The new Panasonic LUMIX S5 II is a camera that offers excellent value and performance. It features a phase-detect autofocus system and has several improvements over the original S5 model. 

One significant improvement is the removal of recording limits in most modes, with the exception of 5.9K30 and 6K30, which are limited to 30 minutes by default. The thermal management function allows users to increase the temperature threshold too high, removing the 30-minute limit from even the 6K30 mode but increasing the temperature of the body. The camera has also been rated for up to 40 degrees Celsius or 104 Fahrenheit, providing confidence in its performance in various environments. Additionally, the S5 II has a clever fan that draws in cool air from the front and exhausts it out the side, and users have control over the fan modes in the menu.

In terms of color, Gerald explains that the official 709 LUT from Panasonic produces pleasing results, but it is not the most color-accurate conversion available and tends to favor reds and magentas. Using the Color Space Transform in DaVinci Resolve produces better results, and the camera's recordings are robust and grade well.

Audio

The audio functionality of the S5 II is also impressive, with 3.5-millimeter headphone and microphone jacks and the option to install the XLR module from previous cameras for 4-channel audio. The camera also allows users to increase the sound quality up to 96kHz at 24-bit.

Autofocus

The Panasonic LUMIX S5 II is the company's first attempt at creating a mirrorless camera with phase detection autofocus. In the past, the autofocus functionality of Lumix cameras was inconsistent. However, with the S5 II, Panasonic has succeeded in creating a reliable autofocus system that performs admirably in most situations,

The Panasonic LUMIX S5 II has a hybrid phase-detect autofocus system that combines phase and contrast detection for strong performance. It offers various tracking options including face and eye tracking, human body tracking, touch area and touch tracking, and animal tracking. However, when the camera is set to 5.9 or 6K and HDMI is connected, subject detection is not available. This may be a problem for users who want to use face-tracking autofocus while recording 6K and viewing the footage on an external display.

Gerald Undone´s Conclusion

In the past, consumers often had to choose between cameras that excelled in certain areas but had significant limitations in others. Sony's offerings had strong dynamic range and autofocus but poor rolling shutter and a lack of professional video features, while Canon sacrificed dynamic range for other strengths and Panasonic had excellent video features but poor autofocus.

The Panasonic LUMIX S5 II offers a reliable autofocus system, good menus and ergonomics, and is more affordable than many other cameras like the Sony a7 IV, the Fuji X-H2S, the GH6, and the Canon R6 II. 

The S5 II may not be perfect, with limited time code support, a 4K60 mode that is cropped, and the rolling shutter is still a bit slower, but it offers excellent value for money ($2,000) and is the most feature-rich camera available at its price point.