gwilliams6

Panasonic finally adds PDAF to their fullframe mirrorless S5 MkII. Will you give this camera a consideration after watching the video ?

DPReview Panasonic S5 II Review (From Tokyo)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LSvKwCrmIYM

FYI, PDAF means Phase Detection Auto Focus.
Previously, Panasonic fullframe mirrorless cameras have only had Contrast Detection Auto Focus. A major drawback to these otherwise excellent cameras, especially compared to the excellent PDAF in competitive Nikon, Canon and Sony fullframe mirrorless cameras.

Cheers and best to you all.

Longshadow Loc: Audubon, PA, United States

No, no more that any other camera when I need a replacement.

gwilliams6

After actually watching the video, I am not asking if more, but will you now give it a look that you might not have before.

Cheers and best to you.

Longshadow Loc: Audubon, PA, United States

My answer was the first word in my sentence, augmented by my reasoning.

Ysarex Loc: St. Louis

No.

gwilliams6

Any answer from anyone is fine, but just wondering if you actually watched the video first before answering.

Cheers and best to you

burkphoto Loc: High Point, NC

Yes, primarily for the long list of video production features in the camera.

This is a good first effort at PDAF that will improve over time, both via firmware updates in this body, and hardware in future bodies.

This is a good answer to the primary objection video bloggers on YouTube had about Lumix AF. It’s not top tier yet, but close enough for most who want AF in their “talking head” or “walk and talk selfie” video sequences.

I would not yet buy this for fast action coverage. But I don’t do that sort of photography often enough to justify owning what works for that.

I’m hoping the hybrid PDAF/CDAF system goes into a GH6 II or GH7 or G9 II soon. The GH cameras have always needed PDAF.

Yes, I watched the video two hours after it came out on YouTube. I also watched about 20 other influencers' videos, because the news is so exciting to Lumix users and I like consensus through crowd sourcing information. If I needed a FF hybrid camera, this would be the one I would buy right now.

Longshadow Loc: Audubon, PA, United States

No, I didn't watch the video.
Since the function would not have any effect on a potential purchase, I did not need to view the video.

therwol Loc: USA

24.2 megapixels. For still photography, I've been spoiled by 36 and 45 megapixel Nikon cameras. If I were only interested in video, maybe, but there are already other options.

User ID

Ive always admired that series. I know the dif between AF systems, and this seems like a very good thing ... but I despise videos, so I wont be watching your linked info.

I know that Sigma makes some fine lenses for L-mount and I use three of them (with PDAF) in their E-mount versions (45, 65, and 90mm) so thaz another attractive thing about the upgraded L-mount bodies. (This lens series is currently *only* available in either L or E mounts.)

burkphoto Loc: High Point, NC

The vast majority of folks who will buy this camera are hybrid photographers.

We make videos with still photos in them.

We make still photos that will seldom be blown up to very large sizes, or will be shown on the Internet.

Most of us are not nature/wildlife/sports action, or landscape photographers.

In short, we make short films, documentaries, TV commercials, training content for corporate use, "day in the life of a family" videos and stills, "in memoriam" videos, or "B-Roll" for cable sports network features like one of my twins just did for ACC network on ESPN. And we make content for YouTube, Instagram, and other social media.

A 20 MP to 25 MP camera is fine for that. What really counts is ease of use. Panasonic has had the right video production features in these for some time. Now they have improved the final puzzle piece of AF for those who actually need or use it. Many GHx camera users and S1H or S5 users focus manually, because that's what filmmakers do. We work from a script and storyboard, plan our scenes, and photograph them to specifications. Focus is "pulled" from point A to point B in a clip, or it stays the same throughout. At least, it happens that way MOST of the time.

Phase Detect AF simply makes this camera far more appealing to video bloggers, and to the general photography public who rely on AF and expect it to work well. It's not perfect, yet, but it's good enough for most uses. And at a $2000 price point, it's pretty stiff competition for hybrid customers who otherwise would buy a Canon, Sony, or Nikon at that price. Those of us who never had it will use it, too, in situations where we would never trust CDAF alone.

Hugh Brownstone does a great analysis. Those who watched the video that Gerald linked will recognize the face: https://youtu.be/A06GnDOx0vE

burkphoto Loc: High Point, NC

That's a good point. The L-mount has three basic tiers: Leica (who developed the mount), Panasonic, and Sigma. A group of other manufacturers has jumped into the market as well:

https://alikgriffin.com/list-of-l-mount-lenses/

User ID

I use 24 and 45MP Nikons. I cant really say Ive been "spoiled" by the 40% extra resolution in some of the bodies. Acoarst its sometimes useful but has never been a major difference. It is what it is.

For me, the real noticeable difference is the "night vision" difference in favor of 24MP version of two otherwise identical models (Z6, Z7).

User ID

Again, no videos for me but I dont need them. I know and admire the L-series and I would very much consider it *if* I was going to switch systems. But the upgrade to the L-series is not, all by itself, strong temptation to switch systems absent any other reasons.

Maybe its worth mention that I already happily use Panasonics m4/3 cameras.
IOW I see Panasonic as an established major brand. Perhaps many folks wont ever see it like that ?

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If your *only* real question is whether the linked video is, all by itself, a really convincing marketing tool, then I would apologize for intruding.

gwilliams6

Thanks for actually watching the video before commenting. That was in my question, "after watching the video".

Yes finally Panasonic can FULLY compete with competitors' best fullframe mirrorless cameras in this price range. Video specs and features are superb for this price range.

Cheers and best to you