Panasonic Launches GH5 II

2021.05.25

Panasonic just announced that the successor to their highly-acclaimed GH5 is in development and is launching an upgraded model at a lower price than the original. The new Panasonic Lumix GH5 II is built around the same sensor and body as its predecessor while bringing a number of improvements to this camera known for its video quality and versatility.

The Panasonic Lumix GH5 II sports a 20 megapixels High-Speed Four-Thirds CMOS sensor with standard ISO 200-25,600 sensitivity range. This sensor supports 30 FPS output at 6K resolution and 60 FPS output at 4K. It can record Cinema 4K video now at 10-bit 4:2:2 internally and 4:2:0 externally. It also add support for 6K Anamorphic video captured using the full 4:3 aspect-ratio of the sensor that records a horizontally-squeezed image using a suitable lens. Software expands the video into 16:9 aspect-ratio later. Panasonic applied an Anti-Reflective coating to the sensor low-pass filter to improve image-quality.

An improved 5-axis image-stabilization system now provides up to 6½-stops of compensation and supports Dual IS II that coordinates between IBIS and optical image-stabilization. A new processor allows the GH5 II to record much longer bursts at 12 FPS. Now 1000 JPEG images or 108 RAW files can be captured per-burst.

The original design of the GH5 is largely unchanged on the Panasonic GH5 II. This camera is highly-ergonomic with a deep hand-grip and professional-level controls, including triple control-dials, a dedicated Drive Mode dial, traditional Exposure Mode dial. Direct buttons for WB, ISO and EC, plus a Focus Mode switch make controls on the GH5 II very accessible. This new model acquires a large Video Record button too.

Complete professional features for both photography and videography are available on the Panasonic GH5 II. The camera includes a large 0.5" EVF with 3.6 megapixels and 0.76X magnification, 100% coverage plus an essential Eye-Start Sensor. The GH5 II body with weatherproof and freezeproof to -10C. It also offers Dual SDXC UHS-II memory card slots. As a video-centric model, its rear LCD is mounted on a rotating hinge. The new unit sports a really-sharp 1.8 megapixels at 3" with a 3:2 aspect-ratio.

One completely new feature is the addition of direct streaming for video captured at 1080p @ 60 FPS or lower using the H.264 codec over RTMP/RTMPS protocol. Streaming includes stereo audio captured using an internal microphone, external audio via a standard 3.5mm mini-jack or XLR using an optional adapter. This camera also includes Bluetooth 4.2 LE and WiFi 802.11ac connectivity.

Simultaneously, Panasonic announced the development of the GH6, a next-generation video-centric Micro Four-Thirds mirrorless expected to be launced at the end of the year. The Panasonic Lumix GH6 is being built around a new sensor that supports High-Frame-Rate (HFR) video, allowing 4K to be captured at 120 FPS in 10-bit color.

There will also be a new Leica DG 25-50mm F/1.7 lens, equivalent to a 50-100mm with a bright aperture to complement the existing Panasonic Leica DG Vario-Summilux 10-25mm F/1.7 ASPH launched two years ago. Little is know about the lens or GH6 but this is a clear showing that Panasonic continues to invest in its Micro Four-Thirds system which is much lighter than the Full-Frame L-mount platform they are also producing.

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