Panasonic Lumix S5IIX Review
The Panasonic Lumix S5IIX is the professional video-centric variant of the S5II, built for filmmakers who need internal ProRes recording, 6K capture, and unlimited recording time. It's the all-black stealth version designed for serious hybrid creators.
The Verdict
The Panasonic Lumix S5IIX is a professional video powerhouse that competes directly with the Sony A7S III and Canon R6 Mark II. Internal ProRes recording, 6K 30p capture, and unlimited recording time make it a compelling choice for serious filmmakers on a budget.
At $2,198, it's priced competitively for what it offers. The all-black design (S5M2X) with black LUMIX logo distinguishes it from the standard S5II. If you need broadcast-quality codecs without investing in dedicated cinema cameras, this is your camera.
| Imaging | |
|---|---|
| Sensor | 24.2MP Full-Frame CMOS |
| Processor | Venus Engine (L²) |
| Stabilization | 5-axis IBIS (6.5 stops) |
| ISO Range | 100-51,200 (Extended: 50-204,800) |
| Autofocus | |
| AF Type | Phase-Detection AF (779 points) |
| AF System | Real-Time Subject Recognition |
| Subject Detection | Human, Animal, Car, Motorcycle |
| Video | |
| Max Resolution | 6K 30p (3:2 Open Gate) |
| 4K Recording | 4K 60p 10-bit 4:2:2 |
| Internal Codecs | ProRes 422 / ProRes 422 HQ / H.265 |
| Profiles | V-Log, V-Gamut, Real-Time LUT, HLG |
| Recording Limit | Unlimited (Active Cooling) |
| Build & Connectivity | |
| Viewfinder | 3.68M-dot OLED EVF (0.78x magnification) |
| Screen | 3.0" vari-angle touchscreen (1.84M dots) |
| Card Slots | CFexpress Type B + SD UHS-II |
| Ports | Full-size HDMI, USB-C (PD), 3.5mm Mic & Headphone |
| Weather Sealing | Yes (magnesium alloy body) |
| Weight | 740g (body only) |
What We Like
- Internal ProRes 422 / 422 HQ recording
- 6K 30p Open Gate for maximum flexibility
- Unlimited recording with active cooling
- Excellent Phase-Detection AF (huge upgrade from S5)
- 6.5-stop IBIS—best-in-class stabilization
- CFexpress + SD dual card slots
- All-black stealth design with black LUMIX logo
- USB SSD recording for long-form content
Trade-offs
- $400 premium over standard S5II
- L-mount lens ecosystem smaller than E/RF mount
- 7fps burst rate (slower than competition)
- No built-in ND filters
- Menu system can be complex
- EVF blackout during high-speed burst
In-Depth Performance
ProRes Internal Recording
The headline feature of the S5IIX is internal ProRes recording—a massive deal for professional workflows. ProRes 422 and 422 HQ are available, meaning you can integrate footage directly into Final Cut Pro or DaVinci Resolve without transcoding. This saves hours of post-production time on every project.
ProRes files are larger than H.265 (expect 1-2 GB per minute at 4K 30p), but the editing performance and color grading latitude are worth it. For documentary, commercial, and broadcast work, ProRes is the industry standard—and the S5IIX delivers it natively.
6K Open Gate
6K Open Gate (5952x3968) at 30p is another standout feature. This captures the full 3:2 sensor area, giving you maximum flexibility to reframe in post. You can punch in, pan across a scene, or stabilize heavily without losing 4K delivery quality.
For multicamera shoots, 6K Open Gate lets you extract multiple angles from a single wide shot. Wedding videographers and documentary filmmakers particularly benefit from this flexibility—you effectively get two camera angles from one.
Phase-Detection Autofocus
The S5IIX shares the same revolutionary phase-detection AF system that made the S5II such a game-changer for Panasonic. This is a massive upgrade from the DFD contrast-detect system in previous L-mount cameras. Real-time subject recognition locks onto humans, animals, cars, and motorcycles with confidence.
