Incorporating PDAF and boasting an impressive 779-AF points, the S5II X sees a generational leap in AF performance over its predecessors. For example, in the ‘AF Custom Setting’ the AF speed and sensitivity (on a detected subject) can be manually adjusted – set the speed to slow, and shifts in focus are buttery – hallelujah! The regular S5 II tops out at a maximum bitrate of 200Mbps, which is good but hardly high-end, but the S5 IIX goes up to 800bps for C4K and 4K capture and 400Mbps for full HD. it will take them a long time to remove the bad rep they have when its proved itself in hands of pros over years. Given that most social content, like Instagram reels, is in vertical 9:16 format, it’s a surprise we don’t see more cameras with uncropped video like the S5 II.

S5IIX - Camera Jabber Panasonic Lumix S5II vs S5IIX - Camera Jabber

However, the S5 II has higher-resolution uncropped video, unlimited record times, and costs 20% less. They said they will be sharing their tech together and I think also designing together, but it's unknown to the general public what this actually means. It can stream wired and wirelessly, via the Lumix sync app or directly to compatible platforms over Wi-Fi. There’s also a clutch of video-centric display options shutter angle, waveform, vectorscope, and histogram. But keen to avoid a repeat of its misstep; revealing the Lumix GH5 II alongside a development announcement of the Lumix GH6, its successor, Lumix appears to have learned its lesson.This is claimed to enable unlimited recording for C4K 60p or lower resolution recording provided you have the power and storage capacity. Camera brands take very different approaches when it comes to video quality – take a rival to the S5 II like the Sony A7 IV. Maybe we could just say that there is plenty of choice out there and the user opts for the preferred stuff? Rod is an independent photography journalist and editor, and a long-standing Digital Camera World contributor, having previously worked as DCW's Group Reviews editor.

Panasonic introduces LUMIX S5IIX and LUMIX S5II mirrorless

Removing the need for a capture card in most situations, the streaming menu of the S5II X is a great addition, although I feel like the S5II should have had the same functionality. What’s most surprising is that the S5II X can be used in direct rain, despite the fact that it has open vents, which form part of its active cooling system. The good thing is, Panasonic is swift and consistent when it comes to tweaking performance over time through updates, which would give me confidence as a potential owner of this camera. video and C4K/4K up to 60p looks the equal of the more expensive S5 IIX (it is a bit disappointing that even the S5 II X can't shoot full width 4K 60p).

What Leica has to offer is excellent (manual focus lens) design, whereas Panasonic masters the electronics part.