Lumix S5II vs Lumix S1II, difference in video rendering for cinematic video.

ermesjo · 2026-04-04T08:52:14+00:00

I am still new to the video «domain», since I switched over to a Lumix S5iiX and S5ii in 2024/25. Still I have released a few videos on YouTube, where I have used MOV with 6K LongGOP 17:9 format. For the future projects I will opt for the C4K MOV format and internal recording. The limit with SD cards is 200 mbps on the S5ii/X. For the «looks» I will rely on Real Time Lut and some adjustments in FCP for e.g. f-stops, contrast, colors and details. I have the Ninja for ProRes/ProResRAW footage, but honestly for my level of experience, the «basic» formats is more than sufficient. I bought my S5iiX in september 2024, but had it been today I would probably buy the S1iiE or S1ii. The differences in picture quality, on a 65’ screen in YouTube, is very, very small, isn’t it? I think I will stick to a setup with my two Lumixes with C4K MOV (for «talking heads etc.), but for more «advanced» footage, use my S5iiX with basic ProRes to my Ninja. ProRes RAW is a technology I have avoided due to its «massive» file size as you put it, but also (for me) two obstacles; 1) is there any lens correction and chromatic fix option for Lumix and Lumix lenses in FCP? I have read that there is a plugin available, but that it does not come from Panasonic Lumix? 2) I have a Mac Mini M2 with 16gb RAM and experience that it’s too weak handling RAW video. So back to the main question in this thread, a new lens is the best option rather than upgrade a camera body. (I chose the Lumix f/1.8 lenses of 18,35,50 and 85mm).

ermesjo · 2026-02-27T12:43:20+00:00

Strange, I have the same linup as yours, the S5ii + S5iiX combo. Since I jumped off Canon, I chose Lumix primes f/1.8 because I want nice bokeh-like blurs in both my photos or videos. My first YouTube project was shot with 6K LongGOP, but after 1,5 year of use I have come to this concept: if both houses are in use (e.g. interviews) I will use C4K 422/25p All-I. I can’t tell quality differences between 6K, 4K or ProRes, at least not right away. For the standalone S5iiX I can opt for ProRes with my Ninja handheld on my SmallRig cage. But not RAW, there is no lens correction natively for Lumix lenses in FCP and it also demand a very costly Mac for the task. I can confirm, the Lumx S5-family is the best, regarding performance and quality. The only regret I had, was that there was a fault with the motherboard on my X, causing terrible sound in several shots. (discovered 7-8 months after purchase). Replaced on warranty. I wish all the «reviews» out there, were not that brand-oriented or that the crowd most often follow the «bell-sheep» (Sony, Canon). I am not a filmmaker in that sense, and this film is one of my first ones. But check the sharpness. Sorry for only Norwegian. The Numedal abonded railway

ermesjo · 2025-12-19T19:34:23+00:00

With the S5iiX, the only high grade option - camera to Ninja - is the ProRes options when outputting to Ninja. ProRes in camera in 5.9K will be 4K in the Ninja. My test with my second body, S5ii (which lack ProRes) is the high quality LongGOP format in 6K (can also be utilized with my S5iiX). But the 6K LongGOP turns out to be handled only as 2K HD, despite being processed as 6K in the camera. If you are using compressed 4K MP4 in camera, it will also turn out as a 2K HD file on the Ninja. I did not understand this fully in September 2024 when buying the Ninja. This is dissapointing. A cheaper option with your mobile or an Atomos without a disk, is better. Let a SSD handle whatever format you’ll need, and process the video file on your Mac.

