Panasonic has introduced the new Digital Single Lens Mirrorless Camera LUMIX GH5S with expanded video recording capability and enhanced image quality in low light during CABSAT 2018. Designed and developed for professional filmmakers, the LUMIX GH5S achieves the highest-ever sensitivity and image quality in the history of LUMIX cameras.
The new 10.2-megapixel Digital Live MOS Sensor with Dual Native ISO Technology and Venus Engine faithfully reproduce even dark parts of the image, allowing a maximum ISO 51200 high sensitivity recording. This sensor is a multi-aspect type with a sufficient margin for realizing the same angle of view at the same focal length in 4:3, 17:9, 16:9 and 3:2 aspect ratios. The sensor also supports photo shooting in 14-bit RAW format, providing higher flexibility for professional RAW development workflows.
Hitesh Ojha, Deputy General Manager, AVD, Panasonic, said, “The launch of the LUMIX GH5S is a testament to our commitment of offering future-proof products and solutions that our customers will truly appreciate. We are proud to be at the forefront of innovation and technology, especially with the growing digital revolution currently taking place in the industry. We are optimistic that this cutting-edge camera model will strengthen will the company’s position as the leading consumer electronics brand in the region and exceed the expectations of the customers across UAE.”
Its predecessor, the LUMIX GH5 achieved 4K 60p / 50p video recording for the first time in the world as a digital mirrorless camera, and now the new LUMIX GH5S again establishes a milestone by achieving the world’s first 4K 60p / 50p video recording in Cinema 4K (4096×2160). It is also capable of internal 4:2:2 10-bit video recording, which is a color subsampling commonly used in filmmaking, for faithful color reproduction.
The LUMIX GH5S also records 4:2:2 10-bit 400-Mbps All-Intra in Cinema 4K 24p and 4K 30p/25p/24p and 200-Mbps All-Intra in Full-HD. There is no time limit for both Full-HD and 4K video recording. The LUMIX GH5S complies with 4K HDR video with Hybrid Log Gamma (HLG) mode in Photo Style. A low-bit-rate recording mode 4K HEVC for HLG is also available, which enables playback on AV equipment compatible with the HEVC compression format, such as Panasonic 4K HDR TVs.
The VFR (Variable Frame Rate) lets users record overcranked / undercranked video in C4K/4K (60 fps, maximum 2.5x slower in 24p) and FHD (240 fps, maximum 10x slower in 24p). A V-LogL is pre-installed in the camera, so users do not need to purchase a Software Upgrade Key separately. And the LUMIX GH5S is compatible with Time Code IN/OUT. By setting up time code synchronization through the flash synchro terminal and bundled BNC converter cable with a BNC cable, it is easy to carry out non-linear timeline editing of footage shot with multiple cameras. LINE input is also supported by a 3.5mm microphone jack.
DFD (Depth From Defocus) technology and ultra high-speed digital signal processing achieve fast auto focusing of approximately 0.07 sec and 12 (AFS) / 8 (AFC) fps in 12-bit RAW and 11 (AFS) / 7 (AFC) fps in 14-bit RAW high-speed burst shooting. A total of 225 focus areas, Tracking AF, 1-area AF and Pinpoint AF are available for precise focusing. The 4K PHOTO enables 60 fps high-speed capture in approximately 8-megapixel equivalent resolution.
As a camera that excels in low-light shooting, the LUMIX GH5S boasts -5EV luminance detection performance with Low Light AF thanks to the higher sensitivity and optimized tuning of the sensor. Live View Boost is another practical feature that makes it possible to check the composition even in total darkness by boosting the sensitivity just for live view. Night Mode displays menu interface in red, which is gentle to the eyes in dark situations. The magnification ratio in MF assist is increased from the conventional 10x to 20x, which is convenient especially for astronomical photography.
In order to make the GH5S tough enough to withstand even heavy field use, it is composed of a magnesium alloy full die-cast front/rear frame and is not only splashproof and dustproof but also freezeproof down to -10 degrees. The GH5S is equipped with a double SD Memory Card slot, compatible with the high-speed, high-capacity UHS-II and Video Speed Class 60. Users can flexibly choose the recording method from Relay Recording, Backup Recording or Allocation Recording. The HDMI Type A terminal is provided.
The GH5S has a large LVF (Live View Finder) with a stunningly high magnification ratio of approximately 1.52x/0.76x (35mm camera equivalent) providing smooth display at 120 fps. A high-precision, high-speed OLED (Organic Light-Emitting Diode) display features 3,680K-dot resolution and 100% field of view. In addition to dual dials, an omni-directional joystick enables more intuitive and flexible operation.
The GH5S includes Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity to offer a more flexible shooting experience and instant image sharing with easy operation. Compatibility with Bluetooth 4.2 (called BLE: Bluetooth Low Energy) enables constant connection with a smartphone/tablet with minimum power consumption. For Wi-Fi, 5GHz (IEEE802.11ac) can be selected in addition to the conventional 2.4GHz (IEEE 802.11b/g/n) for an even more secure and stable connection.
For extended battery life and a more stable hold, the Battery Grip DMW-BGGH5 (sold separately) is available. The XLR Microphone Adaptor DMW-XLR1 (sold separately) allows high-res sound recording with an external XLR microphone. The new LUMIX GH5S brings further innovation to creative workflows with new heights in recording low-light, high-quality images that greatly expand the possibilities for video creators.
