Cameras


Panasonic Debuts GH5S–A 4K Powerhouse

January 8, 2018

By Greg Scoblete

Typically when companies update their flagship cameras, they increase the resolution. Not so for the Panasonic GH5S–an update to the GH5S which actually offers half the resolution of its predecessor.

Where the GH5 offered a 20-megapixel sensor, the GH5S features a 10-megapixel sensor. The lower resolution, however, is in the service of much improved low-light sensitivity.

According to Panasonic, the sensor offers what they’ve dubbed “Dual Native ISO Technology” and an updated Venus Engine processing unit to pull out details from dark portions of a scene or shoot with low noise at high ISO. The camera can focus down to -5EV. A “Live Boost” function lets you boost the brightness on the display to confirm your composition without impacting your footage.

Beyond its low-light prowess, the camera also delivers 4K/60p recording (that’s cinema 4k, too–4096 x 2160), a new benchmark for mirrorless cameras. 4k/60p footage is captured at 8-bit 4:2:0 in camera.  You can also record 4K/30p at 10-bit, 4:2:2 in camera–another mirrorless milestone.  Full HD video can be captured at a motion-slowing 240 fps.

The new sensor also offers the same angle of view in when shooting in a variety of aspect rations, including 4:3,17:9,16:9 and 3:2. Last but not least, the sensor also gives the GH5S the ability to capture 14-bit RAW still images (previous Panasonic cameras were capped at 12-bit RAW files).

The Time Code functionality has also been enhanced in the camera. The GH5S is compatible with Time Code In and Out to sync audio and video across multiple cameras and the GH5S can be used as a time code generator for other cameras.

The camera will come pre-installed with the V-Log color profile and a Rec.709 Look Up Table. You’ll be able to load up to four additional LUTs in the camera, too.

Additional features include:

  • HEVC support
  • variable frame mode
  • full HD
  • 12 fps shooting (AF-S); 8 fps shooting (AF-C)
  • 4K Photo Mode at 60 fps
  • weather-sealed build
  • dual SD card slot (both UHS-II compatible)
  • USB-C connection
  • high-res (3,680K-dot) viewfinder
  • Wi-Fi and Bluetooth Low Energy

Look for the GH5S in February for $2,499.