Panasonic Lumix S5IIX Review: ProRes, SSD Recording and Raw Output for $200 More Than the S5II

Panasonic announced two cameras together in January 2023: the Lumix S5II and the Lumix S5IIX. Same 24.2MP full-frame sensor, same phase-detect autofocus, same cooling fan, same body. The X costs $2,199, about $200 more, and adds the video features working filmmakers asked for.

It comes in all black, without the S5II’s silver accents and red record button. That’s the visible difference. The real one is in the codecs.

If you read our S5II review and thought it was nearly perfect for video, the S5IIX fills in most of the gaps.

Video review: TheCameraStoreTV

What the X adds

Internal Apple ProRes 422 and 422 HQ, plus All-Intra H.264. Recording straight to an external SSD over USB-C, which is cheaper per gigabyte than memory cards and drops straight into an editing workflow. Raw video output over HDMI, up to 5.9K, to Atomos recorders as ProRes RAW or to Blackmagic recorders as Blackmagic RAW. And wired or wireless IP streaming for live production.

Everything else matches the S5II: 6K open gate at 30p, 4K at 60p with an APS-C crop, 10-bit 4:2:2, V-Log and real-time LUTs. The fan allows unlimited recording.

Strengths it shares with the S5II

Panasonic’s stabilization is excellent for walking shots, rated at 5 stops, or 6.5 with Dual I.S. 2 lenses, plus an Active mode for video.

The 779-point phase-detect autofocus finally made Lumix full frame reliable for solo shooters. Waveforms and vectorscope help nail exposure. There’s a full-size HDMI port, dual SD UHS-II slots, mic and headphone jacks, and a 3.68-million-dot viewfinder.

What it still lacks

No internal raw. For that, the Lumix S1II or the Micro Four Thirds GH7 are the options.

4K at 60p is cropped. The sensor isn’t stacked, so rolling shutter is more visible than on newer partially stacked bodies.

Battery life is modest, around 370 shots by CIPA with the DMW-BLK22. USB-C power helps on long shoots.

Who should buy it

Wedding and event filmmakers. Small production crews. Live streamers. Anyone who edits ProRes and wants to record to cheap SSDs. S5II owners who keep reaching for an external recorder.

If you never use ProRes or raw output, save $200 and buy the S5II. If you do, the S5IIX is one of the best-value full-frame video cameras available.