Low light shooters who find the GH5’s low light capabilities a bit underwhelming might find their needs met by the just-announced GH5s. Panasonic, who announced its new camera at CES 2018, has created a Micro Four Thirds shooter featuring a new 10.28MP Multi Aspect Ratio MOS Sensor, dual native ISO 400 and ISO 2500, and built-in V-Log L.
Specifications
- 10.28MP Multi Aspect Ratio MOS Sensor
- Time Code IN/OUT for easy synchronization of multiple cameras
- DCI 4K60p and Full HD 1080/240p Video
- Internal 4:2:2 10-Bit Long GOP
- V-Log L Gamma and HDR Hybrid Log Gamma
- 0.76x 3.68m-Dot OLED Viewfinder
- 3.2″ 1.62m-Dot Free-Angle Touchscreen
- Dual Native ISO 400 and ISO 2500
- Dual UHS-II SD Slots; Wi-Fi & Bluetooth
- Advanced DFD AF System
- 12 fps Cont. Shooting and 4K PHOTO Modes
- Available for pre-order – $2500
Although the camera body looks very similar to the current GH5, several notable aspects have changed with the GH5s that are tailored to video shooters. First and foremost, the new 10.28 MP sensor features bigger pixels, which should greatly improve low light performance. This will come at the expense of photos, but the GH5 is unofficially a video camera anyway.
It appears, judging from the specs, that 5-axis IBIS is out, which could be a significant downside for users shooting handheld with non-native glass. That said, most professional videographers will opt to use some sort of add-on stabilization such as a gimbal.
Along with the new sensor, new dual native ISO 400 and ISO 2500 are on tap. The new native ISO will yield better low light performance with less noise.
Users who shoot with multiple cameras will highly appreciate the GH5s’ Time Code IN/OUT for easy synchronization of multiple cameras. The GH5s can be used as Time Code generator for other GH5s cameras and professional camcorders. This feature is great for multi-cam environments where things like lip synchronization is crucial, and will be a huge post-production time saver.
V-Log L Gamma is now a built-in feature, as opposed to having to purchase it separately for $99 like with the Panasonic GH5 (although B&H is currently bundling V-Log L for free). There’s also dual UHS-II SD slots, which will yield better read/write figures for high performance SD Cards.
Not every detail is currently known about the GH5s, but it’s very clear that this is a camera that’s more geared toward videographers, particularly those that need better performance in low light situations. If you’ve found your shooting style cramped by the GH5’s less than stellar low light abilities, then the GH5s may be just what the doctor ordered.
The GH5s features a starting price of $2500 and is currently available for preorder. The original GH5 is still available for $2000. We’ll have more details on the GH5s as it gets close to its February release date.
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