What the S5 II means for the future of Panasonic cameras 

G9 mkii with PDAF. Massively underrated photo camera with excellent video features AND IT HAD A FULL SIZE HDMI!!!!

I think the S5II is the most exciting release in the camera world in a long time! Suddenly Panasonic has made their way back onto stage with a big surprise and I think we're all here for it.

A lot of us are not interestested in L mount, and look forward to implementation of phase detect in MFT, GH6 M2, GH5 M3, G9 M2

A G9 II with good animal detect implementation, phase detection autofocus, similar size - I've never bought a new camera, always second hand, but I'd pre-order a G9 II. I think Panasonic have the potential to outstrip Canon, Nikon and Sony, if they continue to refine their autofocus system while keeping to features and habits that have made Panasonic cameras great to this point (useful video features, great menus and ergonomics, robust firmware updates)

Love to see a new GX7 style camera with hybrid PDAF, external mic input, 4K/60p, and 1/8000 top shutter speed. For now I'm still using my GX7.

New gx80/ gx9 style camera with the new autofocus, would be the ultimate affordable street camera

A GX85/GX9 replacement with their new AF system and their improved IBIS would be a very competitive camera against Sony APS-C cameras (ZV-E10 or A6400) for nonprofessional users! It might even be more appealing than the Sonys as Panasonic stabilization is much better 👍👍

I totally agree with Jordan. Give us some tiny little micro 4/3 bodies with phase detect!

As someone who originally shot my first feature film with the Panasonic GH5 and switched to Sony over a year ago, I can say that the S5ii and S5iiX could quite well bring me back to Panasonic. I think Panasonic skin tones are far superior than most other brands. At least, that was my experience. I think these two new cameras are a game changer for Panasonic. And might be just the cameras that bring me back to Panasonic. As a filmmaker, I am especially eyeing the S5iiX for its features.

Currently my S5 is by far my favorite photo camera over my Sony or Nikon cameras even with the lack luster auto focus. I'll wait for the S5 IIX.

For us non professionals that still shoot regular weekly videos and use the same camera for photo - I can’t be more excited for a new G9 but if I ever go FF I definitely think it’ll be one of the Lumix offerings - I’m very impressed with the S5ii and everything Panasonic has done and the extreme long support Panasonic has given us for existing products.

I definitely like to see a Panasonic MFT body around OM5 size. Panasonic have not released such a small and capable body in years and I really want to see one with all innovations that Panasonic can offer.

I have been waiting for a G9 and GX9 replacement with PDAF and more resolution.

For me, GX style bodies is M4/3 at its best. Still very small bodies, but with very good build quality, good amount of features, with great IBIS (important now that smartphones have very good night modes and whatnot). Street/travel/everyday carry (with pancake lenses) - all scenarios where ultimate image quality doesn't matter but better and more versatile glass compared to a smartphone comes in handy - and GX body excels in all of these. Pack it with the latest sensor, procesor and computational modes and it's gonna be great.

I know Lumix said they're done with the compact line but I would LOVE a new GX camera. The gx85 is awesome but with that larger sensor and PDAF, it would kill

S5ii is a legit tempting proposition now, especially at the competitive price. Also, I've always liked the feel of their full frame bodies; they are a bit chunky but they have are really good to hand-hold and use.

A G9 replacement with Phase AF please !!! Even with 20 MPix, I don't care ! And yes bring us also replacement for the GX9 and GM5 with Phase AF !

I just cant wait for a Lumix G9 ii. It would be an instant buy.

I hope this means a whole new era of success for Panasonic. I have loved their MFT cameras and lenses. I say Canon better rethink their no-third-party-lenses policy fast. I’m tempted to go back to a larger sensor and Canon was my intention, but the S5II is much more appealing to me. I’m also impressed at Panasonic’s realization that if they added PDAF after this long a wait it better be as good as, or better than anyone else’s PDAF. I might also go for a PDAF G9. Thanks gentlemen for your insights.

GM6 or GX9II (GX95). Either with an tilt all the way up screen for an eventual selfie. That is the only thing (together with PDAF) missing from my gx85 to be the perfect travel/casual camera. Any other improvements would be appreciated, of course.

S5 always gave me much better day time videos, the highlight rolloff is much more pleasing than the Sony I have. This is giving them much broader appeal to video shooters.

