The Panasonic Lumix DC-GH5S, released in January 2018, is a mirrorless Micro Four Thirds interchangeable lens camera designed for low-light performance and video recording.
It is the first Panasonic mirrorless camera to feature an image sensor equipped with dual native ISO technology. This technology makes the model one of the best video shooting and brilliant low-light performance cameras.
Aside from these, the device has a rugged and mobile design, making it easy to use on the field and keep up with the action. Furthermore, it is pre-installed with 4K HDR Hybrid Log Gamma and V-Log L, as well as professional-grade exposure tools.
General
Pros |
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Dual native ISO |
Excellent video quality |
Good in low-light |
Versatile video recording features |
Cons |
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No in-body image stabilization |
No built-in flash |
Sensor size is too small |
Key Features
An Effective 10.28-Megapixel Digital Live CMOS Sensor And Venus Engine
The Lumix DC-GH5S is designed with an effective 10.28MP digital MOS sensor with a significantly higher photoreceptive surface per pixel and optimized Venus image processing. These enable the gadget to produce pictures and videos with true-to-life color and edge-to-edge detail in a variety of lighting conditions.
The image sensor has a multi-aspect ratio design that allows the use of 4:3, 3:2, 16:9, and 17:9 ratios for clicking still images and 4K DCI and Ultra HD videos and working in Anamorphic mode. This impressive design allows photographers to maintain a lens’s native angle of view despite changing the image format.
Dual Native ISO Technology
The GH5 is also equipped with a unique dual native ISO technology (with two amplifiers per pixel with different amplification factors). Simply put, this technology helps to minimize digital noise generation when shooting videos and decrease the time needed to change lighting for slow motion. So, its users can capture bright and sharp stills and videos with low light.
Creative 4K Photo Modes And Wireless Functions
Aside from the video recording capabilities, the GH5S bears a trio of creative image shooting modes for clicking 8MP stills at a 60 or 30 fps shooting rate.
Furthermore, the camera has built-in 5 GHz Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 4.2 Low Energy, which allows wireless file transfer and remote control.
225 AF Areas Plus Contrast Detection AF And Advanced DFD (Depth-From-Defocus) Technology
The 225 AF areas help the camera focus accurately. The contrast AF with Depth From Defocus technology allows the GH5S to achieve a fast AF of approximately 0.07 seconds.
The DFD technology instantly calculates the distance to the subject and adjusts the focusing position quickly to ensure precision. So, to some extent, the Lumix GH5S can quickly focus on the subject and capture stunning shots.
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Photo Clicked by Panasonic Lumix DC-GH5S
Body Build And Handling
The Panasonic Lumix DC-GH5S has a durable magnesium alloy design with die-cast front and rear frames and secure and extensive sealing for every joint, dial, and button. This makes the body splashproof, dustproof, and freezeproof down to – 10 degrees Celsius.
Although it is weather-sealed, it weighs approximately 660g. Thus, it is rugged, portable, and easy to use. Regarding control, a joystick is integrated into the rear of the camera to make the adjustment of several settings easier and more intuitive. Many customizable function buttons are also available.
Viewfinder And Display
Display
Viewfinder
The mirrorless camera is also equipped with approximately 3,680K-dot OLED Live View Finder with a stunning 0.76x eye-level magnification, a smooth 120fps display, and 100% field view.
In addition, it also has a 3.2″ 1.62m-dot rear touch-sensitive RGBW LCD monitor, designed to support viewing and shooting from different angles.
Note: The viewfinder and LCD monitor are optimized for nighttime shooting.
Image And Video Qualities
This camera is specifically designed for video shooting. However, its image deliverables were quite impressive, even in low light. Regarding video quality, the GH5S is capable of internal SD card capture of 60p/50p 8-bit, 30p/25p/24p 4:2:2 10-bit, 4K: 60p/50p 4:2:0 8-bit, 30p/25p/24p 4:2:2 10-bit; Full HD 1080p up to 240fps and C4K 60p VFR. Its video recording capabilities are impressive, and so are the results.
Low Light Performance
Panasonic designed the GH5S to thrive in low light regardless of its 10.28MP sensor size. The dual ISO technology and Venus processor help the camera to capture and render beautiful stills and videos with less digital noise in poorly lit scenarios.
Furthermore, to make working in poorly-lit conditions easier, a Starlight AF feature is integrated to enable accurate AF performance down to -5 EV.
Speed Performance
In high-speed burst shooting, the GH5s capture 12 fps (AFS)/8 (AFC) in 12-bit RAW and 11 fps (AFS)/7 (AFC) in 14-bit RAW. Practically, it is fast and responsive.
Battery Performance
The Panasonic Lumix DC-GH5S uses a DMW-BLF19 battery. According to CIPA testing standards, it can click and record approximately 440 images and 60 minutes of video per charge.
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Communication
Exposure
Flash
Lens system
Video Recording
What Type Of Photography Is The Panasonic Lumix DC-GH5S Mirrorless Camera Suitable For?
The Panasonic Lumix DC-GH5S Mirrorless Camera is designed and most suitable for videography. However, it can serve as an ideal device for low-light photography.
Who Should Buy? Value For Money?
The GH5S is designed for professional videographers. Regarding value for money, the camera has vast video recording functions, which are duly optimized to function well in low light. However, the Olympus E-M1X offers more professional video recording features.