Panasonic Lumix S1R II vs Lumix S5 IIx in 2025
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Panasonic Lumix S1R II vs Lumix S5 IIX: Sensor
The 44MP sensor within the Lumix S1R II gives nearly twice the decision of the Lumix S5 IIx. (Picture credit score: Gareth Bevan / Digital Digicam World)
• Panasonic Lumix S1R II: Full-frame CMOS, 44.3MP• Panasonic Lumix S5 IIX: Full-frame CMOS, 24.2MP
So from the beginning, the decision benefit of the Lumix S1R II is appreciable. Its 44MP sensor has nearly twice the decision of the S5 IIX’s sensor, and on high of that you simply’ve acquired Panasonic’s sensor-shift high-res mode, providing big 177MP pictures.
Solely you’ll know, although, whether or not you really need 44MP stills, or whether or not it’s simply to fulfill an urge for pixel peeping. It might be an element in case you promote large-scale prints or provide high-end industrial or promoting imagery, but when your work is principally seen on-line, even the 24MP decision of the S5 IIX is more likely to be greater than you actually need.
The S1R II’s 44MP decision isn’t only for stills. It’s partly a by-product of the step as much as 8K video, which wants a minimal of 40MP with the intention to produce this digicam’s most 8128-pixel-wide video (it will probably shoot 8K in a 17:9 ratio in addition to 16:9).
Panasonic Lumix S1R II vs Lumix S5 IIX: Photograph
How a lot decision do you want? For a lot of, the 24MP decision of the Lumix S5 IIX might be loads – and it additionally has nearly 3x the buffer capability in steady taking pictures mode. (Picture credit score: Jon Devo)
• Panasonic Lumix S1R II: 44MP, 177MP high-res mode, 40fps/70 uncooked with digital shutter, ISO 80-51,200 (exp. 40-102,400)• Panasonic Lumix S5 IIX: 24MP, 96MP high-res mode, 30fps/200+ uncooked with digital shutter, ISO 100-51,200 (exp. 50-204,800)
The Lumix S1R II produces nonetheless pictures measuring 8144 x 5424 pixels. That equates to a print 27 inches vast at 300dpi decision. The nonetheless pictures from the Lumix S5 IIx measure 6000 x 4000 pixels, so you’d get a print 20 inches vast on the similar 300dpi print decision.
Anticipating a much bigger distinction? Keep in mind, the S1R II’s near-double megapixel benefit is cut up between width and top. The linear width distinction is an efficient deal smaller. You gained’t get pictures twice as vast, solely round 1.36x wider (and better).
The continual taking pictures velocity of the Lumix S1R II is fairly outstanding for a digicam with this decision. It may well attain 40fps with its digital shutter in comparison with the utmost 30fps of the Lumix S5 IIX. Nevertheless, these are massive pictures, and the buffer fills up quicker.
Panasonic claims a most burst of round 70 RAW information for the S1R II however over 200 RAWs for the S5 IIX. Assuming 30fps is sufficient (when wouldn’t or not it’s?), the S5 IIX can seize considerably longer bursts with out slowing down.
However then the benefit seesaws the opposite manner while you issue within the newer AI-powered AF of the Lumix S1R II, which might give it a bonus for topic recognition and steady monitoring.
Panasonic Lumix S1R II vs Lumix S5 IIX: Video
The Lumix S1R II boasts 8K video, a wider selection of full-width resolutions and body charges, inside ProRes RAW and now particular person port covers. (Picture credit score: Gareth Bevan / Digital Digicam World)
• Panasonic Lumix S1R II: 8K 30p, 6.4K open gate 30p, 4K 60p/120p, All-intra, inside ProRes RAW HQ• Panasonic Lumix S5 IIX: 6K open gate 30p, 4K 30p, 4K 60p with crop, ProRes RAW over HDMI. ProRes 422 and all-I to exterior SSD
For video, the comparability doesn’t even appear shut. The Lumix S1R doesn’t simply movie at a better 8K decision, it gives a a lot wider vary of full-width resolutions and body charges plus, because of its CFexpress Kind B card slot, inside ProRes RAW seize.
The Lumix S5 IIX is completely competent by mid-range hybrid digicam requirements, however doesn’t actually come shut. It does provide 6K open gate seize, however in case you shoot 4K you might be restricted to 30p full-width seize and if you wish to shoot 4K 60p you need to settle for an APS-C crop.
The S1R II, against this, can shoot full-width 4K proper as much as 120p (Panasonic’s printed specs point out the 120p possibility is full width however it does seem like it makes use of pixel binning).
However for anybody selecting between these two cameras, it is a good time for a actuality examine. Does the Lumix S5 IIX already do sufficient in your vlogging and filmmaking work? Except you might be concerned in critical cinematic / industrial productions, it most likely does. You possibly can prolong its recording choices with an exterior recorder or SSD, too – although after all, that can convey it nearer to the value of the S1R II.
Maybe the trick is to focus on what you want now , not what you suppose you may want sooner or later, as a result of by the point the longer term arrives, the tech may have moved on once more.
