Panasonic Lumix S5D Digital Camera with 18-40mm f4.5-6.3 Lens

How to Use The Panasonic Lumix S5D Digital Camera with 18-40mm f4.5-6.3 Lens

DJI LiDAR Range Finder Compatibility

The Panasonic Lumix S5D is fully compatible with the DJI LiDAR Range Finder, offering advanced autofocus capabilities for videographers and photographers. When paired with the DJI RS 3 Pro Gimbal, the LiDAR Range Finder delivers precise distance measurement through 43,200 ranging points within a 14-metre range. This feature allows the S5D to achieve faster and more accurate autofocus, particularly in low-light conditions, without needing a focus motor or lens calibration. The result is a streamlined setup process, improved handling, and greater creative freedom during shooting.

Exceptional Low-light Performance

Panasonic designed the S5D for exceptional low-light performance, incorporating Dual Native ISO sensitivity, which was first introduced in their VariCam cine cameras. Unlike single native ISO sensors, which produce more noise as ISO increases, Dual Native ISO minimises noise by selecting the optimal circuit based on sensitivity before gain processing. This allows for a maximum ISO of 51200, with Dual Native ISOs of 640 and 4000, giving you complete creative control in low light, reducing the need for additional lighting and saving time on set.

Capture Professional Video

The Lumix S5D offers impressive video capabilities, supporting 4K 60p/50p 4:2:0 10-bit and 4K 30p/25p 4:2:2 10-bit internal recording, with 4K 60p/50p 4:2:2 10-bit HDMI output. Thanks to Panasonic's advanced heat dispersion design for continuous shooting, it provides unlimited 4K 30p/25p 4:2:0 8-bit recording. With 14+ stops of dynamic range, VariCam colour science, and V-Log/V-Gamut compatibility, the S5D ensures cinematic quality. HDR video recording in 4K utilises ITU-R BT.2100 and HLG for natural contrast and shadow detail.

The 6K Photo mode also allows 30 fps burst shooting, extracting 18-megapixel frames. It also features Slow & Quick mode, capturing smooth 4K and FHD slow-motion and quick-motion footage, with advanced image stabilisation and focus peaking for enhanced shooting precision. The dual SD card slots and long battery life further support extended shooting sessions, making the S5D a versatile tool for professionals.

Autofocus Performance

Panasonic's Lumix S5D features a redesigned autofocus system, improving precision and speed for photography and video recording. By combining contrast AF with DFD (Depth from Defocus) technology, the S5D achieves focus in 0.08 seconds. Built for low-light performance, the camera includes -6EV luminance detection for impressive low-light autofocus, made possible by the sensor's high sensitivity and fine-tuning. When paired with a Lumix S series lens, the sensor and lens communicate at up to 480fps, ensuring swift and responsive autofocus.

The autofocus system also benefits from advanced deep learning technology, accurately detecting specific subjects, including people and fast-moving animals such as cats, dogs, and birds. Notably, person detection includes the standard eye, face, and body recognition but also tracks heads in real-time, enhancing autofocus accuracy. Once detected, the camera continues tracking the subject even if they move unpredictably—such as turning their head or moving away. Panasonic’s improvements to DFD technology further enhance AF-C performance, allowing the S5 to consistently capture sharp, crisp images of small and fast-moving subjects.

Image Stabilisation

Panasonic has equipped the S5D with a highly effective image stabilisation system, focusing on precise shake detection. It uses an advanced algorithm that calculates shake information from the gyrosensor, image sensor, and accelerometer. This setup allows for incredibly accurate stabilisation, enabling shutter speeds up to 5 stops slower. Combined with the 2-axis optical stabilisation of Lumix S series lenses, the 5-axis Dual I.S. 2 system compensates for blur, allowing up to 6.5 stops of slower shutter speeds. This means you can confidently shoot in conditions previously challenging, such as using a telephoto lens or shooting in low-light environments, even with one-handed operation. This stabilisation works for both photo and video, including when shooting in 4K, ensuring sharp and stable results.

Durable Design

Panasonic designed the Lumix S5D to adapt effortlessly to any task with its compact and highly mobile build. Its tough magnesium alloy full die-cast body ensures durability, being both splash and dust-resistant, making it reliable for heavy field use. The camera's optimised heat dispersion system supports longer filming sessions, while the rechargeable battery, which can be powered via AC or USB, ensures uninterrupted shooting. With dual SD card slots—one UHS-I and one high-speed UHS-II—you won't run out of storage space during extended shoots.

Connectivity is another strength of the Lumix S5D, offering seamless integration with smartphones and tablets through Bluetooth 4.2 for easy sharing of settings between multiple cameras in a multi-camera setup. The addition of 5GHz Wi-Fi ensures smooth remote control and high-speed data transfer, enhancing the camera's versatility.

Its large Live View Finder (LVF) complements this, offering a 0.74x magnification ratio with a high-speed OLED display that provides sharp, lag-free viewing with 2,360K-dot resolution. For users wearing glasses, the 20mm eyepoint ensures comfortable visibility. The 3.0-inch free-angle LCD, with 1,840K-dot resolution, further enhances usability with intuitive touch control, while the REC Frame Indicator ensures you’re always aware when the camera is recording, so you never miss a moment.

Panasonic Lumix S 18-40mm f4.5-6.3 Lens

The Lumix S 18-40mm f4.5-6.3 is the world’s smallest and lightest AF-compatible interchangeable zoom lens for full-frame L-mount systems. This highly portable 155g lens offers a versatile focal range between 18mm ultra-wide and 40mm standard. Ideal for landscapes, portraits, and videography, it features focus breathing suppression and a 0.15m minimum focusing distance for detailed close-ups and greater subject versatility.

What’s in the box?

• 1 x Panasonic Lumix S5D Digital Camera
• 1 x Panasonic Lumix S 18-40mm f4.5-6.3 Lens
• 1 x Body Cap
• 1 x Hot Shoe Cover
• 1 x Cover for the Battery Grip Connector
• 1 x Shoulder Strap
• 1 x Battery Pack
• 1 x Lens Cap
• 1 x Lens Rear Cap