The Panasonic GH5S is a video-focused update to the pro-grade, hybrid photo/video GH5 camera for the Micro 4/3 system. We also rent the Panasonic GH5 w/V-Log. Key features include:
10.28MP, low-light optimized MOS sensor
Internal DCI 4K/60p with no sensor crop or time limit
Dual native ISO at ISO 400 & ISO 2500
Internal 4:2:2 10-bit and preinstalled V-Log L gamma curve
What’s New? The GH4 was quite advanced for a hybrid photo/video mirrorless camera, and the GH5 does everything it did but better. Now, the GH5S addresses the video specific complaints of the users of Panasonic’s pro-grade, micro 4/3 camera system with a low-light optimized 10.28MP sensor, dual native ISO, improved auto-focus, 1080p at 240 fps, & time-code in/out. Notably missing from the GH5S is in-camera image stabilization.
10.28MP, Low-Light Optimized Sensor. The biggest differentiator between this camera and the base GH5 is the new 10.28 megapixel sensor. Fewer and larger pixels take in more light and double its ISO sensitivity to 51,200. Dual native ISO of 400 & 2500 extends dynamic range in more shooting situations, especially when paired with the GH5S’s preinstalled V-Log L.
DCI 4K At 60 Frames Per Second. Even with the reduced resolution of the sensor, Panasonic made sure users can still shoot in DCI and UHD 4K. The camera supports 4K/60p in 4:2:0 8-bit, but drop the frame rate to 30p for glorious 4K 4:2:2 10-bit at 400Mbps. High frame rate shooting gets a boost to 240 fps in 1080p.
V-Log L Upgrade Pre-Installed. Panasonic did everyone a solid and decided to preinstall the V-Log L upgrade on all GH5S cameras. This provides an extremely flat gamma curve and image that’s capable of 12-stops of dynamic range for additional latitude when grading your footage.
But What About Still Photography? While headlining feature upgrades are primarily video-centric, the GH5S adds 14-bit raw for photos and at 14 fps. The improved Depth From Defocus system offers faster, more accurate performance in low-light situations with sensitivity from -5 EV. We wouldn’t recommend this over other cameras for print work, but these additions will be welcome for web-centric shooters.
Timecode In/Out. What? BNC Timecode in or out on a mirrorless camera? Panasonic added this feature, usually only found on professional camcorder systems, by way of a sync port to BNC converter cable. We don’t include the adapter cable by default. If you need it, let us know in the special instructions when you place your order.
Need a Memory Card? You’ll need an ultra-fast memory card for a camera this powerful, and we recommend the Sony 128GB SF-G Tough Series UHS-II SDXC. This camera can take full advantage of its superior 299 MB/s max write speed and 300 MB/s max read speed for high-resolution, high-bitrate capture.
“One of the most significant advantages with the new Panasonic GH5s is its low light capabilities. The new sensor design has given the Panasonic GH5s exceptional low light performance that challeng...
“One of the most significant advantages with the new Panasonic GH5s is its low light capabilities. The new sensor design has given the Panasonic GH5s exceptional low light performance that challenges even the Sony a7s II, in a smaller sensor size. Not only is the ISO range extended from ISO 200 – 12,800 on the Panasonic GH5 to ISO 80 – 204,800, it’s able to do it with two different native ISOs, allowing for cleaner files.”