For video, the AF is smooth and reliable—a huge leap from older Panasonic cameras that required constant manual focus. It's not quite Sony or Canon-level, but it's genuinely usable for run-and-gun documentary work now.
Build & Design
The S5IIX (model: S5M2X) features an all-black stealth design with a black LUMIX logo—distinguishing it from the silver-accented S5II. This isn't just aesthetic; it's practical for video where reflections can cause issues. The magnesium alloy body is weather-sealed and feels premium.
At 740g, it's compact for a full-frame camera with a built-in fan. The active cooling system runs quietly and ensures unlimited recording even in hot conditions. Dual card slots (CFexpress Type B + SD) provide flexibility for different speed/storage needs.
Ideal Lenses for the S5IIX
Panasonic S Pro 24-70mm f/2.8
The premium L-mount zoom with constant f/2.8, weather sealing, and outstanding sharpness. Heavy at 935g, but the ultimate workhorse for professional video and photo work.
Sigma 28-70mm f/2.8 DG DN
Half the weight and price of the Panasonic S Pro, with 90% of the performance. The compact design makes it perfect for gimbal work and travel shooting. Best value L-mount zoom.
Panasonic S 50mm f/1.8
Incredibly lightweight (300g) prime with beautiful rendering. The f/1.8 aperture pairs well with the S5IIX's excellent low-light performance. Perfect for interviews and documentary work.
How It Compares
| Spec | Panasonic S5IIX ★ | Panasonic S5 II | Sony A7S III |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | $2,197 | $1,997 | $3,498 |
| Sensor | 24.2MP FF | 24.2MP FF | 12MP FF |
| Video | 6K ProRes | 6K30 | 4K120 |
| AF Points | 779 points PDAF | 779 points PDAF | 759 points |
| Burst | 30 fps | 30 fps | 10 fps |
| IBIS | 6.5 stops | 6.5 stops | 5.5 stops |
Recommended Accessories
Essential gear to maximize your Panasonic Lumix S5IIX experience:
ProGrade CFexpress Type B 512GB
ProRes files are massive—max capacity essential.
Panasonic DMW-BLK22 (2-Pack)
ProRes recording drains power fast.
Samsung T7 Shield 2TB
USB-C SSD for unlimited ProRes recording.
Atomos Ninja V+
ProRes RAW output to external recorder.
Panasonic S5IIX FAQ
Buy the S5IIX if you need internal ProRes, USB SSD recording, waveform monitoring, or waterfall/vectorscope displays. The $400 premium is worth it for professional video workflows. Buy the S5II if H.265 codecs are sufficient for your work and you want to save money.
Everything. The S5IIX has a new 24.2MP sensor, phase-detection AF (vs contrast-detect), 6K recording, ProRes internal, active cooling, and dramatically improved autofocus. It's an entirely new camera that shares only the L-mount with the original S5.
The L-Mount Alliance (Panasonic, Leica, Sigma) has filled most gaps in the lens lineup. Sigma offers excellent primes and zooms at competitive prices. While smaller than Sony E or Canon RF, L-mount has quality options covering 14mm to 600mm across all apertures.
Professional videographers in film & TV, commercial and branded content, documentary shooters, wedding cinematographers, and content creators who need broadcast-quality codecs. If your work requires ProRes or you deliver to broadcast, the S5IIX pays for itself in post-production time savings.
Final Recommendation
The Panasonic Lumix S5IIX is a professional hybrid camera that delivers broadcast-ready video in a mirrorless body. Internal ProRes, 6K Open Gate, phase-detection AF, and unlimited recording time make it a compelling choice for serious filmmakers and content creators.
Buy it if: You need internal ProRes for professional workflows, shoot documentary/commercial/wedding video, want 6K resolution for reframing flexibility, or require unlimited recording for long-form content.
Skip it if: You're primarily a photographer (S5II is better value), don't need ProRes (save $400), or prefer the larger Sony/Canon lens ecosystems.
