It’s a hybrid!

‍

Are you enticed by this?  Would you like to learn about a small well-designed feature-packed camera for photographers who also have a strong interest in video?  

Watch Mark Toal’s video and read the blog on the Lumix S5.

The Lumix S5 is a full-frame mirrorless stills/video hybrid camera in a portable package.  It performs exceptionally well in low light, and gives you very clean images in ISOs above 6400.   It’s weather-sealed, splash and dust resistant.  And it has a bunch of tricked-out features that are super easy to use.   Mark Toal, photographer and friend of Horn Photo, loves this camera.  

Mark recently retired from Panasonic Lumix, but remains passionate about the brand.  He made this video just for Horn Photo. In it, he reveals the seven things he loves most about the Lumix S5 full-frame camera. And because he couldn’t stick with just seven, at the end of the video Mark included three easy-to-use features that are really cool.  Think of them as a bonus!

Here are Mark’s top seven things he loves, and thinks that you will love once you get your hands on the Lumix S5:

1. How is the image quality?

Exceptional. Mark’s favorite feature is the image quality that comes right out of the camera.  It is the first thing that Mark noticed with the Lumix S5, and it’s always the first thing he judges with any camera before he starts looking at any of the other physical features.  The S5 has a 24 megapixel full-frame sensor.  The color, the detail, sharpness, and ability to shoot in any type of light with this camera is amazing.  The images need no or very little adjustment.  

2. How well does the S5 do in low light?

Clean images with very low noise. The Lumix S5 uses what is known as dual native ISO technology.  This means that the camera has one set of circuitry for normal light situations, and another set of circuitry that automatically kicks in when you’re in low light situations.    This allows you to get very clean images and video at ISO 6400 and above.  Mark’s video shows off a number of photos that he took in very low light.

3. Can I get some stability here?

Oh yeah.  Lumix cameras come with dual stabilization. The camera has in-body stabilization, and many of the Lumix lenses also have stabilization.  The camera body and the lens communicate with each other and work together to provide up to six-and-a- half stops of stabilization.  Lens stabilization is important with telephoto lenses.  If you have a wide angle lens, such as the20-60mm kit lens, the in-body stabilization works just fine.  

4. Do I need more than the kit lens?

The kit lens is great for all types of photography.  You can shoot with the Lumix S5 and 20-60mm kit lens anywhere and get great results.  Mark uses the 20-60mm for all types of photography in all kinds of conditions, including extreme close-ups.  Even though it’s not officially a macro lens, it’s pretty darn close.   With the lens at 20mm, you can focus on a subject that’s a few inches away, in low light with the ISO set to 6400, hand held at a shutter speed of 1/10 second  and get a tack sharp image.    In the video, Mark shows a close-up image that he took at 20mm of a flower.

5. Can I take the Lumix to the beach on a windy day?

Yes, just don’t take it scuba diving.  You can take the Lumix S5 anywhere and not worry about it.  It is built in a way that will hold up to dust, sand and water splashes.   It is very forgiving of harsh conditions.  

Mark lives in Portland, and takes his camera everywhere he goes.  His camera often gets wet after a rain shower.  No problem. He can dry it off, and everything will continue to work just fine.   In the video you’ll see Mark’s wet S5 following one of his outings.  

6. Is the S5 as good at videos as it is as stills?

Yes, yes, yes! The features that make the Lumix S5 amazing for still shots also make it great for it’s 4K at 60p videos.  Here’s why.  These features also work in Video Mode:  Face detection, auto focus, HDR, unlimited recording modes, 2 SD card slots, dual stabilization, and dual sensor ISO.  Not only can you shoot in really low light, you can also hand hold this camera in situations where you would normally use a tripod.  

If you’re looking for a great video camera or a still camera, the S5 is the one for you.

7. What kind of lenses does the S5 use?  

You have lots to choose from. The Lumix S5, along with all of the other Lumix full frame cameras,  use L-Mount lenses.   The L-Mount Alliance includes lenses made by Panasonic, Leica and Sigma.  There are dozens of choices of lenses available in any focal length you could possibly want.  Mark has lots of lenses, but he’s satisfied with the 20-60mm kit lens in most situations.  

Mark’s Bonus Favorite Features!

Mark tried to stop at seven, but had to add three of his favorite easy-to-use modes.  He demonstrates how each of these modes work in the video.

1. Time-Lapse: So easy to set up and create a video.  With a click of the dial, a menu will pop upon your screen.   In that menu, you can set your interval, number of pictures and when you want your time-lapse to start.  The Lumix does the rest.  After the Lumix has takes the last shot, it creates the final time-lapse video for you right in the camera, plus it gives you all the jpegs.    

2. High Resolution Shot Mode: In this mode, the Lumix actually moves your sensor around as you shoot.  The camera creates a 96 megapixel file.  This is perfect for extremely large prints or if you want to do a lot of cropping.  

3. Live Composite:  This mode takes pictures in a series that records and combines the images to make a final picture.  It builds the composite in the camera for you.  The Live Composite Mode is perfect for light painting and star trails.

What the Lumix S5 cannot do:

Perform well in the harsh conditions of Antarctica during a blizzard.

Guarantee that your videos will go viral on TikTok  

Thanks for reading!

SHOP LUMIX S5