GX85 is now the only M43 camera I have. Would love to see a worthy upgrade path for this.

I think the combination of Panasonic's IS tech, evolving phase detect AF, and the option of lighter (S5 series) and bulkier (S1 series) of bodies can keep them alive. And if they continue to invest in their MFT systems with their great lens lineups with a high res option of bodies, even better.

I really hope they continue to kill it! My favorite cameras I've owned have been the G9, the GH5, and the GX85. Panasonic cameras are just really easy to use both physically and software-wise. As much as I love the images out of my A7RIV, I would switch back to Panasonic if their autofocus catches up

I love micro 4/3, but committed to full frame for pro work because of pdaf and low light performance. Sensors are getting better all the time though. If Pany puts out a G9 replacement with pdaf, I’ll probably switch completely to micro 4/3.

Panasonic needs to refresh their lineup now. GH6 II, G9 II, GX8 II /w a tilt screen or perhaps a GX9 II with a much better EVF all with Phase Detect AF

I'm praying they make a GX7 Mk4. I'm rocking the GX85 (GX7 Mk2) right now.

For its form factor, I would like the GX9 to have a phase detect autofocus.

I love my compact GX9. They should totally do another gen of these with that GH6 25MP MFT sensor. Perhaps even bifurcate it into a GX2M and a GX2L where the former uses a MFT mount, and the latter uses a L mount.

I would certainly go for an remade GF1 with the newest sensor tech. That's the camera that got me into m43 and I still have it lying around :)

Taking photos on a phone sucks. Give us a GM replacement with PDAF!

I was madly in love with my GF-1. Having a similar sized camera with PDAF (and maybe without 6k, 120fps, 4 channel audio and other advanced features) would be an absolute dream.

I've been eyeing up a m43 rangefinder, but the current ones have too many limitations. I'm personally excited about a weather sealed gx8+ or Pen-F+, with some appropriately sized weather sealed lenses. Phase detect is a must though... My kids are fast

Bring it to MFT!! I love the format and hope it doesn't die. But I have to admit, Panasonic's stubbornness when it came to phase detect autofocus was definitely testing my patience. I don't know where else I can get a 600mm ff equivalent lens that's only slightly larger than a soda can and prime lenses that are downright tiny.

Would love to see micro 4/3 with this AF

This camera definitely put Panasonic on my radar given their impressive video control and encoding features. Like Jordan has said, shutter angle should be more wide spread as a way to control hybrid cameras. That said, I guess fast readout sensors are at least another generation ahead for most camera tiers. 😥 Also, maybe the next G100 series camera can actually be good for vlogging with PDAF and IBIS instead of marketing doing their thing. 🤣 Though it will likely be a more expensive tier of camera to get IBIS into it. Panasonic looks like the perfect company now to totally control top level quality vlogging and other motion intense content creation.

Imagine how chaotic their r&d department was for this decision.

I really want a G9 successor with the new AF system. Please Panasonic! Make it happen!

A small body micro four third with the new technology, would be forever crowned the best street camera

Great as always! I really want to keep using my MFT lenses, so I'm really hoping for an updated G9! 😍

Lumix really should update the very capable GX80/85 line of smaller body rangefinder style bodies. All my GX80 needs is a faster processor to work with phase detect autofocus and weather sealing. It has everything else a family/hobby/enthusiast needs in their most compact proper camera that may be the only, or one of several cameras in their system or collection.

I'm a Fuji user and the Panasonic was the only FF intriguing me cause I've always found his image to be great, with amazing colours. Now that it provides this autofocus and given that the body costs basically as fuji X-H2, it may be really the time to jump on full frame... one day maybe

DREAM CAMERA: GH6s, 12MP, IBIS, 48MP photo mode, Phase detection auto focus, 4K 240fps, gyro-based post stabilization like Sony and Black Magic just added. Please make it happen Panasonic!

lx100m3 with pdaf and a little more megapixels would be lovely, I'd buy that in a heartbeat

But how are Panasonic’s sales? Camera biz is shrinking. Too little too late? Updated M43 travel cams would be great. Love my G9 but are any lenses PD capable? I would love to be able to keep my lens collection. G9II?

Whenever I want a new camera I watch many video's but it's Jordans video review I rely on because he really nails what's important.

