Panasonic Lumix GH5 II Review | A Powerhouse Camera
Panasonic Lumix GH5 II Review
Welcome to my review of the Panasonic Lumix GH5 II mirrorless camera. The Panasonic Lumix GH5 II updates the popular GH5 mirrorless camera aimed at professionals, content creators, photographers, and videographers. I am mostly a videographer and content creator, so my review will focus on my particular use case.
This review is not sponsored. I purchased the Lumix GH5 II shortly after its initial release date and have compared it against the newer Lumix GH6. Here are my thoughts. Check out my video review in this article, as it will cover some helpful tips and tricks to get the best out of the GH5 II.
Design and Ergonomics:
The GH5 II retains the same design as its predecessor, with a robust magnesium alloy body and weather-sealing for durability and protection against the elements. The GH5 II has a dedicated picture profile button on the top which can be mapped to any other feature if required. I love having this button on the top, as it’s a fast way to switch profiles
The camera features a large, comfortable grip and a well-designed control layout with customizable buttons and dials. The 3.2-inch, vari-angle LCD touchscreen and high-resolution OLED viewfinder provide clear and accurate framing and shooting information. The screen is clear and easy to see in any lighting conditions.
Image and Video Quality
The GH5 II features a 20.3-megapixel Live MOS sensor with no low-pass filter, which delivers excellent image quality with sharp details and accurate colors. In addition, the camera offers a native ISO range of 200-25600, expandable to 100-25600, which allows for shooting in a range of lighting conditions. However, for the video, I never push the ISO above 2000. Otherwise, it will result in a noisy image.
Lumix GH5 II Fimmaker Tools
The GH5 II also offers advanced autofocus capabilities, with a high-speed, high-precision Dual I.S. 2 system that combines in-body and in-lens stabilization to reduce camera shake and ensure sharp images. The Dual IS feature will give you excellent handheld results for run and gun filmmaking.
The GH5 II is primarily known for its video capabilities and doesn’t disappoint. The camera offers 4K video recording at up to 60 frames per second (fps) and Full HD recording at up to 180 fps for slow-motion footage. It also supports 10-bit 4:2:2 internal and 10-bit 4:2:2 recording via the HDMI port.
The GH5 II is great for filmmakers, including DCI-4K, Waveform, and Vectorscope metering tools. The GH5II can also shoot Anamorphic for serious filmmakers wanting to up their filmmaking game.
V-LOG L & Picture Profiles
The camera features advanced video features such as V-Log L recording for greater dynamic range, timecode support, and a waveform monitor for precise exposure control. However, V-Log L often goes overlooked when compared with the full V-LOG.
You can get excellent results from V-LOG L and more dynamic range than with the standard picture profiles. While V-log L looks washed out with low contrast, applying a LUT file in editing allows you to grade the footage however you like.
For fast turnaround work, I shoot with Natural picture profiles which offer excellent skin tones and image quality straight out of the camera.
Buy a GH5II on B&H Photo | Walmart USA | Amazon AU | Amazon UK | Amazon Canada | Amazon DE
Connectivity
The GH5 II has various connectivity options, including Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and NFC, allowing for easy image transfer and remote control via a smartphone or tablet. The camera also features dual UHS-II SD card slots for easy backup and overflow recording. The GH5 II also includes a USB-C port for fast data transfer and in-camera charging.
Lumix Sync App
The Lumix Sync app is a great way to wirelessly send files from your camera to the phone over Bluetooth. The Lumix Sync app can also be a dedicated remote control for the camera to operate remotely. This feature is fantastic for nailing manual focus at a distance.
How To Go Live on YouTube with the GH5II
This video guide will show you how to go live on YouTube using the LUMIX GH5II.
Photography Battery Life:
The GH5 II features a high-capacity battery that offers up to 410 shots per charge (according to CIPA standards). In addition, the camera supports USB power delivery for extended shooting sessions, allowing in-camera charging or powering via a USB-C power bank.
