Panasonic has announced firmware updates for the Lumix S5 II and S5 IIx which will be available from October 24. The update brings the same new features to both cameras, but the firmware version numbers are different – this is Firmware Version 2.2 for the Lumix S5 II and Firmware Version 1.3 for the S5 IIx.
It’s part of Panasonic’s update program for these two cameras, though while this update does introduce some new and enhanced features, there’s nothing new or dramatic.
- There’s a new AF-Point Scope function to magnify the focus position during autofocus, presumably to check focus accuracy more carefully
- The High Resolution mode has been improved so that it’s now possible to set the shutter speed to a maximum of 8 seconds with long exposure noise reduction applied. Panasonic has also added a Handheld High-Res mode that makes use of the in-body-stabilization to offer high-res shooting without a tripod
- An improved MF Assist mode now offers magnification of up to 20x in manual focus mode.
The Panasonic Lumix S5 II and S5 IIx share the same design and many of the same features, but the S5 IIx is a slightly more expensive video-focused model, though both are highly effective hybrid stills/video cameras. The Lumix S5 II and S5 IIx feature 24MP sensors, 6K/4K capture and in-body stabilization. The S5 IIx offers higher-quality capture and superior external recording options.
They are successors to the original Panasonic Lumix S5, but feature phase-detection autofocus for the first time in a Lumix mirrorless camera, which should quell complaints from many that Panasonic’s previous contrast-based DFD autofocus produced unwanted hunting and ‘pulsing’ effects in video.
These firmware updates will be available on the LUMIX Global Customer Support website at 9 p.m. EDT on October 24, 2023.