Panasonic has clearly learned its lessons from the criticisms made of its original full-frame mirrorless cameras. The Panasonic S5 blends a full-frame sensor with a small, but ergonomic, body. The result is a camera that should appeal to a wide variety of creators – with a good range of video specs, it's a fantastic hybrid that comes highly recommended.

Small size and weight; Good range of controls; Excellent video specifications;

No full-sized HDMI port; Large lenses affect compact size; Lacks best-in-class autofocus

The Panasonic Lumix DC-S5 is an full-frame mirrorless camera that's great at both still and video shooting. Its well-built, fairly portable and feature-packed. Image quality is in-line with its peers, though autofocus is a little bit behind. The S5's video features are the best in its class and video quality is impressive, as well.

Amateur videographers who also want a capable stills camera;

Stills shooters who need to capture fast action or want a better through-the-viewfinder experience;

Panasonic went big with its first-generation Lumix DC-S1 full-frame mirrorless camera, both in size (it's as hefty as some SLRs) and price, positioning it around $2,500, toward the high-end of the range for a 24MP model. It's targeting a more entry-level market with the Lumix DC-S5 ($1,999.99, body only), but instead of cutting back on features, the S5 is a bit more capable, offering improved video features and better autofocus. It's a great entry point for full-frame imaging, and a winner of our Editors' Choice award.Solid Build, L-Mount Compatibility The Lumix S5 follows the standard design paradigm followed by most full-frame mirrorless cameras. It's finished in basic black, and at 3.8 by 5.2 by 3.2 inches (HWD), is a bit slimmer all around than the S1 and S1R (4.3 by 5.9 by 3.8 inches). It's also notably lighter, at about 1.6 pounds without a lens, versus 2.2 pounds for Panasonic's bigger full-frame offerings. We criticized the S1 and S1R for being on the large side, but the...

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.

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

Introduction; Build quality and design; Sample images; Displays; Battery; Stabilization; Drive speed and buffer; Autofocus; Video specs; Video autofocus; Video overheating; Slow motion; Audio; Compared to the S1H; Upcoming firmware; Video conclusion; Image quality; Who's it for?;

Introduction; Build quality and design; Sample images; Displays; Battery; Stabilization; Drive speed and buffer; Autofocus; Video specs; Video autofocus; Video overheating; Slow motion; Audio; Compared to the S1H; Upcoming firmware; Video conclusion; Image quality; Who's it for?;

The DC-S5 is ideal for hybrid photo/video shooters who need high performance for both stills and video recording.

The Panasonic Lumix DC-S5 is an full-frame mirrorless camera that's great at both still and video shooting. Its well-built, fairly portable and feature-packed. Image quality is in-line with its peers, though autofocus is a little bit behind.

Amateur videographers who also want a capable stills camera

Stills shooters who need to capture fast action or want a better through-the-viewfinder experience

The Panasonic S5 is an excellent option for studio video. Videos are sharply rendered and low in graininess even when shooting in dimly-lit environments. It also features a wide variety of inputs and outputs for various videography accessories, like external recorders, headphones, or auxiliary mics.

Great video quality., Effective and reliable autofocus system., Wide selection of inputs and outputs.

Lack of very high-speed frame rate recording options.

Underrated camera in my opinion. Good build quaIity and very easy camera to use. No long complicated menus. Produces excellent images. Good dynamic range. Bought to use as a stills camera.

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 like the camera we hoped to see from Panasonic in...

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

The Panasonic Lumix DMC-S5 is a budget camera that has Optical Image Stabilisation and auto panorama stitching, two features you don't often see on cameras in this price range. It is easy to use and image quality is good.