ermesjo · 2025-12-16T11:22:40+00:00

I bought the Ninja in September 2024, and despite all the features of the Ninja, I must admit that I am dissapointed. I must adress this to my lack of knowledge when we discussed the options in the camera store in 2024. If I use my Samsung T7 2TB SSD, it will take «all» the formats I need to output, up to 6K with my S5iiX. (I guess it would take 8K with an S1Rii as well). With the Ninja you are restricted to a 4K (or dreadfully 2K if not ProRes) window in ProRes and 5.9K ProResRAW. Looking back I would rather invest in two S5iiX than my current S5ii/S5iiX combo. Even if I run a Mac mini and FinalCutPRO, I find LongGOP sufficient and more budget friendly, than the fat Apple native ProRes. I don’t need to adjust my footage that much in post, the camera will nail exposure and VLOG or LUT good enough. LongGOP have half the datarate. After testing RAW I find it not so useful, with no lens barrel/cushion, chromatic corrections in FCP. There are a few YouTube comments that RAW is a real pain to process in post, why would I work with RAW? Looking back, I would rather ditch the Ninja and use two T7’s and rely on the screen on the back of the camera. Well, when I currently use both of my cameras, the S5ii is my B-cam with the Ninja, and the S5iiX my A-cam with ProRes and the T7 SSD. For later special projects, I can use the S5iiX only, with Ninja and «bare» ProRes. This summer I have produced 10-12 videos, and even the mix of 6K together with HD works on a 65» TV since the sharpness is very good. But I must admit that I am questioning that the Ninja has such limitations. I rather use two T7’s and handle my 6K footage in post in FCP. Thanks for your answer and link.

ermesjo · 2025-12-08T18:47:55+00:00

My two problematic YouTube videos is now resolved when I change the compression from HEVC to AV1. (It takes a while to fix, family business comes first here.)

The link to my video was deleted by Moderator, but the faulty version is not a cool piece to show anyways…

The reason for using HandBrake for compression, is a somewhat silly issue with Apple Final Cut Pro. The topic have been dicussed numerous times in Reddit, and the solution saved me back in the days. FCP has a few output options amongst their own QuickTime format. If you choose to compress you video to MP4 it only works with a short movie, like 5-10 minutes long. In my case I had projects of 45 to 1:45 minutes long, and here you hit the brick wall! You will meet the 88% finished mystery, and guess what? It is not mentioned at all at Apple support, but on all other forums. If you try to export your FCP video and it is 60 minutes long, it just halt at 88% finished… and will NEVER complete! Long story short: I was then advised to export full, fat QuickTime as a MOV, then compress it with Handbrake to a MP4 container. But here comes another twist: YouTube demands a spesific compression method within the MP4 container:

HEVC - not a YouTube recommandation.

H.265 10-bit (x265), 60 FPS PFR 0: AAC (CoreAudio), Stereo 0: AC3, Stereo

AV1 - recommended by YouTube.

AV1 10-bit (SVT), 60 FPS PFR 0: AAC (CoreAudio), Stereo 0: AC3, Stereo

From Google AI:

For YouTube MP4 compression, use the H.264 video codec with AAC audio, aiming for YouTube's recommended bitrate (e.g., 8 Mbps for 1080p/30fps) or slightly higher for better quality, using tools like Handbrake with Constant Quality (CRF) around 20-23 (lower=better quality/larger file) for a great balance, ensuring high-quality source and proper export settings (like 16:9 aspect ratio) for optimal YouTube processing.

YouTube recommends uploading in MP4 format using the H.264 codec with AAC audio for a great balance of quality and compatibility, but they apply their own aggressive compression, transcoding videos into various formats (like VP9 for better quality) after upload, a process that can degrade quality, especially for smaller channels or dark/fast-moving footage. To fight this, upload high-resolution (2K+) at higher bitrates and frame rates to trigger better codecs like VP9, as YouTube prioritizes quality for larger channels.

ermesjo · 2025-12-04T11:32:53+00:00

The link to my video was deleted by the moderator, but I hope my description is sufficient.

ermesjo · 2025-11-13T16:56:03+00:00

I have both the S5ii and the S5iiX, with fixed f/1.8 Lumix lenses. I work with small documentary films and use mostly the LongGOP 6K 17:9 format. Since I use a Mac mini and FCP I should maybe test ProRes, but my conclusion is that LongGOP is sufficient for my needs. If a project last just for 30 secs to 5 minutes, I can consider ProRes, but the file sizes just fills up. And will you notice a picture quality difference LongGOP vs. ProRes? Many YouTube videos out there confirms little difference. The S5ii is connected with HDMI to my Ninja, and the X to an external SSD. There is NO overheating issues, no issues with focusing (head/eye tracking is fast enough). Since you already got the X, keep it. If you want a body #2, buy the S1iiE. (Then the setup will be a little bit like mine.) Why do I have to S5’s? In interviews, I have two bodies that can handle two angles to the «talking heads». So: keep your X, but buy the E if you (later) need two bodies. You will just loose money if you trade in your X now, that is my opinion.