The GH5II is fully compatible with the new BLK22 batteries in the S5 or GH6. This results in a seamless integration of batteries throughout various camera models in the range.
Videography Battery Life
The Panasonic GH5 II is known for its impressive video capabilities, and its battery life is a critical factor for videographers who need to capture extended footage.
When shooting video on the GH5 II, the battery life is estimated to be around 1 hour and 20 minutes when recording in 4K/60p with the EVF or around 1 hour and 35 minutes when recording in 4K/60p with the rear monitor. When recording in 1080p/60p, the battery life is estimated to be around 2 hours and 25 minutes with the EVF or around 2 hours and 30 minutes with the rear monitor.
It’s worth noting that these estimates are based on CIPA standards and are only a rough guide. Actual battery life may vary depending on shooting conditions, temperature, and wireless features like Wi-Fi or Bluetooth. To extend battery life during video recording, you can also use an external battery pack or a battery grip, which provides additional power and allows longer shooting sessions.
Optional Battery Grip
Extending the battery life can be easily achieved by purchasing a third-party battery grip. I can highly recommend the Neewer branded battery grip. This grip gives you twice the run down without affecting the camera’s performance.
GH5II Media Card Slots
The Panasonic Lumix GH5 II has dual UHS-II SD card slots, providing users with versatile storage options for their photos and videos. These high-speed slots allow for fast read and write speeds, making it possible to capture high-resolution photos and videos without experiencing buffering or slowdowns.
UHS-II SD cards can read and write speeds up to 312MB/s, much faster than standard UHS-I cards. This makes them ideal for high-speed continuous shooting and video recording at high resolutions and bitrates.
In addition to the speed benefits, dual card slots provide photographers and videographers with a backup solution in case of card failure or corruption. You can set the camera to record simultaneously to both cards for an instant backup, or you can set it to record sequentially, switching over to the second card once the first is full.
When choosing the right SD card for the GH5 II, it’s recommended to use UHS-II SD cards with a minimum write speed of 60MB/s. Some popular options include the SanDisk Extreme Pro, Silicone Power V90, or Lexar Professional 2000x SDXC UHS-II cards.
It’s worth noting that using high-bitrate video modes, such as 4K/60p 10-bit 4:2:0 internal recording, will require fast and reliable SD cards to avoid dropped frames or data corruption. Therefore, it’s always recommended to use high-quality cards from reputable manufacturers and to regularly back up your data to avoid the risk of data loss.
Panasonic Lumix GH5 II Updates over Lumix GH5
The Panasonic Lumix GH5 II is an updated version of the popular GH5 mirrorless camera, offering several improvements and new features over its predecessor. Here are the main differences between the two cameras:
1. Improved Autofocus: The GH5 II features an updated autofocus system with improved tracking and detection capabilities and better low-light performance. The camera also supports face/eye detection in photo and video modes.
2. Live Streaming Capability: The GH5 II offers built-in live streaming capability, allowing users to stream directly to popular social media platforms such as YouTube and Facebook.
3. Improved Video Features: The GH5 II offers several improvements to its video capabilities, including 10-bit 4:2:2 internal recording in 4K/60p and support for 10-bit 4:2:2 recording via the HDMI port. The camera also includes the V-Log L picture profile, which provides greater dynamic range and color grading flexibility.
4. Wireless Connectivity: The GH5 II features Bluetooth 4.2 and Wi-Fi connectivity, allowing for easy image transfer and remote control via a smartphone or tablet.
5. Battery Life: The GH5 II features a slightly improved battery life over the GH5, with the ability to capture up to approximately 410 shots per charge (according to CIPA standards).
6. Price: The GH5 II is generally more expensive than the GH5, as it offers several new and improved features.
It’s worth noting that the GH5 and GH5 II share many of the same features, including the 20.3-megapixel sensor, Dual I.S. 2 image stabilization, weather-sealed body, dual UHS-II SD card slots, and a similar design and control layout. However, the GH5 II is an overall improvement over its predecessor, offering more advanced features and capabilities for both stills and video shooting.
