still have plans of buying one though lol. However, I may buy the 65mm f2 first.
You will not be able to resist the siren call of the 105/1.4 and it creates truly unique images. If I was a professional, I would certainly go for truly Unique images to differentiate myself. 😀
Haha trust me, I know. I asked for an extension on the loan haha.
Hello Patrick,
I hope you don’t mind me sending you a question about the S5 – I tried to use your form but not sure it worked. I’ve read your reviews of the camera and my X-Pro1 is finally starting to show signs of packing up so have just ordered one for myself. I’ve read some conflicting information around using adapted and especially m-mount lenses on the system.
Basically I’m thinking of picking up the Voigtlander 50mm f3.5 Heliar (I’ve always been intrigued about this lens) but not sure whether it’s just safer to get a native lens. From examples I’ve seen online (on different cameras) the Heliar images look superb and have a different character than say the sigma 45mm, but if they don’t work so well then I’m guessing there is no point. Similarly the m-hexanon 50mm images have a very nice look…
It seems from your experience you haven’t had any issues with m-mount lenses? Have you tried any voigtlander or zeiss zm’s out of interest?
Hi Alex,
I don’t know what other people’s experiences have been with the camera and M mount lenses but at least with me, I haven’t had trouble with the lenses I’ve tried with it. I have used Leica, and Voigtlander lenses. I have not used Zeiss lenses yet. Oh yes, I may have used TTArtisan and 7artisan lenses as well. In fact, I used an S1 to review the Voigtlander 35mm f2 APO.
https://findingrange.com/2021/06/11/voigtlander-apo-lanthar-35mm-f2-asph-lens-review/
With my SL2 and S5, I don’t even use an M to shoot with M mount lenses anymore. I have never had any trouble but of course, I have not used every M mount lens out there lol. I hope that helps!
Best,
Patrick
I’m coming to this a bit late but hope you can read this. I much appreciate your reviews of the Lumix S5 especially has I’m looking for an L-mount back up to the Q2 and Leica CL. Your review persuades readers that the S5 is very comprehensive but have you upgraded to the S5ii? Do you think I’d be better to buy the more expensive model. From what I understand the main difference is the more efficient autofocus of the S5ii but it’s not easy to estimate if I’d need that improvement. I’m not wid life or sports photographer, mostly interested in street photography with candid portraits, and intimate landscape. The rest of my interests are studio-based. With thanks for you contribution.
Hi Gerry,
Apologies for the late reply! I was away for the beginning of the summer.
The S5ii is definitely a better camera than my S5. With that said, I stick with my S5 because I’m happy with it. I would love the improvements of the ii version but I feel for me, the S5 is good enough at this point that I don’t mind either purchasing an S5ii at a later date or waiting for its replacement in the future. If I didn’t own an S5, then it might be a different story. I might then jump for the S5ii.
Others may disagree but I feel like at this point in the camera world, we’re at a place where most cameras are already really good. The S5 has, and is still fulfilling my specific needs, so I just never felt like upgrading. I hope this helps. Again, apologies for the late reply, and if you have any other questions, please feel free let me know. Have a nice weekend!
Best,
Patrick