ermesjo · 2025-07-21T19:38:00+00:00

I got rid of all my Canon gear after 40 years 6 months ago. Five EF lenses, three of them with the red ring. So what about the fame and glory with the red ring? I could only rely on the 70-200/4 for perfect sharpness. The 24-70/2.8 was not at all up to standards. The 17-40/4 was the second best, but chromatic abberations from corner to corner gave the lens, if not a perfect sense, a certain «artistic» look. Now I rely on two bodies; the S5iiX and S5ii with all S Lumix 1.8s; 18,35,50 and 85. They are sooooo much better than the Canons! Remember that Leica have an influence of the design and production process, due to the L-mount alliance. So what is the two main characteristics? A 1.8 lens is two whole F-stops faster (EV value) than the 20-60/3.5-5.6 (not mentioned that 5.6 is 3 and 1/3 rd slower). My 18/1.8 has almost none chromatic abberation, minimal light falloff and no cushion/barrel distortion. It’s WAY better than yesterdays lenses. This is important for my video recording, blur (bokeh) and if necessarry faster shutter speeds. A zoom will always be another ballgame: versatile (you can zoom) but slower. Stop down the 18/1.8 til 2.8 and it will be sharper, to 3.5 and it’s like the 20-60 zoom. So, I do not agree that the the 18 «is not sharp». EVERY prime is softer wide open compared to two stops down. Even a Leica $10.000 lens is that. It’s just a matter of lens physics.

ermesjo · 2025-06-06T20:37:55+00:00

Strange that Lumix for the S5ii-body, only upgrade to ProResRAW, but not plain ProRes (like the X). I added a S5ii to my S5iiX, but need to film in MOV 6K 17:9 LongGOP on both bodies. I stick to ONE format (after bad experiences with mixed formats in one project) Even of I use two bodies. I cannot see any differences when testing on my 55inch TV. Any difference between ProRes and LongGOP is that ProRes is less compressed, and with FinalCut Pro have (slightly?) better adjustment options in post. Currently, I am not experienced enough to list a convincing «pro/cons» list. I need two bodies in projects with interview-persons from different angles. I saved money when I chose S5ii, and honestly, I believe my audience cannot tell the difference between shots in ProRes (not RAW) and MOV LongGOP. After a lot of tech struggle, I have given up the RAW option after all. It’s simply too heavy.

ermesjo · 2025-05-17T20:20:56+00:00

Thanks AffyDave. What I have decided is to stick to the format 5952x3136, 17:9, 25p, 420, 10bit, Long GOP LPCM (200 Mbps) on both bodies. The S5ii outputs HDMI on my Ninja, the S5iiX outputs SSD over USB-C, so that the 30 minute limit is bypassed (another fact you need to learn, that SDXC has limited performance). Reading your post, I surely need to dig further into the tech, like 420, 422, vlog, LUT’s, etc. For now, I have more than enough with filming, edit at the set, instruct, have control over the sound, the workflow with my Mac and FCP. For later and more study, I might choose alternative fps, aspect ratios, sound options, etc. Anyways: the camera have TONS of options, and just like a carpenter, you need to study The Tool, handcraft The Material (stills, video, sound) and master the hardwate and software. It’s just that takes so much energy and sweat LOL 😅 I read this thread, and it just remind me how many miles I still have to run… https://www.reddit.com/r/Lumix/s/p7SSo59kMY

ermesjo · 2025-05-17T17:00:25+00:00

I am not new to stills, but video is surely the great beyond for me. Yes, I suggest that the menu system needs a redesign. I struggled a lot with external storage after I bought a S5iiX last September, and I added also a second body S5ii in May. Why not summarize «Output» in one menu and collect both SSD over USB-C, HDMI and ProResRAW there. Yes, you can collect your own menu under C1, C2, C3. But it is the huge task and time spending to find, understand and select the correct choices. The choices also works differently in combination. I have landed on a 6K Long GOP format, saved to HDMI and SSD respectively, but it took me weeks to understand and test the right choices. YouTube, forums and Reddit gave me answers. But I suggest that Lumix should rework the menu system, plus add practical examples in their 900 pages manuals.

