New Lumix GH5s
Panasonic is not stepping off the Lumix gas and today announced ANOTHER new camera. It’s a low light version of the GH5 which they’er calling the GH5s. This camera has been rumored for a month or two and it finally comes to light at the start of 2018 CES show in Las Vegas.
The new Lumix GH5s. A tweaked version of the GH5 for even better video capabilities.
Why another version of the GH5 you might ask? We’ll it’s simple, the GH5s is tweaked for shooting at much higher ISO’s, and achieving better results for mainly video. This is not necessarily a still photographers camera although it will also shoot terrific still footage if you choose to do that.
One of the main differences between the GH5 and the GH5s is the S version has a much smaller megapixel sensor, in-fact it’s about half the size of the GH5. Smaller megapixel sensors allow for much lower noise characteristics when shooting at higher ISO’s. Is 12 megapixels enough for a great image? I say it is.
I shot the Nikon D2X, a 12 megapixels camera, for two years, and I’m still selling those pictures with no concerns from the editors we work with. Even more impressive is the D2H which I also shot for 2 years, a 4 megapixel machine, that once again no editor has ever complained about. Does this tell you 45 megapixels sensors are overhyped?
A quick comparison between the GH5 and GH5s. For a great hands on Review check out Imaging Resources
I’m astounded at the commitment Panasonic is showing to becoming a serious contender in the world of still and moving pictures. They’ve been a major player in the video world for decades but now they’re pulling out all the stops to dominate both. They still have a ways to go but as fast as they’re moving, it won’t be long until they have the technology to slam the door on the need for big, heavy, expensive cameras and lenses.
I predict by this time in two years that may actually happen. All it’s going to take is one step forward in new sensor technology and we’ll have all we need for creating amazing imagery in both stills and video. All that in a package that is easy to carry, is more spontaneous and doesn’t drain our bank account.
Keep the pedal to the metal Panasonic. You’re providing an exciting ride.
A few details of new Lumix GH5s
- 10.2MP newly developed multi-aspect sensor provides sufficient margin to get the same angle of view in 4:3, 17:9, 16:9, and 3:2 aspect ratios.
- world-first 4K 60/50p recording in Cinema 4K (4096 x 2160)
- internal 4:2:2 10-bit recording with V-Log pre-installed in camera.
- Dual Native ISO Technology
- The 225-area AF arrangement stays the same, but the GH5S can now focus in light levels as low as -5EV (on the GH5 it’s -4EV).
- max ISO 51,200
- Time Code support
- The Panasonic Lumix GH5S will be available from the end of January priced at £2,199/$2,499 (body only)
Checkout a more complete Hands on Review of the new GH5s on Imaging Resource
Here’s a link to a printed brochure in PDF form you can download