Panasonic Lumix GH5II Downsides
There are only two downsides to the Panasonic GH5II. The first downside is Panasonic’s DFD Contrast autofocus. Panasonic has lagged in updating the autofocus system in their Micro Four Thirds cameras, and the GH5II is no exception. The DFD Autofocus can work okay in certain shooting scenarios, but it’s far less reliable than the Lumix S5II Phase Hybrid System. (see my review)
Secondly, the Lumix GH5II also lacks low-light performance compared with the larger sensor cameras on the market or even the GH5S. The GH5S has a noticeably cleaner low-light performance, and the S5 or S5II is better again.
In normal lighting conditions, the GH5II is exceptional, don’t get into this camera thinking the low light and autofocus will be as good as the competition.
Panasonic GH6, GH5S, and GH5II Video Quality Comparison
Below is my comparison video of the Lumix GH6, GH5II, and GH5S in low light and typical studio lighting situations.
Buy a GH5II on B&H Photo | Walmart USA | Amazon AU | Amazon UK | Amazon Canada | Amazon DE
Conclusion:
The Panasonic Lumix GH5 II is an excellent mirrorless camera that offers a range of advanced features and capabilities for stills and video shooting. Its robust build quality, advanced autofocus, and excellent video features make it a great option for professional videographers and content creators.
While the camera may not offer the latest and greatest sensor technology, it still delivers excellent image quality and is a reliable workhorse for any demanding shooting situation.
Shooters requiring 4k120p or 6k will opt for the Lumix GH6, which has some of the best slow motion and image quality I’ve ever seen. If you plan on shooting up to 4k60p, the GH5II is as good as the GH6 and will give you indistinguishable results.
Is the Panasonic Lumix GH5 II Good for YouTube Content Creators?
Yes! The Lumix GH5 II is enough to run a full-time YouTube channel thanks to its powerful features. You can shoot 16×9 widescreen, vertical video, live stream, and take great photos. The Audio preamps are exceptional for a mirrorless camera, and you can also buy the DMW-XLR audio adapter for running shotgun microphones. The GH5 II is more than capable, even with the limitations of the camera’s autofocus. Lumix cameras will make creating content easy once you learn how to use them.
Find more of my Panasonic Lumix Camera Reviews by clicking this link.
Panasonic Lumix GH5 II Specifications
Sensor:
– 20.3-megapixel Digital Live MOS sensor without low-pass filter
Image Processor:
– Venus Engine 10
ISO Sensitivity:
– 200-25600 (extended to ISO 100-25600)
Autofocus:
– Contrast AF with DFD (Depth from Defocus) technology
– 225 focus areas (in a 5×5 grid)
– Face/eye detection AF in the photo and video modes
– Low-light AF down to -6EV
Video Recording:
– 4K/60p 10-bit 4:2:0 internal recording
– 4K/60p 10-bit 4:2:2 external recording via HDMI
– 1080p/180fps slow-motion recording
– V-Log L and Hybrid Log Gamma (HLG) photo styles
– Anamorphic 4K video recording
Image Stabilization:
– 5-axis Dual I.S. 2 with 6.5 stops of compensation
Viewfinder:
– OLED EVF with 3.68 million dots and 0.76x magnification
LCD Monitor:
– 3.0-inch free-angle touchscreen LCD with 1.84 million dots
Connectivity:
– Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) and Bluetooth 4.2
– USB Type-C, micro HDMI Type A, 3.5mm microphone input, headphone jack, and remote input
Other Features:
– Dust- and splash-resistant body
– Dual UHS-II SD card slots
– Built-in live streaming capability
– Timecode in/out and full-size HDMI Type A port
– Battery life of approximately 410 shots (using the rear monitor)
Dimensions:
– 138.5 x 98.1 x 87.4mm
Weight:
– 727g (body only)