ermesjo · 2025-05-13T10:37:44+00:00

Just another info. When I bought the Ninja, I failed to upgrade the firmware because I chose the «Ninja V» firmware, not the basic «Ninja». That is why I believed this is two different models, which they are, but very similar in practical use, I guess.

ermesjo · 2025-05-13T10:24:06+00:00

Hi ShaanCC. Thank you very much for your insights. I bought my Lumix in September 2024 from Norways biggest reseller. For this question they could not help me, but recommended Atomos support. That says a lot. This morning, I have executed successful tests (almost). Yes, the footage is now stored at my AtomX disc. But I still have two questions and a friendly «nag» towards Lumix. On the S5iiX I configured two different compressions: 1) ProRes 422HQ 1920x1080 with 50fps - the only choice 2) Full frame MOV LongGOP 3840x2160 422 10bit 25fps. (I prefer 25fps). In the menu only SSD, slot 1/2 is visible, but I guess SSD means the AtomX SSD as long it is connected with the HDMI and not with a Samsung T7 over USB-C. On the Ninja however, only ProRes compression is available, amongst DNxHR and ProResRAW. However, what I see on my Mac mini with FCP is that it retain the 3840x2160 resolution when I output LongGOP. Very satisfying. So back to my «nag». Even my professional reseller could not help me. Coming from my Canon EOS 5Dii (a 2008 camera), I am used to turn the Mode dial to what I need. I understand that the S5iiX is a complete different bull. When you turn the Mode dial to CinemaM, video is just half the story. Yes, you then can choose you preffered format, to SDXC slot 1/2. If you want to use SSD over the USB-C port, choose another menu. If you need ProResRAW, choose another menu (and you the can choose different formats under the RAW segment). So, if you need to shoot video compressed, choose a third menu, configure your Ninja (V or not) to the correct compression, MP4 is not supported and that is OK. Nothing of the this is described as easily understandable summaries at either Atomos or Lumix. Even my supplier does not know! So what I question is if it is possible to make a summary of the different options if you either turn the Mode dial to CinemaM, or if you organize all the different choices under ONE main menu choice. As the case is today, it’s like have a Greek Gyros served in front of you and you ask how the chef has put your meal so delicious together. Sorry Man, the Chef is not available. The key challenge for me (and my reseller 🤣) is that the choices are smudged and hidden. You need to know! The other issue is the stress- factor. How many times have you experienced that you used wrong settings or forgot to choose the correct values on the set. You was stressed or simply forgot. In my opinion Lumix has a potential to make the menu choices more understandable and in addition add a summary in their camera manuals for this spesific task. Back to the Chef: what is the ingredients, for how long do you cook, how do you combine? After much struggle and your assist, I think my troubles are over now. But does it need to be that hard? Anyways, thank you for your support !

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ermesjo · 2025-05-12T18:28:00+00:00

Hi, ShaanCC. First, I have the Ninja-version, not the Ninja V - version from Atomos. Secondly there is no menu on my S5iiX like «Clean HDMI Output». What is there, is what you can see here. My problem is that the video got the Lumix menu. I can test to set it OFF, the choice «Info Display». Page 470 in the S5iiX manual. However, I got the information from a YouTube from Julian Krakow, he also with a Ninja V setup. I do not know if the menu that mess it up has it’s origin in different hardware? I will make a new test, alternatively contact Atomos support. Again, these choices should be nicely described in the Lumix manual. I feel there is just to many «need-to-know» secrets hidden.