I would love to upgrade my G9 to G9ii with modern 4/3-type sensor with PDAF!

8:41 - YES! Didn't miss the mark with this comment. I now want a GX95, with phase detect video!? I love my GX7, which I only bought a few months ago.... Amazing travel camera.

Thank you for the shout out for a G9 successor! Still loving the G9 and my tiny Leica lenses to go from 16-800 FF equiv.

I just want Panasonic to update the GX85 with this AF and maybe update the sensor. I use Canon for everything, but a GX85 that could autofocus? That would be perfect. Or maybe even the LX100, with autofocus (that doesn't suck). I love FF but I want a small camera with good photo and video that isn't my phone. Please put in a good word....

If they release a GH6 II with phase detect I’m going to be so mad but I’ll preorder immediately.

I would love to see a GX8, Mark 2 and a M43 rangefinder.

I know that these are kind of niche products, but I personally would love to see updated BS1H and BGH1 box cameras from Panasonic with PDAF. I'm using my BGH1 for live streams, and a reliable phase detection autofocus would make this camera even better. But I do have hope, as Lumix Germany replied to my question regarding whether there will be successors to these box cameras next on Instagram with "who knows... 😁"

Been using a g9 for 3 years ,mainly shooting automotive and Motorsport stuff, switched to the S5 exactly 1 year ago ... Very impressed so far from what I've seen from the S5 MK2 but I think I wait for an s1 MK2 for faster burst , 4k120 no crop and so on... Also curious what firmware updates Lumix will bring to the S5 MK2 as we all know how it transformed the s1 back in the days to an almost s1h . But overall very happy for Panasonic, joined them in 2012 with an fz200, 2017 an fz1000 and 2018 a g9. I always thought people made the dfd system worse than it actually was. I shoot a lot of bikeracing stuff and if you know how to customize the sensitivity in the correct way and what focus modes to use, it actually works really really well

I had a panasonic as my first camera and it sucked that I had to go with an e-m1iii instead of a g9 for the phase detect when I upgraded. This s5ii is the first camera that's gotten me excited in a long time. I'm not going to rush to buy it because my current gear works fine, but given the kinda shaky position of om system right now this is 100% what I'd buy to replace my current setup if I needed to. Maybe it's more likely I'd buy a g9ii with phase detect though because I'd already have a bunch of lenses for it

Maybe they'll do a G10 (aka G9ii) to compete with the OM-1 since the OM-1 seems to be doing well sales-wisel. Personally, I'd like to see a GX10 (small body, stills oriented, rangefinder styled) with up to date AF, EVF and stabilisation. To me, the GX format really embodies the spirit of MFT.

Panasonic should focus on compact rangefinders as gx9 used to be. Update the viefinder, phase detect autofocus and put ina backlit illuminated 25mp sensor and I will buy it in no time inspite of having many other cameras because in terms of ergonomics it is still the best street photography camera in my opinion.

I really hope a new GX-Body with PDAF is in the making. I'd love a follow-up to the GX90 with a good viewfinder and proper vari-agnle display. But a real GX8 successor would also be great (although it should go more towards the GX90/80 sized body, I feel). Give it some nice video-features ala S5 II and you've got a winner right there, both as a Travel/Street-Photocamera as well as a killer B-Cam. With that OM-1 Sensor it could be a real jack-of-all-trades in a smaller body and wouldn't have to directly compete with OM-1. Serious Film-makers could than always just get a cage for it and use the Hotshoe audio-jacks (which it should support ;))

I know the G100 was panned as the worst new camera of the year when it came out, but it's still the camera I use the most. I pair it with a 7artisan manual lens, 25mm f1.8 and it fits inside a jacket while offering great photo quality and a fun, retro shooting experience (Why not the Panasonic 25mm? Because it's twice as long, has no aperture ring and has awful focus-by-wire). And I can still carry the kit lens which is absolutely tiny. It's just such a neat little, light camera you can take anywhere while still offering all the basic features you might want. I hope Panasonic doesn't abandon the small, affordable m43 niche.

Great video as always guys from my favourite team...have you heard any talk about perhaps a G9 upgrade body or firmware updates for the G series?