Panasonic Lumix S1R II vs Lumix S5 IIX: Stabilization
The Lumix S1R II boasts as much as 8EV shake compensation from its 5-axis IBIS system. (Picture credit score: Panasonic)
• Panasonic Lumix S1R II: 5-axis, 8EV heart, 7EV periphery, 7EV Twin IS• Panasonic Lumix S5 IIX: 5-axis, 5EV 6.5EV Twin IS
Panasonic quotes some attention-grabbing stabilization figures for the Lumix S1R II, with as much as 8EV compensation within the heart of the body and 7EV on the periphery. Digicam makers are beginning to acknowledge that peripheral motion may be worse, therefore the 2 figures. Each are properly up on the claimed 5EV compensation for the Lumix S5 IIX.
These two cameras additionally provide Twin IS with supporting lenses. The figures are a lot nearer right here, at 7EV for the S1R II and 6.5EV for the S5 IIX. Why is the Twin IS determine for the S1R II decrease than its commonplace IBIS-only compensation? It’s as a result of it’s used with telephoto lenses, the place the compensation impact is decreased anyway – so Panasonic is basically quoting figures for various circumstances.
Panasonic Lumix S1R II vs Lumix S5 IIX: EVF and rear display
The S1R II has a dual-action rear display with an on-axis tilt possibility plus an everyday flip-out vari-angle motion. (Picture credit score: Gareth Bevan / Digital Digicam World)
• Panasonic Lumix S1R II: 5.76m dots, 0.78x magnification, 3-inch, 1.84m dot tilt/free-angle design• Panasonic Lumix S5 IIX: 3.68m dots, 0.78x magnification, 3-inch, 1.84m dot vari-angle
With dearer cameras you do are likely to get higher viewfinders, and that’s the case right here. The 5.76m dot EVF of the Lumix S1R II isn’t the best by present requirements however nonetheless very respectable and an enchancment on the three.68m dot EVF of the S5 IIX. Each have the identical 0.78x magnification.
Around the again, there’s a change. Each cameras have 3-inch 1.84m dot shows, however the place the S5 IIX has an everyday vari-angle pivot, the S1R II has a dual-action tilt-pivot display. You possibly can flip it out sideways, however it’s also possible to tilt it for on-axis viewing, which additionally retains it out of the way in which of any cables whereas filming.
With the higher EVF and extra versatile rear display, that’s a win for the Lumix S1R II.
Panasonic Lumix S1R II vs Lumix S5 IIX: Reminiscence • Panasonic Lumix S1R II: 1x CFexpress Kind B, 1x SD UHS II• Panasonic Lumix S5 IIX: 2x SD UHS II
To realize its high-resolution video seize, the Lumix S1R II wants the velocity of CFexpress Kind B playing cards – so it has one slot for this format and one for normal SD UHS-II playing cards. It’s not excellent having two card varieties, since you’ll be able to’t use matched playing cards for real-time backups – however it does not less than provide the velocity of CFexpress Kind B and the cost-effectiveness and backwards-compatibility of SD.
The Lumix S5 II simply gives two SD UHS-II playing cards slots, which is altogether easier and displays its much less data-hungry video capabilities..
Panasonic Lumix S1R II vs Lumix S5 IIX: Measurement and weight
Regardless of its additional decision and energy, the Lumix S1R II is similar measurement because the Lumix S5 IIX and solely 55g heavier. (Picture credit score: Gareth Bevan / Digital Digicam World)
• Panasonic Lumix S1R II: 134.3 x 102.3 x 91.8mm, 795g• Panasonic Lumix S5 IIX: 134.3 x 102.3 x 90.1mm, 740g
These two cameras are very comparable of their bodily look, measurement and weight. On condition that the Lumix S1R II is a lot extra highly effective, Panasonic has executed properly to maintain the burden all the way down to 795g, together with the battery and a reminiscence card – that’s simply 55g greater than the Lumix S5 IIX. In use, you’re probably not more likely to discover any distinction, so there isn’t a winner right here.
Panasonic Lumix S1R II vs Lumix S5 IIX: Value
The Lumix S5 IIX is round $1,000 / £1,000 cheaper than the Lumix S1R II on the time of writing, and if it does every part you want, why pay extra? (Picture credit score: Panasonic)
• Panasonic Lumix S1R II: $3,297 / £2,999• Panasonic Lumix S5 IIX: $2,197 / £1,999
For a high-resolution 8K hybrid digicam, the Lumix S1R II may be very competitively priced. However it nonetheless prices round $1,000 / £1,000 greater than the Lumix S5 IIX. It’s properly well worth the cash in case you undoubtedly want the options it gives, however it’s rather a lot to pay if the S5 IIX does the job equally properly. It will rely solely on the form of stills / video work you do, or wish to do.
Panasonic Lumix S1R II vs Lumix S5 IIX: Verdict
(Picture credit score: Panasonic)
The S1R II represents a significant step up in skilled video specs, there’s little question about that. However it might be including options you don’t really need and gained’t use.
We spend some huge cash making an attempt to ‘future-proof’ our digicam buys in anticipation of issues we expect we’d have to do additional down the road, solely to exchange them in a few years anyway when one thing else comes out.
Or it might be the stills decision that convinces you; 24MP has now turn out to be a form of fundamental commonplace for full-frame digicam decision, however there’ll at all times be photographers who need extra, both for their very own satisfaction or as a result of their purchasers demand it.
It’s at all times human nature to desire the ‘greatest’ over the ‘ample’, and that’s the dilemma right here. The Lumix S1R II might be like a dream digicam for a lot of, whereas the S5 IIX is there merely to do a job – although it does it slightly properly. The value hole is critical however not big, so in case you can afford (and justify) the additional outlay, the Lumix S1R II does seem like a transparent winner.