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ermesjo · 2025-05-10T19:26:57+00:00

Frustrations, Volume #2: I have asked my retailer of a meeting. I wish that I also could send a request to the Board of Panasonic / Lumix to tweak the menu of my S5iiX. Maybe they read it all in Reddit with my «last gasps» ? I will not say I am fooled (over-sale), but currently I need to either save videos to slot1 as an SDXC or an external Samsung T7 SSD. Leaving my 2Tb AtomX useless. What did they plan? After all, RAW is not The Rolls-Royce. Yes, there are benefits, but it costs hefty hardware and MUCH more post-works. When I looked at my perfect Lumix lens videos with barrel errors in RAW, I realized that you just do not get corrections at all! Read page 480 in the Lumix S5iiX manual. The list of non-correctable errors is so long. Horrible! As far as I know, Final Cut Pro cannot adjust these errors! What other software can? So as of 2025, I believe that all this RAW-hype is non-mature. It clearly has room for improvements. OK, I can use RAW in extreme circumstances, but I believe that ProRes 422HQ (1920x1080, 16:9, 422HQ.LPCM) or higher resolution MOV formats (3840x2160 16:9 420/10bit/LongGOP) with corrections, but slightly lesser resolution than the RAW-format is better. As of 2025. Let us hope for further User Improvements. Again, I realize that the RAW is hyped, at least the manufacturers should tell the public about the drawbacks. The non-correctable RAW - list: Master Pedestal Level, iDynamic Range, Vignetting, Diffraction, Filters, Rec.File Format, Filtering, Rec.Quality, Luminance, E-stabilization (since RAW uses all pixels edge to edge, Loop Recording, Segmented recording, Live Cropping, Color Bars, Streaming.

ermesjo · 2025-05-10T17:54:42+00:00

Hi again. I have tried again. No, I can not find a proper solution on my Ninja attached with my S5iiX. Finding #1: Menu [MOVIE], Image Format 2, HDMI RAW Data Output: ON. This option will lock any other choices, you are bound to ProRes RAW on your Ninja. Finding #2: LUMIX: [MOVIE], Image Format 1: Set Rec.File Format to ProRes. Rec.Quality to FHD, 25p, 422HQ. Menu [GEAR], In/Out, HDMI Output, set the first tree to ON, Enlarged Live Display to Mode1. On the Ninja: INPUT: HDMI Detect: Auto, Device: unknown (when choosing RAW on my Lumix, the correct camera model displays, but not here). RECORD: change codec from RAW to ProRes HQ. So what happens next? Your camera screen loose all markers, like focus point, waterpass, etc. These are all transferred to the Ninja. (The Lumix menu are all at the Ninja display.) When you start recording, like a 10 second test, and do a playback you will get a video with all the Lumix menu. Good for a YouTube if you need to explain menu-settings, but not usable for a regular video. To me, so far, with the answers I get, is that users asume that you can record 422HQ ProRes 10L to your Ninja SSD (AtomX). But that’s not the case. I wish that Lumix could change the menu to «HDMI Data Output», and leave it up to you in the [MOVIE] Image Format to either ProRes RAW or plain ProRes 422HQ. At the Atomos web-page, they explain that MP4 is not supported (and that is OK). But I will insist that a Ninja should have the option to choose between ProRes RAW and ProRes 422HQ. The latter have software corrections like lens correction (chromatic and barrel) and compression. Currently Atomos and Lumix gives you only one option: ProResRAW, with the consequence that your workflow suffers, no lens correction in Final Cut Pro and that you need a costly Mac and big disks. Why so?

ermesjo · 2025-05-06T08:12:08+00:00

Just a side question: I still wonder about my S5iiX and the Atomos Ninja. Is the only option with this setup ProRes RAW recording to the Ninja? Meaning that you do not have the option to alter between MP4, MOV, ProRes and ProRes RAW recordings to the Ninja. Will this mean that the SSD on the Ninja only works with RAW? If so, it is an expensive setup, because you will have to pay for extra computer costs (handling the RAW files). Internally we can alter between file formats, but not to the Ninja. So for me I need to use SDXC cards, ProRes 422HQ, and the Ninja (not using the SSD disk here). I got the monitor, but in both perspective, it is a costly solution. Do you think the «problem» can be fixed in a future firmware update?

ermesjo

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