I was about to sell all of my Panasonic gear to switch to Sony with the FX30, but the S5II announcement completely changed my plans and now I can continue to shoot what I'm comfortable with. With the 2nd S1H, if they could find a way to get to 15+ stops of DR, 6K60, and 4K120. 8K is still unnecessary for most mirrorless shooters, so I hope they prioritize DR and frame rates instead!

Could listen to these guys all day.

GM-style m43 camera with good IBIS, phase detect, great battery, web camera enabled, and all the good other stuff... One can dream, but in any case GM-style approach again would be amazing, but updated to current era.

If Panasonic would create small camera 📷 for content creators with great video features it would be a Hit

Really weird that they didnt put this PDAF into the gh6, would have made that camera so much more attractive

Or what about a GX10 to steal some of the X100V groupies?

The S5 II is making me consider leaving my Sony A7IV. Sony never did it for me despite having great cameras and especially good AF. I just love the ergonomics and features of Panasonic bodies but was always on the fence due to the lack of PDAF. It's now finally no longer an issue.

The S5 IIX will be my next camera purchase. It seems they've actually got PDAF mostly right on their first attempt. I'm already invested in L-mount so finally having useable auto-focus with video makes it a no-brainer for me. They took their time lol

very informative 10mins review on the S5 mk II

A Q3 with phase detect = awesome and an M with phase detect confirmation would be INSANE!

I would love a Panasonic GX-10 - very small weather sealed body with and upgraded slightly higher resolution M4/3 sensor (maybe 24 mpx) that has 4k/60 video capability, the new auto focus system and is priced at $1,000 (body only).

My hope for the S1 , ( stills only), is the new autofocus tech in a 37 to 40 m.pixel sensor but same image quality, same ergonomics, better weather selling on bodies and lenses, that would be spot on for me. Keep up with the fantastic job you guys, thank you.

Thanks for the review. I think m43 is going to be a struggle to improve upon, since the two things people seem to want most in m43 (higher resolution AND better low light perfrormance) are traditionally antagonistic.

I think Panasonic should get FOCUSED on the S and GH line primarily, and possibly a successor of the G9. But they should basically focus on hybrid FF cameras and MFT video-focused bodies. I recently owned a S5 and I'm loving it. While I'm a manual focus shooter, I would love to get my hands on the S5II/S5IIX, but for now, I'm gonna keep my S5, and wait for the right moment. Now that Panasonic actually can bring a good competitive AF to their bodies, only wild things can happen from now on. Finally we will see Panaboy getting an interesting fight with Sony, Canon and Nikon. Olympus and Fuji are on their own leagues.

Shame there is no new Panasonic GX in the lineup. Loved that small bodied M4/3 range finder style.

To me, Panasonic cameras (mft and l mount) were already great before. They already have a great feature set. Now, with pdaf, it’s ofc even better.

Still using a G9 and I am really excited to see what the next one brings to the table!

A brand new G9 would be greatly welcomed

Would love to see a BGH2 with the GH6 sensor and phase detect implemented 🤞

I am considering the S5iix. What lens would you recommend would be best for *video* with this camera? Thanks!

I've seen a lot of people hoping for an s5iiR. It would probably blow the cost up but if you could get a stacked 33mp sensor on there capable of 15fps mechanical burst, 8k video, and give it a tilty screen and upgraded evf - think you'd have a real hit especially paired with 150-600 for sports or that ultra sharp 85 1.8 for portraits.

For sure. If they release GH6s, BGH2, S2H and BS2H with Phase-detect; That will make a BIG dent in the current Canon/Sony domination. Canon got saved by their lens ecosystem. Everyone has a 24-405L in their drawer... Sony got saved by their auto-focus. Not by their color science for sure... But LUMIX is the only one I really feel that goes by the Kaizen philosophy. Design and quality. Now that they got PDAF, it's game time again. Switched from Canon to Panasonic since the 2014 GH4. Never looked back. While 90% of my competitors moved to Sony or Canon in the last 5 years hypnotized by the auto-focus craze, I stuck with Pany. The image quality I get from BGH1 and BS1H is unrivaled. Auto-focus was never a pain point in my line work. In advertising and Corporate film, we rarely, if ever, auto-focus. BUT it has it's use for sure. And in the next 2 years, you'll see lots of movements...

