Panasonic Lumix S5

4K 10-bit video ; 5-axis stabilization ; Flip-out display ; Compact size ; Faster autofocus

Poor contrast-detect autofocus ; Poor electronic viewfinder ; Slow photo burst speeds

Canon’s $2,500 EOS R6 has higher internal data rates and superior Dual Pixel phase-detect autofocus, plus it’s better for still photography. However, the S5 is $500 cheaper and should suffer less from overheating issues that can cripple video recording...

Excellent design, build quality ; Improved face/eye autofocus ; 96MP high-resolution mode ; Unlimited 4K/30 recording ; 30-minute 4K/60

Low-resolution EVF ; Autofocus lags behind competition ; Slow continuous shooting

Great handling ; Fantastic video specs ; Fully articulating touch-sensitive screen

Advanced video users will miss the full-sized HDMI port ; Compatible lenses are large compared to the body

Panasonic has faced a lot of criticism with its S series of full-frame cameras - they haven’t been as warmly received as its smaller-format G series. By listening to that feedback and essentially melding together the two lines, the S5 very much feels...

Excellent 24MP full-frame sensor ; 5-axis IBIS ; Improved DFD focus system ; 10-bit 4K60 video ; 5.9K ProRes Raw with Ninja V ; Dust and splash protection ; Superb ergonomics ; Dual SDXC card slots

L-mount lens library still growing ; Tracking focus limited to 6fps

The Panasonic Lumix DC-S5 is a slimmer, more affordable full-frame camera, with loads of appeal for photographers shopping for an entry-level or midrange model.

Compact for a full-frame camera ; Great design and build ; Relatively affordable for its spec and performance ; Reliable autofocus/people tracking ; Charges via USB-C ; Two SD card slots

4K60p crops down to APS-C ; Focus selector button could be easier to adjust ; Only one of the SD card slots is UHS-II

This well-made and compact full-frame camera doesn't cost a whole lot more than the Micro Four Thirds video champ: the GH5. And it's cheaper than its larger-scale full-frame sibling: the Lumix S1. So, whichever way you look at it, the Lumix S5 is...

If you look at the big picture (no pun intended), we think you’ll find that the Panasonic Lumix S5 offers a lot of value for the price. This highly versatile camera will meet the needs of both still and video shooters, without breaking the bank.