I love the GM. Please please please

I put in a pre-order for the S5ii and purchased a set of lenses for it. I have a G9, G85, GX8 and all the major m43 zoom lenses including the Pany-Leica 8-18, 12-60, 100-400 and even an Oly 75mm 1.8 prime. I'll be selling them off to make the switch to full frame S system. The new phase detect autofocus AND full frame sensor image quality is too good to pass up. I'm planning on using the new gear on a trip to Tokyo this spring to hopefully photograph peak sakura. Very excited about this switch and the new camera even though I'm sad to be letting go of my trusted m43 gear.

I adore the S1 for stills. I have an S5 as well for when I need to take a lighter camera out but I’m not in love with it and I’m not moved by the S5 mkII like many people seem to be- even as a “sports/ action” photographer I find the current autofocus system fine to be honest. I’ll definitely get an S1 mkII when they bring one out though. When the S series was first launched Panasonic were all about huge, serious, no compromise cameras and lenses but aimed more at the working pro than the luxury market Leica go for. Since that first year, with the exception of the BS1H, they’ve released nothing but compact bodies and unexciting plastic lenses for L Mount. I would love to see a return to their initial approach once these new S5s are out.

I would have considered the G85 the perfect camera (for everything I do at least) if it had this kind of autofocus. What do you guys think the odds are of Panasonic bringing the new AF tech down to a new G85 or G7 model?

Put phase detect on gh5, and I’ll use it for my house hold videos. I really liked micro 4/3, just not the focus. That’s pretty much why I’m with Fuji/Sony

Interesting. Thanks guys. As a S5 owner I was just wondering if we’re going to get any significant improvements from the firmware updates or not ?

I'm currently shooting a g85, and man the s5 II ticks a lot of boxes for me. I'm hesitant to switch from m43 to l mount though, since I've already bought into m43 and have some glass that I like. Do I wait and hope for something in the m43 lineups with phase detect auto-focus or switch? I want to be able to do larger prints, so a megapixel increase is kind of in order regardless considering my g85. I think like others have said, a g9 successor would be a no brainer, but Panasonic has been pretty quiet on the m43 front. Maybe something is in the works? Maybe not? 🤷‍♂

Just had a weekend doing sports photos and the S5 doubles the keepers from what the GH5 would manage. So much more dynamic range too. S5ii is definitely another move in the right direction.

As a long time fan of Panasonic, G7, G9, S5 I guess I can say, welcome to the party. I won’t be upgrading anytime soon. Nothing i do really counts on phase AF or open gate but in a couple years I’ll look forward to getting version 2 when they go on sale as version 3 gets released. Same as the deal i got with S5 as they were trying to get rid of that stock. These are great cameras.

Sadly after years and years (and years) of Panasonic cameras we switched to the Sony A1. AF, IS, 8K all perfect. Hoping Panasonic will build the 8K and the AF, they have the IS.

Cool video as always! It would be exciting to see what you guys think the S5 II means for the competition. What will Sony and Canon offer in their next cameras to stay on top? As an owner of 3 A7Siii and 2 A7iv cameras, I certainly hope they will start implementing new features in firmware updates to the flagship models.

There is a ton of banding on the brown wall behind you? Is that an issue with the S5II or is that user error? On another note looks like Fuji and Leica are the odd ones out with bad AF. I'm really excited for this change. I used to use an G9 loved the camera hated the AF so I guess the door to Lumix might be opening up again.

FF GX9 styles camera. Come on Panasonic…Do it!

Kudos to Panasonic! The S5 II is what is going to get me to (finally) upgrade from the Canon 5D Mark III and Nikon D800. Looking forward to learning video, and if you can give me a noderarely higher res body with PDAF that is fast enough to shoot some sports, that will be my second body, and I'll be set for the next 10 years ;)

Do you guys think the S5(X) will make it into a box shape or will we have to wait for a BS2H? Love this type of video and the "what ifs" with all the nerding and speculating - keep it up :)

GM1 or the GX850 line with PDAF would be a game changer for me. A pocket rocket with the 12mm, 14mm, or 17mm? Yes.

I do hope that Panasonic will offer a true replacement with all the features of the GX8 plus hybrid autofocus.

A year and some months ago I've switched from Sony, Nikon and Fuji to one camera system - Panasonic S1R. It is a fantastic camera! It's IQ is unprecedented and is extremely close to MF cameras! That 47Mp sensor gives extremely nice photos! I hope S1r gets its continuation! I'll wait for it.